Kiss / Early Recording Sessions Complete 1973-1974

This release comes from the series that has consistently thrilled KISS collectors worldwide—sourced through our shop’s exclusive channels. It presents a collection of studio demos from the band’s earliest days (1973–1974), effectively serving as the origin point for their recorded legacy. As is well known, very little studio material from the pre-debut and early debut era survives today. Yet, the few recordings that do exist are all incredibly fascinating. This album preserves early demos and outtakes from their self-titled debut *KISS* and their second album *Hotter Than Hell* in the highest quality available. It features 11 tracks totaling approximately 44 minutes. Let us introduce the “hidden treasures” included here, section by section. Casablanca Archive Radio Spot (1974): The album opens with a radio spot promoting their debut LP, *KISS*. Sourced from a master reel found in the Casablanca label’s archives, it includes not only the commercial itself but also spoken notes likely used during the editing process. It is an opening track that perfectly captures the atmosphere of their debut era—a true collector’s dream. Legendary Demos: Electric Lady Studios (1973) – “Deuce,” “Strutter,” “Cold Gin,” “Watchin’ You,” “Black Diamond”: These legendary demos form the core of this release. They were recorded by KISS at New York’s Electric Lady Studios with the renowned producer Eddie Kramer. Produced roughly six months before their debut album, this session is famous among fans and often referred to as the “0th album.” While these tracks have appeared on numerous previous releases, the version included here is a new master that sets a new benchmark for quality. In fact, this appears to be a leaked official master; there were originally plans to release this material officially. Although a release was originally planned for 2023 as part of a *KISS* Super Deluxe Edition, the project was indefinitely postponed after Pophouse acquired the rights to the band’s catalog. The new master featured here appears to be the very same one intended for that official release—a “lost” official recording that was meant to see the light of day. These five gem-like takes are presented with unparalleled sonic freshness. First Album Demos: Bell Sound Studios, 1973 – “Baby Let Me Go,” “Firehouse,” “100,000 Years,” “Let Me Know.” On November 10, 1973, KISS entered Bell Sound Studios to record their debut album; these four demo tracks from that session have been preserved here using a top-tier master recording. The interpretations of “Firehouse” and “100,000 Years” included here differ radically from the well-known album versions. Fans intimately familiar with the finished tracks will be astonished by the differences. While only these four takes are currently in circulation, they leave you longing for the day the full scope of the session might finally be revealed—truly special recordings. Second Album Demo: Village Studios, 1974 – “Goin’ Blind.” Bringing this collection to a close is a demo version of “Goin’ Blind,” a track from the album *Hotter Than Hell*. Written by Gene Simmons, the song was known at the time as “Little Lady.” This initial take captures the song in its raw, embryonic form, serving as a deeply evocative finale. In total, this collection comprises 11 takes and approximately 44 minutes of rare, early studio treasures. From the legendary Electric Lady demos with Eddie Kramer to the distinct interpretations of the Bell Sound sessions and the “Little Lady” era of “Goin’ Blind,” this is a definitive compilation that gathers the few surviving studio recordings from KISS’s dawn—all presented in the highest quality available today. The definitive collection of rare demos and outtakes from KISS’s earliest days (1973–1974). It includes the legendary Electric Lady demos recorded with master producer Eddie Kramer—sourced from the official master reels originally intended for a “Super Deluxe” edition—as well as the Bell Sound sessions (featuring interpretations distinct from the final album versions) and rarities like “Goin’ Blind” from the “Little Lady” era. This disc permanently preserves the genesis of the band in the highest audio quality currently available. (43:55) 1. KISS Album Radio Spot 1974 * A unique radio spot for the debut album, sourced from a Casablanca archives master reel. The Eddie Kramer Demos (Electric Lady Studios, New York City, March 13, 1973) 2. Deuce 3. Strutter 4. Cold Gin 5. Watchin’ You 6. Black Diamond * The best-quality source ever for these legendary studio sessions with Eddie Kramer. First Album Demos (Bell Sound Studios, New York City, September 24–25, 1973) 7. Baby Let Me Go 8. Firehouse 9. 100,000 Years 10. Let Me Know * Unfortunately, these are the only tracks circulating from the debut album sessions; however, they offer unique performances that differ significantly from the well-known album versions. Hotter Than Hell Demos (Village Studios, Los Angeles, 1974) 11. Goin’ Blind * The initial take of Gene’s “Goin’ Blind,” originally titled “Little Lady.”