KANSAS - Sail On - The 30th Anniversary Collection

KANSAS - Sail On - The 30th Anniversary Collection		Epic/Legacy Recordings
	Posted: 3/28/05 Reviewed by: Dirt Category: Classic Rock/Progressive Rock Released: 2004 Label URL: www.legacyrecordings.com Artist URL: www.kansasband.com
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I've seen Kansas perform live at several points in their career - in the 70s with Steve Walsh at the helm, then in the early 80s with John Elefante, in the late 80s with Steve Walsh and Steve Morse (guitar), and then on their final tour with Greg Robert (keyboards) and David Ragsdale (violin). Unfortunately, I have not caught them since Robby Steinhardt's return. Like the ship on the cover of their new retrospective collection, Kansas is one of those rare bands that has been able to navigate through thirty years of music industry changes. While record company pressures did find the band trying to fit in during the commercial 80s, Kansas has always been a band of talented musicians with a keen songwriting talent. Sail On contains two CD's (27 tracks) and one DVD. The CD's touch on each of the band's recordings (even Power and *In The Spirit Of Things), something that 2002's The Ultimate Kansas* did not do. While the track listing is quite similar, there are some differences on this one. Fan favorites and lesser known tracks like "Lamplight Symphony" from Song For America, "Icarus (Borne On Wings Of Steel)" from Masque, "Miracles Out Of Nowhere" from *Leftoverture, "Lightning's Hand" and "Sparks Of The Tempest" from Point Of No Return, "Paradox" from Two For The Show, "Got To Rock On" from Audiovisions, "All I Wanted" from Power, "Rainmaker from In The Spirit Of Things, "Desperate Times" from the overlooked Freaks Of Nature, and "Icarus II" from their last studio album, Somewhere To Elsewhere,* are included this time. The big sales point is the DVD, though. Kansas' classic appearances on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert are pulled from the vaults, and this will certainly please many fans. The *Monolith* promo-film, which made its rounds through the underground trading circuit is also included, as well as videos for "Point Of No Return" and the less rare "Dust In The Wind." The Elefante era is considered with the inclusion of the 80s MTV video for "Fight Fire With Fire." The pop video smash "All I Wanted" also appears, as well as three live tracks from the previously released *Device Voice Drum* DVD. Unfortunately, the "Fight Fire With Fire" and "All I Wanted" videos tease fans of 80s Kansas because many other Kansas promos from that era were ignored. For instance there are promos for "Play The Game Tonight," "Windows," "Everybody's My Friend," "Can't Cry Anymore," and "Stand Beside Me" but they were excluded. Instead of the Device Voice Drum material, these other promos should have been included to create a comprehensive DVD. The Bloody Truth: Despite the omission of key 80s promotional videos, *Sail On* is a must-have purchase for all Kansas fans. It's awesome that fans will be able to get their hands on the included rare performances after all this time. Additionally, the liner notes and photos in the long book are excellent. If you haven't purchased The Ultimate Kansas, this may be the better of the two.

Posted: 3/28/05