Steve Walsh is a nice guy. He lived at the end of my street for years. Throws one helluva Halloween bash every year. I first met him when they were writing Dust in the Wind.
Hi everyone, "Tony" here, As a child, I was raised by all sorts of music, including the music of my parents who were from Central America, so it was everything from Latin music, and Rock and Pop of the 1960's and 70's. It was my Dad's love of the Beatles and Santana that started the 1st part of my musical journey. From the mid-70's onward, I was being pulled-in by Pop music on the AM dial, Disco was just starting, and I was being lured away from Rock. But for my birthday in 1977, I received the 1st albums of my own; ELO - Out of the Blue, Kiss - Alive II, Foreigner's debut album, and Kansas - Point of Know Return. I did what no kid I knew at that time was doing, okay . . . the radio played the title-track and Dust in the Wind. But when I DIVED into this precious album, while reading the lyrics, absorbing the art of the cover and the lyric sheet, I discovered the "Deeper Cuts". It was because of: Paradox The Spider/Portrait (He Knew) And especially . . . The Closet Chronicles Sparks of the Tempest The Lightnings Hand Hopelessly Human Nobody's Home . . . I was taken away some place I had never been before. I discovered a music that was beyond my comprehension as a 14 year old, but it painted "scenes" in my imagination. Just back from a terrible 7 years living in the South, and back home to California, and THIS album awakened my musical senses again, and would listen more intensely to music that was more than what the radio could interrupt with commercials and popularity, this was an "experience". My world changed, this album and the summer of "Star Wars" changed my life, the film had me going from drawing Hot Rods to Sci-Fi/Fantasy (and try to make a career out of it), and Kansas was my doorway to a slow journey through Progressive Rock (and into eventually; Metal, Classical, Jazz/Fusion and Soundtrack Scores). And, it made me read and challenge my intellect of lyrical content, which Kerry Livgren had me judge ALL lyrics to his standards, and he and Rich Williams as guitarists. It would be the next album that would become my fave, as it brought wonderful memories of that cold Christmas in West Covina Calif. and "Monolith" would play on the family turntable for the first time. But "Point of Know Return" will be the album and band that enlightened me, and realize what music could be. I hope after your Request sabbatical Nick and Lexi, that you try out those special songs that will yet again, surprise you what Kansas was really capable of, and they were FAR beyond hit singles. They were an interesting mix of Rock and Progressive Rock, "Symphonic" masterpieces :). The orchestra; Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Kerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards), Dave Hope (bass), Phil Ehart (drums), Robby Steinhardt (vocals, violin). - Rest in Peace Robby Steinhardt, your vocals (with Steve Walsh) and your Violin brought a uniqueness to the Kansas sound. You are on your way to being "Wheatheads" N&L ;).
Love it. I first learned of Kansas by watching Don Kirschner's Rock Concert. Bought their 1st album and subsequent albums after that. Saw them live in 1978, Binghamton NY. Had a chance meeting with Robbie Steinhardt a few years later in Binghamton at a Holiday Inn. Just saw their 40th anniversary tour of this album a couple years ago in Wilkes-Barre Pa. Big fan. Thanks again guys. Check out Miracles out of Nowhere when you have time, another great Kansas tune.
Became a Kansas fan when I first heard of them in 1974 before their first album was released. A friend in Topeka clued me in and I bought the debut the day it came out. The three records 'Song For America', 'Leftoverture, and 'Point of Know Return' are Kansas at their very peak. All three albums are incredibly good! If you want a song that isn't as well known but is amazingly high quality, I suggest 'Lamplight Symphony' from 'Song for America'.
I'm always wondering, how people bought albums on the day they came out in early 70s. In my small town you went to the one and only record store and were glad, when they had new releases. That changed, when I discovered the first mail order record store in 1974 .... before I didn't know about release dates ..... maybe I've forgotten, that they were announced on my radio station ....
You've got to hear Portrait (He Knew). It has all the great Kansas elements in one song. Proggy, poppy, heavy guitar sections, fast and slow sections, happy and serious sections, interesting lyrically and the monster Steve Walsh's vocals. Count the modulations in one song, good grief it's great.
Hello folks. Oh my gosh, this album is prog perfection! You can literally pick any song and it will be awesome- you should consider a full album reaction. That said though, "Sparks Of The Tempest" is my recommendation. Be sure to think carefully about the lyrics as well as the music as Kansas songs usually have a deep meaning.
@@creatingyourlife899 - well, somewhere down the road I'll have to get the 2 albums with John Elefante, the 2 with Steve Morse, and I also got them "Freaks of Nature", but need to purchase "Somewhere to Elsewhere" ;).
