THE ULTIMATE KANSAS BOX SET

This is an excellent box set containing their best classic tracks with great booklet. I don't actually enjoy the best of any prog bands because I don't think that it's enough to summarize their great tunes (that usually takes around 7-8 minutes duration even more each track). The only excuse that I have to purchase the box set of prog bands like King Crimson, Genesis, Yes, etc. is the booklet inside the package. Some box sets feature the family tree of the band and how it relates one to another. Good example is the Yes Years box set that has beautiful booklet (LP size) and also King Crimson "Frame by Frame". This Kansas box set by no exception has a good history of the band in its booklet.

All tracks of CD 1 are excellent with attention to some tracks include "Can I tell you (demo)" - great violin of classic Kansas tune, "Death of Mother Nature Suite (live)" - even though the sonic quality is not excellent but it is performed lively, "Journey from Mariabronn". The track that introduced me to the band at first time "Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman (live)" is now performed live; that's good enough to satisfy my need having liked the tune since the first spin. "Pinnacle" has been my all time Kansas favorite. I love the catchy melody and its tight composition. The structure is superb!

CD 2 contains also great tracks with special attention to: "The Wall" - melodious and stunning guitar work, "What's on My Mind", "Magnum Opus" - this song was once considered as sign of the bird of prog metal sub-genre, "Portrait (He knew)" - represents Livgren's admiration to a scientist: Albert Einstein, "Opus Insert". Unfortunately, the other tracks are just good and not excellent. Some are boring tracks like "Dust in The Wind" (ugh . I hate it!) and "Hold On". "Carry On Wayward Son" is also another excellent track even though I get bored with it as this track has been aired too much in my country's FM classic rock station.

Recommended! GW, Indonesia.