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Kansas - Two for the Show CD (album) cover

TWO FOR THE SHOW

Kansas

 

Symphonic Prog

4.34 | 289 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Rune2000
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars How do you round up a great string of albums while making a treat for the existing fans? Release a live album!

Kansas managed to make quite a name for themselves over the course of merely five years and Two For The Show does a wonderful job of summing up those years on this four sides LP release. All of the songs that I consider to be essential off each of the band's five records are here - namely Journey From Mariabronn from the debut, the title track from Song For America, Icarus from Masque, The Wall from Leftoverture and finally Point Of Know Return/Paradox off their latest release.

The best part about this set list is that it's full of unexpected surprises, even though it does become a minor hazard in a few places. For instance, I lacked enthusiasm during the performances of the band's hits like Carry On Wayward Son and especially Dust In The Wind. The same problem is also clear during the performances of almost all the songs from Point Of Know Return and my two big favorites Journey From Mariabronn and The Wall. On the other hand, we get flawless live renditions of Song For America, which has been wisely shortened for the occasion, Icarus and most importantly Magnum Opus! There are really no words to describe this 11 minute performance that completes the original version of the live album. It simply has to be experienced to be believed!

At the end, Two For The Show definitely comes up on the plus side. Not only does it show that Kansas was a magnificent live band but also compiles one of the best compilation albums that can serve as a great introduction to anyone who has previously never heard this band.

***** star songs: Song For America (7:29) Paradox (4:09) Icarus - Borne On The Wings Of Steel (5:58) Magnum Opus (11:14)

**** star songs: Point Of Know Return (3:07) Portrait (He Knew) (5:19) Carry On Wayward Son (4:39) Journey From Mariabronn (8:55) Dust In The Wind (Acoustic Guitar Solo) (6:18) Lonely Wind (Piano Solo) (4:29) Excerpt From Lamplight Symphony (2:38) The Wall (4:58)

*** star songs: Mysteries And Mayhem (4:01)

Rune2000 | 4/5 |

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