ACE FREHLEY – Origins Volume 1
The title of the record pretty much says it all – ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley felt the time was ripe to record a full-length of tracks that sparked his interest in rock/ hard rock during his developmental years. "Origins Volume 1" contains 12 songs – interestingly including three new takes on his own Kiss classics "Cold Gin", "Parasite" and "Rock N Roll Hell" so expect a lot of classic 60’s and 70’s songs in this collection.
Expect rollicking versions with guitars ablaze, fiery renditions of "Spanish Castle Magic", "Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf, and one of my personal favorites – "Emerald" from Thin Lizzy. "Wild Thing" by the Troggs is adequate, but seems stuck in a mid-tempo lull even if given feminine assistance vocally from Lita Ford. Paul Stanley joins Ace for his take on Free’s "Fire and Water", proving that he can still deliver some killer bluesy melodies in a confident middle register.
Space Ace keeps his eyes on the hard rock prize, and sounds as killer today as he did in the 70’s. Curious to see what chestnuts he pulls out on the follow up.
www.facebook.com/officialacefrehley