KANSAS

Fantastic debut album by one of the best prog bands that ever graced these American shores. The first song, "Can I Tell You" was thee song that got them their recording contract, a sort of southern boogie/jammy song with their unmistakable signature sound; upfront violin and vocal harmonization. More of the same with the following song, "Bring It Back" which has an even stronger southern boogie sound ala Robbie's violin picking and his rough and tumble voice. "Lonely Wind" is their first ballad and is beautifully sung by Walsh. After getting those three songs out of the way, what follows are some out-and-out classic symph prog songs that need to be heard. "Belexes" is a rocking fast-paced song, a hold over from the pre-Kansas Proto-Kaw days. A classic! "Journey From Mariabronn" starts out with killer keys and great playing all-around, another stunning prog song by the band. "The Pilgrimmage" slows down things a bit with a tinge of Jazz mixed in their brand of rock. What comes next is their biggest one-two punch, "Apercu" and "Death Of Mother Nature Suite" are two different songs, but are not broken up ala "Mysteries And Mayhem" and "The Pinnacle" were on the MASQUE album. "Apercu" has more tempo shifts and mood changes than most bands can fit in a 20 minute song, it's magnificent! Livgren and Walsh do not get the respect that other keyboard players get because of the nature of this band, but they should. One just needs to listen to this song to hear how good they really are. The album culminates with the dramatic last song which has my favorite ending of any other Kansas song. It's very much in the Genesis mode of power and majesty, and man!, those synths playing just under the acoustic and electric guitars...pure heaven! Now that the album has been re-mastered, it's a no-brainer to pick this album up if you have any interest in hearing this band. It's a bonifide classic and a must have. 4.5 stars bumped down to four for the boogie songs that just don't fit, but hey, that's Kansas like it or not. And I definately do!