KANSAS

I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive about the purchase of "Kansas", Kansas's debut album. I don't know why but I put off purchasing it after all the band's "classic" albums, I guess it just gave me a bad vibe. I remember biting the bullet one day a buying it on the strength that the last song on the album "Death of Mother Nature Suite" would be good. This song title really appealed to me and I'd heard reviews say that it was about the mistreatment of Mother Nature and her children. I have to say I was itching the whole way through the album, waiting to get to Death of Mother Nature Suite. Luckily, I was not disappointed with the song, it remains one of my very favourite Kansas songs and I believe it is one of the most overlooked peices in Kansas's output.

On that note the whole album seems to be unappreciated and the most overlooked album from Kansas. Personally I find it superior to many following Kansas albums and it ranks third in the list for best Kansas albums, behind 'Point of No Return' and 'Leftoverture'. "Kansas" is a more down to earth album, while still aspirating to greatness in my mind. Although no chart-topping hits emerged from the album, I believe it is essential to any Kansas fan. Robby Steinhardt has a much more noticeable prescene on "Kansas" and in some parts of the album his violin dominates as he was many solos throughout the album. The violin is best in "Apercu" which features great interplay between all members in the extended instrumental sections.

"Death of Mother Nature Suite" is the most meaningful song on "Kansas" in my opinion as it speaks of how we have basically choked the life out of the world. It addresses an issue which affects each and everyone each day and remains a looming doom. The line "and now she's going to die" carries great effect to the song. Other songs like "Lonely Wind", "Journey from Mariabronn" and "Apercu" go up as some of the band's very best. Other hints of Southern rock emerge here and there, particularly in "Bringing it Back" and "Can I Tell You."

1. Can I Tell You (3.5/5) 2. Bringing It Back (3/5) 3. Lonely Wind (4/5) 4. Belexes (3.5/5) 5. Journey from Mariabronn (4.5/5) 6. The Pilgrimage (4/5) 7. Apercu (4.5/5) 8. Death of Mother Nature Suite (5/5) Total = 32 divided by 8 (number of songs) = 4 = 4 stars Excellent addition to any prog music collection

The 30th Anniversary Remaster Edition of "Kansas" comes with a nine minute live version of "Bringing it Back" as well as better sound quality and all the other stuff you'd expect from a remaster. "Kansas" is a very good album and cements Kansas in my mind as one of the very best progressive bands around. I'd recommend Kansas to any fan of Dream Theater or Symphonic prog, Dream Theater have taken some very obvious influences from Kansas so take a look!