Kansas - Leftoverture


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Legacy/Epic
Catalog Number: 85386
Format: CD
Total Time: 55:21:00

Even if their third opus, Masque, confirmed that Kansas was a name that prog lovers would have to reckon with, it's only with Leftoverture that the band officially entered the ranks of the all-time masters of this great genre. Trailed by the famous single "Carry On Wayward Son" (a track that has been covered by Dream Theater), the album topped the US charts at an amazing pace (reaching #5), starting the golden age for the band from Topeka. And we must admit that, opposed to the music of the current phenomenon (the names are too many to mention), the success portrayed by Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh and Co. was clearly well deserved, 'cause there isn't a dreadful song in all of Leftoverture. The thing is that, if someone identifies Leftoverture only with "Carry On Wayward Son", his/her remark falls visibly off the mark, as the celestial phrasings of "The Wall" and "What's On My Mind" are ready to demonstrate after the aforementioned single ends. The well-known prog mastery of the band comes out in the open with "Miracles Out Of Nowhere," another classic song that possesses a killer final break. At this point the record slows a bit (in pace) with "Opus Inert" and "Questions Of My Childhood," before the poetic beauty of "Cheyenne Anthem" sets us up for the majestic suite "Magnum Opus." This song, divided in 6 pieces, starts with a gentle rhythm, and then reverts to an instrumental profusion that, even after 25 years, still gives chills up the spine. It must be noted that this instrumental movement ideally sums up what Kansas embodied for prog rock over all those years, and what I hope they still will be able to embody for many years to come.

Originally released 1976 by Kirshner/CBS (JZ 34224)


Tracklisting:
Carry On Wayward Son (5:23) / The Wall (4:48) / What's On My Mind (3:28) / Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:27) / Opus Insert (4:27) / Questions Of My Childhood (3:36) / Cheyenne Anthem (6:52) / Magnum Opus: a. Father Padilla Meets The Perfect Gnat b. Howling At The Moon c. Man Overboard d. Industry On Parade e. Release The Beavers f. Gnat Attack (8:24) / Carry On Wayward Son (Live, Previously Unreleased) / Cheyenne Anthem (Live, Previously Unreleased)

Musicians:
Kerry Livgren - guitar, piano, synths
Steve Walsh - vocals, keys, synths
Rich Williams - guitar
Phil Ehart - drums
Robby Steinhardt - violin
Dave Hope - bass

Discography:
Kansas (1974)
Song For America (1975)
Masque (1975/2001)
Leftoverture (1976/2001)
Point of Know Return (1977/1984/2002)
Two For The Show (1978)
Monolith (1979)
Audio Visions (1980)
Vinyl Confessions (1982)
Drastic Measures (1983)
The Best Of Kansas (1984)
Power (1986)
In The Spirit Of Things (1988)
Carry On (1990)
Live At The Whisky (1992)
Box Set (1994)
Freaks of Nature (1995)
Always Never The Same (1998)
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1998)
Definitive Collection (1999)
Best Of Kansas (altered re-release) (1999)
Somewhere To Elsewhere (2000)
Live! Extended Versions (2000)
The Ultimate Kansas (2002)
Device-Voice-Drum (2002)
In Concert (2003)
Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 (2004)
On The Other Side (2005)
Kansas: Extended Versions (2005)
Works In Progress (2006)
Super Hits (2007)
Discover Kansas (2007)
There's Know Place Like Home (2010)

Best Of Kansas Live (VHS) (1982)
Live At The Whisky (VHS) (1995)
Device Voice Drum (DVD) (2002)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: August 31st 2001
Reviewer: Igor Italiani

Artist website: www.kansasband.com
Hits: 3140
Language: english

  

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