KISS - Music From The Elder 12" LP Vinyl Album

- French Release with Gatefold Album Cover

KISS's "Music From The Elder" flopped critically, but the French 12" vinyl with a gatefold cover is a collector's item. This release features the same progressive rock music but with potentially unique cover art unseen on standard pressings. While the music may not be for everyone, this French version offers a small conversation starter for dedicated KISS fans and vinyl enthusiasts.



"Music From The Elder" Album Description:

KISS's 1981 concept album, "Music From The Elder," was a critical and commercial misstep for the band. However, for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors of oddities, the French release of the album on 12" LP with a gatefold cover holds a certain mystique.

This French pressing features the same tracklist as the standard release, a tracklist that marked a significant departure from KISS's signature hard rock sound. Produced by Bob Ezrin, the album embraced a more progressive and theatrical direction, incorporating orchestral arrangements and complex songwriting. While some fans found this a refreshing change, others felt it strayed too far from the band's core identity.

The real distinction of the French release lies in its gatefold cover. The standard "Music From The Elder" cover features a rather generic fantasy scene. The French gatefold version, however, would likely offer a more expansive view of this artwork.

For KISS completists and vinyl aficionados, a French pressing of "Music From The Elder" with a gatefold cover presents a unique opportunity. It's a chance to own a slightly different version of a commercially unsuccessful album, but one that holds historical significance within the band's trajectory. While the music itself may not be for everyone, the unique packaging offers a small conversation starter for dedicated fans.

Music Genre:

 American Hard Rock 

Album Production Information:

 The album: "KISS - The Elder, Music From" was produced by: Bob Ezrin

Bob Ezrin is a highly acclaimed Canadian music producer and songwriter. Born on March 25, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Ezrin has made significant contributions to the music industry over several decades. He is known for his diverse body of work and his collaborations with numerous prominent artists.

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Ezrin gained prominence in the 1970s as a producer, working with rock bands such as Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd. He played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of both artists' albums. Notable albums he produced during this time include Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies" (1973), "Welcome to My Nightmare" (1975), and Pink Floyd's highly successful concept album "The Wall" (1979).

Ezrin's production style often involved incorporating elaborate arrangements, theatrical elements, and innovative studio techniques to enhance the overall impact of the music. His attention to detail and ability to create conceptual cohesion within albums helped define the sound of the artists he worked with.

Beyond his work with Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd, Ezrin has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and bands. He has produced albums for artists such as Kiss , Lou Reed , Peter Gabriel , Jane's Addiction, and many others. Each collaboration showcased Ezrin's versatility and ability to adapt his production approach to fit the artist's unique vision.

Aside from his production work, Ezrin has also contributed as a songwriter and musician. He co-wrote songs for Alice Cooper, such as "School's Out" and "Only Women Bleed," which became significant hits. He has also played keyboards on various albums and made guest appearances with several artists.

Throughout his career, Bob Ezrin has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He has received numerous accolades, including several Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His work continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and producers, solidifying his status as one of the most respected figures in the music industry.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Red Label Casablanca 6302 163

Packaging:

Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

 1981 Made in France
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KISS - The Elder, Music From
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Gene Simmons - bass guitar; rhythm guitar on "Only You"; vocals

      Gene Simmons is the pseudonym used by Chaim Weitz while playing bass in the Kiss band. He used the alias "Reginal Von Helsing" , when playing bass and producer for "Wendy O. Williams".

  • Paul Stanley - rhythm guitar; vocals
  • Ace Frehley - lead guitar; vocals
  • Eric Carr - drums; backing vocals
Complete Track-listing of the album "KISS - The Elder, Music From"

The detailed tracklist of this record "KISS - The Elder, Music From" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Fanfare (Bob Ezrin, Paul Stanley) 1:21 - Instrumental
  2. Just A Boy (Stanley, Ezrin) 2:25 - Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
  3. Odyssey (Tony Powers) 5:36 - Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
  4. Only You (Gene Simmons) 4:17 - Lead vocals - Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley
  5. Under The Rose (Eric Carr, Simmons) 4:51 - Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
  6. Dark Light (Ace Frehley, Anton Fig, Lou Reed, Simmons) 4:18 - Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
  7. A World Without Heroes (Stanley, Ezrin, Reed, Simmons) 2:40 - Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
  8. The Oath (Stanley, Ezrin, Powers) 4:31 - Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
  9. Mr. Blackwell (Simmons, Reed) 4:52 - Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
  10. Escape From The Island (Frehley, Ezrin, Carr) 2:52 - Instrumental
  11. I (Simmons, Ezrin) 5:03 - Lead vocals - Paul Stanley & Gene Simmon
 

Front Cover Photo Of KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album album back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album inner gatefold cover

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album inner gatefold cover

Close up of record's label KISS - Music From The Elder French Release Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album Side One

"Music From The Elder" Record Label Details: Red Colour CASABLANCA 6302 163

"Music From The Elder" Record Label Details: Red Colour CASABLANCA 6302 163
 

Index of KISS Vinyl Discography and Album Cover Gallery

KISS is one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. Their high-energy performances, theatrical costumes, and makeup have helped define the glam rock era of the 1970s and influenced generations of musicians. KISS's music, image, and merchandise have made them one of the most recognizable and successful bands of all time. The band's legacy continues to impact the music industry and popular culture today, making KISS a true American rock and roll icon.

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