ACE FREHLEY was the original and legendary guitarist, who would come across as the coolest member of KISS. His passing yesterday came as a shock to many. Though not with Kiss since 1982, save for a few reunion tours and an album (late 90s), Ace remained in the spotlight , larger than life. Not the biggest writer while in the band during it’s first decade, he did come up with classics like “Cold Gin”, “Strange Ways”, and “Shock Me”. His 1978 solo album was the best (and highest seller) of the band members 4 solo solo albums released at the same time, featuring the hit single, his version of Russ Ballard’s “New York Groove”. But when he left the band in ‘8282, Frehley proved he wasn’t done, his album’s Frehley’s Comet and Second Sighting (as Frehley’s Comet), were as good as or Better than anything the band did in that decade without him. Surely songs like “Rock Soldiers” and “Insane” would’ve been standouts in Kiss’ 80s catalogue. While not busy recording in the 90s (like many older acts), Ace got more serious in the post-2000s. and while his former band gave up recording new material after 2012, Frehley picked it up, recording 6 albums since 2009’s Anomaly, and including 2 albums of cover songs. His last album was last year’s 10 000 Volts, which featured the title track and “Walkin’ On The Moon”. Heck, I’ve yet to pick that one up.

But, going through these this morning, I am picking 2018’s Spaceman. For me, I find Spaceman to be the most solid thing Ace recorded over the past few decades. And though I was never a fan of his vocals, it’s not too bad here, and suits these songs perfectly. Favorites include “Rockin With The Boys”, “Pursuit Of Rock And Roll” and ” Without You I’m Nothing” (co-written w/ Gene Simmons). Heck, I even liked Ace’s take of the Eddie Money hit “I Wanna Go Back”. This was a really good album, full of big riffs and solos, great sounding, and there’s no skip-over cuts for me! I did get the CD and the limited picture-disc LP at the time (Record Store Day, w/ poster).

RIP Ace.