Apologies for my lateness, gents. I've only just found the thread!
Now then Blitzy, Alive is without question the greatest live album ever. II and III are both too polished and overdubbed for my liking, even though they have some good material and performances. Alive I might also be guilty of that as well, but at least it sounds raw.
In terms of studio compilations, if you can spare $100 + then go for the box set. It's the only one that covers all eras of KISStory.
Failing that, pick up Greatest KISS (1996- but be sure to get the Australian pressing) or the new Very Best Of that's coming out this month.
Double Platinum (1978) and Smashes Thrashes & Hits (1988) both have a few too many crap-sounding remixes, whereas Greatest and the Very Best Of have the original versions of all tracks. S, T & H is also in dire need of remastering, as is Killers (import only- 1982).
W