Customer Reviews

The Best Of Kansas

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Rejoice, Kansas fans! One of rock's most enduring bands celebrates its 25th recording anniversary with a superb re-mastering of its popular BEST OF Collection. Perhaps the biggest news here is the inclusion of "Closet Chronicles," from the original 1978 live TWO FOR THE SHOW album, which was tragically deleted from that album's CD release. This has always been one of my favorite Kansas songs, and that live performance sounds glorious here in its first CD appearance (it's the next best thing to having it restored to TWO FOR THE SHOW). Two other "bonus" tracks appear on this new configuration: "The Pinnacle" from the underrated MASQUE album, and "The Devil Game" from the SONG FOR AMERICA masterpiece. Both are challenging, yet compelling pieces, lyrically and musically. Kerry Livgren rightfully considers "The Pinnacle" as one of his best moments. I wish that "People of the Southwind," a big Kansas hit from MONOLITH could have been included here. "Perfect Lover," which appeared on the original BEST OF, has been deleted. (If you like that tune, you should get a copy of the old BEST OF before they are all gone. Frankly, there are much better Elefante-era songs available.) In reflecting upon a couple of the sillier reviews posted in this section, I will use the rest of my space here to ask, why would anyone who dislikes Kansas even bother to listen to a BEST OF compilation? If you hate Kansas, Journey, and Styx so much, why not go back to your loser Nirvana, Green Day, Master P, Marky Mark, and Vanilla Ice pages? Furthermore, anyone who doesn't know who Kerry Livgren is has no business posting a review of a Kansas album. Kerry & Co. are responsible for some of the finest music to grace the American airwaves over the past quarter century. Their music remains as fresh and timeless today as when it was recorded, and offers a tremendous reward to sophisticated music fans who can think for themselves and are not brainwashed by SPIN Magazine, MTV, the "Real World," and Kurt Loder. Kansas is the "pinnacle" of progressive rock in America. If you are unfamiliar with their work, but you enjoy music that can howl like a hurricane, or waft as gently as a feather on a breeze; if you appreciate thought-provoking lyrics; if you like the kind of musicians who are good enough to be cosidered virtuosos, but humble enough to play as a team...then you owe it to yourself to buy this CD now and give it a listen. Kansas is a band!

Kansas has such a variety of sounds, you will not be bored with just listening to the entire CD

The Wall and Point of no return, great!! What the heck happenned to Kansas anyway, Steve Morse left I think...

I really enjoy listening to this cd. It contains some of the best songs Kansas recorded. By far the best song is "Dust in the Wind" However all of the songs are excellent. This is a cd you will want to listen to often!

I think that the band, will go down in history, and this will be one of the major hightlights. the best song, is "Dust in the Wind" it it one hell of a great song.

I'm not going to join your feud as it's none of my business. I've got my own internet war raging in the video section mostly (starting with ALIEN and ALIENS; although the poor Carpenters are being exploited shamelessly - and a few books too), but I do want to say that at moments Kansas rises to the top of contemporary music (no matter who lines up). "Mother Nature Suite" is a personal favorite, and "Dust in the Wind" was utilized so well at the close of the film "Heroes" it warrants an honor medal. A pivotal ensemble of talented musicians that molded the landscape of music anew. Did I say that?

(A special thank you to my buddy Steve Simpson for letting me log on and sound off.) To James Rotondi, the designated Amazon reviewer for the "Best of Kansas" CD: With a little homework, you could have written a much more accurate and helpful review. First of all, the CD is released on Epic Associated/Legacy, not Arista. Secondly, you bemoaned the lack of any tracks from the excellent "Masque" album. Actually, "The Pinnacle" (Track 10) is from "Masque" and is, I might add, definitely the best track from that album. Also, you discuss the jarring nature of "Perfect Lover." What's really jarring is that "Perfect Lover" is NOT EVEN ON THIS ALBUM! It WAS on the old "Best of," but was deleted on this re-release. So, three strikes, and you're out, pal! As for my opinion, for what it's worth, this is as perfect as possible for an overview of a group that, as Rotondi notes, is at its finest on longplay albums. Enduring rock hit classics, such as "Carry On Wayward Son," "Point of Know Return," and "Dust in the Wind," are nicely complimented by epic album cut masterpieces such as "Song for America" and "No One Together." And, the long overdue CD debut of the 1978 live version of "Closet Chronicles" finally makes its appearance on this compilation. In short, this CD is a must for any true progressive music fan.

In case anyone else was wondering...

swells@destiny.esd105.wednet.edu from Yakima, Washington , September 17, 1998 Kerry Livgren's departure from Kansas was a disapointment to all die-hard Kansas fans, however we all saw it coming as he and Steve Walsh drifted apart both musically and philosophically. Livgren's Kansas lyrics read like a road map of his search, literally, for life's meaning. We didn't have to wait too long, however, to see what this guitar virtuoso would come up with. On this, his first solo effort, Livgren has gathered together some phenomenal musicians(Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath, Barrimore Barlow of Jethro Tull, David Pack of Ambrosia, Paul Goddard of Atlanta Rhythym Section and many others including Dave Hope of Kansas) and he's finally done things "his" way. The result is an inspiring and musically powerful collection of songs. It is a departure from the Kansas sound but his Christian perspective is encouraging and his use of great back-up musicians and guests produces a very good recording for anyone who appreciates Kerry Livgren's awesome guitar and keyboard work as well as some deep and thought-provoking lyrics. Go get it (if you can find it).

I guess the guys from Stryper were too busy to help out.

I hope we do hear back from A music fan from Indianapolis, who on November 18, 1998 wrote that this album contains songs no one should have to sit through. "Maybe I could buy this, buy the Journey Greatest hits, sit down, and once and for all determine which of these bands deserves the title of Worst Band Ever."

Before publishing the final verdict, maybe he should also consult with other Amazon Customers who bought titles by Kansas (and) also bought titles by these artists:

Styx

Kerry Livgren Rush Boston Journey ..... Foreigner

Surely there must be a Star Trek convention coming to Indianapolis soon, and these alleged customers shouldn't be hard to find there. But in the meantime, from this stellar list I would vote for Styx, with Journey a close second, for overall scatology.

p.s. who the heck is kerry livgren? Is he/she in the Chieftains?

---Big Tone

Maybe I could buy this, buy the Journey Greatest hits, sit down, and once and for all determine which of these bands deserves the title of Worst Band Ever. Then again, maybe it's not worth enduring this platter of dreck, even in the name of science. If all we are is dust in the wind, don't add insult to injury by making me listen to this, too.