KISS "Symphony - Alive IV"
by Ozzy Stillbourne

Cover: 5 $$$ out of 10.
I give it a 5. I'm too fucking lazy to describe what it looks like. Go see what it looks like at the store and remember that I gave it a 5.

Booklet: 10 $$$ out of 10.
Credit where credit is due, this is a 24 page booklet that's sorta like a mini-program. A ton of photos, credits, and pretty much everything you need for a live CD. No complaints at all. There is also a limited edition pressing which comes with a poster or something.

Songs: 6 $$$ out of 10.
This should be called Kiss "Sym-Phoney." Anybody who has had the bootleg of this show for a while knows that what's on the bootleg and what's on the CD are two different things. Like any other Kiss "live" album, a lot of this was done in the studio, which I just think is lame.
What was performed live and what is on this CD is diametrically opposed. There's also that fake crowd noise which is totally irritating. On the bright side, Paul's obviously re-recorded vocals sound great!! (sarcasm mode turned off)
This is a 2 CD set. The first 6 songs are just live without the symphony, and the rest of disc 1 and all of disc 2 are with the symphony. The symphony adds a little bit to some songs, but other times it doesn't really add anything. I don't really see what the big deal is about it. A few non makeup era songs are played, which are "Lick It Up," and "Forever." They also did a few obscure songs like "Great Expectations" and "Shandi," since this was recorded in Australia and "Shandi" was a hit over there. Playing the part of Ace Frehley on this CD is Tommy Thayer, and that's probably a blessing since Tommy is a better Ace than Ace is right now.

Comments: There is also a DVD of this as well. I say get the bootleg so you can see how the band really sounds.