KANSAS - Magnum Opus | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION

[@philipturner6279]

From the town I have lived in for 34 years, Topeka, KS. We're kind of proud of these guys.

[@40300paul]

Yes Dave Hope on the bass. Such a complex band. Love 70's music!!

[@johncassidy3071]

Absolutely. I listen for the guy's bass line all the time. One of the most listenable bassist I've ever heard.

[@crusheverything4449]

Dave Hope has been my favorite bass player since 1975, when I first heard Masque. Nice to see him get some props!

[@abnrgrtr]

Kansas is DEFINITELY a prog band, in fact, in my opinion, the most UNDERRATED prog band of that era. NEVER get enough love. Virtuoso musicians, genius writing. Was going to suggest them to you when I thought you had only done one of their "newer" tracks, but then found this. This was definitely among the tracks I would have suggested. PLEASE do another one of theirs soon. Suggestions: Journey From Mariabronn, Song For America, Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel, Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman, All the World, The Pinnacle, Cheyenne Anthem. Cheers guys.

[@keefmack]

I think Steve Walsh is one of rock's greatest vocalists. The entire band are fantastic musicians while Kerry Livgren is an incredible composer. I highly suggest the back to back songs "Mysteries and Mayhem" and "The Pinnacle" from their 3rd album 'Masque'. Best if the songs are listened to back to back, there is a version loaded here on youtube with both songs together.

[@PaulHilburger]

agree 100%

[@keefmack]

If you don't want to react to both songs at least try The Pinnacle and hear Steve Walsh hit insane notes at the end that some might mistake as an instrument yet it is his voice.

[@ldmoore7002]

Love Chicago-esp the early tunes (while Terry reined with Jimi) on that note you GOTTA check out a current band who does Chicago better than Chicago…Leonid and friends a seasoned music producer who also plays bass and keyboards. Start with 25 or 6 to 4 on KZbin. They did about 20 songs in studio then uploaded it to KZbin. Sergey Kasherin is an AMAZING young guitarist!!

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

Yes, Walsh is one of the very best.I find it hard getting into other classic prog bands. like Camel or Gentle Giant simply because the vocals are not as good as Kansas, ELP, Genesis or Yes.

[@thegameexplainer3861]

I (and many others) consider Song for America as Kansas's masterpiece. Not only is it musically brilliant, but the song's message is so relevant today.

[@davidagnew1753]

Both the song & the album are artistic masterpieces.

[@mrz80]

I'd say it's a tie between "Song" and "No One Together". I hope I live long enough to see 'em do NOT live one last time :D

[@buddystewart2020]

By far my favorite tune from Kansas.

[@leddygee1896]

This song is Kansas ultimate expression of musical freedom. One of the greatest songs ever written, IMHO... of course...

[@jhschmidMD4]

Love Kansas. LOVE them. Unlike many prog rock bands, who were just trying to be like Yes or ELP, Kansas really had their own sound going, and this song proves it. They are just so different. Progressive rock with a dash of classical, and a twinge of mid-western folk. Kansas is just great, and in a sea of amazing, (and mostly British) prog-rock, this is unique sounding, and uniquely American.

[@LegoGBlok]

To me, this is the greatest rock song ever recorded, period. My favorite rock song.

[@timnorris6041]

The Wall is my ABSOLUTE #1 song! A must listen.

[@lougordon5206]

Miracles Out of Nowhere off the same album is exceptional. Some deeper Kansas tracks worth reacting to are Glimpse of Home, Closet Chronicles, and Child of Innocence

[@rubbersole79]

There's a young guy and girl that do an acoustic performance of "Miracles..." that is just astounding.

[@behmja]

I would add Incomudro Hymn to the Atman, and Lamplight Symphony

[@behmja]

@@rubbersole79 Melanie Mau & Martin Schenlla. And they are astounding. The way the song is done, shows just how many parts are involved

[@crocodilegrundee4514]

Miracles out of nowhere is phenomenal. A real treat of a composition!

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

Great choices, "Closet Chronicles" took on a new meaning for me when i heard it was about Howard Hughes.

[@MrPolleyr]

I had the privilege of meeting Kerry Livgren (lead guitar and song writer for Kansas) many years ago. He was actually living in Georgia at the time. Spent a few days with him at his house and studio. A kind and gentle man, so intelligent and interesting. An amazing memory. I remember standing in his massive living room and see the 13 platinum albums on the walls and thinking...”this is amazing, how did I get here?” Kerry is a musical genius. A lot of his music is written like a symphonic style....different movements and styles within a composition. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it. Thanks.

