DRASTIC MEASURES

If "Vinyl Confessions" was a shot across the bow of the USS Kansas, then "Drastic Measures" was a head on torpedo hit! The dude in the middle of the front cover was smiling but if he was Kansas he turned the big gun on himself. I was in college when this album came out and after watching one of my all time fav bands slowly go downhill starting with "Monolith" I was very curious what would come next after Vinyl.

I was not prepared for what this album held. Oh Em GEE! Seriously!? John Elefante stepped in and searching for a new direction, settled on this. It is obvious that John was still a rookie Kansasian. Very little of this album even sounds like Kansas and more like John & Dino's Hit Parade!

"End Of The Age" was one of only 3 songs Kerry wrote and that is the only song that has the Kansas sound. John sent the band into Commercial City with most of his entries. It was obvious Kerry was burned out on Kansas and mentally was on his way out into solo land. When I first heard this album I knew right there Kansas would not survive. No violin, only MTV rated hits. That being said, I have to admit??? um??. that I did like some of the tracks?.. Okay, I said it! In a strange sort of way, some of the songs were good. BUT, I didn't listen to it as a Kansas album. I heard it as a new artist.

I found myself somehow liking "Fire With Fire". "Mainstream" was Kerry's attempt at saying "This album really sucks!" and I liked it as well. The middle section was a nice surprise. The track that stood out for me the most was "Going Through The Motions" and I have to tip my hat to John on this one.

In summary, only 4 songs on this album were enjoyable but again this was not a Kansas album. So if you listen to it, act like it is a different band.