OT - Memo to Dave: We need a KANSAS forum!

[Socratic Methodist]

KANSAS IS A BAND!

[Socratic Methodist]

Cause if ANYBODY needed a tapegate, it is STEVE WALSH.

Guy has no pipes left......

[conversationpc]

Cause if ANYBODY needed a tapegate, it is STEVE WALSH.

Guy has no pipes left......

Dude sounds better now than he has at any time since the late 80s. Kicked the drug habit and cleaned it up and he's sounding better for it. That being said, his voice is a far cry from where it was up until the mid 80s. In his prime, the guy was as good as they come.

[Socratic Methodist]

Cause if ANYBODY needed a tapegate, it is STEVE WALSH.

Guy has no pipes left......

Dude sounds better now than he has at any time since the late 80s. Kicked the drug habit and cleaned it up and he's sounding better for it. That being said, his voice is a far cry from where it was up until the mid 80s. In his prime, the guy was as good as they come.

I agree about his voice back then being stellar.....and that Steinhardt guy ain't too shabby either....

[conversationpc]

Cause if ANYBODY needed a tapegate, it is STEVE WALSH.

Guy has no pipes left......

Dude sounds better now than he has at any time since the late 80s. Kicked the drug habit and cleaned it up and he's sounding better for it. That being said, his voice is a far cry from where it was up until the mid 80s. In his prime, the guy was as good as they come.

I agree about his voice back then being stellar.....and that Steinhardt guy ain't too shabby either....

Too bad he burnt out on being in the band, but I love David Ragsdale also. He's probably a better violinist anyway.

[Greg]

I agree with needing a Kansas forum. I have asked Andrew for one before.

Steve sounded good in the late 80's, but he was crap in the 90's. He sounds better now, but it hasn't been that long ago since he's cleaned himself up.

[Mak]

Steve sounds quite good now actually....not early 80's soaring but still quite good

I'm a little bummed that it seemed like they might take off on some new material after Rags came back but it's still the same old touring thing....and now the other members are going off to do their own thing on the side

I'm a huge Kansas fan but if you think Journey is rooted in the 'dirty dozen', Kansas is right there too

[Socratic Methodist]

Steve sounds quite good now actually....not early 80's soaring but still quite good

I'm a little bummed that it seemed like they might take off on some new material after Rags came back but it's still the same old touring thing....and now the other members are going off to do their own thing on the side

I'm a huge Kansas fan but if you think Journey is rooted in the 'dirty dozen', Kansas is right there too

.....and Genesis.....

[conversationpc]

I'm a huge Kansas fan but if you think Journey is rooted in the 'dirty dozen', Kansas is right there too

At least they change some of the instrumentation in the songs fairly often. That's about all I can say about that.

[Socratic Methodist]

I can't even listen to 'Live at the Whiskey'.....

Device Voice Drum ain't much better....but I can listen to it occasionally.

I need to get my hands on some 70s video boots......so far been eluding me since I've been trading.

And that Proto-Kaw stuff is just too 'out there'......

[conversationpc]

I can't even listen to 'Live at the Whiskey'.....

Device Voice Drum ain't much better....but I can listen to it occasionally.

I need to get my hands on some 70s video boots......so far been eluding me since I've been trading.

And that Proto-Kaw stuff is just too 'out there'......

The playing "Live at the Whisky" is awesome. In fact, I'd love to take that version of "Song for America", strip the vocal track, and lay Steve's original vocals or the ones from "Two for the Show", over top of it. The instrumentation on the LATW version is so dynamic.

As far as Proto-Kaw, I love their music. "Before Became After" is awesome and "The Wait of Glory" is pretty good as well, in my opinion.

[Sassie]

I love Kansas.

[Greg]

The King Biscuit Flower Hour CD is pretty awesome. It was taken from concerts during the "Spirit of Things" tour back in 88'. Steve Morse was in the band at the time.

[Greg]

I'm a huge Kansas fan but if you think Journey is rooted in the 'dirty dozen', Kansas is right there too

Yep, Kansas is still touring heavily behind their classics. Although I didn't like Walsh's vocals on Freaks of Nature, I would love to hear some of that stuff played live. I think they played Icarus II back a few years ago in Roanoke. They were in concert with Jeremey's "Frontiers" band. That is the best that I have heard Kansas in concert and I've seen them a few times in concert.

[conversationpc]

The King Biscuit Flower Hour CD is pretty awesome. It was taken from concerts during the "Spirit of Things" tour back in 88'. Steve Morse was in the band at the time.

I've never cared much for that release. It's good to have as a collector but Steinhardt's violin was definitely missed in their sound as they became more of an AOR band instead of a progressive band. It was certainly interesting to hear that lineup of the band with Morse, though.

Although I didn't like Walsh's vocals on Freaks of Nature, I would love to hear some of that stuff played live.

