KISS Documented Volume One: Great Expectations 1970-1977 - Limited

In this review of KISS Documented Volume One: Great Expectations 1970-1977, the reviewer finds a focused, archival study aimed at serious fans and music researchers. Scott Parker's book charts KISS from their early New York days to arena superstardom by examining the band's recorded output and filmed appearances; the single biggest reason to buy is its detailed cataloging of live recordings, TV spots and recorded interviews from 1970 through 1977 that are hard to find collected elsewhere. This edition adds a limited color presentation that appeals to collectors who value visual context alongside documentation.

Key Features

• Comprehensive recording reviews: The book gives an extensive review of live audio and video recordings from 1970-1977, making it easier to trace the bands documented performance history.
• TV and interview coverage: Parker examines TV appearances and recorded interviews in detail, helping readers understand how media exposure shaped early KISS fame.
• Chronological narrative: The text follows the band from humble beginnings to superstardom, providing context for each documented recording and appearance.
• Collector-oriented presentation: This Limited Color Edition adds visual elements that enhance archival value for collectors and historians.
• Series publisher intent: As the first part of an ongoing series, it establishes a foundation for future volumes that will continue the documented history.

Who It's For

The book is best for committed KISS fans, music historians and collectors who want a detailed, recording-focused resource on the band's formative years. Readers who appreciate careful cataloging of live tapes, broadcast footage and interviews will find the material particularly useful for research or reference.

Casual readers or those looking for a pictorial coffee-table book with glossy spreads should look elsewhere, as the emphasis here is documentary and textual analysis rather than broad visual spectacle. Those expecting a breezy, highly illustrated fanbook may find the presentation more methodical than entertaining.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Deep, focused reviews of live recordings and filmed material make it a strong reference for serious collectors.
• Detailed coverage of TV appearances and interviews provides media context often missing from general band histories.
• The Limited Color Edition adds useful visual cues that complement the documentation for archival value.

Cons

• Presentation has received mixed feedback and can feel dry or dense to readers seeking more lively narrative or design.

Specifications

Title	KISS Documented Volume One: Great Expectations 1970-1977
Author	Scott Parker
Coverage Years	1970-1977
Edition	Limited Color Edition
Focus	Live recordings, TV appearances and recorded interviews
Series	First volume in an ongoing documented series

Our Verdict

KISS Documented Volume One is a valuable research resource for dedicated Kissologists and collectors who want a concentrated, recording-by-recording account of the band's ascent. While the presentation leans toward the academic and can feel dry, the depth of documentation and the limited color treatment make it a worthwhile purchase for those needing authoritative reference material on KISS from 1970 to 1977.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume cover live recordings?
Yes. The book features extensive reviews of all live recordings of KISS from 1970 through 1977.

Are TV appearances and interviews included?
Yes. Parker examines TV appearances, recorded interviews and related filmed material in detail for the covered years.

Is this the only volume planned?
No. This is the first part of an ongoing series chronicling the history of the band through documented recordings.