Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley climbed to the top of rock and roll in the late 1970s, but as the ship started to sink Criss split, followed soon by Frehley. Simmons and Stanley ditched the band's signature makeup and rode the hair metal wave while Criss and Frehley released sporadic solo records. It was a rare occassion when the former bandmembers did not have something insulting to say about each other.

But, as has become inevitable in the life of a rock and roll band, the sweet smell of money is strong enough for everyone to lay down arms and collect that last paycheck. The original KISS reunited - with makeup - for a tour. They even managed to release a new album before Criss quit again. It is best not to mention the KISS reunion album. To call it forgettable would be wishful thinking.

Frehley followed Criss out the door again. Simmons and Stanley soldiered on with what has amounted to a decade-long farewell tour.

About 30 years since the original group disbanded, 20 years since Ace Frehley's last solo album and 11 years since the last KISS album, both Ace and KISS released new albums almost the same day. What a perfect time to start dragging each other through the mud again. Simmons and Stanley have taken several swipes at Frehley - dismissing his contributions to the group. For his part, Frehley remained respectful and even well-wishing.

In the interest of good old-fashioned competition. We propose a head to head comparison. Ace Frehley's Anomaly versus the new KISS record, Sonic Boom.

Ace Frehley - Anomaly
4 stars

Nobody can accuse Ace Frehley of rushing into a new project. Anomaly follows 20 years after his last solo album. Frehley's personal troubles are well documented, and hopefully in his past. He wears sober well, and this new record is the proof.

He captures the spirit of what made KISS a fun band. Tongue-in-cheek lyrics and big catchy hooks. The difference is he takes his guitar in exciting new directions. "Outer Space" is heavier than anything he has done before. He takes an epic, Zeppelin-inspired turn on "Genghis Khan". Then turns in a plaintive, soulful ballad with "A Little Below the Angels."

Frehley does not have a great voice, but it is pure New York, suiting his songs and lyrics well. At 12 tracks, Anomaly never repeats itself. Each song has a different vibe and varied guitar work. The record is a pleasant surprise, shocking even. It often recalls classic rock bands - Hendrix and Zeppelin - but revels in the freedom those bands had rather then copies the old formulas.

Call this Ace Frehley's best work. That statement would be hard to argue with.

KISS - Sonic Boom
3.5 stars

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are not dumb. They know what KISS fans want. Does not matter if it is a 3-minute rock song or a 3-pack of KISS light bulbs. Sonic Boom is formulaic, but it is the KISS formula. Catchy singalongs and lyrics laced with double entendre - some hit, others should have hit the cutting room floor.

Stanley's songs are the strongest. He has a knack for boisterious and life-affirming anthems. One listen and a prancing Paul is not too hard to imagine. Simmons remains defiantly lascivisious, but at least he does it with a wink and a smile.

The problem with Sonic Boom is every song fits a mold - blank wall of guitars. One of these things is just like the others. I won't name names, but somebody may have been listening a little too closely to a Poison hit. Even with these drawbacks, it is easy to get caught up in the good time. Gene and Paul sound like they are having a great time.

For a group of guys that get more attention for their business practices than the music, getting back to the music must be like being a kid in a sandbox. They can have fun just making a castle.

Verdict