Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2016 4:23 pm
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alantig wrote:
So, what's your expectation of this?
It's co written by the author of Gene, Paul, Peter & Ace, so my expectations are very high. Julian leaves no stone unturned and usually turns up a few things I never knew about.
It will be a cross between KISS & Sell and War and Peace.
This work represents the culmination of a massive effort made to celebrate the then 35th anniversary of the 1978 KISS solo albums in 2013. As a detailed exploration of those solo album releases the KissFAQ website endeavored to delve into the depths of minutiae interviewing those musicians and supporting cast of characters directly involved in the four simultaneous projects. There is only one way to conclude any introduction to this work... To: Paul, Peter, Ace, & Gene
Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2016 4:25 pm
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KISS - New Odyssey Book To Offer Definitive Examination Of 1981’s Music From The Elder Album; Video Trailer
January 4, 2016
KISS - New Odyssey Book To Offer Definitive Examination Of 1981’s Music From The Elder Album; Video Trailer
Odyssey, the latest book from KissFAQ Publishing, will spotlight arguably the most controversial album in the KISS catalog, 1981's Music From The Elder. Co-authored by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill, the book will be published in September 2016 to coincide with the album's 35th anniversary.
Through a series of long-form interviews and topical features, Odyssey will offer the definitive examination of KISS' lone concept album, which has attained cult-classic status among a segment of diehard fans. A video trailer can be found below.
Ranging from legendary producer Bob Ezrin to "Elder" door maker Bill Finneran and spoken word contributor Christopher Makepeace, the book's long-form interviews were conducted with individuals who either worked on the project or have a connection of sorts, including professionals who have never told their "Elder” story. These interviews provide unique perspectives regarding the album's creative process and legacy, in addition to fun anecdotes and personal recollections. A full list of book interviews will be announced at a later date.
The book's topical features will shed more light on KISS' activity in 1981 and early 1982 and dissect the album further with in-depth musical analysis, a comprehensive summary of the album, biographical information on the album's participants, details on the aborted companion "Elder" film, and much more.
While Music From The Elder has been mentioned in various music publications and KISS-related books, there has never been a published work that has put this album under a historical microscope. Odyssey will offer readers a complete synopsis of Music From The Elder and an unobstructed window into this fascinating period in KISStory.
Book pre-orders will be available in the spring. For news and updates, visit kissodyssey.com.
In 1981 KISS teamed with legendary producer Bob Ezrin, five years after the release of the platinum-plus Destroyer. Originally, KISS intended to record a traditional hard-rock album, but ultimately the group and Ezrin veered into unchartered concept album territory. The resulting Music From The Elder tells the tale of the recruitment of the Boy by the Council of Elders, a mythical secret society dedicated to combating all that is evil in the world. Guided by the caretaker Morpheus, the Boy sets out on a personal odyssey as he weathers self-doubt and hardship to find his true destiny as the chosen one. Along the way, he encounters evil in the form of the album's antagonist, the sinister character Mr. Blackwell. Can the Boy steer his ship through the stormy sea, take on this sacred duty and ultimately ascend to the Order of the Rose?
Musically speaking, Music From The Elder is KISS' most ambitious recording. Spirited performances by band members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Eric Carr are supported throughout by lush orchestration courtesy of the American Symphony Orchestra, a choir ensemble and various sonic textures masterminded by Ezrin and conductor Michael Kamen. Songwriting contributors include Ezrin, Tony Powers ("Odyssey”, "The Oath") and Lou Reed ("A World Without Heroes”, "Mr. Blackwell”, "Dark Light").
Released in November 1981, Music From The Elder peaked at #75 on the Billboard 200 in early 1982. The album's lead single, "A World Without Heroes”, reached #56 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 12:36 am
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Good deal - I couldn't remember if I had any of Gill's stuff, although I've known the name for years. I have the solo album book - have to give that a look, but I'll probably be in for this, too.
_________________ Alan
"This is a true story, except for the parts that didn't happen." - Steven Wright
Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 10:22 pm
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I was disappointed by the solo albums book. I really do appreciate what Julian does, and I would actually love to see the members of Kiss engage Julian in some sort of official capacity and hire him to be an "official bookwriter" for the band. But most of the interviews in the solo albums book just seemed to rehash information from the previous interview. It was a textbook case of more not necessarily being better. I thought the best stuff in that book was from the marketing people who were involved in the promotion of all four of the records. But really, it would be very hard to really be "complete" with a project like this without having interviews with any of the band members.
I had read a bunch of the "album focus" material when it was posted on KissFAQ and it was good stuff...damn good stuff actually. Always intended to go back and buy some of those early books but for whatever reason never got around to it.
It looks like he did land an interview with Ezrin for The Elder book...which makes it tempting because that alone could make it worth the price tag.
Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2016 1:06 am
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I've added the details to Chris' opening post up top. Amazon shows the publication date for both editions as September 16th. However, the hardcover listing says "In stock but may require an extra 1-2 days to process", so perhaps that one came out first:
Post subject: [2016-09-16] "Odyssey: The Definitive Examination Of KISS' 'Music From The Elder'" by Tim McPhate and Julian Gill
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:49 pm
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The author posted on the kissfaq message boards that the distributor screwed up and released hardcover copies early. The release date for both versions was supposed to be September 16.
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