5 comments about The Best of Kansas.

1. A few good popular songs. I'm not a big Kansas follower so thought the CD was ok.



2. My teenager heard me listening to this the other day and commented to me about how the classic rock of the 70's was so much better than what is being produced today. I thought about it and it's quite true. When I listen to the radio today, I often wonder which of today's songs will still be around in thirty or forty years, and nonetheless popular.
   
   The songs on this album are so timeless and well-known. I especially love Dust in the Wind, and the entire collection together on this CD is so well produced. The vocals- the instruments - the crystal clear sounds on this CD was better than the original. I'm glad they remastered it to bring out more from the original recordings than was possible before.



3. If you're looking for a single disk 'best of Kansas', you might want to check out "Playlist: The Very Best Of Kansas". It's two bucks cheaper right now and it includes one of Kansas' best songs, "Miracles Out Of Nowhere" from the album "Leftoverture". From "Point of Know Return" it includes "Portrait (He Knew)" which got quite a bit of airplay when that album came out.
   
   But really, occasionally the album that put a band on the map in the first place is better than attempts at compiling singles or heavy airplay songs. Such is the case with this collection vs. "Leftoverture". "Leftoverture" was strong, start to finish, not a smidgen of gristle on that one. Based on its strength I bought the album before it (Song For America) and after it (Point of Know Return), and a friend of mine picked up Kansas' debut album. Each of those albums had moments but the keeper was "Leftoverture".
   
   Try "Leftoverture" first, and if you're in dire need of a particular song from the best of, download it as an individual track. If you need to save a couple bucks, dispense with the two live bonus tracks appended to the current edition of "Leftoverture" and just download the original eight songs.



4. I grew up with this group. Kansas is one of my favorites. Great music with great lyrics. I believe this is a must have if you don't already own it!



5. The best songs Kansas did, plus a few extra cuts. What more could you ask?

5 comments about The Yes Album.

1. It's always hard to know how to get into a band you may be unfamiliar with. I have followed Yes since 1975 and this is easily my favorite Yes album containing a great sampling of what they do best. From here I branched out into Close to the Edge, Fragile, Relayer, Yessongs, Tales... but, in my opinion, this is the place to start.



2. The Yes Album - Yes (4.11 stars)
   Original Release: 2/19/1971
   
   
   Songs:
   
   Yours Is No Disgrace (4 stars)
   The lyrics seem to be about the folly of the efforts of the human race; and so your personal folly is no great matter. Staccato melody on guitar, bass and drums, then nice counterpoint from the organ. Then this shifts to a synth sound that is atmospheric. The guitar wraps around the beat like a rhythmic fairy. The bass swings away in the background with the same energy as previous albums but not so much in the foreground. At one point the guitar makes little melodic whines in counterpoint to vocal rhythm. The song returns to its original theme repeatedly in subtly different forms. In a more extended instrumental section after a guitar solos oscillating in left and right channels various progressive instrumental melodies play out which compliment the main theme. The guitar is heard in various ways. Although the overall variety of melodies is not great this long song does not seem long. Each section contains subtle variations which present and represent the themes in every changing ways. The overall groove is engaging and yet somehow stately.
   
   Clap [Live] (4 stars)
   This is a guitar solo played live somewhere to a small group of people. The genre seems to be country or folk. It has a good pace, rhythm, the chords and plucking blend together gracefully showing up the great dexterity of the guitarist's fingers. The song acts as a kind of palette cleanser between the two longer songs which flank it lightening the tone a bit.
   
   Starship Trooper: Life Seeker/Disillusion/Wurm (5 stars)
   The lyrics seem to be invoking a familiar Yes theme of the "hidden glories" of life. Contrasting qualities of summer and winter (as in "Yours is no Disgrace"), the visible and invisible help to describe a mystical perspective which is self-consciously realized by the vocalist it seems. "Life Seeker" begins with a heavy bass theme and lighter guitar counter theme. At first this first movement of the song avoids settling into a beat. Then an instrumental bridge brings us into a rhythm and a different lyric with nostalgic references. The bass plays with muscle under the melody. In "Disillusion" the acoustic guitar takes over and the vocals are rhythmic. This second movement finds its way after an instrumental bridge to a melody from the first movement building until it releases into the third movement "Wurm". "Wurm" is a repeated series of three minor chords which seem to descend and ascend with a kind of dark, demonic quality. Gradually the various instruments build up an intensity which eventually erupts into a furious guitar solo. The first two movements of the song seem to joyfully anticipate the third movement like an extended joyful prophet announcing the coming of an awesome power. The way the instruments represent this arising/descending power is a wonder to behold and if you are caught by the deep mystery of this song you probably forever hold it in high esteem.
   