I have been a Kansas fan for 40 years I have managed to see them twice. They rarely come here to the uk and have cancelled the last tours for 6 years we had to fly to the Netherlands to see them, Great great band one of my all time favourites they never forgot that the song is the main thing. You can put on an album and sing harmony vocals to them you would have to because Steve Walsh is one of the greatest rock singers ever.
Every member of the classic line-up is outstanding. Steve Walsh should be mentioned anytime top vocalists of the era are mentioned. His impossible vocals at the end of their song The Pinnacle is special.
Had the privilege of meeting and spending some time with Kerry Livgren many years ago. An amazing musician, song writer and all round good human being. You mentioned Dust in the Wind……Kerry told me that the opening chords were just a finger exercise he was practicing at home and his wife said, “you should make a song out of that”……….the rest is history.
Kansas is a great band and still an all time favorite. There have been many variations of Kansas over the years but in 2000, the original members got back together and produced Somewhere to Elsewhere. Some of their best stuff since Point of Know Return. Distant Vision is a great song (REQUEST)! 😉
I saw them on this tour, the T-Shirt I bought at the Concert is long gone, 😢 the artwork is very cool. "Miracles Out Of Nowhere" and "Magnum Opus" are two favorites.
My dad saw one of their very first shows in Ellinwood, Kansas in 1973. I was born a year later and absolutely blessed to grow up with a deep appreciation for them that’s even more meaningful to me today. Grew up in Wichita and they were “our band.” What memories! Thank you both for taking me back. Brand new subscriber.
Aww that’s awesome! We’re actually excited we just bought tickets to see them in Aug in Denver - first time! Thank you for sharing with us and welcome! :)
Kansas is one of those bands that I never listened to in my younger years, but in the last few months I've been familiarizing myself with their catalog. I have four suggestions: Belexes from the 1st album, Miracles Out of Nowhere, Portrait (He Knew), and People of the South Wind.
Saw Kansas 3 times. First time at the Spectrum in Philadelphia in December 16, 1977 for the tour of this very album. I was 17 at the time, Saw them later in the 90's and the 00's. They were definitely at the top of their game when this album came out. The double live album 'Two for the Show' was recorded from the tour of this album.
Being a huge fan of Kansas since the 80’s , it is so enjoyable to watch your reaction to such a magnificent song. I had never seen them until about 3 years ago. While they only had 3 original members still in the band, it was an amazing concert. Oh yes the concert was free and had about 16,000 fans enjoying a throwback to what music should be like.
'Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman'. 'Lamplight Symphony', and 'Icarus Borne on Wings of Steel' #nicknlexrequest are short epics you might want to check out from their second and third albums. Their third album tends to be overlooked, but it is quite good.
Yeah, I got into their music right off the bat with that one. My favorite song from it is "Journey From Mariabronn." "Death of Mother Nature Suite" really surprised me because I had no idea Kansas ever got that heavy. Robby's vocals are so awesome and their first album made that clear to me! I already knew Steve could sing (not to say I didn't enjoy his voice even more after it) and that Kerry was amazing at guitar before listening to their albums, from hearing their hits on the radio. This album made me fall in love with their music on first listen. It didn't even take that many songs, literally the first three were enough. I had a feeling I'd like their music going into it, but I had no idea that I'd be more intrigued by it than that of almost any other band I've heard. I really just wanted to hear some rock with the violin in it, but I found way more than just that.
I've been waiting for this! I saw them play this entire album live in December and it was breathtaking! It's one of my favorite ones by my absolute favorite prog band. This song will always be one of my top ones by them and in general. I love Steve Walsh and Robby Steinhardt's vocals, Steve and Kerry Livgren's piano/organ (not sure which one plays which because they're both very talented at keyboards), and especially Robby's violin! I love playing this song on piano, it's one of my favorite ones to practice! This was one of the three songs I knew before diving into their first album and being absolutely blown away by their talent. I'm not sure I would've made it through 2020 without their inspiring music. It was such a joy getting into an incredible group at a time when I was so hopeless, depressed, and bored. I definitely want you guys to hear my favorite Kansas song, "Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel)." It's from my second favorite Kansas album, Masque. It's like twice as long as this and it has everything I love about the band. Steve's vocals and organ are definitely my favorite part about it. Robby's violin and vocals come close though. Also, I really dig that C-3PO shirt!
@@mvunit3, yeah I love Kerry's lyrics and compositions! The band wouldn't have made it after Masque if he didn't write some incredible tunes for Leftoverture. I wasn't surprised that he wrote "Icarus" on Masque. His guitar solos are crazy and he's written some amazing riffs for a bunch of instruments. Rich is so underrated as a guitar player. I don't think he gets enough credit as he deserves. Seeing him play live was so cool!!
