Ace Frehley – Origins Vol. 2 (Album Review)

Former KISS guitarist, Space Ace Frehley has returned from planet Jendell with a new cover tunes CD titled, “Origins Vol 2.” This is a follow-up to his highly successful 2016 release, “Origins Vol. 1,” which reached #23 on the Billboard Top-200 charts becoming Ace‘s 4th top-40 and second-highest  charting solo album. Where “Origins Vol. 1” had guest artists like Paul Stanley, Mike McCready, John 5, and Slash,  “Vol. 2” carries the tradition forward by enlisting John 5 again on “I’m Down” by The Beatles, Lita Ford singing lead on The Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and Robin Zander singing lead on “30 Days in The Hole” by Humble Pie.

Throughout Ace‘s career, he has always had a knack for finding underrated gems to make his own. Songs like “2,000 Man” off KISS “Dynasty” and “New York Groove” from his 1977 solo album are two perfect examples. Looking to catch lightning in a bottle, Ace has taken that logic one step further to repack classic songs from the 60s and 70s for both “Origins” releases. There is no better way to fully appreciate your favorite artist than to know the artists that he was inspired by.

These 12-songs are straight-ahead full-throttle rockers and perfect for cranking out at backyard get-togethers. They are all well-crafted and well-performed fun renditions of songs from a simpler time with modern-day production. The tracks soar out of the speakers!

Many of the songs stay relatively true to the original versions except where Ace changes some of the lyrics in the spirit of fun like on “Space Truckin’.” Ace shows the world that he still has his chops and provides enough of his trademark guitar playing to keep the KISS fans happy with some face-paced guitar playing like on Led Zepplin‘s “Good Times Bad Times” and The Animals’ “We, Gotta Get Out Of This Place.” One of “Origins‘” crowning achievements is “Space Truckin” with its rhythmic groove, snarling guitars, and soaring vocals. The CD ends on a high note with Ace delivering a power version of KISS’ “She” as a bonus track.

Released By: eOne
Release Date: September 18th, 2020
Genre: Hard Rock

Musicians:

• Ace Frehley / Vocals, Guitar
• Jeremy Asbrock / Guitar
• Ryan Spencer Cook / Guitar
• Philip Shouse / Bass
• Matt Starr / Drums
• John 5 / Guitar
• Lita Ford / Guitar, Vocals
• Robin Zander / Vocals
• Rob Sabino / Keyboard
• Bruce Kulick / Guitar

“Origins Vol. 2” Track-listing:

1. Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin)
2. Never In My Life (Mountain)
3. Space Truckin’ (Deep Purple) Guest: Rob Sabino
4. I’m Down (The Beatles) Guest: John 5
5. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones) Guest: Lita Ford
6. Politician (Cream) Guest: John 5
7. Lola (The Kinks)
8. 30 Days In The Hole (Humble Pie) Guest: Robin Zander
9. Manic Depression (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) Guest: Bruce Kulick
10. Kicks (Paul Revere & the Raiders)
11. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (The Animals)
12. She (KISS) [Bonus Track]