   I've Seen All Good People: Your Move/All Good People (4 stars)
   In the politics of life you may not be well respected but make your moves as you would make them and karma and your love will prevail...so say the lyrics. More rhythmic vocals create a stark and energetic intro to this two part song. Soon the acoustic guitar and a heartbeat bass come in for a relaxed vocal section. There is a pan flute or synth flute sound as well to add flavor. The vocals harmonize and there is some doo-wap that adds further punch. Layered vocals with lead and a countering background are also employed. Eventually a cathedral organ comes in to darken and intensify the mood. The organ climaxes and then there is a silence...after which the second part of the song kicks in with a swing-rock rhythm. The same single lyrical line with which the song began is now repeated...a very long sentence sang in a rhythmic way. The guitar lays down a blues flavor. Once again the organ and bass come in with dark intensity and the same vocalizations fade away with a more profound energy.
   
   A Venture (3 stars)
   The lyrics seem to be about living your life and not separating yourself from others; to control your passions utterly is to breed addictive behavior. The Beatlesque rhythm of this song passes quickly and ends with an interesting off kilter instrumental jam with the guitar and the bass and the piano frolicing around each other.
   
   Perpetual Change (4 stars)
   The vocalist seems to be having a discussion with someone who thinks that consciousness is everything...that we control ourselves, even our destiny. But deep inside we are moved by forces greater than us. This song also features a staccato instrumental intro, a strong hammering fanfare. Then is shifts down into a laid back bluesy rock rhythm where the vocalist comes in. The song flows even as it changes through matching shades of color; from militaristic to swing to blues and back again perhaps reflecting the title of the song elegantly. Then comes a brief instrumental section which suddenly transforms into a march-like, complex, clock-work like phrase that winds up and builds energy. A keyboard sound comes in to tie it all off. Then back to vocals with a heightened sense of energy applied to a repeated lyrical section. Then seems to breakaway from its twists and turns with a atmospheric vocal/instrumental coda of yet another flavor although this too is playfully interrupted a couple times with another staccato phrase.
   
   Your Move [Single Version] (2 stars)
   Cut down version of the album song.
   
   Starship Trooper: Life Seeker [Single Version] (2 stars)
   Sounds the same as the corresponding portion of the same song on the album.
   
   Clap [Studio Version] (2 stars)
   Slightly longer version of the album song. It is enjoyable to hear the song more clearly in a studio context. There are some differences in the song showing that the song would be played slightly differently at times. For me the live version flows more naturally, but this may be due to that version's greater familiarity.
   
   
   Album:
   
   On Yes' third album there is an elegant coordination of the various instruments. The guitar is a stronger player in the mix with a wide variety of styles. Somehow the sound of the album is more open making each instrumental contribution more approachable. The songs themselves have an improved sense of craft in that the musical ideas within a song seem to fit together more coherently. Admittedly, I've heard this album so many times that at first it was hard to really hear it, but taking a critical approach to it has reawakened some of my original appreciation for it.
   This album shows how Yes has taken a leap of confidence in their song compositions as they seem to have combined simplicity with complexity in an optimal way.
   
   Yes seems to have left their 60s pop sound far behind and defined a new level of sophistication within their own repertoire. With this album they join Genesis, King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer in what is fast becoming the then new genre of Progressive Rock.
   
   
   MP3 recommendation:
   
   I have no good MP3 highlights to recommend. As usual for me I don't get much out of the extra song versions.



3. This is the first album of the holy trinity of Yes. Sounds great and the extra tracks are worth the price alone. I will purchase this again if they can find more rehersal tapes but from what Steve Howe said on the YesYears documentary they may not have been tapeing all that much during this album and many classic Yes songs were forever lost before they began.



4. Now the band's ambition is harnessed into something great. Put Steve Howe alongside Chris Squire and Bill Bruford, and something great's going to happen. What did happen, with Jon Anderson helping to shape and singing like noone else, is timeless music if you ask me.
   
   Forget "Your Move/All Good People" which is a Crosby Stills & Nash rip-off. "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Starship Trooper", and "Perpetual Change" are brilliant compositions played with energy and precision.



5. This is one of Yes's top albums with a lot of real classics. Tony Kaye is still playing with Yes, whence the jazzy turn, Steve Howe has already replaced Peter Banks and Bill Bruford is still drumming. In a sense this is a very strong Yes line up, almost a strong as the so called classic lineup with Wakeman or the ABWH line up, and the very strong compositions are there to prove it. This one, you value seekers, this one, is one to have and cherish. Enjoy

5 comments about 90125.

1. I just wanted to respond to the people saying that this album doesn't compare to "Fragile" and other early YES albums. Fragile was in 1971 with different members. "90125" was released in 1983. Bands Change and progress. It's like saying The Beatles "Abby Road" 1969 doesn't sound like "A Hard Days Night" 1964. "90125" was a great album and so was "Big Generator"



2. For me, this album is an old memory from my high school days. It is still relevant to it's time. I will ALWAYS recommend "YES" as music for the masses!



