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Product details
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Track Listings
| 1. KansasSong |
| 2. For America |
| 3. Masque |
| 4. Leftoverture |
| 5. Point Of Know Return |
| 6. Two For The Show 2 CDs |
| 7. Monolith |
| 8. Audio Visions |
| 9. Vinyl Confessions |
| 10. Drastic Measures |
Product Description
11CD set in card mini LP replica sleeves. Kansas - Song For America - Masque - Leftoverture - Point Of Know Return - Two For The Show (2 CD) - Monolith - Audio Visions - Vinyl Confessions - Drastic Measures
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you are a fan of Kansas then you probably own all the material on these discs already but what makes it an essential purchase is the fact that Monolith, Audio Visions, Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures have all been remastered especially for this box set bringing them into line with the first five studio albums and the 30th anniversary edition of the brilliant live Two For The Show which as i am sure you figured out for yourselves by the number of discs is also included in this set. Although as with the original album classics there are no inner sleeves, the gatefolds for Two For The Show and Monolith have been replicated. The booklet contains all the relevant information for each album and includes some photos that have not been used on the previous cd reissues.
Apart from Commercial Radio staples Carry On Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind Kansas are still relatively unknown in this country, mainly due to the fact that they have rarely toured over here but their music is pretty much unique, mixing hard rock with progressive elements and with Robby Steinhardts violin giving a rootsy feel to proceedings they really don't sound like anybody else.
To my knowledge this is the first time the last four albums in this set have been remastered and they sound great, giving them a sonic clarity that makes it feel like you are listening to them for the first time all over again. Ok i know Rock Candy have just reissued Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures but they are charging a tenner a piece for these two albums, i picked this box set up for 22 pounds. In terms of value for money it really is a no brainer.
Apart from Commercial Radio staples Carry On Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind Kansas are still relatively unknown in this country, mainly due to the fact that they have rarely toured over here but their music is pretty much unique, mixing hard rock with progressive elements and with Robby Steinhardts violin giving a rootsy feel to proceedings they really don't sound like anybody else.
To my knowledge this is the first time the last four albums in this set have been remastered and they sound great, giving them a sonic clarity that makes it feel like you are listening to them for the first time all over again. Ok i know Rock Candy have just reissued Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures but they are charging a tenner a piece for these two albums, i picked this box set up for 22 pounds. In terms of value for money it really is a no brainer.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ten albums, 11 CDs all in cardboard slipcases, contained in a cardboard clam-box - wow, just how I like a box, and what a box it is. I can't understand the moan about the "white border" on the covers by another reviewer as it detracts zero so far as I am concerned - the printing is crystal clear with all the sleeve notes readable, although, of course, it is small. The slip cases are just the right size to allow the CD to slide in and out easily.
OK then, the band and the music. Kansas were unique insofar that they used keyboards in a way far more akin to UK bands and a violin. So what you might say, plenty of bands used keyboards, and even the violin/viola had been used by VU, Flock, It's A Beautiful Day, JA, Zappa etc before this band came along. But, and it's a big "but" in my opinion, no US band made a sound comparable to Kansas. If you know their work well, then you will recognise musical themes and structures that could have fitted into early Crimson, Yes, or even ELP tracks, and that is where their influence could clearly be found, however, they combined it with the unique sparkle of their own.
The band undoubtedly changed over the decade that these albums cover, indeed, the final one, Robby Steinhardt, the violinist, had departed, but there is a wonderful amount of music contained within that should appeal to rock and prog fans. The recording quality is first class with a dose of bonus tracks on the first 5 albums. I was fortunate enough to receive this as a gift, but it was a set I was after in any event. If you're looking to replace your old vinyl, or get the albums you missed, or even dive in the deep end for the first time, I have no hesitation in recommending this box.
Although it is a bargain box so to speak, I do consider a more info could have been supplied in the booklet, so 4 stars from me.
