OT - Kansas "Freaks Of Nature"

[Ash]

I know this isn't a Kansas forum, but seeing that many of you are Styx fans and likely also have listened to Kansas at one point or another (and Kansas opened for Styx on the last tour I saw - HA a Styx tie in).

I'm listening to their 1995 album "Freaks Of Nature" .... hailed as a comback album of sorts....

The album didn't do well, but it's a BRILLIANT record. Have any of you ever listened to this or have any of you even heard of it before now? As far as Kansas records go, it's definitely different, but is a really good record.

Anyway - I was just listening to it on my iTunes and thought I'd ask if anyone beside me has even heard of this record and given it a spin. I have my own special memory of the Kansas show here in Nashville when they were touring with Alan Parsons.... maybe another day. Can't remember if I told it on this board or not tho.

[classicstyxfan]

Ash ,

I am a Kansas Fan, but mostly the older stuff......the only thing I own post Point of Know Return is the D.V.D. Concert DVD.

Steve Walsh had a most phenominal voice back in the day, and they palyed some very complex and cool music, outside of the traditional rock time signatures......

How does Steve sound on Freaks Of Nature ? was Robbie back with the group on that CD? Does Kerry Livgren contribute at all ? Just curious.

[swwskj]

Ash,

I've got Freaks of Nature. It was the second Kansas CD I got. I was fortunate enough to get it as a cutout (hence why I bought it on a whim) and was really pleased to find it to be a great record. The only problem I have with it is that Walsh's voice seems shot on it. Otherwise a good listen, especially if you get it used or for under $10.

Scott

[Abitaman]

Yes I have it. Not a bad cd, but not great. I do not have it in front of me, but I remember two songs that really stood out to me, hope I get the titles right-Learning to Fly, and Cold Gray Mourning. rest was ok-ERIC

[kansas666]

Yes I have it.

I think the first half of the cd is well written. But I was really turned off by the quality of Steve Walsh's voice.

the previous album by Kansas was Live at the Whiskey, and Steve's voice was in poor shape on that. I was hoping that with having time in the studio to get it right that he might sound better. Unfortunately he didn't.

He quit drinking in '98 and his voice has improved since then.

[Ash]

No doubt that Walsh' voice got blown out in the 90s. He had really bad drug problem and was a heavy drinker for a long, long time. His voice sounds a lot better on FoN than it did on Live at the Whiskey which is unlistenable IMO. I really enjoy "Under the Knife", "Black Fathom 4", and "Desperate Times".

His voice has gotten a lot better. I also enjoyed the alternative tone of his solo record Glossolalia. (the lead track just KICKS MY BUTT).

That said, I think the songs are great... it's a lot different, but it's a great record on it's own if you don't go comparing it to the stuff from the 70's. I used the song "Need" to beg my girlfriend (now wife) to get back together with me.

[Ash]

Yes I have it. Not a bad cd, but not great. I do not have it in front of me, but I remember two songs that really stood out to me, hope I get the titles right-Learning to Fly, and Cold Gray Mourning. rest was ok-ERIC

I Can Fly ... which took me several listens to "get" but I do love it.

Cold Gray Morning was written by Kerry Livgren.

"Desperate Times" was killer live.

[bugsymalone]

I really, really love Classic Kansas. OK, so I live in the past, LOL!

This CD sounds intriguing, but I hate to hear the group that was so effortless in the past struggle a little, at least on the vocals.

Hmmmm....this sounds familiar, producing great instrumental quality, but not so hot on the vocals.

The more I listen to these classic rockers of 25-30 years ago, not many have the vocal prowess they did back in the day, except one guy I can think of off the top of my head.

Bugsy

[sadie65]

Time has a way of catching all of us. In the case of classic rock bands and athletes, I think time can be expecially hard. Choice of lifestyle certainly plays a role. That being said, I am happy that Steve Walsh was able to recover, and I hope he continues to do so.

I liked Kansas back in the day, so I may seek this one out.

In general, I think people like Tommy Shaw show that it is possible to retain/regain their lives and their voices. And I wish him continued success as well.

Thanks for the heads up.

Peace

[Abitaman]

I also have the cd that followed, I think it was called Somewhere to Nowhere. It was suppose to be a big comeback cd too. I really don't care for it. Listened to maybe 6 times. Music is good, just the lyrics really go nowhere.-ERIC

[Ash]

"Somewhere To Elsewhere"

All the songs were written or co/written by Kerry Livgren and the musicians on it are the original ones from Kansas' glory days including Bassist Dave Hope who hasn't played since 1983's "Drastic Measures".

Not sure what else you mean tho... I thought that CD was really good. I do, however, prefer Freaks of Nature.

[kansas666]

"Somewhere To Elsewhere"

All the songs were written or co/written by Kerry Livgren and the musicians on it are the original ones from Kansas' glory days including Bassist Dave Hope who hasn't played since 1983's "Drastic Measures".

Dave Hope only plays on 2 songs. Billy Greer is the bass player on the rest of the album.

I thought the material was all too midtempo. No energy. Although Steve's voice was better than on Freaks.

[Ash]

I'm one of the few that thought Steve sounded great (post 1994 Steve anyway) on Freaks. I don't think the music caters to his voice as much on Somewhere to elsewhere.

He sounds magnificent on Glossolalia even though the music style is completely un-kansas.

[kansas666]

I think Glossalalia is a much better album than Somewhere to Elsewhere. But it is rather disturbing too.

When I first listened to it. I had to put it away for a couple of weeks before I could give it another listen. After giving it some time, I find it to be a very deep and complex piece of music.