THE BEST OF KANSAS

I used this album to introduce myself to Kansas many moons ago, and I'm very glad that I did. At 48 minutes, this album gives you the most popular Kansas tracks and only a miniscule amount of fluff. On top of that, the album artwork contains references to the ten previous albums the group had released, a clever and beautiful idea.

I had bought this album because I wanted the legendary track Carry On Wayward Son, but I got a lot more than I bargained for. The fifth song in the compilation is an edited 9 minute version of Song For America, the band's best song in my opinion. I had not known previously that this band were a prog band, but one listen to this legendary song kept me coming back for more. Whilst it's disappointing to know that this track is an edit, it certainly motivated to buy the actual album and hear the full version, and I'm really glad that I did.

If Song For America isn't quite enough to rock your boat, the 7-minute No One Together will surely show you what a prog-rock powerhouse these guys were. The classics Dust In The Wind and The Wall are also included, and what fine songs they are.

There are a couple of naff tracks too, from the group's later period. When you compare the finesse and complexity of the instrumental in Song For America to the ugly sound samples heard in Fight Fire With Fire, you'll be able to judge for yourselves how Kansas let themselves slip a bit. Perfect Lover was an unreleased track, not on any album, but there's no joy to be found here either.

It might just be the remaster I have, but I have to say that the sound quality here is awful. Everything on the album is just too quiet and there's no life in the music. Another very good reason for purchasing the albums!

Whilst not being the perfect representation of Kansas, this little compilation actually succeeded in it's goal of getting me hooked on Kansas. I subsequently bought The Ultimate Kansas 2 disc collection, which has all the Kansas songs you'd ever need (including every track on this album minus Perfect Lover but including the full version of Song For America), and I'd recommend that to anyone who has more time to discover this wonderful group. Anybody who already owns the albums should avoid this compilation like the plague, but starters should feel very welcome here. Well done Kansas!