Look who has the number one album on Billboard... Black Sabbath!

[MIB41]

This is the first time Black Sabbath has topped the charts in 40 years. Pretty amazing.

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7nIunMlR.EsAviJXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB1bzY0OGNwBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA0FDQlkwMl84OQ--/SIG=14g0ik5v9/EXP=1372196014/**http%3a//www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0625/Black-Sabbath-tops-US-charts-for-first-time-in-four-decades

[boss]

What's even funnier is that KISS has released two albums in the last few years and neither one was able to crack the top spot.

[MIB41]

What's even funnier is that KISS has released two albums in the last few years and neither one was able to crack the top spot.

It's because they're too busy selling Hello Kitty toys, playing on cruises, and putting their road manager in Ace Frehley's makeup. No one is buying the hustle anymore.

[boss]

that... and the records stunk.

[MIB41]

that... and the records stunk.

Oh yeah. Thanks for reminding me. They forgot they use to be a band. Now their a "brand". And a poor seller at that. Here's the funnier part. They are now talking about making cover bands buy a license to perform. Isn't that sad? They have no shame.

[palitoy]

I've only heard praise for Sabbath's new record. Mind you, I listen to Jim Norton a good deal and he's totally biased but I think the general feeling is, the music is really good.

KISS is descending into self parody these days although I imagine they still pack them in.

[jimsmegos]

I've listened to all of the samples from the new Sabbath album when it was first release. I was very impressed. While they still maintain the core Sabbath sound IMO you can hear how they've aged comfortably into their age. No posing, no pretending .... simply the sound that a group of "old folks" would naturally have evolved into. I applaud and appreciate that.

KISS on the other hand? It's just sad really. Growing up as a huge fan I began to loose heart with Psycho Circus. And following that nothing has appealed to me at all. Every tune seems so forced and emotionless. As far as the marketing / merchandising machine that too is a sad swan song for such a fantastic show band and brand. I am all for capitalism and offering up goods that help the fans feel connected but there comes a time when it has to stop. Seeing the insane level of products available the question that pops into my mind with every new item I see is; "Are there that many Hello Kitty fans who like to Rock and Roll all Nite and Party Everyday?" As far as cover bands having to pay a license fee? That totally makes sense. Gene obviously ripped the idea from the Batman Inc, story line. He better be careful or DC is going to want a piece of the action.

[MIB41]

As far as cover bands having to pay a license fee? That totally makes sense. Gene obviously ripped the idea from the Batman Inc, story line. He better be careful or DC is going to want a piece of the action.

I think the main reason why they're considering that now is because they're getting ready to take the band off the road and work out a strategy where KISS becomes an attraction, like a Vegas act, that you come to see. No original members, just a show. Which is about what it is anymore now. Paul's vocals are horrid. So if they switch to that business model, they will want to control what the public can see elsewhere in terms of the same kind of show. Of course, I don't see where these garage bands can really compete with a officially licensed show in Vegas that is financially backed by Gene and Paul. They probably don't make much money in the way of these shows now. So I imagine a licensing fee will wipe most of them out. Which is what KISS wants anyway. I guess we know what Gene's son will do after he passes. He can just manage the Vegas shows.

[jimsmegos]

From a business standpoint I can appreciate that. I truly can. But it's just so sad to take that away from the musicians who were inspired by them. I was one of them. Ace Frehley's smoking guitar is what got me to pick one up in the first place all those decades ago. Mind you I never had a desire to go all in on a tribute band (personally I think such acts are a waste of talent but to each his own. I feel the same way about the Elvis guys too.),

Once I did put together a tribute act for a lobby promotion I did back in '99 when "Detroit Rock City" was released. I gathered up a few local musicians, brushed up on some covers and costumes and did a show opening night in the lobby under the banner of "Sloppy KISS" . It was a one night affair and was a lot of fun but with KISS' attitude towards the fans I don't think I would do that now. It was meant to be a sign of appreciation to the band. Nowadays I don't care to show that appreciation. They've lost my respect.

[BlackKnight]

I've been meaning to Purchase the New Sabbath ...But just haven't yet ..., Maybe this week..., I got the New Rob Zombie last week..., I dig it.

[MIB41]

It was meant to be a sign of appreciation to the band. Nowadays I don't care to show that appreciation. They've lost my respect.

Yeah. That pretty much sums me up as well. I was a fan from '75 when a friend of mine invited me over for a sleep over and he played Alive to everyone there. It was such a unique time. And regardless of what has transpired since (with everyone selling their dirty laundry on one another), I will always view that original foursome as the band everyone fell in love with. And I deplore...D_E_P_L_O_R_E... Paul and Gene trying to rewrite history and suggest the other members were just 'hired hands'. People know that original KISS concept was a group effort that got embellished by everyone involved, including Bill Aucoin and Sean Delaney. Heck, even Simmons didn't know to stick his tongue out until Sean Delaney told him to try it for effect. And everything they do today is a direct result of their business manager, Doc McGhee telling them what to do. That guy runs the show. So all of this bravado Paul and Gene spew about being the "authors" of this creation is just bull to the max. If their product line was that successful and their records were selling, they wouldn't have to spend 10 months out of each year touring nonstop to outdoor venues in other countries, co-headlining and splitting the take with other bands. Speaking of records, their last two efforts have both sold less than half of their publicly reviled "Elder". So for a band to say their "relevant", it sure isn't adding up where other bands get it. And the worst part? They truly are now what their critics always said they were ... A clown show. That is sad for long time fans like me.

[toysrus]

New Sabbath is real good. If you buy it, try to get it with the bonus songs. Best buy includes all the bonus songs- i believe 3 or 4.

[BlackKnight]

Best Buy it is then.

[Mego MkIV]

I'm more of a Deep Purple fan than Black Sabbath but that's great to hear their new cd is doing well,As for KISS they're dead to me.

[toysrus]

I'm with you on that!! Personally I like the new Deep Purple over the new Sabbath. Yet they are both great albums- buy them both ( both have bonus songs )

I'm more of a Deep Purple fan than Black Sabbath but that's great to hear their new cd is doing well,As for KISS they're dead to me.