In my last column I wrote that I envisioned being unable to write this column for a few weeks due to a cancer operation I had earlier this month. A few post-operative complications kept me hospitalized a bit longer than I had expected and I was not able to write anything. 

I was, however, perfectly capable of listening to and watching some column-related material. Now that I am finally able to write about that material, I guess I am back.

DVD review

Kiss - Kiss Loves You

This is a fascinating documentary about some of the more extreme ways that Kiss fans declare their allegiance to the band. The methods used range from the pathetic to the  quite impressive. The extras on this DVD include 90 minutes of outtakes from the film, rare silent footage of the band, and the complete 1996 come-back press conference.

The DVD includes comments from some of the fans who attend the various conventions that pay homage to the band. What is probably most interesting is the extensive interviews with members of the various Kiss tribute bands that ply their trade across the country. There is even a guy who specializes in Ace Frehley’s solo material and does it rather well.

In the end, it’s a fascinating insight in the world that is the Kiss fanatic warts and all. The film kept me enthralled throughout.

CD reviews

Ben Griffith: Tea & Sympathy

This is confident and profound indie music that never gets too trite or pretentious. Cleverly Griffith has released an EP of his material rather than an album. These are all decent songs that show his ability without being too over the top. Its melancholic and melodic; enough so that some of the goth fans of this column might want to give it a listen. This is surely a competent debut.

RIIR: Road to Ruin

A couple of the Lion’s Share guys started finding themselves writing straight ahead hard rock with a Rainbow-like tinge that didn’t fit in with the Lion’s Share stuff. So they collected them up and released them under the RIIR moniker. What you have here is a quite a good collection of nine hard rock tracks. Along the way, they collected a few of their buddies for the project including Thomas Broman and Matti Alfonzetti on vocals.

This is a bunch of guys writing and playing they music they like while paying tribute to the music that inspired them as they grew up. Not a duff track on here; Quality pervades through-out. This is another quality release from Lion’s Share. I quite like “Thorn in my Side” for its feeling.