2001 Year in Review Part 2 - Ep183

Aaron and Chris return this week to cover the second half of a very dark year in music and history. 2001 Year in Review part 2 features more discussion of the pop culture, people, events, and music of July-December. In this hour-plus episode, you'll get discussion of the unveiling of the first iPod, the end of Napster, and the 9/11 terror attacks. You'll also get more classic commercials and tracks by artists including Saxon, Judas Priest, Mr. Big, Danger Danger, Beautiful Creatures, Gamma Ray, Bruce Kulick, and many more.

Geeks of the Week

Devin Fox, Bakko, Anthony Pool, Joseph Ciambelli, Kal Hinz, David Alpizar, Wally Norton, Derik Novak, Jeff Hogland, Paul Korn, Mike Blount, Ian Wadley, Robin Bennett, Colin Francis, Justin Hayes, Joe Lascon, James Brendon Dunn, Dan Chuput, Billy Hardaway, Joe Royland, Rob Harris, Warren Money, Matt Syverson, Brent Walter, Marc Alden Taylor, KISS Army Omaha, Dave Shirt, Mike Stewart, Chad Pollock, Rodney Dickson, Wayne Newburn, Sit and Spin with Joe, Brian Knapp, Faces Rocks Magazine, Loudmouth, Hot Metal Magazine, RAW Magazine, PodcastsAretheBest, Daniel Lee, Hoops, Stephen Atchison, The Mooger Fooger

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Loaded
Jimmy Eat World
Judas Priest
Tuff
Mr. Big
Danger Danger
Beautiful Creatures
Bodyjar
Saxon
Gamma Ray
Ozzy Osbourne
Lit
Bruce Kulick
GWAR
Glenn Hughes

Sevendust

Dope

Edguy

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Albums Unleashed Carnival of Souls w/Toby Wright Part 2 - Ep180

We're back this week to talk about the second half of a very polarizing album.

Chris and Aaron return this week with the second part of their discussion with producer Toby Wright for Albums Unleashed - Carnival of Souls. Covering the second half of this controversial KISS album, Toby shares his memories of the tracking and mixing of the songs including the Gene Simmons-sung 'In My Head,' which was written by Gene along with Scott Van Zen and Jaime St. James of Black n' Blue. In this section of the discussion, Wright remembers pushing Simmons and bandmate Paul Stanley to record harmony vocals in the vein of Alice in Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley; and how the attempt would fall short by comparison.

Another track discussed in this hour-plus special is 'I Confess.' Wright reflects on a tense recording session involving a string section that was brought in to add a dark feel to the songs and how he had to get the classically-trained musicians to break convention to pull off the sound he was after.

Other tracks covered in this Albums Unleashed special include the psychadelic-tinged 'In the Mirror,' the Black Sabbath-inspired track 'It Never Goes Away,' and one of the most unusual tracks in the KISS catalog; the Middle-Eastern sounding 'Seduction of the Innocent,'

Most notably, however, is the discussion of the debut (and lone) KISS vocal of guitarist Bruce Kulick. This track had quite a history as Wright explains the numerous permutations it would take on during the tracking process (including a lead vocal take from Simmons). This track's autobiographical nature would play out as life would later imitate art in the form of the KISS reunion and guitarist Kulick and drummer Eric Singer would wind up unemployed.

Toby Wright goes into great detail in this discussion of how Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley called a meeting during the overdub sessions for Carnival of Souls to break the news that they had been solicited with a multi-million dollar offer to put on the greasepaint and reunite with original KISS drummer and guitarist Peter Criss and Ace Frehley; respectively.

The effect of the reunion announcement would have a catastrophic effect on the album; as it was immediately shelved by Mercury Records, leaked on the internet, and then, with very little fanfare, released by the record label in October of 1997.

The Decibel Geek Podcast wants to thank Toby Wright for giving so much time in discussing a controversion, yet bittersweet, album in his massively successful discography. We hope you enjoy this 2 part Albums Unleashed special on KISS' Carnival of Souls.

More Toby Wright!

Official Website

More COS Info!

Bruce Kulick COS Retrospective


Geeks of the Week:

Devin Fox, Rob Harris, David Alpizar, Craig Cohen, Warren Money, Marc Alden Taylor, Shane Hebert, Mark Lo, James Brendon Dunn, Robin Bennett ($20.00 donation), Allen Tate, Brad Kalmanson, Mike Blount, Derik Novak, Colin Francis, Justin Hayes, Joe Lascon, Corey Nowlin, PJ Brown, Brent Walter, Ian Wadley (Rock & Metal Combat Podcast), Dan Chaput, Jeff Hogland, Ryan Sessions, Wally Norton, Eddie Golatka, Brandt Cattell, Mike Stewart, Brian Knapp, RAW Magazine, Hot Metal Magazine, Loudmouth, Faces Rocks Magazine, Steve Cunningham, hoops, Jack Broad, Shawn Franklin, Stephen Atchison, Rockorama, Joel Hebensperger, Nick Rose, MusicMagsAndWax, Joel DeLorge, Toby Wright

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Albums Unleashed - KISS Carnival of Souls Pt 1 w/Toby Wright

We wanted to get into something polarizing and divisive this week. Mission accomplised...

Famed producer Toby Wright sits down with Chris and Aaron this week for part 1 of a 2 part Albums Unleashed special covering KISS' 1997 release Carnival of Souls.

Shelved in early 1996 by Mercury Records due to KISS taking a left turn at Reunionville, Carnival of Souls leaked shortly thereafter and was bootlegged in large numbers necessitating an official release in October of 1997.

