In middle school, my favorite band, KISS, released a concept album called “Music from The Elder.” It was odd, like a soundtrack to a non-existent movie. I was 13 then, and I didn’t care about any of that. All I listened to was KISS, and this was the newest one, so the cassette was played pretty constantly.

I sorta could follow the story. Mr. Blackwell was a cool bad guy name (years before I had ever heard of the real Mr. Blackwell.). “The Oath” had a rocking riff running through it. My pump myself up song was “I,” and I must have played it a thousand times before sporting events I was participating in, especially basketball.

KISS was desperately trying to do their version of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” They were chasing respectability, but that would never happen for the band. The makeup, the dolls, and the lunch boxes made that a practical impossibility.

Over the years, I have gained a greater appreciation for the album. Contrary to Chuck Klosterman’s opinion, it’s not among my top ten favorites, but I think the songwriting is better than anyone cares to admit.

Lately, a YouTube personality named franKENstein Creations has released several reimaginings of KISS. From a reworking of the KISS Largo concert to a practically new version of Hotter than Hell, he’s been hard at work creating new, interesting arrangements that are, dare I say it, better than the originals.

His latest video takes “The Elder,” a few demos recorded then, a sprinkling of other KISS tracks, and other artists' covers of songs from “The Elder” and creates a new musical experience unlike anything KISS or producer Bob Ezrin ever conceived.

I was either smiling, or my jaw dropped with every new song, change, or musical arrangement. This fan remix is an incredible audio journey. “Music from the Elder” is now on par with “The Wall.”

It ain’t for everyone, but the ones who know… know.