It’s 1978, and Kiss reigns supreme as the hottest band in the land. That was also the year all four members of the group released self-titled solo albums on the very same day – September 18, to be exact. That’s a story in itself.
All of which points us toward the latest digital single from Los Angeles-based singer, songsmith and player of many instruments Ken Sharp. “Hold Me Touch Me” is a cover of an entry from rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley’s effort, while a rendition of “Mr. Make Believe” has been poached from bassist Gene Simmons’ album.
Originally a ballad, “Hold Me Touch Me” is retooled by Ken into an energetic romp of new wave-flavored power pop. Creating an auditory vision that sounds like the Cars colliding with the Rubinoos, the perpetually peppy cut soars to the hum of a buzzing synthesizer, cracking guitar figures and blissed-out harmonies.
Another ballad to begin with, “Mr. Make Believe” isn’t rendered too dramatically as Ken performs the heartbreaking song in such a format. But he does plump it up a bit by adding an extra current of electricity to the surroundings. Crooned in a sweetly yearning falsetto, “Mr. Make Believe” delivers a triple whammy of Beach Boys, Beatles and Bee Gees sensibilities. Sleigh bells ring, tambourines jangle and eloquent keyboard work compounds the track.
Ken Sharp is perhaps the biggest Kiss fan in the world. Not only has he written extensively about the band, but lead guitarist Ace Frehley even staged a guest appearance on his Beauty In the Backseat album.
Aside from being a credible homage to his heroes, “Hold Me Touch Me” / “Mr. Make Believe” captures Ken Sharp’s own musical imagination in full force.
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