That album was very good, in my opinion, and was made during the height of Walsh's drug problems, if I remember correctly from the interviews I've read with him. "I Can Fly" is one heck of a rocker and I would love to hear that song played live, as well as the title track and "Cold Gray Morning".

[Angiekay]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Kansas is a good band, but in concert they SUCK. I saw them here at our Ribfest three weeks ago for the fifth time and they are 0-5 in my book. Musically, they sound solid, but they are SOOOOO boring! They don't play a song anyone knows until an hour into their set. We couldn't believe how many people were leaving.

Hang it up and keep it to the studio.

[conversationpc]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Kansas is a good band, but in concert they SUCK. I saw them here at our Ribfest three weeks ago for the fifth time and they are 0-5 in my book. Musically, they sound solid, but they are SOOOOO boring! They don't play a song anyone knows until an hour into their set. We couldn't believe how many people were leaving.

If they only played songs that people knew, they'd only have "Carry on Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind", "Point of Know Return", and possibly "Hold On". Other than that, it's the diehards that keep them in business and they don't cowtow to the pressure of playing only the well known stuff like some other band we all know.

[Angiekay]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Kansas is a good band, but in concert they SUCK. I saw them here at our Ribfest three weeks ago for the fifth time and they are 0-5 in my book. Musically, they sound solid, but they are SOOOOO boring! They don't play a song anyone knows until an hour into their set. We couldn't believe how many people were leaving.

If they only played songs that people knew, they'd only have "Carry on Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind", "Point of Know Return", and possibly "Hold On". Other than that, it's the diehards that keep them in business and they don't cowtow to the pressure of playing only the well known stuff like some other band we all know.

That's not what I'm saying. I know they don't have that many hits, but keep people interested!!! They know the marginal songs as well. Instead of waiting an hour to play something someone knows, throw in "Hold On" or "Fight Fire with Fire", if you want to save the big stuff for the end. These songs aren't big hits but they are recognizable vs a whole show of sound alike filler.

[conversationpc]

That's not what I'm saying. I know they don't have that many hits, but keep people interested!!! They know the marginal songs as well. Instead of waiting an hour to play something someone knows, throw in "Hold On" or "Fight Fire with Fire", if you want to save the big stuff for the end. These songs aren't big hits but they are recognizable vs a whole show of sound alike filler.

Point taken but I wouldn't say the rest of their stuff is "filler". My favorite tracks are tunes like "Song for America", "Cheyenne Anthem", "Miracles Out of Nowhere", i.e., stuff most casual fans are not going to recognize.

[Socratic Methodist]

Yeah, I have to admit most people(other than us diehards), usually form an opinion of Kansas by the BIG TWO, Wayward & Dust. And they couldn't be further from the truth. Myself, I enjoy songs like, Journey From Mariabronn, or Death of Mother Nature Suite....but I also enjoy 'lesser' songs like Tomb 19, or Taking in the View.....

Whereas some CDs; ITSoT, FoN, VC, and DM - I NEVER listen to.

Musically, IMHO, you couldn't touch these guys in the 70s...and Kerry's lyrics were top notch. It is a shame that the BIG TWO are all the radio stations seem to puke out on a day to day basis. God, I can remember when radio would play a whole album side.

Dave and I used to talk Kansas way back when...he knows my love for them, and vice-versa.....They are my favorite.

and just like the J-boys are NOTHING without Perry.....Kansas is NOTHING without Livgren.

IMHO, of course, and your mileage may vary......

[conversationpc]

and just like the J-boys are NOTHING without Perry.....Kansas is NOTHING without Livgren.

IMHO, of course, and your mileage may vary......

Walsh readily admits that his songwriting was crap compared to Livgren's. One of my favorite lyrics of all time is Kerry's from "The Pinnacle"...

I've so much to say, and yet I cannot speak
Come and do my bidding now for I have grown too weak
My weary eyes have seen all that life can give
Come to me, O young one, for you I can forgive

I stood where no man goes and conquered demon foes
With glory and passion no longer in fashion
The hero breaks his blade

Cast this shadow long that I may hide my face
And in this cloak of darkness, the world I will embrace
In all that I endure, of one thing I am sure
Knowledge and reason change like the season
A jester's promenade

Lying at my feet I see the offering you bring
The mark of Cain is on our faces, borne of suffering
O, I long to hear you say it's not been wrong
I stand before you now, a riddle in my song
The answer is that sweet refrain
Unheard, it always will remain
Beyond our reach, beyond our gain

Trapped in life's parade, a king without a crown
In this joy of madness, my smile might seem a frown
With talons wrought of steel, I tore the heart of doom
And in one gleaming moment, I saw beyond the tomb
I stood where no man goes, above the din I rose
Life is amusing, though we are losing
Drowned in tears of awe

[Socratic Methodist]

The guys need to put out a few concert DVDs from the 70s.......what is wrong with their management?