3. Very nice re-issue of this album! A note about the Extended Remix of Owner Of A Lonely Heart: It is the original "Red & Blue Remix Dance Version" released on 12" in 1983 in various countries. Like the 9 1/2 minute 'Hello, Goodbye Mix" of Leave It released on 12" to clubs, it was mostly instrumental with only occasional vocal snippets and represented a short-lived dance club trend of mostly instrumental dubs, a trend that Duran Duran also followed on a couple early remixes. Certainly more for fans of weird 80's dance club mixes than of Yes.
   
   For those that want a truly wild extended remix of Owner Of A Lonely Heart that includes the FULL vocals, try to hunt down the 4CD set called Back To The 80's - The Long Versions (Volume 1) released in the Netherlands in 2002. Although the 7+ minute remix is not named, it sounds like an original Art Of Noise inspired remix that combines all the original vocals mixed with parts of the instrumental Red & Blue remix and lots of AON type effects (pitch and speed changes, backwards edits, etc). I was dumbfounded when I first heard it, and can only guess that this remix was originally declined and found again years later when they went to make the compilations. Truly the remix to have!



4. Another great Rhino reissue, "90125" benefits from both superior remastering and the addition of several demos and remixes. The 2 tracks by 'Cinema' are strong additions, and would have fit in nicely on the original release. The only oddity is the remix of 'Owner of a Lonely Heart', which sounds like 80's jazzercise music. Otherwise, a fine addition to Rhino's ongoing series of Yes remasters.



5. If you like classic progressive rock from the 70's, or Yes albums like Fragile or The Yes Album, stay away from this. It hasn't aged well, its extremely pop-oriented aiming for an MTV audience, and lacks the sound that made Yes a great band when they were putting out extended rock songs about God knows what that were sonically adventurous and borderline musically insane. I think that they really thought they could pull off a great album with this, but the only two remaining members of the original lineup just did not exert enough influence on the music this time around. So some might tell you that this is one of their better albums, but that just depends on whether or not you like watered down prog-rock. I had high hopes for this CD when I heard how great it was, but when I listened to it, it left me flat. Try listening to Fragile, and then compare it to this CD. I don't think this one is nearly as good, or succeeds on the same level.

5 comments about Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.

1. I like this album the most of all the Traffic music I have Low spark is a classic album, a very laid back jazzy sound. The Best.



2. I love traffic. I love Steve Winwood. This is the one of the earliest albums the band came out with. It makes for great driving music. He can play the piano like no one else. Take the title track, it's out of this world.



3. This is Traffic's masterpiece, filled out, mature, focused. There are only 2 things missing from this offering: Dave Mason's influence & the second disc. This was supposed to have been 2 disc offering to give the band the necessary breathing room to complete (lovingly, I might add) what is created on this disc, alone. Unfortunately, at the time, Island Records was not into producing/promoting 2 LP sets. So, we're destined to only dream what would have happened had the boys been allowed to expand on the theme on this one disc set. THANKS to who ever brought about the RE-MASTER. The original release on CD was sad, disgusting and poorly engineered with many bad spots in the sound quality. So, BE SURE you're getting the remastered version. Buying the original CD release made me rethink buying anything further on CD and forced me to listen to my vinyl (at least of this classic) for many years waiting for a re-master/re-issue worth putting in my CD player. I cannot add anything more to any of the other reviews on here except to say, this is on my top 100 list of must haves for any collector of this genre. This was a stroke of genius from Steve Winwood & company then and it stands the test of time as a classic offering from a great band!



4. I've been looking for this one for awhile! Great quality used cd, no flaws.



5. I have several copies since I first bought it around 1972. This is the best of Traffic and is a must have

5 comments about 2112.

1. No fan of RUSH can be without this album. Its filled with superlative muscianship, complex melodies, changing time signitures, minor keys, pushing of modes, meters, beats, and creative genius. Rush did exactly what the record company didn't want and followed their creative passions instead of simply making music that's more easily catagorized, labeled and radio friendly. Its quite an achievment and showcases the mastery of this great band. It was a breakout album for them and for progressive music.



2. "a comically pretentious, futuristic rock opera written by a nerdy drummer and sung by a whiny-voiced geek."??? Two musicians who have also stood the test of time and are still rocking out to this day. Few have achieved that. Do you get paid to write this garbage Michael?
   
   -Angry Die Hard Rush chick



3. 2112...what an album. Released in 1976, this progressive hard rock album by Rush just plain rocks all around. With an epic-length seven-part title track and five other normal-length songs, this album seems to have a little of everything rolled into one. The title track is so varied from part to part. You'll hear some heavy metal, some softer and slower rock, and a huge hard rocking grande finale appropriately titled "Grand Finale". Besides the title track, my other favorites on this album are The Twilight Zone, Lessons, and Something For Nothing. The song Tears is extremely mellow and good. Rush is known for throwing fans a change-up once in a while (think Rivendell off the Fly By Night album).
   
   Very simply, if you wanna rock, buy this classic Rush album. Bassist and singer Gary Weinrib (aka Geddy Lee) is at his best on vocals. This is when Lee's voice sounded the best, in my opinion - the mid to late '70s.



