ON THE OTHER SIDE

Given the atrocious original cover art for this compilation, it's no wonder the record label decided to change it. The track selection is a queer one, though, with the two biggest hits naturally included, but most everything else are songs that even some casual Kansas fans might not recognize. Those who know and love Kansas can attest that that can be a good thing and a bad thing. In this case, it's decidedly both. Included are "On the Other Side," "Can I Tell You," and "What's on My Mind," three excellent short tracks. Then there's "It Takes a Woman's Love (to Make a Man)" and "Two Cent Worth," two songs from the band's third album which are really the worst of the bunch. With the exception of "Child of Innocence" and "Dust in the Wind," all of these songs are chronologically the first of their respective albums- a curious and rather haphazard choice. The glorious second album is passed over entirely, and none of Kerry Livgren's greatest masterpieces are included. I can't say I would recommend this compilation to anyone, really, even if the songs are all generally good, primarily because it would only serve to cement the commonly-asserted canard that Kansas is merely an arena rock band playing nothing more intricate than Styx or Journey.