KISS - THE EARLY YEARS 1966-1974 2CD [ZODIAC 876]

Disc:1 (65:33)
Mayfair Recordings Studios New York City 1966
1.Uncle Joe (Paul Stanley) - Stop, Look To Listen

Unknown Studio, New York City 1966
2.Gene Simmons - My Uncle Is A Raft

Delite Records, New York City 1967
3. The Barracuda's (Peter Criss) -Chicken
4. The Barracuda's (Peter Criss) - No Use

Gotham Recording Corporation , New York City 1967
5. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) - My Girl
6. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) - Respect
7. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) - Since I Fell For You

Richcraft Recording Company, New york City 1969
8. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) - Eskimo Sun
9. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) - Leeta
10. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) - Nancy
11. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) - Put On Your Slippers
12. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) - Stanley The Parrot

Chelsea Unreleased 2nd Album Demos, New York City 1970
13. Chelsea (Peter Criss) - Beck
14. Chelsea (Peter Criss) - Heaven with the stars above
15. Chelsea (Peter Criss) - Run, Mr. Green
16. Chelsea (Peter Criss) - You Make Me Feel

Bell Sound Studios, New York City 1972
17. LIPS (Peter Criss) - Don't Let The Blues Surround You
18. LIPS (Peter Criss) - Hooked On Rock and Roll
19. LIPS (Peter Criss) - I'm Gonna Love You
20. LIPS (Peter Criss) - That's The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes
21. LIPS (Peter Criss) - Don't You Let Me Down

Electric Lady Studio New York City 1972
22. Tommy James (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) - Celebrate

Disc:2 (61:18)
Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1972 Wicked Lester 2001 Unreleased
Box Set Remaster

1. Wicked Lester - Sweet Ophelia
2. Wicked Lester - Love Her All I Can
3. Wicked Lester - She
4. Wicked Lester - Keep Me Waiting
5. Wicked Lester - Shout It Out Loud
6. Wicked Lester - Simple Type
7. Wicked Lester - Molly
8. Wicked Lester - What Happens In The Darkness
9. Wicked Lester - Too Many Mondays
10. Wicked Lester - When The Bell Rings

Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1973
11. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) - Celebrate II
12. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) - Weddin'

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 630AM CHED RADIO 2nd May 1974
13. Gene Simmons Radio ID's

Nightbird & Company with Alison Steele
WNEW Transcription Disc (Pre FM Vinyl)
Interview with Alison Steele 23rd June 1974

14. Intro : Strutter
15. Interview #1 (Peter & Paul)
16. Deuce
17. Interview #2 (Peter & Paul)
18. Nothin' To Lose
19. Interview #3 (Gene & Ace)
20. Love Theme From Kiss
21. Interview #4 (Gene)
22. CM
23. Cold Gin : Outro


INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS' COLLECTORS

To uncover the history of KISS even further, we have delved deeply into the archives as part of our KISSTORICUS project and brought unique material to the surface.

Material from the pre-KISS era that has rarely or never been heard before. We have compiled this material on this exclusive and unique CD, featuring recordings made by Paul, Gene, and Peter before they formed KISS.

This is historical material that was never officially released and is now finally making its way to the fans.

1. Uncle Joe - “Stop, Look To Listen”

Recorded at Mayfair Studios in New York.

For a long time, 1966 was cited as the recording year, but research indicates the session most likely took place closer to 1970.

Line-up:

* Paul Stanley - vocals/guitar
* Matt Rael - guitar
* Neal Teeman - drums

Neal Teeman stated that the recording originated from informal studio access, during which rehearsals were recorded directly to tape.

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2. Gene Simmons - “My Uncle Is A Raft”

One of the earliest songs written by Gene Simmons. Written when Gene was approximately 14 years old.

Recorded with:

* Gene Simmons - acoustic guitar/vocals
* Mark Nyberg - drums
* Larry Martinelli - electric guitar

According to Gene Simmons, the title came from his early struggles with English as an immigrant, leading him to believe “My Uncle Is A Raft” was a meaningful lyric.

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3. The Barracudas - “Chicken”


Released as a single on Delite Records (DE-502).

Written by Carlos Cancel.

Produced by Marty Craft.

Arranged by Ted Eddy.

Line-up (as documented in session listings):

* Peter Criscuola (later Peter Criss)
* Carlos Cancel
* Joey Lucenti (uncertain)
* Angelo Opper (uncertain)

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4. The Barracudas - “No Use”

B-side of the same Delite single as “Chicken.”

Written by Carlos Cancel.

Produced by Marty Craft.

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5. Sounds Of Soul - “My Girl”

A recording from Peter Criss’ early R&B/soul period prior to Chelsea and KISS.

A cover of the classic “My Girl.”

Circulating versions originate from rare demo or acetate sources.

Concrete studio documentation is limited, and available sources primarily confirm the existence of the recording rather than detailed session data.

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6. Sounds Of Soul - “Respect”

A cover of “Respect.”

Known among collectors for the poor audio quality of circulating copies.

Some versions contain audible defects such as skips or surface damage, originating from the source acetate.