4. This is the one of Rush's best albums! It may go back all the way to the 70's but it is totally the definitive Rush album. The longest song I've heard is the best long song I've heard. 2112 overture opens up the album for a full 20 min of true rock and roll. Then the other songs, well they are the base work for Rush's later albums, old classic rock with a little bit of RUSH magic. "Something for Nothing" is a great song to close the album. If you like other Rush or old school rock, this is an album you'll want to have!



5. This album is a great rocker.I guess many Rush purists say after 2112 or say ''Hemispheres'' they sucked-nonsense.They just evolved in their way & used more synth but creatively,Lost fans & gained new ones but back to 2112: it's definetely as heavy as metal got back in '76.They listened to UFO, Genesis,the whole 9 yards & came with this killer opus.I was 13 when I got the vinyl copy in '79,was crazy for peart's drumming.Went thru the first ''black spine'' cd & recently got this cause the cd reached the end of it's lifespan.No comparrison in sound quality.This album always has,always will be welded into my life's playlist.It's great!

5 comments about Hemispheres.

1. rush,s hemispheres was released in 1978 and was the follow up to the farewell to kings album the year before.hemispheres continues the tale of the space traveller caught up in the fearsome force of cygnus x-1,the black hole.in fact track one is called cygnus x-1,book 2.this epic song seems to tell the tale of the struggle of the gods of love and reason in the mind of man to rule the fate of man. as the drama in the song continues the space traveller now a disembodied spirit comes before the gods of olympus after the battle of the gods and the traveller is made the god of balance bettween the forces of love and reason,in their eternal struggle.the traveller is called cygnus bringer of balance.through out track one rush masterfully creates a multifacetted soundscape perfect for the concept of the story.in my opion rush perfectly show case the amazing muscianship on this great album!also on this album are the songs that are independant from the over all concept theme of hemispheres circumstances which is good,the trees which is very cool and finally la villa strangiato again showcasing rush,s amazing muscianship!in my opinion hemispheres closed chapter one of rush,s musical story and so very well after hemispheres rush wanted to record more radio friendly shorter more accessable songs...so begins the next chapter with permanent waves!!if you like rush,s progressive concept theme era hemispheres is a good addition to the collection!!



2. For me this is the best album of an incredibly prolific band which, unlike many other bands of their times has embraced technology in an interesting way by using it with...care. Having said that, the best albums of Rush date from the late seventies up to, pretty much everything between 1976 and 1981 (I do like Grace Under Pressure a lot, as well). It is really a matter of a personal preference which album you choose as your favorite. Hemispheres is my favorite Rush album but possibly also one of my most favorite albums of the harder sounding rock, next to Dream Theatre's Scenes From The Memory, Institute's Distort Yourself, Saga's Worlds Apart (this gets weaker into it), Sylvan's Posthumous Silence (this is a mixture of hard and not), Def Leppard's Pyromania and maybe Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick, although this one as well is only partially hard as are Porcupine Tree's Fear Of A Blank Planet and The Incident (both great as well).
   Coming back Rush, the Hemisphere is a very strong album throughout but Cygnus X-1 Book II is a phenomenal 18 minute long piece of music. It is my favorite part of the story told by Rush and they seem to be true masters of these tales. The story starts as Cygnus X-1 on Farewell To Kings. Another one of my absolute Rush favorites on Hemispheres is The Trees. I like to compile things for my personal use and the compilation of my favorite songs of Rush named (using their words) Life Is Just A Candle And A Dream Must Give It Flame contains the following:
   
   1. Cygnus X-1 Book 2 (6:02) last 6 minutes of this song, the quiet part amplified 10 fold
   2. Red Sector A
   3. The Fountain Of Lamneth, parts (5:45) acoustic parts joined together
   4. Tom Sawyer
   5. Rivendell
   6. The Camera Eye
   7. A Farewell To Kings, part (1:08)
   8. Here Again
   9. The Trees
   10. Xanadu, part (6:13)
   11. 2112, part (4:46)
   12. edit
   13. The Spirit Of Radio
   14. Closer To The Heart
   15. Subdivisions
   16. Tears
   If i was to take 1 Rush disc with me for a long time it would be probably this one, but I would miss Hemisphere.
   
   'Let the truth of love be lighted; let the love of truth shine clear; sensibility armed with sense and liberty
   With the heart and mind united in a single Perfect Sphere'
   
   Rush are the philosphers of hard rock. Their lyrics brought light to many in the hour of need. Hemisphere is their brightest jewel.



3. Excellent musicianship, well written songs and best of all it is not your typical commercial product



4. If you like it , then this will be right up your alley . If you don't , then you best stay away . We're talking 18 minute long songs here . We're also talking topics that broach the fantastic , like Greek gods & trees fighting for supremacy in a forest .
   Honestly , I grew up listening to this so often that when I hear it now I kind of cringe . Musically it is hard to beat for a Rush album . Lyrically , it has grown a bit long in the tooth . I still am giving it 5 stars in the hope that it'll make someone out there give it a try who hasn't killed several copies of it over the years by playing it over & over again .



