TWO FOR THE SHOW

This review should stand as a notice to record companies why sites like Progarchives matters. I have owned this album for a number of years, first in vinyl than in the original cd release and never really gave it much thought, but after reading the reviews from this site my interest in the updated 30th anniversary edition, I couldn't wait to go out and purchase it, and boy was I ever pleased.

This is how all remastered live albums should go out. A lot of care was put into cleaning up the audio from the previous release giving a brightness and depth that it was previously lacking. In addition, they added over an hours worth of new material, presenting, while not sequentially, the entire concert experience. The original disc is loaded with all of Kansas' most enduring tracks from their creative peak, all of them performed with energy and passion, in particular, 'The Portrait', a song I never really cared for with its too pat rhyme structure, is absolutely blazing.

In my mind, the second disc houses the true gems. Songs like 'Child of Innocence' and 'Belexes' are show stoppers. 'Down the Road' and 'Lonely Street' are performed with fire. Truly an exhilirating listen. Best of all, this was recorded when Steve Walsh could still sing. I had forgotten how powerful the dual vocals of him and Robbie Steinhardt were.

Finally, this review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the photo booklet. It brings the seventies back in all its terrifying, yellow shorts, knee-high socks, handlebar mustache glory.

Highly recommended.