Kansas - Device-Voice-Drum

Year of Release: 2002
Label: SPV
Catalog Number: SPV 089-71492
Format: CD
Total Time: 133:07:00

You know, sometimes Christmas arrives a little earlier for some fortunate souls, and it seems that this year I was one of those "lucky guys," as I've already found under the Xmas tree the new double live CD of mighty Kansas, the audio testimony of their unique concert performed this past June in Atlanta to celebrate the release of the band's first DVD. (Doubly lucky, considering that the album won't be released here in Europe until January 2003*). And it must be said, even if I expected it, knowing the importance of the night briefly recalled, Kansas played their hearts out once again in Georgia. This thanks mainly to a flawless track list that featured 18 historic hits (plus the "Distant Vision" live video included as a bonus) taken from various periods of their glorious career. "Icarus", "Icarus II", the eternal "Dust In The Wind," the almost forgotten "The Preacher" (from In The Spirit Of Things, one of Kansas' most underrated albums), plus the choral and classic finale of "Carry On Wayward Son" are all included. All in all, nearly two hours of exceptional music, played in perfect balance between heart and mind, where progressive reaches its zenith. But there's more to add ... the great sound production of the show and ... well, the band itself, with the "typical" Steve Walsh (did I tell you I admire this guy so much?) displaying for the zillionth time spectacular vocal lines, maybe a little rawer than the ones of some years ago (hey, time passes for everyone, so what's the fuss!), but always enthralled with unique emotions! So the end of the line is that this record can be considered a "must-buy" for those who still love awesome music filled with passion. In fact only a couple of things made me whinge somewhat about Device - Voice - Drum: the fact that Kerry Livgren, the alter ego of Steve in most of Kansas' records was not on hand for the show, and moreover that I would have loved to be in attendance. Mmhh ... well, maybe that's something I'll ask Santa Claus next time... :-)

* The CD was released in the US in October via Compendia

Tracklisting:
Disc One: Intro (0:15) / Belexes (6:41) / Icarus II (7:15) / Icarus (6:23) / Song For America (9:22) / Howlin' At The Moon (1:59) / The Wall (5:36) / The Preacher (4:08) / Journey From Mariabronn (9:19) / Dust In The Wind (4:25) / Cheyenne Anthem (7:18) / Child Of Innocence (4:59)

Disc Two: Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:31) / Point Of Know Return (3:19) / Portrait/Pinnacle (7:44) / Fight Fire With Fire (3:24) / Play The Game Tonight (3:47) / Carry On Wayward Son (9:45) / Enhanced CD Bonus Track: Distant Vision (20:57)

Musicians:
Steve Walsh - keyboards, vocals
Phil Ehart - drums
Billy Greer - bass, vocals
Robbie Steinhardt - violin, vocals
Richard Williams ? guitars

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: December 15th 2002
Reviewer: Igor Italiani

Artist website: www.kansasband.com
Hits: 2423
Language: english