5. "2112" and "A Farewell to Kings" are two of my 50 favorite albums. This album was made after those albums. In fact, the first song "Cygnus X-1 book II: Hemispheres" is a sequel of the closing track for "A Farewell to Kings". The first part was wonderful - one of my favorite Rush songs ever. The second part is a grear one too but not so interesting and unique as the first part. The 18-minute opening song may sound a commercial suicide but in fact they tried it in "2112" whose title track is 20 minutes and 33 seconds - but they failed - the album was a breakthough. It was not Rush who was the first progressive rock band but they defintely were the best. The three shorter songs are about as good as the opening song. "Circumstances" is a rockin' track, very heavy. "The Trees" is a power ballad which is also the best track in this album in my opinion - and the best-remembered song in this album. "La Villa Strangiato" is an instrumental track - quite good. There's lots of great melodies and riffs in that song. It was no wonder that Rush decided to close "Exit...Stage Left" with it.
   Stars: The Trees, Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres

5 comments about A Farewell to Kings.

1. rush,s farewell to kings was the bands fifth studio album,that was released in 1977.after the amazing 2112 album rush kept the momentum going with this mostly brilliant album.although 2112 was mostly a concept album, farewell to kings combines conceptual songwriting and story telling with individual songs free from an overall concept theme.the farewell to kings period definately continued their sci-fi- metaphorical 10 minute plus mega song opuses.i wish i would have seen rush on the farewell to kings tour.for me the best tunes are;xanadu[one of the coolest rush tunes ever!!]in fact this album is worth it for xanadu alone!!however also geat are;closer to the heart,farewell to kings[title cut.]and finally the conceptual cygnus x-1 which opens the story of a space traveller that charts a course to cygnus x-1 which is a black hole in space. the space traveller gets caught up in the fearsome force of cygnus x-1...and the story is set and told on the next album;hemispheres!if your a rush fan especially 'kings period'it goes without saying this album would be a must for any serious rush fan!!!



2. Back in the 1970s, rock bands were compelled to put out a new album at least once a year. Not only did this keep the money rolling in, but it also kept them continuously in the public eye. Of course, this led to a lot of half-hearted, lackluster albums with filler material. Rush did better than most bands, but this album and the previous album (2112) both suffered from a major drop-off in quality on "side two". In fact, if the band had waited and put side 1 of 2112 with side 1 of A Farewell to Kings, you'd have an almost perfect Rush album.
   
   This album starts off with the vastly under-rated title track. Why this song has been mostly forgotten by everyone except the die-hards is beyond me. With its lyrical attack on academia and politicians, its jazzy center section, a brilliant vocal from Geddy Lee, and one of Alex Lifeson's most awe-inspiring solos EVER, this is one of the band's greatest moments. Likewise with "Xanadu", the sci-fi epic based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Khan". It's no accident I've never met a Rush fan who didn't like this song, as this is a true classic and a long-time concert favorite.
   
   "Side two" is a bit more problematic. "Cinderella Man" is a good song. "Madrigal" is a nice change-of-pace, but a little too precious. I know a lot of people like "Cygnus X-1", but I consider it to be one of the band's biggest mistakes ever. It blatently sounds like it was thrown together in a hurry, a last-minute sound-check composition written to fill out the album. This song alone costs A Farewell to Kings two whole stars: so bad, it's BAD. Rush has never been a singles band, but I think they were trying with "Closer to the Heart". I know this is now a concert sing-along favorite (especially the version on Exit Stage Left), but the only thing that saves this song for me is the wonderful guitar-playing of Alex Lifeson. Mr. Zivojinovich (Lifeson's real last name for the uninitiated) is Rush's true MVP. I'm convinced the band's entire reputation today rests mostly on his shoulders.
   
   Today this album is mostly disowned by the band. There's a self-consciousness now about Rush, where it seems they're really insecure about how their fans perceive them. In interviews, there's this attitude of: "We're not rock stars, we're just regular guys, but please respect our privacy. A Farewell to Kings was written back in our Serious days, but now let's have a reggae version of 'Closer to the Heart'". They're very thin-skinned regarding any criticism, and there's no hunger or risk-taking any more. It's just 3 old guys indulging in their hobby while trying to be hip, so of course they pour "Was that really us?" contempt on their earlier recordings. After this album, the band would go on to write and record two of their best albums ever, 1978's Hemispheres and 1980's Permanent Waves. A Farewell to Kings was an important step along the way, but "Cygnus X-1" prevents it from making any claim to greatness. I would have loved to have seen them with UFO on the tour that year.



3. As with the LED ZEPPELIN / studio album Shm-CDs , these RUSH studio album Shm-CDs / look and sound fantastic!!!
   
   1. You receive perfect studio album reproductions. CD size.
   
   2. ALL of these RUSH / SHM-CDs have fully coloured album covers printed right on the CDs themselves. These are not just the boring silver CDs from the 1997 re-masters.
   
