LEFTOVERTURE

Kansas's Leftoverture is criminally underrated in the world of prog, and especially ProgArchives. Why this band doesn't get mentioned more often is beyond my understanding, as they really were one of the great giants in the 70s along with Yes, Genesis, ELP, and the slightly lesser ones of Rush, Tull, and Gentle Giant.

1. Carry On Wayward Son- Now this is one familiar tune. Easily my least favorite on the album, but that doesn't mean it really doesn't rock. The keyboard and guitar interplay is fantastic and often overlooked because the song is so well-known. A wonderfully well-composed anthem with more complexity than you'd be deceived to think. 9/10

2. The Wall- This song is incredibly majestic and is Livgren's actual favorite composition with Kansas. It's easy to see why. The guitar is glorious in this track, along with the beautifully written keyboards. The vocals, drums, bass are also fantastic. What a wonder! 10/10

3. What's On My Mind- This is more in the vein of Kansas's rockier roots, but that doesn't make it any less good than the rest of the songs. This song seems to have been heavily influential to Boston and other bands to come. The interplay here as well is keeping the same level of craftsmanship. 9/10

4. Miracles out of Nowhere- Simply beautiful. If you ever find yourself denying Kansas's pedestal among the other prog giants, think again and listen to this composition. The keyboard counterpoint is wonderful, the violin is incredibly expressive, and everything in this song is perfect. Flawless. 10+/10

5. Opus Insert- Why does this song always get overlooked? Has to be one of my favorite songs from any prog classic of the 1970s. This song has it all! Amazing vocal harmonies, shifting time signatures, catchy and synth-laden keyboard parts, and of course.. the wonderful Wizard of Oz-esque march part in the middle that is simply musically amazing. Flawless. 10+/10

6. Questions of My Childhood- Wow, great keyboard work here! And try not singing along to THOSE vocals! This is really catchy, extremely addicting, and very well-written. Livgren has outdone himself 3 times in a row. The questions of my childhood weave a web of mystery! This is a delightful song. 10/10

7. Cheyenne Anthem- And it just keeps getting better, if that is even possible! This song is not near as upbeat as the previous track, but it is possibly even more amazing and touching. The song is again perfectly composed; it flows absolutely without flaw. My favorite moments are the children's choir and the amazing keyboard parts in the middle of the track. Flawless. Life has only just begun... 10+/10

8. Magnum Opus- Arguably Kansas's most progressive track. The guitar here is AMAZING! The structure is heavily progressive and experimental (by Kansas's standards or by mainstream prog, particularly U.S., for that matter). You couldn't pick a better closing song. 10/10

If you don't own this album, get it now. It is easily one of the too oft overlooked masterpieces of classic progressive rock.

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