Also, Lex and you also just recently heard Steve Walsh recently as a featured vocalist on Steve Hackett's 'Narnia' from the 'Please Don't Touch' solo album that you reacted to not too long ago.
Thats why many of us say that its like WE are transported back in time to re-live OUR 1st time putting the album on our turntable. Its a great (re)experience.
Another vote for Closet Chronicles next, the instrumental section is blazing, with lyrics depicting the life of a prominent businessman. Please do some more Jean Luc Ponty in the future; you might check out his Montreal concert from 1982 online, it is splendid.
This is the first time I've heard this song since the days when I used to do it at karaoke about 10 years ago. A very fun one to sing. I yearn for the days when I was young enough to channel Mr. Walsh the way I used to. Him, Geddy Lee and Steve Perry were always my ultimate vocal gods through the years. I sure miss the days when they were all young and still vital and currently relevant. Thanks guys.
Dave is awesome! I love his basslines on the "Song for America" album especially! "Lonely Street" is bad ass and the title track has some wicked ones too!
🤣🤣🤣loved the introduction guys 🤣🤣🤣great suggestion Nick 👍 your passion for kansas coming through beautifully ! I'm enjoying your suggestions for each other....really good 👍 thanks as always, much appreciated 😊
This song got a lot of radio play back in the day. Kansas has many great "deep tracks" waiting to be discovered, such as "Child of Innocence", "Icarus (Borne On Wings of Steel)", "Sparks of the Tempest", and "Crossfire".
Hey guys, great to see you doing more Kansas. Although you've heard it Nick as it's on the best of, I'm sure Lex would love "The Wall" one of Kerry Livgren's compositional masterpieces. Also recommend "Icarus - Borne on wings of steel" . The great thing is they are still recording & touring. Although Phil Ehart & Rich Williams are the only original members left they are still sounding great with Ronnie Platt taking over from Steve Walsh on lead vocals & Tom Brislin who played with Yes on the Magnification symphonic tour of 2001 on keyboards. Check out "Rhythm of the spirit" from their 2016' release "The Prelude Implicit" , All the best
They actually have a few more albums to complete the catalogue, like the 2 albums with John Elefante (which I love) and the 2 with Steve Morse (which they reacted to "Musicatto"), and their last album with Kerry and Walsh. - And you are MOST welcome :).
@@MrPolleyr still need to hear Kerry's AD albums. Will have to do that soon. I also know his 3 solo albums, and as of yet not heard his Mass, called "Lazarus" which is his long time Classical project.
@@mvunit3 Thanks, I didn’t know about them. We kind of lost touch after he moved back to Kansas. When I visited his home he was living in Georgia, about 50 miles outside Atlanta. He had a beautiful ranch with a really nice home and a recording studio.
That was a good reaction guys My high school class song which every senior class from Rumford maine does and in 1977 my class picked w carry on my way ward son. This band is so unique and their music is so incredibly spiritual if you listen to some of their other songs the wall is a great song Also, hold on, (he knew,portrait,) what's on my mind,perfect lover..I enjoyed that guys always a favorite band of mine ..keep spreading the music around God-bless oh after thought yes very underrated I do understand what you mean there music is bigger then life it's all around you , put some head phones on twist one up and go away for an hour..and kerry livgren sitting in his Living room used the notes and the rhythm of the song as a finger exercise a picking exercise if you will and then he started thinking about different things going on within that and itself and basically it's reflections on who man is everything we do down here to a degree is futile it's just passing and it was literally his thoughts great reaction you guys.
I used to tease people with the intro making them think it's Genesis .... but the Genesis song, they thought they heard was later on Wind and wuthering :-)
I remember when I bought this album late seventies, when vinyl records gave a chance to really appreciate cover art. I was so excited. Great album, start to finish and later their live album Two for the Show proved they were able to play the intricate songs very well live.
Hi NicknLex, good to hear some more Kansas and that Lex enjoyed it so much! Lots of other great tracks to check out as others have mentioned. Just want to add on the subject of violins that early Jefferson Starship/ ELO & Curved Air had a violinist as well!
I was 15 when the Point of Know Return came out and my sister bought the record and I remember being so fascinated by the album art. And of course when you listen to vinyl you listen to an album from start to finish (or at the very least one side at a time) so that’s still how I listen to it even when streaming it. It’s a favorite of mine for road trips, particularly when crossing the desert with windows down and music blasting.
Thanks for reacting to this. Kansas is my favorite band after YES. This is a is a bit more mainstream radio friendly than many of their more Proggy compositions. I was fortunate enough to be technical director and mix engineer on a Steve Walsh CD in 2000. It was a wonderful experience as Kansas and YES were on tour together that year and Steve’s parts were recorded while they were on the road. I'm grateful to see you two reacting to the music I grew up with and enjoy. Nick, it's easy to see your admiration is sincere and Lex your smile still lights up the room. It's nice to think that the music we've loved for so long brings that smile to you. Thanks again for reacting to this.
