DUST IN THE WIND

KANSAS, a very good Progressive Rock band from the U.S., sometimes underrated by some people by the combinations of musical styles that the band sometimes used (Prog Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock, and even Christian Music in the early eighties). But I still consider that the band had very good contributions to Prog Rock. The "classic" line-up of the band reached its peak (in my opinion) with their "Point of Know Return" album from 1977. This single has two songs taken from that album.

"Dust in the Wind", composed by Kerry Livgren, with "existential" lyrics, two acoustic guitars, violin solos, lead and backing vocals, and a bit of percussion at the end of the song. It was a Hit Single in some parts of the world (Number 6 in the U.S. charts). It is still played sometimes in some FM Radio stations in my city. Livgren tended to write "existential lyrics" for many of his songs, until he gradually became a Christian in the early eighties. Maybe this song is the most known and famous song from the band. It almost was left out of the album becuse Livgren considered it as "not very characteristic" from the band. It seems that this have happened to other famous songs from other bands, which were included at the last minute and became Hits.

"Paradox", composed by Livgren with Steve Walsh, with several changes in rhythm and the use of an organ. Maybe more Progressive Rock in style than "Dust in the Wind". Drummer Phil Ehart shines in his drums playing.But the live version of this song which was included in their "Two for the Show" (1978) album is better, in my opinion.