Kiss: Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley (vocals, guitar); Gene Simmons (vocals, bass); Peter Criss (vocals, drums).
Producers: Eddie Kramer (tracks 4-6, 12); Kiss, Eddie Kramer (tracks 7-8, 10-11).
Engineers: Eddie Kramer (tracks 4-6, 12).
Includes liner notes by Danny Goldberg and Robert V. Conte.
Digitally remastered by Stephen Marcussen (Precision Mastering, Hollywood, California).
Personnel: Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar); Peter Criss (vocals, drums); Gene Simmons (vocals).
Audio Mixers: Eddie Kramer; Jim Barton.
Audio Remasterer: Stephen Marcussen.
Liner Note Author: Robert V. Conte.
Recording information: Davenport, IA; Detroit, Michian; L.A. Forum, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Tonight Show Studios.
Photographers: Mark Weiss; Louis Marino.
YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST! is the stage announcement that begins every Kiss concert, and now it is also the title of a live album that announces the return to arenas across the land of Kiss' original, face-painted lineup. YOU WANTED THE BEST shows off the same four--the Lover, the Demon, the Spaceman and the Cat--in their heyday. It's a compilation of material that originally appeared on the classic live albums ALIVE! (1975) and ALIVE II (1977), handsomely dressed up with four songs that didn't appear on either album.
The set list is an interesting mix of familiar ("Beth," "Rock And Roll All Nite") and lesser known ("Firehouse," "I Stole Your Love") Kiss songs from the band's mid-'70s prime. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons freely toss around ribald double entendres in songs like "Room Service" and "Calling Dr. Love." Lead guitarist Ace Frehley ably displays his range in "Rock Bottom," and drummer Peter Criss' timekeeping in "Room Service" is as essential as is his singing on "Beth."
Wrapping up this live collection is an interview with Jay Leno, in which Paul, Gene, Ace and Peter discuss influences, make-up and touring plans.