Psycho Circus by KISS
The album featured a lenticular cover alternating between the KISS logo and a circus image
Psycho Circus was hailed as the return of the original line-up in the studio on the back of their worldwide tour together. In truth, original drummer Peter Criss only plays drums on one track and original guitarist Ace Frehley plays guitar on two. The album does feature vocals from all four originals however. Despite their limited involvement, KISS had not seemed this invigorated for years and it remains the last decent album they have made. Four singles were released to promote the album and it was a top five hit in Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, the US and Sweden.
Favourite track: “Psycho Circus”, the title track and lead single
www. tism. wanker. com by TISM
TISM (This Is Serious Mum) are noted for their dark, sarcastic humour and anonymity
One of the tracks on this album inspired Bruce Ruxton, the former head of the RSL, to write to TISM’s record label to complain about lowering standards to the sewer. TISM unsurprisingly published it on their website to help promote the album. The album was TISM’s fourth studio album and four singles were released to promote it. It was nominated for Best Independent Release at the ARIA Awards.
Favourite track: “Thunderbirds Are Coming Out”
Pilgrim by Eric Clapton
Pilgrim would be the first of several Eric Clapton solo albums produced by Simon Climie
Having first collaborated with Simon Climie as TDF in 1997, Clapton had him produce his next solo album, Pilgrim, which was released in March 1998. Although most critics didn’t like this album, I still did. Clearly I wasn’t alone as it became one of his most successful albums reaching the top ten in 22 countries. Five singles were also released from the album including “Circus”, written about the last night he spent with his four year old son Conor before his untimely death.
Favourite track: “Fall Like Rain”
Mechanical Animals by Marilyn Manson
Mechanical Animals is the 3rd studio album by the band fronted by Brian Warner
Although Marilyn Manson had made their name prior to this album, in reality there was nothing new about their “shock” tactics. Like many artists before, Alice Cooper and KISS for example, they realised that controversy meant publicity and publicity meant sales. Musically however, this album was more akin to glam than the harder-edged industrial rock they had been known for. Maybe that’s why I like this album so much.
Favourite track: “Rock Is Dead” just beating out “The Speed Of Pain”
Words And Music by Paul Kelly
Including his work with the Dots, Words And Music is Paul Kelly’s 11th studio album
This 1998 release from legendary Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly, was for me his best album since parting ways with his Coloured Girls/Messengers band line-up. The album reached the top 20 in Australia achieving Gold sales status and also reached the top 50 in New Zealand. Along with his then current band line-up, the album featured three Australian female vocalists in Renee Geyer, Monique Brumby and Rebecca Barnard. Four singles were released from the album.
Favourite track: The Prince-inspired “Nothing On My Mind”
The Slabthrower 