LEFTOVERTURE

This is one of my favorite albums of all time, even though this isn't even my favorite Kansas album (but it's close). Surprisingly, however, this is the only Kansas album to make the countdown! I will not go into as much detail on this one, as I have been previously, since so many of us are so familiar with it.

Track 1 - Carry On Wayward Son

From the famous a cappella intro to the classic guitar riffs, the beautiful piano, the fantastic singing, this song is one of the most definitive classic rock songs ever. That said, I never get sick of it. Its popularity probably makes it one of the best-known prog songs ever recorded. It gained new life in this century from its prominent use in the popular TV show Supernatural. Steve Walsh says on the Device Voice Drum DVD that Kerry Livgren wrote 2 timeless songs in Dust in the Wind and this one. I couldn't agree more

Track 2 - The Wall

When I first started listening to Kansas beyond the radio hits, this is one of the ones that grabbed me the most. Beautiful melodies, wonderful instrumentation (that harpsichord!) and amazing vocals make this a candidate for my favorite Kansas song ever.

Track 3 - What's on My Mind

Even for a song that might be considered a deep cut, it's certainly not filler! The way that Steve Walsh and Robbie Steinhardt's voices blend together on the harmonies is just one of many great things about this song. Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams' guitar interplay is fantastic as well in the solo section.

Track 4 - Miracles out of Nowhere

The mysterious keyboard sound at the beginning, the odd meters, the acoustic fingerpicking, the shared lead vocals with Walsh & Steinhardt. There is a reason that this has become a concert staple and fan favorite. Then, let's talk about the 7-8 instrumental break. It's basically a round or canon the way that the different parts interplay. Phil Ehart's drumbeat is deceptive in how it sounds so simple yet isn't. I love the tempo changes. There was no "grid" or pro-tools to contend with in those days, and it was a beautiful thing. The closing instrumental section is just incredible!

Track 5 - Opus Insert

Cosmic keyboards usher this one in. I always feel as though Kansas are revealing the secrets of life on this one. What a fantastically orchestrated instrumental break and closing section.

Track 6 - Questions of My Childhood

The tempo increases on this one. Walsh never gets enough credit for his keyboard skills. Great song.

Track 7 - Cheyenne Anthem

Another fantastic, shared lead vocal between Steinhardt and Walsh. The children's choir is a nice touch. The accelerando in the instrumental break is so much fun. I also love the closing section.

Track 8 - Magnum Opus

- a. Father Padilla Meets the Perfect Gnat

- b. Howling at the Moon

- c. Man Overboard

- d. Industry on Parade

- e. Release the Beavers

- f. Gnat Attack

And we have the closing epic track. Dave Hope gets a bass feature in the intro of this one. Then vibraphone. Never forget that "Rockin' and Rollin'... is only howling at the moon!" What a fantastically proggy extended instrumental section on this one! And Steinhardt finishes it off with a wonderful violin flourish.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

What can I say! It's one of the all-time great prog albums. Shoulda been higher, and shoulda been more Kansas on the list. Maybe it's because it's a British mag readers' poll? Not sure if Kansas is as popular in the UK as they are in the US. 5 out of 5 stars. (Referring to Prog Magazine's top 100 prog albums of all time poll.)