In this hour-plus part 1 episode, Toby Wright recounts his initial meetings with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley about the "new direction" in which the band was deciding to head, his impressions of the songs being written for the album, and the tracking of basic tracks. The track by track discussion in this episode includes Toby's memories of the creation of songs 'Hate,' 'Rain,' 'Master & Slave,' 'Childhoods End,' ' I Will Be There,' and 'Jungle.' Discussion of tension between Simmons & Stanley over arrangements is also included as well as Wright's memories of a tense mixing session with Simmons in regards to his bass part in one of the songs and how, due to the co-production credit on the album, politics and diplomacy had to be in delicate balance.

It's the first half of deep talk about one of KISS' most polarizing albums; with many members of the KISS Army either loving it or hating it. We hope you enjoy Albums Unleashed - Carnival of Souls with Toby Wright.

Toby Wright @Work

EDITOR NOTE: Much of the source material for questions presented in this 2 part special from Bruce Kulick's fantastic Carnival of Souls Retrospective. Click HERE to check it out!




More Toby Wright!

Official Website

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KISS

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The Top 10 Decibel Geek YouTube videos... As viewed by YOU!

Hello everyone out there!

I hope you've been Livin' After Midnight and Heading Out to the Highway that is 2015! This past year, every one of y'all who have checked out the YouTube page has contributed a great deal to it's success. Without further ado...

The Top 10 Decibel Geek YouTube videos, as viewed by you!

10. Episode 94 - Peter "Moose" Oreckinto - Part I

A unique insight into the 'Hottest Band in the Land' from a man who was there on the front lines. Peter, nicknamed "Moose" by Paul Stanley, delves into a lot of the early life of the band. He also covers some ground that ventures into interesting territory on the business end of things. Chris & AAron host Moose for a two part conversation, and both are equally good. Check them both out!

9. Devil City Angels - Never Enough

This year, we've been bringing live performance video of up & coming and well known artists talked about here at the Decibel Geek podcast. This was the genesis of an idea from our very own The Meister, who had been recording song videos with some extreme dedication! Except this video was brought in by Decibel Geek's Instagram guy, MikeG!
Devil City Angels is Rikki Rockett from Poison, Tracii Guns from L.A. Guns, Eric Brittingham from Cinderella and Brandon Gibbs from Cheap Thrill. In this video they're covering "Never Enough" from Tracii's old band, L.A. Guns!

8. KiLLeR DWaRfS - Hard Luck Town

Number 8 continues with the live performance videos. We've grown to call Decibel Geek TV, in ode to a cable channel that was once known for playing music videos (fancy idea, right?). This music video captured by The Meister, is the Decibel Geek favorite KiLLeR DWaRfS performing Hard Luck Town. There's two other videos from this event on our page, all worth checking out!

7. Episode 21 - Eddie Trunk

Eddie Trunk is a name synonymous with the coverage of things hard rock & heavy metal. Whether you agree or disagree he's there covering a lot of the coming & goings of the business. In this archive interview, Chris & AAron talk to the host of That Metal Show about his career in radio, his time at Megaforce, Ace and that little band you know as KISS. Plus more! A worthwhile interview to check out and watch!

6. Episode 50 - Bruce Kulick

I'm pretty sure AAron had to pinch Chris to make sure he wasn't dreaming on this one. The guys sit down with Grand Funk Railroad and former KISS guitarist to talk about many things in his career. From Andrea True, Meatloaf, Union, KISS, Grand Funk, a stranded podcast co-host at a KISS concert, and an awkward letter in stage signage, it's all covered. A definite must view!

5. Episode 19 - Eric Carr discussion with Loretta Caravello

While Eric Carr is no longer with us, his sister Loretta Caravello has done quite a bit to keep Eric's spirit alive. She takes some time to talk with Chris & AAron about her brother's life and time within KISS, even answering some questions that KISS fans wanted to know. Eric may be gone, but he's far from forgotten.


4. Episode 82 - John Regan

John Regan has had a prolific career if you look at some of the people he's worked with over the years. While he's currently in Four by Fate and most known for Frehley's Comet, he's worked with Peter Frampton, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, The Stones, Diamond Dave, John Waite and Bonnie Tyler. Listen to these stories of his career on this enhanced interview!

3. Episode 5.2 - Vinnie Vincent Special II

It should be no surprise that Vinnie Vincent is a hot topic. His enigmatic presence in this world leaves a lot of people scratching their heads and wanting to know more. Chris at one time wanted to write a book about the guy, but it manifested itself into the Decibel Geek favorite Vinnie Vincent specials. What you'll hear here is conversation about the guy and some interviews with people who have had dealings with the guy himself. Guests include: Alexx Michael, One on One With Mitch Lafon's very own Mitch Lafon, Vic Radacic from the VV Fan Forums and the late Ed Roman. Enjoy!

2. Episode 40 - Lydia Criss

Lydia Criss has an interesting perspective on KISS, she was married to the band's drummer. In this episode she talks about what it was like living with The Catman, what it was like being around the band and things about her life. She talks about her book, Sealed with a Kiss and many other things. It's a really must-listen interview if you ever have called yourself a KISS fan at any point of your life!

And the number one video, as viewed by you... *drumroll*

1. Episode 5.1 - Vinnie Vincent Special I

As the person who has worked on the YouTube side of things here at the Decibel Geek Podcast, this interview took off like a wildfire when it was posted in its enhanced form last year. The Decibel Geeks really love to hear stories about one Vincent Cusano and this video proved it! Interviews with Rik Fox and Kelli Raven highlight this first Vinnie Vincent special. As voted with your views, this is really a must watch!

We want to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to check out the Decibel Geek Podcast YouTube page. There is more coming, so if you haven't checked it out, make some time to check it out. You'll be glad you did.

Thank you all and rock out 2015!