KANSAS - The Ultimate Kansas - METAL DREAMS REVIEW

KANSAS - The Ultimate Kansas		Epic/Legacy Recordings
	Posted: 7/21/03 Reviewed by: Dirt Category: Classic Rock/70s Rock/Progressive Rock Released: 2002 Label URL: www.legacyrecordings.com Artist URL: www.kansasband.com
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I've expressed my dislike for progressive music more times than I can count. I've supported my complaints with some relatively basic reasoning. The current progressive bands that are out there have no heart, just the need to wow you with a slew of timing changes and never-ending songs without even the hint of a hook. Today's progressive bands want us to kiss their feet for just being amazing musicians. Well I'm sorry, music that goes on and on without any direction bores the crap out of me. But there are exceptions to my dislike for the progressive genre. Kansas, being one of them. Kansas created their own way, way before the word progressive existed, but they formed during a very creative time in rock music. *The Ultimate Kansas* is a 26-track, two disc compilation, spanning the time that they were signed to Kirshner/CBS Records (later to become Sony). While Kansas' music was known for multiple parts, timing changes, experimentation, and improvisation, their songs always had direction. Plus, they wrote many different kinds of songs. While the epic ten-minute "Song For America" didn't fit radio format, the band also knew how to write more accessible songs like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Hold On," "People Of The South Wind," and "Point Of No Return" without losing integrity. And who could forget "Dust In The Wind"? More importantly, listener impatience doesn't set in during their long songs. Kansas' songwriting is of such quality that it's easy to be pulled into their wall of sound. Vocalist Steve Walsh is certainly one of the grandest talents to come out of the 70s, and the songwriting/guitar playing of Kerry Livgren is just another example of how creative the decade was. But with all the quality material to choose from, is this the ultimate Kansas track selection? Well, the improvisational/epic material is certainly balanced well by the more commercially driven selections. "Journey From Mariabronn" and "The Pinnacle" are counted by the much shorter "Child Of Innocence" and "Mysteries And Mayhem," so I think that's a good thing. All the well known tracks are certainly here. Even the poppy John Elefante vocalized tracks like "Fight Fire With Fire" (which is incorrectly listed as being sourced from *Leftoverture* instead of *Drastic Measures) and "Play The Game Tonight" are present. But where is "Windows"? That's really my only complaint with this compilation. The Bloody Truth:* If you are a so-called fan of progressive music and have never heard the masters, this is an essential purchase. And if you were once a fan, this package will certainly get you back into the band.

Posted: 7/21/03