KANSAS (ABO #230)

KANSAS
PARADOX
1974-2000

About Kansas, Wikipedia says: "Kansas is an American progressive rock band which became a popular arena rock group in the 1970s, with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". They have remained a classic rock radio staple and a popular touring act in North America and Europe".
Quite accurate if a little short, isn't it? Kansas certainly deserves a larger, deeper introduction as they were, after all, the greatest American prog' act in the 70s. What made Kansas special was their unique way to sound smooth, accessible yet always progressive or (hard) rock. Whatsmore, they had lovely ballads (Dust in the Wind being the best known of the lot). Hélas, in the 80s, this witty mix turned into an AOR swamp, the too few progressive songs sounded forced, the ballads became a bit corny and the rockers turned into radio songs. Actually, and surprisingly, these singles are the best part of that awful period which, fortunately, came to an end with "Always Never the Same" an album on which they covered their old songs with an orchestra and, even more with "Somewhere to Elsewhere", their best album since 1979's Monolith.
Well, that was the year 2000 and, since then, Kansas have always failed to re-enter the studios and release new material. I chose not to include material from Proto-Kaw's albums, 2004's "Before Became After" and 2006's "The Wait of Glory". True, it was often said to be the "new Kansas," and they released in a "Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973" with the name Proto-Kaw so to prove it, but it doesn't have the name on the cover. Sure, if you like Kansas, you might want to check it out but know there isn't any on this Baistophe.
Now, click where you know you should and you'll get a taste of some very fine American prog', much better than any prog' act from there released nowadays actually.

My KANSAS Top 3
1 - Leftoverture (1976)
2 - Point of Know Return (1977)
3 - Song for America (1975)

My KANSAS Bottom 3
1 - Drastic Measures (1983)
2 - Power (1986)
3 - Vinyl Confessions (1982)