10 Live Songs Better Than The Studio Recordings
1. Rock And Roll All Nite - KISS
KISS is a band that survived almost solely on their live performances. From the spitting fire to the rocket shooting guitars, there was always a certain amount of spectacle whenever you went to see these guys in concert. It's only fitting that the band's definitive song gained prominence thanks to the live cut as opposed to the studio version.
The actual recorded version of "Rock and Roll All Nite" is not bad from a structural standpoint though. The undeniable hook is still present and the solos are played fine, but it doesn't have the right energy. As opposed to the band's trademark hard rock style, the studio version goes more for a pop-rock sound that feels slightly dated nowadays.
Once the band livened up the arrangement for the live stage, the song took on a new life as a glorious celebration of all things rock and roll. The attitude in Gene Simmons's vocal is much more in line with the Demon persona than the performance found on record. Even the audience seems to become a fifth instrument, as their screams added just the right amount of euphoria to make you feel like you're at the concert. After the band brought these songs to the live stage, they were ready to conquer the 70's rock scene.