Lawyers of Kansas

Leftoverture (Exp)

Description

The cover of 1976's Leftoverture pictures a bearded Da Vinci character composing reams of music score with a quill. Appropriate imagery for a band who combined the compositionally complex approach of British bands such as Genesis and Yes with solid Southern-rock jamming. Kansas wasn't new in '76--the group had escaped Topeka, Kansas, to record three prior albums, including the exciting Masque and Song for America. They joined the arena circuit via Leftoverture's "Carry On Wayward Son," an instant hit with its explosive vocal arrangement and indelible guitar riff. For straight-ahead rockers ("What's on Your Mind?") and ornate epics (the five-part suite "Magnum Opus"), guitarist Kerry Livgren and keyboardist Steve Walsh dramatically pair vocal harmonies over classical- and jazz-inspired structures. The 2001 expanded and remixed edition includes live versions of "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Cheyenne Anthem," as well as new liner notes by David Wild. --James Rotondi

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-04-09
Summary: "1976 Saw The Best Kansas Album Up To That Date !"

Kansas don't appear to be very know in the UK, well rock fans over here should start by buying Leftoverture.

There's strong vocals, guitars, violin, sythesizers and some of the more thoughtful and spiritual lyrics to be found in this genre.
Kerry Livgren writes 8 songs and co writes the other 3, the result is a release which brings rewards the more times it's played.

Outstanding songs, the powerful Carry On Wayward Son, Miracles Out Of Nowhere and the moving Cheyenne Anthem.
There are 2 excellent live songs, Carry On ... and Cheyenne ....
It all comes remastered, I recommend it unreserveably.

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Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2009-12-30
Summary: "Not just in Kansas anymore"

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.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-11-23
Summary: "Awsome CD!!!"

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

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-11-02
Summary: "Quite simply, an incredible, timeless American rock MASTERPIECE!"

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!!!

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-08-31
Summary: "I love progressive rock, and I love Kansas"

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.