   3. If you liked the 2008 MOFI version of P. WAVES and wanted more RUSH CDs that sounded like those , here you have them.
   
   Clear , clean with 0 harshness. Just a little more volume [but not too much].
   
   You will hear more base , vocals , drums and keyboards.
   
   Songs like CYGNUS X-1 , are just mind blowing.
   The highs and lows are stunning.
   
   I will not even talk about , XANADU. WOW!!!
   
   If you have ever heard the SHM-CDs of their 2 RETROSPECTIVE / CDs , the studio albums sound just as good.
   
   These RUSH studio Shm-CDs are the best RUSH that I have ever heard. Like with most SHM-CDs they sound best on stereos with more than 2 speakers!!!



4. This was the first studio album by Rush I ever got, and I recently replaced it on CD. It's still awesome. Rush's music sounds as fresh today as it did back then. The complexity of their compositions and their musicianship are still breathtaking. This album, A Farewell to Kings, is one of their most underrated albums.
   
   There are many great classic Rush tracks here, starting with two of their greatest epics, Xanadu and the blistering Cygnus X-1. Xanadu runs 11 minutes or so, and is never boring. I remember James Hetfield of Metallic saying that songs like Xanadu were a great inspiration for them, and made them want to write longer songs (many of Metallica's songs run between 7-8 minutes). It's still a great song, with great lyrics by Peart and superb musicianship. The song I like the most is the closer is Cygnus X-1. The lyrics are really good, but the music is immensely complex, and the shifting rhythms and beautiful, understated use of synthesizers works amazingly well. Peart's playing is especially good on this song. For those who say Peart is overrated (some actually do) should be forced to listen to Cygnus over and over again. The first third of the song is the best. Closer to the Heart is a great single, one of Rush's best short songs. The title song is also gorgeous, with a wonderful classical guitar introduction by Alex Lifeson. The intro is so delicate, with the glockenspiel (a rarely used percussion instrument that needs to find a home again in rock). Then when the song kicks in, it's quinessential Rush.
   
   Many critics never got Rush. I remember Moving Pictures (another great Rush album) getting one star from Rolling Stone, while giving crap like The Who's It's Hard five stars (it's their worst album, though I've heard Endless Wire is worse). Their fans got them, and are still getting them. Rush rules.



5. I bought Rush's 1977 release "A Farewell to Kings" just last month, and I've really been listening to it alot since then, it's just simply amazing, I really love it. Rush have really become one of my favorite progressive rock bands lately, they're also one of the best bands in rock period. I own eight Rush albums (including their 1974 self-titled debut, Fly By Night, Moving Pictures, 2112, Permanent Waves, Presto, and Counterparts), and I've become a bigger fan of Rush with each album that I listen to, and "A Farewell to Kings" is definately an acception, no questions asked. This album is just absolutely brilliant from start to finish, and it's also Rush's strongest and best album from the 70's in my opinion. Their breakthrough release from 1976 "2112" is an outstanding album, as well as one of the band's best, but it's this album that takes Rush's sound to a whole new different level of pure progressive musical brilliance, and it also shows the band at their peak as well. This album is also the first to feature the use of synthesizers, which really add to the band's progressive sound.
   
   The production on here is once again handled by Terry Brown, and his producing never fails. Frontman Geddy Lee's trademark high ranged vocals are top notch as always, and his bass playing is just totally unreal and amazing. I know that I've said it before in some of my previous Rush reviews here, but Geddy is definately one of rock's all time best bassists, no questions asked. He also uses Mini-Moog and bass-pedal synthesizers as well, and they really add to the progressiveness of the album here as I mentioned before. Alex Lifeson is an awesome guitarist, and he's also been regarded as one of rock's most underrated guitarists, and I really find that to be a shame, but he's awesome nonetheless. His riffs are just awesome and his solos are even better especially on "Closer to the Heart" and the 11 minute epic "Xanadu", and he also experiments with classical and twelve string guitars as well. Neil Peart's drumming is just outstanding and breathtaking and perfectly timed throughout. His percussioning is also diversified on here as he adds different kinds of percussion including cowbells, orchestra bells, wind chimes, triangle, bell tree, vibra-slap, tubular bells, and temple blocks. His is simply without a doubt one of rock's greatest drummers of all time, and when it comes to writing lyrics, this guy truly takes the cake.
   
   There are only six songs on AFTK, but hey, I'm not going to complain, seeing that they're all awesome, so let's check them out shall we. The opening title track starts off with a nice peaceful acoustic guitar intro until going into a hard rocking barrage that features excellent riffing and soloing, powerful basswork and drumming, and strongly executed vocals, all before ending with an acoustic outro, while track two "Xanadu" is a phenomenal 11 minute sci-fi/fantasy epic that is lyrically based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan". This is my personal favorite song on this album. Words just cannot even describe how much I love this song. It's also one of my favorite Rush songs as well. The first five minutes of this song is instrumental which features some nice atmospheric synths and wind chimes until Alex cuts in with a cool, addicting melodic guitar riff which is later followed by more heavier muscular riffage, sharp basslines, and fantastic drumwork. Geddy's vocals finally come into play around the 5 minute mark with these great opening lyrics: "To seek the sacred river Alph, to walk the caves of ice, to break my fast on honey dew, and drink the milk of paradise..." Neil's drumming is just fantastic throughout, and Alex's riffing is just catchy and mindblowing, and there's a sweet, killer guitar solo from him around 9:32 before going into an addicting epic finale. This song is definately an epic that you must hear to believe. Next up, we have "Closer to the Heart" which is the album's big hit single, as well as a favorite among Rush fans that features a great acoustic intro, along with great vocals from Geddy, and a fantastic guitar solo by Alex to boot.
   
