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Shandi (song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Shandi'" is a hit single by American hard rock band Kiss. Released on their 1980 album, 'Unmasked', the song was popular in Australia, where it reached number five on the Australian charts.[http://www.kissfaq.com/charts/scharts.html International Chart History] The song would prove to be a hit in other countries as well, making the top ten in three other countries. Shandi peaked at number 47 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart.[ "Shandi" Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position]
Written by vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley and producer Vini Poncia, the song was inspired by the Hollies cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)".Leaf, David and Ken Sharp. 'KISS: Behind the Mask: The Official Authorized Biography', Warner Books, 2003.
The song is performed solo by Paul Stanley on guitar when the band is touring in Australia and New Zealand. The song was also played by Kiss with the Melbourne Symphony Ensemble for the 'Kiss Symphony: Alive IV' performance and subsequent album in 2003.
An Eric Carr-sung version appears on his second posthumous album, 'Unfinished Business'.
Reception
'Cash Box' said that with "arching strings and guitar glissandos," Kiss acts as "closet crooners" rather than producing "fiery heavy metal [or[ pounding rock disco."
Music video
A promotional video was made for the song, which proved to be the final appearance of Peter Criss with the band before he left to pursue a solo career in 1980. Although all four original band members appear in the video, only Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley were involved in the recording of the track. Session drummer Anton Fig plays drums, Kiss roadie Tom Harper plays bass and professional songwriter Holly Knight plays keyboards, while Stanley sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar, and Frehley plays acoustic guitars. Vini Poncia provided backing vocals to the track.
In the video, a woman stalks the band from outside their dressing room, anxious to see them without their makeup. After their concert, they return to their dressing room to change to their street clothes. Upon exiting the room, the woman calls them out; they turn around, revealing that they still have their makeup on.
Chart performance
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Personnel
*Paul Stanley lead vocals, lead guitar
*Ace Frehley acoustic guitar, backing vocals
*Anton Fig drums
*Tom Harper bass
*Holly Knight keyboards
*Vini Poncia backing vocals
References
Category:Kiss (band) songs
Category:1980 singles
Category:Songs written by Vini Poncia
Category:Songs written by Paul Stanley
Category:Casablanca Records singles
Category:1980 songs
Category:American soft rock songs
Category:Number-one singles in Argentina
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