ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME

Most albums of bands playing their back catalog along with a symphony orchestra are epic disasters, with maudlin orchestrations dragging the entire album to elevator music levels. Kansas, with some very good and dynamic orchestration, has managed to escape that pitfall. This album is actually good.

After the strange choice of Eleanor Rigby as an opener, and the obligatory Dust In The Wind, the orchestra begins the first of two overly long interludes leading into a great rendition of Song For America. Thankfully, the song selection leans heavily toward the early (better) albums. The other highlights are Cheyenne Anthem and Nobody's Home (surprise! both from the earlier albums).

The only glaring omission is Carry On Wayward Son. But I won't fault them for not playing it. Steve Walsh's voice was getting tired by this period.