LEFTOVERTURE

I vividly recall that Leftoverture was my first encounter with Kansas and it's undoubtedly the best possible introduction one can get!

Every single track on this recording has some great quality, even if Carry On Wayward Son seems to be the one that gets most recognition. This well known album-opener is definitely worthy of distinction for being both a great commercial tune while still maintaining a great artistic quality to it. Still, it's the The Wall that has always been my definite favorite composition out of the bunch. This track could have easily worked even if it was expanded to double of its current size. This was not really possible due to the length limitations of the vinyl record, but may I be the first to suggest trimming down Magnum Opus to half its length in order to give more space to this wonderful composition? A daring statement, to say the least, but I never really cared for that track's overlong build-up.

There are really no weak tracks here, which is a great surprise considering the way Kansas' previous albums turned out. Even the debut album had an unnecessary piece like Bringing It Back! This is really not a problem on Leftoverture as we are treated not only to the band's most accomplished material but also to their most progressive such as well. Even upbeat tunes like Opus Insert, that would have been played straight on other records, but are played with an excellent spin on the instrumental arrangements. In this particular case, Phil Ehart definitely steals the show with his drum work.

There is really no reason for me to push this review any further since this album is already this band's most recognized release and I'm sure that you'll find all the additional information in other reviews. For me this is easily one of the best examples of great music by Kansas and an excellent addition to any prog rock music collection!

***** star songs: Carry On Wayward Son (5:13) The Wall (4:47) Opus Insert (4:26)

**** star songs: What's On My Mind (3:27) Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:29) Questions Of My Childhood (3:38) Cheyenne Anthem (6:50) Magnum Opus (8:27)