CD Review: Ace Frehley Returns To His "Origins" For New Covers Album

Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has been riding a creative high since his 2009 album, "Anomaly" returned him to the forefront of the rock landscape. He followed a world tour with the second album "Space Invader," which was the only solo album by a member of KISS to hit the top 10 on the album charts. Now, the spaceman returns once again with his first full-length covers album titled "Origins, Vol. 1." It will be released on April 15th through eOne Music and features a dozen songs chosen by Ace to represent his biggest musical influences, as well as some of his self-penned KISS classics.

 

Beginning with the late-sixties trio of "White Room," "Street Fighting Man" and "Spanish Castle Magic" these songs had major influence with a raw, bluesy guitar that Ace showcased early in his career. He invites fellow KISS member Paul Stanley to take the lead vocals on Free's "Fire And Water," which sounds like a missed opportunity for KISS to cover live in concert during their heyday. Ace Frehley and Slash trade guitar licks during a blazing version of Thin Lizzy's "Emerald." Lita Ford lends her vocals to the timeless "Wild Thing" and guitarist John 5 adds his guitar-style to the KISS classic "Parasite," which Ace wrote, but never sang until now. Pearl Jam's Mike McCready works with Ace on this new electrifying version of KISS' "Cold Gin," before closing with another KISS cover, the lesser-known "Rock And Roll Hell" originally from their "Creatures Of The Night" album. 

 

Ace Frehley is currently on tour with about ten dates left, but look for him to announce more in the near future, after the release of his new album. For more information on Ace and his new album "Origins, Vol. 1," please visit acefrehley.com.