GENE SIMMONS
A**hole (Sanctuary)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Has it ever been fun since Kiss took off the make-up? Only Gene Simmons seems capable of drawing crowds, and that's chiefly by hanging out with porn star Ron Jeremy. Sad really, and sadder still, Gene thinks there's some gas in his rock'n'roll tank. Flatulence maybe, and as we all know, when properly lit a fiery blue flame erupts and (thankfully) quickly ceases. Ergo the record title - we know what those little stars are all about Gene, you card. And it's no coincidence that the best moment on the slab is "Firestarter." That little bit of magic was a hit twice (Breeders, Prodigy), so who can blame Gene for going for strike three? Beat that dead horse I say. Gene does indeed beat it good. Press repeat and play that thing all day. Or indulge in a mind-boggling mix of screechy heavy metal, sweet pop with techno beats, and sappy ballads complete with soft piano tinkling and doo-wops. I kid thee not.

© 2004 - John Sekerka