Wednesday, May 5, 2010








LICK IT UP

“September 18, 1983 is a day that will go down in Kisstory. It was then that Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Vinnie Vincent, and Eric Carr took off their signature makeup and revealed themselves on MTV. LICK IT UP was released and a new chapter unfolded”

I try to look at the KISS albums in terms of collectivity rather than content. In regards to Lick it up by KISS, I would recommend that a collector focus upon 4 LP versions. I will probably speak of the two picture discs & the 12” singles at a later date on this blog.
The 4 LP versions are: American, Japanese False Front Obi Version, German/European ZZ Logo Design & the Bootleg “Black Diamond.”
*The American version is easy to find in good condition and can still be found in clean acceptable condition for around $10 each. You should expect to pay between $15-$25 for a sealed non record club version & $10-$15 for either a sealed saw marked or record club version. The American version was a big seller. Paul Stanley was quoted as saying that “People only bought the record because of the novelty of them taking their makeup off!”
*The German European Version with the ZZ logo is a bit scarcer and will command $25-$40 in EX or better condition.
*The Japanese False front OBI version is obtainable for $35- $50 and is a great addition to your collection. It features a Japanese KISS Biography, Lyrics & Song info all on a fold out sheer which slips into the album. This shows a KISS concert Photo Cover with the KISS members in makeup in boxes. Gene Simmons & Vinnie Vincent from the Lick it up era & Eric Carr & Paul Stanley from the Elder era. The false front obi was designed to keep the interest of the Japanese fans who loved the makeup. This also makes this the only copy of this album with Vinnie on the cover in make-up. (The Brazilian Creatures bootleg will be discussed at a later date.)
*Black Diamond is a KISS Unofficial release which corresponds to Lick it up. This record features a KISS rehearsal of the songs on Lick it up. The sound quality is excellent and it is nice to see how the creative song writing process evolves for this album. It usually sells for $35-$50 and is a must for any huge fan of this album.
One more Note, The song “Not for the Innocent" appears to have been left over from the Creatures sessions. An alternate version with Paul & Gene both singing exists & it totally blows away the Lick it up version.
Next it is on to KISS ALIVE!!!

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