   The next song "Cinderella Man" (which was written by Geddy) is a great, catchy guitar driven rocker that boasts a nice and catchy sing-a-long chorus that has some nice acoustic guitar backing it up, and there's also some killer thumping bass work by Geddy as well. This is another great song I thought. Next up, track five "Madrigal" is a short but dreamy, mellow acoustic piece that leads up to the incredibly unpredictable 10+ minute sci-fi epic "Cygnus X-1" which is written in three movements. It lyrically tells of an astronaut's journey through outer space into the black hole of the constellation known as Cygnus. The song starts off with a cool digitized speech and creepy droning synth effects, and before you know it, you are in for one serious hard rocking thrillride. The band's musicianship is just absolutely jaw-dropping, madly insane, and off the hook throughout this song. The riffs are massively heavy and muscular, the bass just thumps like crazy, the time signatures are outstanding, Neil's drumming is just incredible and it's some of his most complexed and madly insane on here, and of course Geddy really lets loose with some sweet, out of control wails near the end. This is definately without question one of the most insane sounding songs that Rush have ever written, and one of their best songs as well.
   
   Favorite songs: ALL OF THEM OF COURSE!!
   
   Overall, "A Farewell to Kings" is definately one of Rush's best and most important albums in their catalog, and it's also their strongest and best album from the 70's era as I said earlier, and this is coming from a guy who enjoys listening to Amon Amarth, Death, Atheist, Behemoth, Origin, Nile, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Meshuggah, Suffocation, Decapitated, etc. I've always been a fan of classic/progressive rock as well, and Rush are truly one of the best I've ever heard in my life. If you're new to Rush, AFTK would really be a great album to start with along with Moving Pictures (1981), Permanent Waves (1980), and 2112 (1976). If you're already a fan of Rush like I'am, then by all means I highly recommend this classic progressive rock/metal masterpiece. Trust me, it does good justice to a classic album like this. Enjoy!!

5 comments about Foxtrot.

1. This album takes its place with the Prog Rock classics of its day, such as Pink Floyd's "Dark side of the moon" and "Meddle" and King Crimson's "Lizard". Genesis's "Foxtrot" continues the direction of the second and third album with this third album. The album begins with beautifully disembodied drowns and then drifts into the first track, "Watcher of the Skies", It has an aggressive sound that is delicate and pastoral. "Suppers Ready" is the album's highlight; running 23 min. demonstrates the bands musicianship and upbeat insanity. " Get'em out by Friday", another great track, is a venture of the conceptual pop song contained in the conceptual album.



2. One of the 3 albums Genesis made at their peak of creativity . The music is what I expected, but this review has nothing to do with the music. I bought the 2008 version and I received the argentinian 1994 version TWICE!!!



3. The long glossy reviews are sympathetic writings of people with fond memories of the past. I'm an encyclopedic collector of many bands from the era, and this one is frankly, not all that.
   
   Foxtrot simply shows it age. You're bound to be disappointed. I would recommend "Selling England by the Pound" over this, unless you are a sentimentalist from the 70's



4. I have heard Genesis and seen them from the beginning to the great loss
   of Peter Gabriel,Steve Hackett ,then finally Phil Collins.This album(CD)
   has also been my favorite Genesis album. Again being a bass player,when I first got this album(yes record!) I was blown away with those great intricate parts and especially those bass pedals by Rutherford! But
   with this album at that time there was so much going on it was hard to hear separation and true clarity. Now you have to check on this re-mix of this CD. It was re-mixe Nov.2008,with the "new stereo mix". Wow ! makes a great deal of difference. Separation clarity,my ears were elated! Way past ear candy,when you have heard this album as many times as i have then you hear something you have never heard before, a vocal harmony from
   Phil or a guitar riff from Hackett that was seemed to be pushed into the mix.I listened to this on the way to work one day and heard "Horizons".
   I almost had to stop the car,the chords were beautiful,pronounced,clear.You could hear Hackett moving his hands across
   the fretboard of his guitar. I really miss this era of Genesis,they
   were magical times. With this "new stero mix" I plan to buy the other
   early ones and hope it sounds this good.Please go on that "journey again"
   with this great band now with a fantastic sound.I always especially with this band,discover the old before going to the new. If you just bought the new Europe live Cd ,you are missing out in a lot of good music.I am sorry to say Collins could not "hit the high notes",so in this recording they lowered the tuning of the songs. I was highly disappointed,first they went on tour,instead of back to the studios for new material ,then tour their music. This CD I just bought for my collection. But go back and buy "One for the Vine",
   Trick of the Tale","Selling England by the Pound", "The Lamb" etc..
   Man.its tough to grow old ,aint it though?



