Device Voice Drum [Extra tracks]

Kansas | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Compendia
• ASIN: B00006L3P2
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,421 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Intro

2. Belexes

3. Icarus II

4. Icarus

5. Song for America

6. Howlin' at the Moon

7. The Wall

8. The Preacher

9. Journey from Mariabronn

10. Dust in the Wind

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Miracles Out of Nowhere

2. Point of Know Return

3. Portrait/Pinnacle

4. Fight Fire with Fire

5. Play the Game Tonight

6. Carry on Wayward Son

7. Distant Vision

Editorial Reviews

// Disc 1 // 1. Intro 2. Belexes 3. Icarus II 4. Icarus 5. Song for America 6. Howlin' at the Moon 7. The Wall 8. The Preacher 9. Journey from Mariabronn 10. Dust in the Wind 11. Cheyenne Anthem 12. Child of Innocence // Disc: 2 // 1. Miracles Out of Nowhere 2. Point of Know Return 3. Portrait/Pinnacle 4. Fight Fire with Fire 5. Play the Game Tonight 6. Carry on Wayward Son 7. Distant Vision

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great audio and visual documentation of a great band, October 8, 2002

By 

John G. Miller "jgmiller3" (West Jordan, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Device Voice Drum (Audio CD)

The current members of Kansas got together on June 15, 2002, in Atlanta for a little jam session with a number of their most fervent fans on hand. Oh, yeah, they happened to be recording for a live audio CD and filming for a DVD as well.

The end result: A must-have purchase for any fan of Kansas, priceless live documentation of a band still kicking serious progressive music tail nearly 30 years after they started climbing their way to major popularity.

That kicking starts at the very beginning with "Intro" which slides right into "Belexes" from their first self-titled album, and when's the last time "Belexes" was heard live? Not nearly often enough.

Songs from just about every era of Kansas are included here. There's "Belexes" and a kickin' take on "Journey From Mariabronn" (another Kansas classic not heard nearly enough in a live setting) from the debut album, an extra-spirited performance of "Song For America" from the second album of the same name, the latest live version literally giving me goosebumps upon my first listen. From the last studio album, "Somewhere To Elsewhere," there's "Icarus II," blending into the original "Icarus" from "Masque."

From the John Elefante era, there's "Fight Fire With Fire" and "Play The Game Tonight." From the Steve Morse era, there's "The Preacher" with The New Advent Choir blending in perfectly and giving the tune the full gospel touch it was designed to have. The only era missing here is the one that boasted David Ragsdale on violin and guitar, and Greg Robert on keys, but it's hard to cram so much great music onto a small disc, isn't it?

Every member of the band was on top of their game for this recording. Steve Walsh is in great voice, no signs of the raspiness that's plagued him in the past. This was like the Walsh of old, when he staked his claim as one of the top singers in all of rock. His keys playing here is fantastic as well. Robby Steinhardt's violin is pure all the way through, and he's in great shape vocally as well, he just nails his vocal parts. Richard Williams fills it up with his lead guitar playing, Billy Greer is absolutely precise on bass and backing vocals, and Phil Ehart (the quiet leader of the bunch) is like a finely tuned piston engine on drums.

It's been said by those who were there for the recording that the place was full of unique energy for this event, and it comes through in the recording. Kansas fans from all around the country converged on Atlanta for the filming, and the fans themselves helped pump the energy up to a wonderful level, yet they were perfectly subdued when they needed to be, as in the entrance to "The Wall."

For a visual and audio glimpse of the band Kansas at its finest, the DVD and/or the CD are necessary ingredients for any progressive music collection.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kansas Is Still At Their Best!!, August 10, 2003

By 

Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Device Voice Drum (Audio CD)

Kansas is one of America's premier progressive rock bands. Throughout their 30+ years, they have always displayed strong musicianship, thought provoking lyrics and dynamic composition. With their 2000 studio release, "Somewhere To Elsewhere", Kansas came full circle with the original line-up reuniting for the first time in 20 years. Their latest live CD "Device Voice Drum" brings the band to an even fuller circle.
Recorded in June 2002, "Device Voice Drum" captures a revitalized Kansas performing music mostly from the bands heyday in the 1970's. Classics such as "Belexes", "Song For America", "The Wall" and "Icarus" areplayed with the same intensity and vigor as they were back in the day. The Kansas standards "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust In The Wind" and "Point Of Know Return" still haven't lost their cutting edge and are still among the band's best work.
Musically, the band sounds like they have come back to life in a big way. Singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh's voice has changed considerably since the early years of the band. His commanding forceful tone comes across now as being more strained and roughend. He still knows how to belt these songs out though. Violinist Robby Steinhardt still soars musically and vocally and can still harmonize effortlessly. Guitarist Richard Williams and the rhythm section of Bassist Billy Greer and drummer Phil Ehart are still solid aces on their instruments.
"Device Voice Drum" is an excellent live set from this legendary band. There is only one element missing out of this enitre concert, the presence of founder and band leader Kerry Livgren. Had he been on stage with the band during this concert, this would have been beyond description. However, the five-piece Kansas line-up does a fine job of displaying Livgren's music without him. I'm sure Kerry is proud of them.
This double-live-CD is definitely a piece of nostalgia and truly is a trip down memory lane. I can only hope that Kansas will continue their musical path in the direction they have been carrying it over the last five years.
This is classic Kansas for the 21st Century. In the words of Kansas member Robby Steinhardt, this CD is proof that you can "still rock when you're 52 years old".

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kansas at their current peak, August 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Device Voice Drum (Audio CD)

First of all, for the fans who have made negative personal comments about Robbie's look (hey guy, Robbie looks the same as he did in 1974, save the clothes, where you been? Obviously NOT a fan otherwise you would have known that), Richard's weight (he has been the size he is for the last 8 years, where you been?), Steve's voice (his voice has been in its current state for the last 15 years, though a lot better sounding now than in a long time, so I ask again, where you been?). My question at the end of all those "where have you been" speaks to why you are negative. You have not bothered to keep up with THIS Kansas for the last 15 years. You picked up Device Voice Drum thinking it was Kansas from 1978 and guess what? It isn't and you should go back to your old records and not bother with Kansas. This DVD is for the fans like myself who have bothered to hang around the whole time, who have supported the band and embrace every thing about it. In that light, it comes through like a champ.

Sorry for my digression. It just really gets me upset when people come out here who are obviously fans from days long ago and rip on a band they haven't bothered to keep up with.

My only complaints with Device Voice Drum is that there should have been lots more discussion from the band. A commentary track should have been added, along with longer interviews. This band has been around for 30 years. There is a lot more to talk about than what is given to us on the DVD. Last complaint, and a petty one, not all the albums were covered, especially my favorite, Freaks Of Nature. I still feel that album, even against Somewhere, is their best album since POKR.

Still, with its faults, I love this DVD and accept it faults and all.