On 3. March 1978, Kiss released their second 3LP compilation “The Originals II” in Japan only, featuring re-releases of “Destroyer”, “Rock’n Roll Over” and “Love Gun”. It was pressed in 50.000 copies on slightly translucent vinyl visible when held to the light, and had a unique gatefold picture sleeve complete with artwork inners, an eight-page lyric booklet, a glossy full colour eight-page photo booklet, four Kiss masks and wide obi-strip.
kissconcerthistory.com:
“The Originals II” (VIP 5504-5506) was released in Japan on March 15, 1978, exactly one year after the release of “The Originals” there, and one day after the band had began their second brief tour to the nation. During this visit to Japan KISS would break their own record (tied the previous year with The Beatles), playing five sold-out nights at Tokyo’s Budokan. As was the case with other Casablanca issues in Japan at the time “The Originals II” was distributed by Victor Musical Industries. Like the issue in March 1977 to commemorate the visit of KISS to Japan on their brief “Sneak Attack” Tour, the release of a second volume covered the second trilogy of studio albums. There is only one fact about “The Originals II” that vinyl collectors need to be concerned with: It is essentially the holy grail of KISS vinyl. It is difficult, but not impossible to obtain, the artwork is an interesting play on the “Originals” design, and it is very expensive (compared to other vinyl collectibles of which only the “Alive II” misprint, Turkish Dallas Records “Elder,” and Japanese promotional “Originals” come close to equaling).