OK then, the band and the music. Kansas were unique insofar that they used keyboards in a way far more akin to UK bands and a violin. So what you might say, plenty of bands used keyboards, and even the violin/viola had been used by VU, Flock, It's A Beautiful Day, JA, Zappa etc before this band came along. But, and it's a big "but" in my opinion, no US band made a sound comparable to Kansas. If you know their work well, then you will recognise musical themes and structures that could have fitted into early Crimson, Yes, or even ELP tracks, and that is where their influence could clearly be found, however, they combined it with the unique sparkle of their own.
The band undoubtedly changed over the decade that these albums cover, indeed, the final one, Robby Steinhardt, the violinist, had departed, but there is a wonderful amount of music contained within that should appeal to rock and prog fans. The recording quality is first class with a dose of bonus tracks on the first 5 albums. I was fortunate enough to receive this as a gift, but it was a set I was after in any event. If you're looking to replace your old vinyl, or get the albums you missed, or even dive in the deep end for the first time, I have no hesitation in recommending this box.
Although it is a bargain box so to speak, I do consider a more info could have been supplied in the booklet, so 4 stars from me.
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Several weeks after purchasing KANSAS ORIGINAL CLASSICS, this little beauty appeared on the scene(typical!!!!),stunning value,11 cds under £30,even less if you shop around.Despite already having the first 5 discs,this was still a no brainer for me..
Discs 1 to 5 are exactly the same as those on the 'original classics' release complete with identical bonus tracks,the remaining discs take you upto 1983's 'Drastic Measures release including the 30th anniversary 'Two for the Show' 2 disc set.
It dont specifically say anywhere that they have been remastered,i suspect they probably have,the sound quality is excellent,the live disc in particular taking on a whole new life.
Essentially this box set is a journey with Kansas from Prog to AOR,for many the early 80's discs may not be appealing,i happen to love it all,yes the earlier albums will always be held in the highest esteem but the band has been worth a listen in every period of its history.
Packaging is decent,the box set sturdy enough,and has been pointed out in another release pefecrly sized to sit nicely on your cd shelving,the album are housed in replica sleeves,which are fine,only the two gatefold replica's for the live disc and 'Monolith' are irritating as they have put the opening in the middle of the gatefold rather than the outer edge,making it awkward to remove the discs,those sleeves will likely get torn /damaged rather easily.
The booklet reproduces all the album sleeve facts/credits,which is a godsend as personally i found a lot of the writing on the mini sleeves unreadable,it would have been a nice touch if the booklet had included a history of the band,a narrative related to the bands journey thru each release perhaps,still its a well priced set so you cant have everything i guess.
If you a fan looking to replace well worn vinyl copies then waste no more time,purchase now,you wont regret it.
Discs 1 to 5 are exactly the same as those on the 'original classics' release complete with identical bonus tracks,the remaining discs take you upto 1983's 'Drastic Measures release including the 30th anniversary 'Two for the Show' 2 disc set.
It dont specifically say anywhere that they have been remastered,i suspect they probably have,the sound quality is excellent,the live disc in particular taking on a whole new life.
Essentially this box set is a journey with Kansas from Prog to AOR,for many the early 80's discs may not be appealing,i happen to love it all,yes the earlier albums will always be held in the highest esteem but the band has been worth a listen in every period of its history.
Packaging is decent,the box set sturdy enough,and has been pointed out in another release pefecrly sized to sit nicely on your cd shelving,the album are housed in replica sleeves,which are fine,only the two gatefold replica's for the live disc and 'Monolith' are irritating as they have put the opening in the middle of the gatefold rather than the outer edge,making it awkward to remove the discs,those sleeves will likely get torn /damaged rather easily.
The booklet reproduces all the album sleeve facts/credits,which is a godsend as personally i found a lot of the writing on the mini sleeves unreadable,it would have been a nice touch if the booklet had included a history of the band,a narrative related to the bands journey thru each release perhaps,still its a well priced set so you cant have everything i guess.
If you a fan looking to replace well worn vinyl copies then waste no more time,purchase now,you wont regret it.
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