Letters From Utopia [Import]

Kayak | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 6, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B002MWSKNI
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,003 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Rhea

2. Because 1

3. Turbulence

4. Before The Angels Fell

5. Breaking The News

6. For All The Wrong Reasons

7. Under The Radar

8. Hard Work

9. Nobody Wins

Disc: 2

1. Circles In The Sand

2. Never Was

3. Glass Bottom Boat

4. Horror In Action

5. A Whisper

6. Parallel Universe

7. Let The Record Show

8. Brother In Rhyme

9. When The Love Has Gone

10. Letters From Utopia

Editorial Reviews

2009 two CD release from the veteran Dutch rockers. Letters From Utopia contains 19 new songs spread over a double disc set. ''We simply recorded too many songs,'' says Ton Scherpenzeel. ''And by cutting and editing we probably could have turned it into one long album, but stretching the CD-length is a technical risk for some CD players. We also could have opted for keeping some of the tracks as a bonus for singles or special editions, but we found out that in the end it doesn't make a whole lot of difference, sales-wise. So we are going to release it as a double album, which is great because now we don't have to choose which songs will or will not appear on the album. Just over 35 minutes per CD is a good length, long enough to keep the attention of the listeners going so all songs can get the credit they need.''

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Letters From Utopia- A MUST Buy, May 28, 2010

By 

Marshall Sheppard Jr. (Gloucester, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Letters From Utopia (Audio CD)

First I must admit that I have been a Kayak fan since "back in the day". Also, I have never written a review for Amazon even though albums I have really liked have been trashed, in some cases unfairly, but, everyone is entitled to their opinion....right!! I have been around progressive rock for years having managed American progressive rock band Salem Hill and working with Prog Day, the longest running international progressive rock festival ever. That being said, I have had the opportunity to see and listen to some of the world's best in this "reborn" genre. "Letters From Utopia" is an example of some of the best music out there. The cut "Before The Angels Fell" should be considered an automatic Kayak classic and represents one of the best examples of progressive rock available. Letters From Utopia carries on where the band left off with their previous release, "Coming Up For Air" Kayak now has a harder and leaner sound than perhaps earlier releases...which I must admit, I like. And yes, the ballads which Kayak is famous for are still there such as "Breaking The News" from The Letters cd. The vocal dynamics between Cindy Oudshoorn, Edward Reekers and Rob Vunderink are sonic, vibrant, rich and a treat for the ears. This is the best vocal line up Kayak has ever had. Of course band founder and keyboardist extradinaire Ton Scherpenzeel, continues to be one of the best writer's in the business "Letters From Utopia",a double cd, contains everything fans have come to expect from a band which could have hung it up years ago but yet, has continued to release intelligent, whitty lyrics and vibrant music, unlike so many bands which now make a living on past laurels. The sad and unfortunate death of drummer Pim Koopman last November has left a musical and lyrical void which I can only hope Kayak will manage to fill. For current fans of Kayak, buy this album and treat yourself to a great continuation of Kayak's rich history. You folks who may be unfamiliar with the the music of Kayak give "Letters From Utopia" a spin along with "Coming Up For Air" which will provide a meaningful introduction to the band. For those Kayak fans and newbies that want a TOTAL immersion, I strongly recommend "Kayak, The Anniversary Box- 1973-2008. This four cd + DVD of the 2008 "Live in Paradiso" set is well worth the price. Several cd's of Fan Favorites is also included as voted on by Kayak fans.

4.0 out of 5 stars Welcome back Kayak!, December 3, 2010

By 

Edward A. Truslow (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Letters From Utopia (Audio CD)

After what seems like a decade...well, it has been a decade since the brilliant "Close to the Fire" was released...Kayak finally is somewhat back on track with this very decent effort. It has much of the same feel as the "Phantom of the Night" period, with some solid musicianship, melodically constructed tunes, and better-than-average singing. Yes, I am a Max fan (having had an extremely memorable lunch with the great singer/drummer himself in Amsterdam back in '01), but putting that aside, this Kayak album rises to the occasion and is there is much to savor, especially after the horrid "Coming Up For Air," the disposable "Night Vision," and the laborious "Merlin's/Nostradamus" noodlings. It's a fitting tribute to Pim and his skills for his final appearance, and it genuinely sounds as if this time around, everyone had a damn good time making the album. Keep making 'em like this, and I'll keep buying them (well, actually that hasn't stopped me from buying every release since I picked up "Royal Bed Bouncer" in '76...always your loyal fan from the Golden State, Ton).

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Courtesy Stars, February 22, 2010

By 

ExtravaganzaSD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters From Utopia (Audio CD)

I admit up front that I haven't really listened to this. I also have to admit I haven't really connected with this band for a long time but I love their stuff they did in their original incarnation.

I just wanted to note the passing of original member, drummer and songwriter Pim Koopman last year and say thanks for the great music. The five stars in this review are for him. This is the last album they will release with him (and since they haven't decided if they will continue without him maybe their last ever.)