Customer Reviews

Masque (Exp)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In late 1974, lot's of my friends were ravin' about a band called Kansas. In fact, a big-time narc in San Diego, used a story that he had been the original drummer for the band {Phil Ehart he WAS NOT!} Well, in 75 I was trapped onboard a ship floating around the South China Sea, and I met a new guy who brought along a boombox, and a bunch of cassette tapes. This guy named Russell, had all three of the Kansas records on tape and out on that hot tropical sea, I had my first exposure to the music of Kansas. Russ, had already seen the band in concert twice, and was already a big fan. We played those cassettes until they melted!

"Masque" is the third Kansas record, and the last before the big-breakout of 1977 and: "Leftoverture". It is the first Kansas record to feature anything close to a 'single' with the inclusion of: "It Take's A Woman's Love" and "It's You". But all the best stuff akin to the first two Kansas records is here as well. Masque, includes the classic Kansas tracks: "Child of Innocence", "Icarus~Borne On Wings Of Steel", "Mysteries & Mayhem" and "The Pinnacle".

Russell, told me that this music, was only a blueprint to what the group was able to perform in concert. Heavy guitar, beautiful keyboards and amazing violin passages are along side some really fantastic vocals. This was really something for me to learn that this band had been playing biker bars in Topeka only 2 years before this 1975 recording. But by 1975, we here in the USA, at last had a band that could show the Brits what real music was indeed all about.

It wasn't until 1977, that Russell, myself and some new converts were able to see Kansas play live in Winterland, San Francisco. But as that was probably the greatest live show of music, that I was lucky enough to witness, that my friends, is a whole 'nother story.

This is a Great One. "Masque" is a keeper!
FOUR STARS !!!

This was the first Kansas album I bought when it released in 1975, and remains one of my favorites. Robbie Steinhart's violin (unheard of in rock albums for the most part) really added a uniqueness, when coupled with Kerry Livgren's guitar and Steve Walsh's keyboards and vocals made for an awesome sound, that was a refreshing departure from most other bands of the time. My album has long since left my possession, so adding the CD to my collection has reminded me just how good these guys were.

Originally released in 1975, Masque was the third album from progressive rock legends Kansas. I've wanted to take this album on for a long time, but reviewing an album of this caliber always seemed like too daunting a task. I love progressive metal, and for me this album is the prototype for the entire genre.

Of course, when you pop this disc into the player and hear the barroom boogie of "It Takes a Woman's Love (To Make a Man)" and "Two Cents Worth," progressive metal is the last thing that comes to mind. Aside from those two songs, and later, "It's You," Masque has some extremely epic, very dramatic songs that serve as the blueprint for the progressive metal bands that followed. In particular, look at the songs "Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel" and "The Pinnacle." The technical musicianship on these songs is matched with a sense of grandeur and majesty (not to mention overall heaviness) that was truly groundbreaking. As much as I love Symphony X's Odyssey, that album's 23-minute title track is clearly based on what Kansas did nearly 30 years earlier with "The Pinnacle." Even the shorter "Child of Innocence" and "Mysteries and Mayhem" feel like epic compositions.

The combination of hard rock, progressive technicality and fantastic, conceptual subject matter evident on Masque is reflected years later in the works of Dream Theater, Vanden Plas and Symphony X. Beyond that, Masque is just an incredible album. The schizophrenic shift between boogie rock and epic prog is a bit too jarring for this to be considered a perfect album, but it definitely has its share of transcendent moments. "The Pinnacle" in particular is a song that every fan of progressive metal needs to hear. I still get chills when that song starts.

I still don't feel like I've done the album justice, but I'm glad I finally managed to pay my respect to this influential release. It may not be as highly regarded as Leftoverture or Point Of Know Return, but Masque will always be my favorite Kansas album.

Edition Notes: Masque was finally remastered in 2001. In addition to the digital remastering, the reissue features demo versions of "Child of Innocence" and "It's You." The bonus tracks are completely forgettable, and you'll never need to hear them twice, but the remastering is well worth the price of the reissue.

I think this is some of the bands best work. Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh and company bring Southern, Rock n Roll, Heavy Metal and Fusion together beautifully. Joining Kerry Livgren on his musical journey through Spirituality is a great ride.

"Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel" is a classic song on this album - I think this album is one of the best 10 rock albums of all time. I only base that decision on a sampling of folks who grew up in St. Louis County - (North County) in the 1970's.

While my 1st exposure to Kansas was in 1975 with Overture I found it to be quite different from the rock that I listened to and really didnt care that much for it. Later on when I heard Masque I imeadiately appreciated the varied talent of this band on this album. Masque became the only Kansas album that I ever owned and cared for. Masque is full of songs that alone I think would make a best of complimation album with my favorites and oh this is hard It Takes A Womans Love and Mysteries and Mayhem. Also I love the art work on the cover of this album I forgot who did it but the Indian is made up of all different types of sea creatures. Great concept artistic inside and out.

"Masque" is one of the best albums by Kansas. It's a really great album. I think its just as good as "Leftoverture" and even better than "Point of Know return". I like every single song on this album. The two best songs on this album are "Icarus, Borne on Wings of Steel" and "Child of Innocence".

If you like Kansas, I would recommend getting this album. If you have only heard "Carry on Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind", and "Point of Know Return", I would recommend their albums "Leftoverture" or "Best of Kansas" before you get this one. If you like Kansas's most popular songs, you would probably like "Masque" also.

I have a ton of vinyl from my young adult life and when re-buying every thing on CD this one slipped through the cracks. I do not know why i skipped this one. It's almost like rediscovering it with fresh ears. This is such a GREAT recording. "The Pinnacle" is my fav song from this. All of the songs are fantastic. You can really hear the beginnings of the style that defined them for the years to come. Leftoverture is also a great recording and most folks consider it the best of the best of Kansas. If you liked Leftoverture you will love Masque. My only criticism is in the recording quality. It seems a bit flat. My vinyl sounds better than the CD. Anyone else notice this?

Solid third album from a great 70s and 80s band. After first two albums, this release brought a whole new level of production and solid musicianship. Most fans know Kansas from "Leftoverture" - but this is actually the stronger album. Not sure I loved the sax, but overall the arrangements were tighter than any other Kansas album (my opinion) and they really adavanced their game.

CD is great. Have this one in my vinyl LP-Album collection from the old days, and now that my turntable is obsolete and not in working order, hadn't had any opportunity to listen to any of my stock from the old days. Great to rekindle the music of this rocking band.