Album Review
Wicked Lester

This was the band that Gene and Paul had before creating Kiss. Gene had previously been in Bull Frog Beer and Cathedral. He hooked up with Paul in a short lived project called Rainbow(I believe unrelated to Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow) and then went on to this project. I have been told or read that one of Wicked Lester was a man who later became known as JJ French of Twisted Sister! I am not sure if this is the gutarist on this album, gutarist before they recorded or a full of shit statement. If anyone knows and can provide a source please let me know.
This album was never actually released but bootlegs of various versions of this album are available all over. Gene and Paul did confirm the authenticity of these bootlegs. I will review the Wicked Lester Session II CD.

Info:

Recorded:1972
Produced by:Ron A. Johnson
Musicians: Gene Simmons:Bass Guitar, Lead & Backup Vocals; Paul Stanley: Guitar, Lead & Backup Vocals; Ron LeeJack: Guitar & Banjo; Brook Ostrander:Piano & Horns; Tony Zarella:Drums; Steve Coronel(guest):guitar on Long, Long, Road & on a version of Simple Type.

Track Listing:

Recorded August 1972 (Final mix) 
01 Simple Type (2:41) Simmons 
02 She (3:06) Coronel/Simmons 
03 Too Many Mondays (3:40) Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil 
04 When The Bell Rings (3:20) Simmons 
05 Molly (2:33) Stanley 
06 Love Her All I Can (2:35) Stanley 
07 Sweet Ophelia (3:02) Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil 
08 Keep Me Waiting (3:12) Stanley 
09 What Happens In the Darkness (3:09) Stanley/Simmons 
10 We Want To Shout It Out Loud (2:44) The Hollies 
    
Recorded August 1972 (First mix)   
11 Love Her All I Can (2:42) Stanley 
12 Simple Type (2:39) Simmons 
13 She (3:10) Coronel/Simmons 
14 Too Many Mondays (4:08) Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil 
15 Keep Me Waiting (3:31) Stanley 
16 Molly (percussion mix) (2:32) Stanley 
17 When The Bell Rings (3:13) Simmons 
18 Sweet Ophelia (3:11) Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil 
    
Recorded spring 1972   
19 Long, Long Road (remastered) (4:21)
20 Simple Type (remastered) (2:49) Simmons 
    
Recorded august 1972   
21 Too Many Mondays(Gene vocals) (4:02) Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil 
22 Molly (a-capella mix) (2:30) Stanley

Also Notable: "Suitar" (played live, but never recorded in the studio) - "Life In The Woods" (written by Paul Stanley)
General Comments: I have to admit that the first time I had heard of Wicked Lester was when a Kiss dealer was selling a taped bootleg of these "demos" which had most but not all of these songs. I really expected something different, particularly with She, Love Her All I Can, and especially (We Want to)Shout It Out Loud. What I heard was a cross between the Beatles and Jethro Tull as lead by a young Gene and Paul. I wouldn't say I hated it but I didn't love it either. As I listened to it again and again as time went on, I learned that not only did I like it but that it was a true testament to the songwriting talents that Gene & Paul are. It makes perfect sense that Kiss can have so many successful sound experiments with their albums. Its because they can write great music for any style of music!!
Highlights: She, Love Her All I Can, & What Happens in the Darkness
Bad Eggs: None! This is truely a great album!!
End Notes: If you are open minded and like good music then this album is a must have in your Kiss collection! If you are a Metal only fan of Kiss, maybe you should try to find the MP3's for this first and give a listen(very easy to find now a days!!)

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Album ReviewWicked Lester

Album Review
Wicked Lester