[@mvunit3]

WOW! I always wanted to meet him and sit to chat. His "journey" and history with the band, from his book "Seeds of Change" is really interesting. If only he and "Neil Peart" sat together having a discussion, I'd be the happiest fly on the wall :).

[@MrPolleyr]

@@mvunit3 ......it was an awesome adventure. He took us out to dinner one night, to an old Southern plantation converted into a reservation only restaurant. We sat on the patio reminiscing about old bands stories from the road. I had played in a band also....and although mine was a much smaller scale and relatively unknown......our stories were very similar. Kansas just had much more money and fame, which allowed them to get away with the kind of pranks and crazy behaviour most bands get into on the road. He was just a regular guy, very humble , but also very intelligent and super talented. We kept in touch for a few years until he moved back to Kansas and we kind of lost track.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@mvunit3 - The perfect gnat, you could say. 😉

[@alanalanis2257]

Other hidden gems from Kansas include Journey From Mariabrohnn, Song For America, Apercu, and Lamplight Symphony.

[@vicprovost2561]

Kansas debut album was a shocking masterpiece for a both a mid-American prog album and being so fresh sounding at the time.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

I would add Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel and Mysteries and Mayhem/The Pinnacle. Also, if you're going to do Apercu, let it continue on into Death of Mother Nature Suite.

[@Haukevind]

Death of Mother Nature Suite could easily be added too, with bonus points for still being relevant in the lyrics department.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

I like all 4 Songs, but Lamplight Symphony is one of the most touching Songs I know, and the way Steve Walsh sings it is simply epic

[@mvunit3]

NICE suggetions!

[@philpartynski3125]

Love Kansas! My 2 favorites: The Wall, and Miracles Out of Nowhere. You will love them both! 😎🎶❤️

[@thegman8968]

I was fortunate enough to see KANSAS when they toured for this album. It remains one of my favorited shows of all time! THANKS!☮☮☮

[@rubicon-oh9km]

My goodness what a show that must've been. Kansas was totally on top of their game in '76.

[@sammybeck7794]

I saw Kansas one time during this era. Steve Walsh is a madman on stage

[@mrz80]

@@sammybeck7794 Alas, the years took a heavy toll of Steve's voice, and by the time he hung it up in the early 'teens, it was time. He still had the passion but he didn't have the range any more. I was unsure about Ronnie Platt initially, but having seen the Platt-fronted band what, six, seven times now, he's definitely settled into the slot.

[@randallreece3636]

Kerry Livgren and Steve Walsh...amazing....

[@Gerard-yt3dz]

And Rich Williams, Phil Ehart, and Dave Hope!

[@Bozo1360]

You are correct. The guy's voice is beautiful. Kansas rules!

[@stevegirardmedia2255]

Hi guys, new sub, Kansas is one of my fave bands - both their prog and more melodic vocal tunes as well. One the best bands I’ve seen live (up there with Pat Metheny, Chicago, Todd Rundgren’s large band shows in the 80’s, and Van Morrison). Kansas fans know the band is kind of an outlier... in that while original prog was mainly the UK style that rose out of the English pastoral / blues rock of the 60’s ... Kansas was born out of the American roots and Native American textures and themes of the US heartland. The prog purists didn’t get that, and Kansas was looked down on by the music critics of the time as bombastic. But their Song for America and Masque albums, which preceded Leftoverture, were wonderful, too.

[@mrz80]

I heard someone refer to Kansas as "Prairie Prog". I love it! :D

[@stpnwlf9]

I grew up in Kansas and learned about this band in the spring of 1974 while at a school event at the state capitol in Topeka. A friend of mine from Topeka High was standing with me on the second floor of the rotunda and he pointed across to the gigantic John Steuart Curry mural of John Brown and said, "That'd make a hell of an album cover, wouldn't it?" Then he explained that he knew these guys from Topeka who had a band called Kansas and that their first album was about to drop with that mural as a cover. I was a fan before I even heard a note of it!

[@glennthompson1173]

Best Prog band ever from the U.S. IMO.

[@progperljungman8218]

Great band! Bent Knee is my favourite American (prog) band though. Actually, I think they're the best contemporary band in the world.

[@glennthompson1173]

@@progperljungman8218 I'll check them out.

[@progperljungman8218]

@@glennthompson1173 Nice! Totally different kind though. Truly progressive and unique (but it"s still a matter of taste - hope you'll like them) Recommend their studio live recordings from KZbin. