LEFTOVERTURE

Despite the background and intentions of these talented musicians, I never felt much attraction to their music. It seems too sterile and rock-oriented to me. I never even thought to include this band in the same group with the "art rockers" that later became known as "progressive rock" artists. For me, KANSAS was a group of pop rockers akin to STYX, BOSTON, JOURNEY, and QUEEN (none of whom I would call progressive rock groups). While there may be progressive elements to some of the songs or even an album or two of these artists, they are not in my opinion true progressive rock artists. "Second tier" prog rock I call them. Or "prog wannabes." The only song I can and could ever tolerate from Leftoverture is the hit, "Carry On My Wayward Son." Nothing else that Kansas ever did has connected with me--even now, years later, blessed as I am now with a greater appreciation for composition and musicianship.