FREAKS OF NATURE

Um?? not so much. With Livgren and Steinhardt gone from the band since the early 80's Kansas trues to sound like Kansas but only comes close on a few tracks off the next 3 albums this one included. At least the violin was back and never to leave again. David Ragsdale is a great musician and his work with Kansas has been great. He and Robbie are different in their approach but David holds his own. He had sent Ehart a tape back in the 80's offering his assistance but was never taken up until this album.

When I went and bought this album right after its release I had hoped for a great comeback but like so many, the writing was okay but nothing spectacular. Steve's voice on this album definitely shows issues and his fast living caught up to him. ClemofNazareth commented that the album's theme seems real depressing and that is so evident.

I Can Fly is an interesting song to start with and shows off the violin. The instrumental in the middle is just plain weird but in a good way and after that the song just fizzles out. Desperate Times sounds like a Kansas song and as usual Phil's drumming is top notch. Black Fathom 4 is probably the best track for me but again it is not anything too special. Under The Knife is also okay. The title track has some great driving places. Cold Grey Morning is just that: Cold. I know that was Kerry's song he tossed in but definitely not a Livgren type Kansas track. The ending song seems so very out of place on a Kansas album.

That is really what is interesting about the album. When the band started fracturing in 1980 it just wasn't the same Kansas anymore. Expecting any release to be like the old days is illogical. Though I will say their latest Absence Of Presence is not a bad album and only 2 originals remain. This one gets only 2 clicks. They get one for coming back.