Classic Album of the Day- Kansas- Leftoverture (1976). ****
If I were asked right now, what is the absolute biggest omissions in the so called sham of a rock and roll hall of fame, I would have to overwhelming say that it is the band Kansas. These guys are top tier talent, and have great songwriting chops too. The 2 album tandem of this one, and subsequent "Point of Know Return" are enough by themselves to enshrine them more than half the sludge that has been wrongly added. Thinking about it, what these two albums and the two or three by Styx at about the same time, is what I consider the Highwater Mark for USA Prog contributions.
But what has happened with the Hall, and the limp dicks who review records at Rolling Stone, is unless a band is vulgarly edgy, highly political, and kisses the brass ring, they will be swept away. But the fact these dispshits didn't understand is the mid American rock band lover really enjoyed these albums. In fact these two albums made it to No.'4 and 5 in the album charts during a period when it was maybe the moist competitive for the LP Dollar. Kansas did a great job of mixing a couple of radio friendly tunes like Dust In the Wind and Carry On Wayward Son to appeal to a broad spectra of fans. These hit were fine, though overplayed, but the real gems were the other tunes, that featured a great amount of mix of rock, classical, and melodic fanfare. And this product was done with virtuosity, complexity, and precision. Their live shows were among the best of the era too.
I love these two albums equally, but chose Leftoverture, because the arrangement were a littles stronger technically. This whole band is a treasure trove of excellent musicans. Technically, they are prog, but they really don't come across that way in essence on the speakers. Want a good laugh? Rolling Stone Album Guide gives this LP 2 Stars. What a joke- And frankly I could've ranked this 4 1/2 stars, on a different day,.... This album is that good.
Side 1-
Carry On Wayward Son- The song that really put Kansas on the map. Great anthem. Have to admit, I tired of hearing back in the day, It dominated radio airplay in '76-'77. Walsh's voice is about as strong as it was in their career. Many of you will likely rank it higher. But me?..... 4
The Wall- Love the harpiscordic sounding accompanyment. Not a fan of ballads, but they pull this one off nicely. 6
What's on My Mind- Great guitar interplay on this semi-balladic rocker. Last half of the song really shreds it. Fine guitar work by Livgren. 3
Miracles Out of Nowhere- One of the best song on the album, Almost a wind/dust early feel, synth nicely intertwines. Some of the best violin work on the album too. Almost a planned blend of the best of all aspects of Kansas. 2
Side 2-
Opus Insert- More excellence. How many bands can compose a 19th century feeling march into a prog song? Blended with synth in a beautiful manner. This is one damned great consistent album. 5
Questions of My Childhood- My favorite tune on the LP- Some of the best rock songwriting of the era. How this one did not get more attention and air play was a mystery. 1
Cheyenne Anthem- Maybe the weakest cut on the LP, but still a really good tune. 8
Magnum Opus- 9 minute 6 part, piece. If you want a musically tour-de-force, all hell breaks out Kansas song.... This is the one. But IMO not one of the better cuts- 7
Review originally posted on July 30,2022.
If I were asked right now, what is the absolute biggest omissions in the so called sham of a rock and roll hall of fame, I would have to overwhelming say that it is the band Kansas. These guys are top tier talent, and have great songwriting chops too. The 2 album tandem of this one, and subsequent "Point of Know Return" are enough by themselves to enshrine them more than half the sludge that has been wrongly added. Thinking about it, what these two albums and the two or three by Styx at about the same time, is what I consider the Highwater Mark for USA Prog contributions.
But what has happened with the Hall, and the limp dicks who review records at Rolling Stone, is unless a band is vulgarly edgy, highly political, and kisses the brass ring, they will be swept away. But the fact these dispshits didn't understand is the mid American rock band lover really enjoyed these albums. In fact these two albums made it to No.'4 and 5 in the album charts during a period when it was maybe the moist competitive for the LP Dollar. Kansas did a great job of mixing a couple of radio friendly tunes like Dust In the Wind and Carry On Wayward Son to appeal to a broad spectra of fans. These hit were fine, though overplayed, but the real gems were the other tunes, that featured a great amount of mix of rock, classical, and melodic fanfare. And this product was done with virtuosity, complexity, and precision. Their live shows were among the best of the era too.
I love these two albums equally, but chose Leftoverture, because the arrangement were a littles stronger technically. This whole band is a treasure trove of excellent musicans. Technically, they are prog, but they really don't come across that way in essence on the speakers. Want a good laugh? Rolling Stone Album Guide gives this LP 2 Stars. What a joke- And frankly I could've ranked this 4 1/2 stars, on a different day,.... This album is that good.
Side 1-
Carry On Wayward Son- The song that really put Kansas on the map. Great anthem. Have to admit, I tired of hearing back in the day, It dominated radio airplay in '76-'77. Walsh's voice is about as strong as it was in their career. Many of you will likely rank it higher. But me?..... 4
The Wall- Love the harpiscordic sounding accompanyment. Not a fan of ballads, but they pull this one off nicely. 6
What's on My Mind- Great guitar interplay on this semi-balladic rocker. Last half of the song really shreds it. Fine guitar work by Livgren. 3
Miracles Out of Nowhere- One of the best song on the album, Almost a wind/dust early feel, synth nicely intertwines. Some of the best violin work on the album too. Almost a planned blend of the best of all aspects of Kansas. 2
Side 2-
Opus Insert- More excellence. How many bands can compose a 19th century feeling march into a prog song? Blended with synth in a beautiful manner. This is one damned great consistent album. 5
Questions of My Childhood- My favorite tune on the LP- Some of the best rock songwriting of the era. How this one did not get more attention and air play was a mystery. 1
Cheyenne Anthem- Maybe the weakest cut on the LP, but still a really good tune. 8
Magnum Opus- 9 minute 6 part, piece. If you want a musically tour-de-force, all hell breaks out Kansas song.... This is the one. But IMO not one of the better cuts- 7
Review originally posted on July 30,2022.
