Customer Reviews

When Things Get Electric

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

 

 

This CD might take a few listens to really appreciate. The more you listen, the more you will be blown away. Kerry is one of the best composer/writers' in the music world. His music is very powerful and diverse.This disc features two great vocalists, a superb violinist(David Ragsdale), and some awesome guitar work from Kerry. As always the lyrics are fresh and meaningful.I agree this disc is nothing like "Seeds of Change", but change is good!

Kerry Livgren is best known as one of the founding members of Kansas. When he left the band in the early 80's Livgren set out on a rather uneven solo career that included a stint with his Christian rock band AD, several solo instrumental works, and several albums with vocal songs, and finally Proto Kaw. The material varies widely over these years. "Electric" is an album of vocal rock music leaning on the arena rock side of the fence. Livrgen uses a slew of musicians including fellow Kansas mate David Ragsale and Proto Kaw member Craig Kew. There are two lead vocalists on the disc Darren Rogers and Jason Beddoe, both of whom have very full and powerful voices. The lyrics are all Christian oriented, although they never get overtly preachy. Overall I like this album. The songs are good to great for the most part and the music is very much in line of what fans of Livgren have come to enjoy. My one problem is that on at least some of these tracks I keep thinking how they would sound if Kansas would have done them. A prime example is "A Hero's Canticle". It is a great song, sung and played very well, but this thing sounds like it would have been tailor made for Steve Walsh and Kansas. I would love to hear Walsh and the boys take a crack at this and several other tracks on this disc. Indeed much of this album sounds like mid-period Kansas and should appeal to fans of the band. In conclusion this is a very nice effort from Livgren and company. It probably won't blow you away, but it is well worth owning.

Kerry Livgren is still making quality music as this offering will reveal. On this work he hand picked some very talented, but lesser known, singers/musicians but the outcome is first rate. Most of the songs would be considered hard rock with elements of progressive rock for which he is most well-known. There is no "Dust in the Wind" or "Carry on, Wayward Son" here; however, anyone who was/is a true KANSAS fan will find much to like with repeated listens. The sound even includes some violin from David Ragsdale reminiscent of KANSAS but overall it is heavy guitar with some of the best playing by Kerry even including his KANSAS days. The last song "Xylon, the Tree" is the most intriguing in that it has the longer, anthem format. Don't expect KANSAS here, but you will find a wealth of musical expertise to enjoy. This is Kerry on his own showing that he has not stopped growing as a musician and one of the best rock composers of our time.

Kerry Livgren has to be one of the most talented musicians to come along since Mozart. Each song has its own personality. His music never fails to move me. This album is no exception. His songwriting talents and great skill in finding just the right notes to play on his guitar are brought to life in every song on the disc. Although the whole disc is great, three tracks definitly stand out: "When Things Get Electric", "This Dark World", and "Xylon (The Tree)". These three songs are among Kerry's best to date. If you find these songs "boring", then you'd better check your pulse to make sure you are still among the living. If you were ever a Kansas or Livgren fan and don't own this CD, you owe it to yourself to add it to your collection.

This is agreat CD made by a great musician/song writer. The more I hear it, the more I like it. Intelligent rock music is a rare and precious thing.

Awesome seller, fast & friendly.
Wouldn't hit a lame dog in the behind with this recording, though.
Sounds like AM radio!

Kerry Livgren, the lead guitarist/keyboardist and chief songwriter for progressive rock icons Kansas, released yet another masterful solo work in 1994, entitled, WHEN THINGS GET ELECTRIC (though, I am not sure if I should call it a true solo work, given the stellar support from Corps de Pneuma).

Filled with his own unique fusion of highly melodic tunesmithing, combined with complex and daring playing and arranging, and powerfully meaningful and affecting lyrics, this album ranks with Kerry's best work. In particular, I am blown away by "Xylon (The Tree)," which is a thrilling epic, and also the bluesy, crackling title track.

As he has in the past, Kerry employs various vocalists, who have a healthy blend of soulful realism and the ability to soar celestially. Kansas' superb violinist, David Ragsdale, is also a welcome addition here. Overall, the sound is big and booming, accented by many passages of lovely delicacy.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of Kansas, Kerry Livgren, A.D., Dixie Dregs, Dream Theater, Neil Morse, Transatlantic, Spock's Beard, Styx, Genesis, Queen, Jabberwockie

Don't get me wrong, Kerry's a GREAT songwriter and musician, but this album does nothing. "Seeds Of Change" is great, and so is "One Of Several Possible Musiks", but this is no good. Every now and then, you hear some interesting riffs. I you're a Livgren collector, be my guest. If you're exploring, try the two that I mentioned.