Kansas (Exp) [Original recording remastered, Import]

Kansas' debut and their second album, 1975's _Song For America_, were the two main albums from Kansas' 70s output that did not receive the remastering treatment on the Epic/Legacy label. Now, the wait is over, and these two jewels are finally here in all of their remastered glory. The bonus track here is a tasty live version of "Bringing It Back."

On Kansas' self-titled debut KANSAS (1974), we are already treated to their unique blend of heartland rock, boogie, country, and symphonic rock. Of course, they would refine their compositions on subsequent albums, but what they created on this debut here is highly impressive and enjoyable on it's own merits.

The band had already been playing together a few years before the release of this album, so this may contribute to the impressive gelling of ideas, and overall, accomplished musicianship exhibited here.

The first half of the album features more of the stripped-down tracks that Kansas seemed to exhibit from time to time, while the second half seems to be dedicated to the elaborate prog-rock epics. The album starts of with the fairly simple, but utterly addicting, violin-laced "Can I Tell You." Contrary to the opinion expressed by some reviewers, I don't find this, or any of the other tracks on this album, weak. Sure, it isn't a *prog* track in the Kansas tradition (if Kansas really ever had a tradition), but, different doesn't necessarily equal weak (opinions are subjective, not fact, folks.) However, while I enjoy this track immensely, I find the unissued demo version found on the KANSAS BOXED SET to be a more enjoyable version for me. "Bringing It Back" sounds like something you'd hear a bar-band performing. Reminds me of a slightly tame, underdeveloped prototype for the kind of thing you'd hear on SONG FOR AMERICA (1975) ("Down The Road" in particular comes to mind), but the underdevelopedness doesn't sink the track's tasteful edibility. I find it impressive how some bands (Queen, Rush, Kansas etc.) can make raw, underdeveloped music - that is, the music they make before reaching their peak in sound and/or composition - yet what they come up with on first shot seems to be much more impressive than what some artists produce in their entire catalogues.

"Lonely Wind" is a beautiful ballad penned by Steve Walsh. The vocal harmonies on this track are particularly moving, added with the melancholic piano, and soothing violin lines. The perfect song to be played for the bride & groom on their wedding day, while having a slow dance. On "Belexes," we are treated to the most energetic, rocking song on this set at this point. A definite rock-your-socks-off track, featuring some crunchy guitar lines, passionate, inspired vocals, and drumming that isn't too shabby.

"Journey From Mariabronn" starts off the second half as a classically-inspired number. This is probably the most compelling track on the album - compositionally speaking. The opening instrumental section, which lasts for 1 1/2 minute -- an energetic, mysterious section of band interplay leaving the listener in suspenseful anticipation, followed by an anthemic, soaring, worldly passage comprised of complex polyphony fronted by stately violin, which is then followed by a section in about 5/4 -- is one of the defining moments in Kansas' career. The song is all-around brilliant in my book. "The Pilgrimage" is a tasteful, fluid, mix of R&B and mild country influences. The melody, the lines and the vocal harmonies brings slight resemblance to Yes, particularly their track "I've Seen All Good People." A definite favorite of mine on this album. "Apercu" is another elaborate prog-rock epic, which even features a romp section which resembles that of the romp-like section in "Cheyenne Anthem" from LEFTOVERTURE (1976). The instrumental virtuosity and quirky elements displayed here are definite attributes which foreshadow things to be found in later albums. "Death of Mother Nature Suite" is a fine effort, but the unissued live version found on the KANSAS BOXED SET is much more enjoyable and fluid for me.

This probably isn't the album to start out with if you're new to Kansas. Start with LEFTOVERTURE (1976) and POINT OF KNOW RETURN (1977), then move onto their first three albums: this one, SONG FOR AMERICA (1975), and MASQUE (1975).

Few bands have gotten a harder rap than Kansas. They were the only American band that dared challenge the admittedly awesome scope of British prog-rockers like Yes or Genesis. Critics have made a tradition of dismissing Kansas' achievements as mere bombast that hides a lack of truly interesting themes and that is devoid of imagination. Or something along those lines.

Well, who needs critics anyway? These are, after all, the same critics who praised other bands for daring to create lengthy side-long suites. Compare this to Yes' Close to the Edge (admittedly, one of my favorite albums) or ELP's Tarkus (again, one of my favorites) and you'll find that by comparison, Kansas is downright modest. There's nothing as long as "Close to the Edge" or "Karn Evil 9," nothing as daring as Keith Emerson's deconstructions of Mussorgsky and Ginastera, and no lyrics as incomprehensible as Yes at their best ("A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace / And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace"). Which is not to say that fans of those bands will not be impressed by the musicianship here - there may not be a Steve Howe or a Keith Emerson in this band, but the band sounds incredible, especially for a debut.

Disclaimers aside, Kansas is a thrilling album that manages to play well both on rockers ("Can I Tell You?," "Bringing it Back," "Belexes"), ballads ("Lonely Wind"), and epic, progressive pieces ("Death of Mother Nature Suite," "Apercu," especially "Journey from Mariabronn"). Kansas is more accessible than many other prog-rock bands because they are not afraid to trim back the pretension and deliver something as visceral as the tremendous "Belexes," or "Can I Tell You?" And they're distinctly American. Robbie Steinhardt's dynamic violin work immediately gives them a unique flavor, as do their blues and straightforward rock influences. Some may point to that as this band's fatal flaw, but I think it's the secret to their success.

This album is highly recommended for Kansas fans. It's a great place to start listening to them, although none of their big hits can be found here. This album should receive four and a half stars - in light of their later achievements, it cannot be ranked as the peak of their work.

But it's close.

In September, 1970, a semi-local band was hired to play the back-to-school dance at my high school here in KCMO. The dance comittee had no idea what they were getting into, but the student body was treated to the best music that had come to the school cafeteria, EVER. It was the loudest, ballsiest, most beautiful thing we had ever seen/heard! The band? Kansas! A couple of years later Kansas released their debut album. That was one of the high points of the year. The album stands on it's own merit, as with listenings throughout the years, the music soars every time. It is good that the biz people finally decided to remaster this masterpiece of rock history. What a great debut album!!!