2 or 3 DVDs = cash cow

[Classic Rock]

That's not what I'm saying. I know they don't have that many hits, but keep people interested!!! They know the marginal songs as well. Instead of waiting an hour to play something someone knows, throw in "Hold On" or "Fight Fire with Fire", if you want to save the big stuff for the end. These songs aren't big hits but they are recognizable vs a whole show of sound alike filler.

Point taken but I wouldn't say the rest of their stuff is "filler". My favorite tracks are tunes like "Song for America", "Cheyenne Anthem", "Miracles Out of Nowhere", i.e., stuff most casual fans are not going to recognize.

I agree, I don’t regard it as filler either. At the Kansas concerts I’ve been to you can see an unfamiliar look cross the casual fans faces when tunes like “Icarus - Bourne on the Wings of Steel” are played but it doesn’t necessarily send them to the beer lines. I can see people being unfamiliar but still interested in the more epic pieces because it is also what Kansas is known for. I do wish they would add “Hold On” to their sets, also “Play The Game Tonight” and “Fight Fire With Fire” but I can understand while they omit these.

Also another hit, or fan favorite, you left off of your previous list that most of the casual fans recognize to my surprise is “Portrait (He Knew).” Great song.

[Socratic Methodist]

Personally, I wouldn't go see them today......I read that Robby isn't there anymore, and we know Kerry isn't. Robby's vocals are as much a part of Kansas as Steve's are.

All of my favorites are deep cuts.....Icarus, Lonely Wind, Apercu, The Pilgrimage, The Pinnacle, Tomb 19, Taking in the View, Paradox, Nobody's Home, Hopelessly Human, Down the Road, Cheyenne Anthem, Jurney from Mariabronn, and Death of Mother Nature Suite....

And I NEVER leave my seat once the show starts....I don't drink, and I have an iron bladder....

[conversationpc]

Here's the setlist from their most recent show...

I Can Fly/Desperate Times
Belexes
Sparks of the Tempest
Paradox
Miracles out of Nowhere
Icarus II
Icarus
Eleanor Rigby
Ghosts with Rainmaker
Hold On with Peaceful and Warm solo
Musicatto
Song for America
Point of Know Return
Portrait (He Knew)
Dust in the Wind
Carry on Wayward Son

I can see why casual fans might not enjoy the show, since they may only really recognize the last four songs. However, there is some really good stuff here: I Can Fly, Paradox, Miracles, both Icarus tunes, SFA, etc. I would be ecstatic to hear them do "I Can Fly".

[conversationpc]

Personally, I wouldn't go see them today......I read that Robby isn't there anymore, and we know Kerry isn't. Robby's vocals are as much a part of Kansas as Steve's are.

David Ragsdale is the guy now. He was the one that was with them from "Live at the Whisky" through "Freaks of Nature". He's a better violinist than Steinhardt and Greer can easily take over Robby's vocals. He's a better singer anyway. Actually, Greer has been the best vocalist in the band since the 80s.

[Socratic Methodist]

Personally, I wouldn't go see them today......I read that Robby isn't there anymore, and we know Kerry isn't. Robby's vocals are as much a part of Kansas as Steve's are.

David Ragsdale is the guy now. He was the one that was with them from "Live at the Whisky" through "Freaks of Nature". He's a better violinist than Steinhardt and Greer can easily take over Robby's vocals. He's a better singer anyway. Actually, Greer has been the best vocalist in the band since the 80s.

I prefer Robby....and Greer has such a BAD perm....and that bald spot irks me....

And whether David is a better violinist is irrelevant, at least to me....

As far as Steve singing 'I Can Fly'? That opening line is like nails on a chalkboard.


And if we keep this thread going....perhaps we WILL get our own forum.....WOOOOOOO!

[conversationpc]

I prefer Robby....and Greer has such a BAD perm....and that bald spot irks me....

I had never noticed his bald spot until I was at the "Device Voice Drum" show and sat fairly high up in the crowd. Instead of playing on the stage, they were on the floor of the auditorium and his bald spot was plainly visible. Kinda funny.

[Socratic Methodist]

I prefer Robby....and Greer has such a BAD perm....and that bald spot irks me....

I had never noticed his bald spot until I was at the "Device Voice Drum" show and sat fairly high up in the crowd. Instead of playing on the stage, they were on the floor of the auditorium and his bald spot was plainly visible. Kinda funny.

BTW, Dave - I did answer your 'Ghosts in the Machine' question in the NOW PLAYING thread.

I wonder is you could answer one for me?

About Rich's eyepatch.....Do you know the what and when?

[conversationpc]

BTW, Dave - I did answer your 'Ghosts in the Machine' question in the NOW PLAYING thread.

Yeah, I saw that. Just didn't respond. Thanks.

I wonder is you could answer one for me?

About Rich's eyepatch.....Do you know the what and when?

I believe he lost his eye as a teenager in an accident with a firecracker or some such thing. He used to have a glass eye but just wears the patch now. He's a super nice guy. I have a t-shirt from the "Always Never the Same" tour with his signature, along with Robby's and Billy's.