QUICK TAKES - Aug. 18, 2009

The veteran classic rock group KISS is joining a growing list of classic acts putting out new music through the world’s largest retailer.

“Sonic Boom” is due to be released only at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores on Oct. 6. The three-disc package will include a CD of the band’s first new music in 11 years, re-recorded versions of famous KISS hits and a live DVD.

Paul Stanley -- one of the quartet’s two original members, along with Gene Simmons -- said the band chose to release the album at Wal-Mart because the store “offered us an opportunity to do something that’s very much in line with what we used to do with our classic albums, and that’s to give people more than just an album of music.”

Large store chains have become a favorite venue for classic acts to reintroduce themselves with new material. Wal-Mart has sold millions with releases by the Eagles, AC/DC and other key acts. It also has a Foreigner three-disc package due out in September. Target released a three-disc set from Prince earlier this year. Best Buy had the exclusive release of Guns N’ Roses’ first album in years.