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7. Sounds Of Soul - “Since I Fell For You”

A cover of the standard “Since I Fell For You.”

One of the few surviving Sounds Of Soul recordings known within KISS collector circles.

No detailed session documentation is publicly available.

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8. Bullfrog Bheer - “Eskimo Sun”

Original title: “Eskimo Sun (A Six Month Waltz).”

Later formed the melodic basis for “Only You” on Music from ‘The Elder’.

Performed live by Rainbow, the predecessor to Wicked Lester.

Recorded as part of Gene Simmons’ well-known 12-song publishing reel.

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9. Bullfrog Bheer - “Leeta”

Recorded around 1969-1970.

Explicitly associated with the Bullfrog Bheer project in Gene Simmons’ archival materials.

Also included in the 12-song publishing reel.

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10. Bullfrog Bheer - “Nancy”

Original title: “A Reevus In The Eye”

Initially recorded as a solo Gene Simmons performance in South Fallsburg, New York.

Later augmented with keyboard overdubs by Brooke Ostrander of Wicked Lester.

Part of the 12-song publishing reel.

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11. Bullfrog Bheer - “Put On Your Slippers”

Recorded in 1970.

Likely included keyboard contributions by Brooke Ostrander.

Also part of the 12-song publishing reel.

The accompanying submission letter listed a runtime of 2:40.

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12. Bullfrog Bheer - “Stanley The Parrot”

One of Gene Simmons’ best-known pre-Wicked Lester demo recordings.

Recorded on a Richcraft Recording Company acetate.

Archival notes suggest the musicians were likely members of Bullfrog Bheer, possibly later supplemented with overdubs by Brooke Ostrander of Wicked Lester.

Among collectors, this is often regarded as one of the most significant early Gene Simmons recordings.

Disc 2 - Electric Lady Studios, New York City (1972)
Wicked Lester - 2001 Unreleased Box Set Remaster
This is the 2001 remix of the Wicked Lester album. It was remixed to be included in the 2001 KISS official boxset. Unfortunately this never happened but here it is directly off studio master reel.

1. “Sweet Ophelia”
Recorded during the Wicked Lester sessions at Electric Lady Studios.
Part of the band’s unreleased album project produced before KISS was formed.
Features the softer, eclectic pop-rock style typical of Wicked Lester.

2. “Love Her All I Can”
Early Wicked Lester version of a song that would later be reworked and officially released by KISS.
Demonstrates the transitional songwriting phase between Wicked Lester and early KISS material.

3. “She”
Wicked Lester interpretation of the song originally associated with the band’s broader demo repertoire.
Reflects the group’s diverse stylistic approach during this period.

4. “Keep Me Waiting”
Unreleased Wicked Lester track showcasing a more melodic, soft-rock arrangement style.

5. “Shout It Out Loud”
Early Wicked Lester-era composition that shares its title with the later KISS song, though in a different form and arrangement from the final version.

6. “Simple Type”
Unreleased Electric Lady Studios recording from the Wicked Lester sessions.

7. “Molly”
Another track from the unreleased Wicked Lester album project, reflecting the band’s varied stylistic influences.

8. “What Happens In The Darkness”
A darker-toned Wicked Lester composition, part of the broader unreleased album recordings.

9. “Too Many Mondays”
Unreleased track from the Electric Lady Studios sessions, consistent with the softer rock direction of the project.

10. “When The Bell Rings”
Final track from the Wicked Lester session sequence included in the unreleased album material.

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Electric Lady Studios, New York City (1973)
Lyn Christopher Sessions

11. “Celebrate II”
Recorded with participation from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley during their early New York session work.

This version is associated with the broader “Celebrate” recording project featuring multiple artists.

12. “Weddin’”
Another track from the Lyn Christopher recording sessions, featuring contributions from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - CHED Radio (May 2, 1974)

13. Gene Simmons Radio IDs
Short recorded radio identification clips made for CHED radio in Canada.

These capture Gene Simmons in an early promotional and interview context during the early KISS days.

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WNEW “Nightbird” Session with Alison Steele
Transcription Disc (Pre-FM Broadcast Vinyl) - June 23, 1974

14. Intro - “Strutter”
Opening segment featuring the introduction of KISS with “Strutter” as the musical lead-in.

15. Interview #1 (Peter & Paul)
Early promotional interview segment featuring Peter Criss and Paul Stanley.

16. “Deuce”
Promotional broadcast performance of “Deuce” from the early KISS catalog.

17. Interview #2 (Peter & Paul)
Second interview segment with Peter Criss and Paul Stanley discussing the band.

18. “Nothin’ To Lose”
Broadcast of album track “Nothin’ To Lose.”

19. Interview #3 (Gene & Ace)
Interview segment featuring Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley.

20. “Love Theme From KISS”
Instrumental piece associated with early KISS promotional material and radio broadcasts.

21. Interview #4 (Gene)
Solo interview segment with Gene Simmons.

22. CM
Commercial break segment included in the original transcription disc sequence.

23. “Cold Gin” Outro
Closing performance segment featuring “Cold Gin” as the broadcast outro.