You know why critics hate KISS? We'll tell you why.

It's not because they haven't written a good song in 100,000 years.

It's not because they've degenerated into shameless, money-grubbing hucksters who sell everything from condoms to caskets.

It's not because they've had more farewell tours than The Who. It's not because they keep coming up with new ways -- live albums, box sets, greatest-hits discs -- to make you buy the same songs again and again.

It's not because their latest hunk o'product -- a two-disc live set recorded with a symphony -- makes use of a gimmick that's been done to death by everyone from Metallica to Procol Harum.

And it's not even because they've replaced guitarist Ace Frehley with a crew member who's wearing his makeup and playing his licks (admittedly, better than Ace has lately).

No, critics hate KISS because even though it's obvious they see fans like us only as sheep to be fleeced, they still manage to suck you in every time. And on the stylish and surprisingly entertaining Symphony: Alive IV, damned if they don't it yet again -- and with all the grace and skill of the consummate carnies they are.

This energetic, hit-laden set finds Gene, Paul, Peter and The Guy Who is Not Ace rocking out like gods of thunder, delivering a solid block of oldies like Deuce and Strutter, then making impressive use of the Melbourne Symphony, drawing on the orchestra's grandeur and power to add new wrinkles to Detroit Rock City, Do You Love Me?, Shout it Out Loud and even Rock and Roll All Nite, in addition to the wretched but unavoidable Beth.

So just when you thought they were finally down for the count, Gene and Paul pull the fat out of the fire one more time and go laughing all the way back to the bank in their gold-plated limos. Damn them all to hell. (More on KISS)

Track Listing
Disc 1:
1. Deuce
2. Strutter
3. Let Me Go Rock & Roll
4. Lick It Up
5. Calling Dr. Love
6. Psycho Circus
7. Beth - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
8. Forever - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
9. Goin' Blind - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
10. Sure Know Something - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
11. Shandi - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble

Disc 2:
1. Detroit Rock City - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
2. King Of The Night Time World - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
3. Do You Love Me - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
4. Great Expectations - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
5. Shout It Out Loud - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
6. God Of Thunder - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
7. Love Gun - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
8. I Was Made For Lovin' You - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
9. Black Diamond - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
10. Rock And Roll All Nite - Kiss w/The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra