ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME

This is actually a compilation of the band's hits with re-arrangement of their original work using orchestra with London Symphony Orchestra. The concept is similar with "The Symphonic Music of Yes" where original band members still play the music and the composition is strengthen with real orchestra. The result is an excellent alternative of Kansas music. Most of the main melody do not change much but the additional orchestration usually adds value during transition pieces or filling the gaps between breaks. Songs highlight include "Miracles out of Nowhere"(re-arranged with more dynamic sounds), "The Wall", "Song For America", "The Wall", "Cheyenne Anthem", "Hold On". There is also one track by the Beatles re-arranged with orchestration "Eleanor Rigby".

I had been insofar familiar with two versions of "Eleanor Rigby"; first by Esperanto "Last Tango" album and the other one from our local rock band God Bless (based in Jakarta). Listening another third version by Kansas of this legendary song from The Beatles is very enjoyable - the arrangement is truly excellent. As I have heard three alternate versions from the original studio version, my preference goes this way: 1. by Esperanto, 2. by God Bless and 3. by Kansas even though all of them are excellent. I even plan to compile all this three versions into one CDR like I did with Genesis' Cinema Show combining the one from The Flower Kings as well.

"Dust In The Wind" which I had been bored because it was repeated many times in typical FM station, is more enjoyable with this album. "Song for America" which has been added with "Preamble" is really great. "In Your Eyes" (written by Steve Walsh) which I had not been familiar with is also arranged beautifully. The other important track to enjoy is "The Sky is Falling".

This project took two years from inception to completion and produced by Phil Ehart, Richard Williams, and Trammell Starks. Orchestra arranged and conducted by Larry Baird. It's rewarding album as we can hear different style of Kansas music. The project remarked the return of Robbie Steinhardt. Overall vocal quality of Steve Walsh had dropped - probably too much drinking? Overall, it's an excellent addition to any prog collection. Keep on proggin' ..

Progressively yours, GW