Metal band Anthrax released a 2-song ep titled Leftoverthrax. The cover art parodies the cover art from Leftoverture, incorporating Anthrax's occasional mascot, The Not Man. They covered "Carry On Wayward Son" from Kansas and "Black Math" from The White Stripes.
Nice one! Steve Walsh guests on Steve Hackett (Genesis guitar) second solo album. But this song reminds me of "When the heart rules the mind" by GTR. GTR produced only one album but every track is gorgeous. As you might expect since the songwriters and guitarists are Steve Hackett and Steve Howe (Yes) together, combining their acoustic electric skills. Actually couplings are often lacking in inspiration and a bit disappointing as you will know. GTR is an exception. The blend of guitar styles works and the songs are top of the game. But I think "Toe the line" would be the track that really would set you both ablaze. ❤
👌 I got to see Kansas at The Iowa State Fair Grounds. What a great show it was. Walsh was a wild man. I think Seals and Croft opened for them. They had some great foot stomping music I wasn't familiar with. Also a great show.
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So many different ways to continue exploring Kansas... and you should try them all! lol. Growing up I listened to Kansas almost exclusively for a couple years (oops!) so it's hard for me to pick favorites. Something in the vein of "opus", also with some deep lyrics, is Incomudro - Hymn To The Atman, from the Song for America album.
If you want epic, I recommend Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle, the back-to-back tracks that end the album Masque. They were originally intended to be a single song, but Kansas' record company made them split the track into two parts. One feeds seamlessly into the other, and IMO they're a true highlight of the band's unique approach to prog.
Check out Journey From Mariabronn, Closet Chronicles, Death Of Mother Nature Suite and Song For America.....and if your interested in later, more recent Kansas, check out The Voyage Of The Eight Eighteen (song length 8m 18s), Visibility Zero, Rhythm Of The Spirit, The Absence Of Presence, Throwing Mountains and Jets Overhead.
Yes, I agree. Dust In The Wind is overplayed and over reacted to. However, it truly is my favorite Kansas *video* to watch and listen to. We get both main vocalists and get to experience Robbie on violin in the video. I would suggest a video watch, if not a full on reaction.
Fantastic and underrated band. Shadow Gallery often comes to mind with them -- seems like they were pretty heavily influenced by Kansas. My favorite song by Kansas might be "The Wall" (not the Floyd song!). Even their big, overplayed hit "Carry On Wayward Son" just doesn't get old and is essentially a nearly perfect prog / arena / melodic hard rock piece.
I see you guys have Jean Luc Ponty's Enigmatic Oceans on the shelf! Have you listened to it? I had that on cassette in my old car in college and listened to the heck out of it--along with Kansas, Santana, Caldera, lots of Zeppelin and The Doors.
Since I'm from Kansas I maybe somewhat biased. But their collection is so deep you'll have many reactions yet to come. One of my favorites from them is a bit more recent, from their 1988 album In The Spirit Of Things, "Bells Of Saint James".
Just like Ghosts on this album is based on real history, isn't Bells of St James also based on some personal story? If or if not, it's a real touching song, one of the best on this album
You need to react to Happy The Man. I think they're the best prog band from the USA. Their first two albums are great. Some of their standout tracks for me are: Knee Bitten Nymphs in Limbo Stumpy Meets the Firecracker in Stentcil Forest There's plenty other great tracks from them though. Do yourself a favor and check them out.
@@bmac1205 ... you're the only one that did, they'll never do it. I've never had one request done by any reactors I've recommended songs to in all the years I've followed and commented on. I would be shocked, socked if they did it. Hell, I was a patreon of theirs for a while and couldn't get a request played.
Can't use the word "perfect" (reserved for the One) but this album comes as close to that description musically as possible. I've listened to uncountable albums and this one is worth it's weight in gold to your ears. You must do yourselves a favor and take 45 min and enjoy this one all together. Not a bad , weak, out of place or less than the previous song offering from this truly magnificent album. PS-Kansas isn't even my favorite group, but if stuck on the island......this would be my one for sure.
2 songs that are awesome but not well known I just love. Portrait(he knew) my favorite Kansas song and Hopelessly Human which I believe was about Howard Hughes. I would love for you both to experience them. thank you.
À slight correction: the song that is about Howard Hughes is "Closet Chronicles" not "Hopelessly Human", which by the way is a much better song. LONG LIVE KANSAS!!
As Janice replied, that would be "Closet Chronicles", and I wouldn't know that was the story until Phil Ehart was on Rockline decades later talking about the track with Dj Bob Coburn.