Progarchives.com has always (since 2002) relied on banners ads to cover web hosting fees and all. Please consider supporting us by giving monthly PayPal donations and help keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.
Joined: February 10 2010
Location: Barcelona Spain
Status: Offline
Points: 5093
Posted: April 15 2013 at 01:46
Stool Man wrote:
Please can somebody explain to this Brit the appeal of Kansas.
Well, you said in the OP that you have never listened to them, so if that's the case the first thing is for you to give them a chance?
Like many other respected classic bands they have had weak periods and also some of their songs have a clearly American-rock vibe which may not appeal to some non-US proggers, but they have made excellent music too.
Leftoverture or the live Two For The Show should be the best introduction IMO.
Joined: March 23 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2446
Posted: April 15 2013 at 14:40
The thing that strikes me most when I listen to Kansas nowadays (loved them in my teens and 20's), is how hyperactive it all sounds. There isn't a lot in the way of dynamics, except on the longer more proggy tracks. Even then, they seem to have difficulty slowing down to any degree.
I think that, coupled with the higher register "arena rock" (or, as some Brits I know have said to me, "glam rock") vocals, is what turns off most non-Americans (and a lot of Americans, for that matter). There is also the fact that the band seemed torn a lot of the time between symphonic prog rock and bluesy hard rock, but I think most people outside the USA have heard plenty of both types of music (though, again, Kansas do a very American take on the bluesy hard rock as well).
Still, I think they are worth giving some time, especially the first 4 albums and the Two For The Show live album, especially.
Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 26171
Posted: April 16 2013 at 01:15
infandous wrote:
The thing that strikes me most when I listen to Kansas nowadays (loved them in my teens and 20's), is how hyperactive it all sounds. There isn't a lot in the way of dynamics, except on the longer more proggy tracks. Even then, they seem to have difficulty slowing down to any degree.
I think that, coupled with the higher register "arena rock" (or, as some Brits I know have said to me, "glam rock") vocals, is what turns off most non-Americans (and a lot of Americans, for that matter). There is also the fact that the band seemed torn a lot of the time between symphonic prog rock and bluesy hard rock, but I think most people outside the USA have heard plenty of both types of music (though, again, Kansas do a very American take on the bluesy hard rock as well).
Still, I think they are worth giving some time, especially the first 4 albums and the Two For The Show live album, especially.
Somewhere to Elsewhere is one of their best albums so I wouldn't ignore that. I think you make an interesting point about dynamics in their music (or rather lack of it). When I first heard Point Of Know Return I was surprised by just how 'flat' it sounded but then I put that down to production more than anything else. I saw them live about 8 years ago and was very impressed . I liked their 'hyperactive' approach on that occasion
Joined: March 23 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2446
Posted: April 16 2013 at 11:41
richardh wrote:
infandous wrote:
The thing that strikes me most when I listen to Kansas nowadays (loved them in my teens and 20's), is how hyperactive it all sounds. There isn't a lot in the way of dynamics, except on the longer more proggy tracks. Even then, they seem to have difficulty slowing down to any degree.
I think that, coupled with the higher register "arena rock" (or, as some Brits I know have said to me, "glam rock") vocals, is what turns off most non-Americans (and a lot of Americans, for that matter). There is also the fact that the band seemed torn a lot of the time between symphonic prog rock and bluesy hard rock, but I think most people outside the USA have heard plenty of both types of music (though, again, Kansas do a very American take on the bluesy hard rock as well).
Still, I think they are worth giving some time, especially the first 4 albums and the Two For The Show live album, especially.
Somewhere to Elsewhere is one of their best albums so I wouldn't ignore that. I think you make an interesting point about dynamics in their music (or rather lack of it). When I first heard Point Of Know Return I was surprised by just how 'flat' it sounded but then I put that down to production more than anything else. I saw them live about 8 years ago and was very impressed . I liked their 'hyperactive' approach on that occasion
Oh yeah, I enjoy it too, don't get me wrong. I just think that might be a factor for non-US folks. I have to admit, I've never heard Somewhere to Elsewhere I guess I'm not a big enough fan to want to check it out before the tons of other stuff I want to hear.
Joined: April 28 2013
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 12
Posted: April 30 2013 at 03:10
I like Frank Zappa, The Mars Volta, Return To Forever, The Fall Of Troy, Coheed And Cambria, Planet X and i do count The Mahavishnu Orchestrah as an American group aswell.
Joined: April 28 2013
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 12
Posted: April 30 2013 at 03:39
Might as well add Phish, Primus, Mastodon, Mr.Bungle, Animals As Leaders and Periphery while im still at it. Only a fool would underestimate American prog.
EDIT: I promise i wont bump this thread anymore, but i just have to add Cynic and Captain Beefheart aswell!
Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 26171
Posted: May 01 2013 at 01:45
Kansas were very much an American band making prog. They didn't try to be too much like European bands and for that I commend them. Song For America is in particular a real gem. I love bands to write about their own country and the history.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
This page was generated in 0.109 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.