US prog appreciation by non-US people

[QUOTE=Guldbamsen]Sorry my bad, I still hear the resemblance though.[/QUOTE

Stool Man wrote: Please can somebody explain to this Brit the appeal of Kansas.

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.



Edited by infandous - April 15 2013 at 14:42

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.

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!

Edited by Knapitatet - April 30 2013 at 04:41

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.