- 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.
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 EzrinBob 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.
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 (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KISS - The Elder, Music From |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "KISS - The Elder, Music From" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "KISS - The Elder, Music From" is:
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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 ).
"Music From The Elder" Record Label Details: Red Colour CASABLANCA 6302 163
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