In order to carry on the work begun a couple of weeks ago your humble servant now offers up a similar treatment to the solo work of former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, who has been and always will be my favourite member of Kiss. His contributions to the Kiss catalogue are stellar with a rare exception or two - Torpedo Girl from the “Unmasked” album being one ’worthy’ of mention in that regard. Ace ‘s first solo release from ’78 (while still with Kiss) is, some would say unfortunately, the best work Frehley has ever done, his penultimate achievement. His subsequent solo albums are uneven affairs, particularly the late ’80′s albums “Second Sighting” and “Trouble Walkin’” – hence their scant representation in this list.
It’s been well publicized that Ace and Peter were the bad boys of Kiss, embracing that title to the extent that they toured under the slogan together with their respective solo bands in the mid-nineties, just prior to the reunion goings-on. I was at that that show in a Toronto rock bar – a friend suffers hearing loss to this day from the volume of Ace’s set.
For those of us that continue to harbour strong feelings for Ace’s work the question we are dealing with today is this: What are the ten Ace Frehley solo tunes that you absolutely must hear, either again or for the first time?
Read/Listen on Rock Soldiers.
10. “Fox On The Run” from Anomaly, 2009
Like most fans I was practically salivating by the time Anomaly was released in ’09 – the first studio album from the legendary Spaceman since ’89′s disappointing Trouble Walking. A definite highlight for me is a cover of the 1975 Desolation Boulevard era Sweet song, “Fox on the Run”. I have to admit to feeling slightly queasy when I first saw the track listed on the CD back. Mid ’70′s Sweet to me is sacrosanct and I thought that Ace, particularly with his style of singing, would make a mess of it.
Much to my surprise Frehley pulls of what is probably the best cover of the tune ever. Even his voice, a concern mentioned previously, is perfectly suited to the big chorus. I am however willing to admit that the tune’s selection to this list may be the result of impaired judgment due to warm and fuzzy feelings about the original Sweet version.
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13 Comments
I love ace’s guitar playing but his voice is awful i really wish he would collaborate with a real singer so his songs wouldn’t be all that bad
Yes, Ace is challenged vocally there is no doubt but he did have other singers like Tod Howarth on the albums with mixed results as I alluded to in the article.
The top-10 places are taken by his 1978-solo album. Everything else should chart lower.
“What’s On Your Mind” is often overlooked… its a power pop gem. Coulda/Shoulda have been a #1 hit!
Hence why the two ’78 tracks are at the top of the list.
True. The ’78 album has no filler on it whatsoever, a classic from start to finish!
I never understood why “INTO THE NIGHT” is never played Live by Ace – Great tune! I think I would probably add “I’M IN NEED OF LOVE” as well. Great guitar all the way through and the solo is killer!
You NAILED IT on #1! SNOWBLIND has always been my favorite Ace Frehley song! It’s just so damn heavy and that solo rips!
Thanks.
I think I only agree with 2 choices here: “Snowblind” and “Shot full of Rock”. My personal faves from his catalog include “Rip it Out” (ACE FREHLEY), “Too Young to Die” (TROUBLE WALKIN’), “Genghis Khan” (ANOMALY), “Love Me Right” (FREHLEY’S COMET), “Ozone” (ACE FREHLEY), “Change The World” (ANOMALY), “Too Many Faces” (ANOMALY) “Give it to Me Anyway” (LOADED DECK) and “Remember Me” (TROUBLE WALKIN).
I was all set to plead it’s case but there was Calling to You at #5.
Yes and Calling to You is problematic for the reasons mentioned. But it’s just too good a track to leave out so no need to plead!
I think when you bought “Trouble wlaking” you got another cd inside cover