5. This is one of the seminal prog-rock releases of all time. In fact, it is one of the greatest albums ever released. From the opening Mellotron intro of "Watcher of The Skies" to the intensely dramatic closing of "Supper's Ready" you will be spellbound. Those who think of Genesis as the pop band they became in the 80's will no doubt start a path of discovery that will lead you to their other Gabriel-era classics which include "Trespass", "Nursery Cryme", "Selling England By The Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway". Then go for the early Collins-vocal era with more meaty releases such as "A Trick of the Tail", "Wind and Wuthering", "Seconds Out", "And Then There Were Three" and "Duke". After "Duke" Genesis started to really cash in and as a result "dumbed" the music down to appeal to the masses. Foxtrot is the epitome of what Genesis was all about in their hey-day!
   
   Buy this album and give it the attention it deserves. You will be rewarded for your efforts.

5 comments about Leftoverture.

1. 3 1/2
   
   While still too bombastically simplistic (and slightly derivative) to obtain classy-and-classic status through and through, Leftoverture is a solid synthesis of their personable commercial and progressive inclinations.



2. This is Kansas's best cd full of great songs.Highly recomend it for any Kansas fan or a new fan



3. Great, quality music truly stands the test of time. Kansas 'Leftoverture' is a prime example. This was a 'tour de force' progressive rock performance when it came out in the 70's, and it still is now. In fact, considering the dearth of good 'free form' rock music these days, many would appreciate this killer release even more. As a 48 year young music afficionado of many genres, this is one of the few releases I purchased in every living format over the decades. First, as a high schooler, in album (LP) form, then 8-track tape, then cassette, then CD, and now even have it in MP3 form! I'm not going to say any more. If you like great, highly musical performances, do yourself a favor and pick up the remastered CD version of 'Leftoverture'. The sonics are much improved, as I can readily tell on my high-end 'Magnepan' (MG-12/QR) planar, hi-res speakers and McIntosh amp. Talk about an 'eargasm'! Steal it, borrow it, or buy it, and TURN IT UP!!!



4. You want to know what "progressive" rock is, just listen to the Cheyenne Anthem from this disc. I have been of fan of Kansas since their first album (love Pilgrimage), and to this day their music just blows me away. I tell my kids who listen to (c)Rap music that I actually feel sorry for them, to not be be able to appreciate the true musicianship and prolific lyrics of bands like Kansas. This album is a true masterpiece.



5. Every song is a hit - classic Kansas at it's best. It's an album to devour.

5 comments about Point Of Know Return.

1. CD is in good shape, and looks new. I haven't listened to it yet, but I was more concerned whether it was in good shape or not, and it looks like that was not a problem.



2. I would normally rather listen to my refrigerator run than classic rock due to an overdose of 70's rock in high school, but this is the one CD I haven't given away and cannot part with. Each time I listen to this album I mildly fear that I will find it "cheesy" and worry that it was puberty that made me love it so much initially, but it never happens. I love it every time. I am a little surprised that this album isn't more esteemed. I think it is brilliant and relevant and surprising and it hasn't aged a bit.



3. I honestly don't see how Kansas fans can find fault with this record. I think its the strongest release I've heard of theirs (which runs from the first through Audio Visions.) This record in my opinion is kind of the genesis (not to be confused with the band Genesis) of progressive metal. It certainly didn't start with Sabbath or Deep Purple. When I think of stuff like Fates Warning, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, I can honestly hear the origins of that style in the heavier songs on Point of Know Return. A great record. Great musicians who aren't afraid to make great music, regardless of whether its being done with an acoustic guitar, piano, or whatever.



4. I love the first song - Point of No Return - but was disappointed that all the other songs are completely different and off the beaten track. A little too out there for me - but Kansas is still a classy group.



5. Something is not quite right with Point of Know Return. The band knew they had become such a huge hit with Leftoverture, but they either didn't have enough songwriting ideas for a follow-up album, or were influenced by the late 70's disco, anti-prog scene and the music suffers as a result. Whatever the case, this is clearly not as solid of an album compared to previous efforts.
   
   The title song is classic of course, and "Closet Chronicles" is a really good song that takes us back to the classic progressive rock days of the band. The closing song just around seven minutes long is FANTASTIC! But, I don't know, "Paradox" has an average verse melody to me, and "Portrait" is merely an okay song, nothing more. Oh, can't forget "The Spider". Even though it's only a couple minutes long and probably ripped from some Emerson, Lake and Palmer album, it's still pretty awesome.
   
   Going commercial sometimes has its problems, and while Point of Know Return manages to be a pretty good album regardless, it's still not on the same level as the other Kansas albums released before this one.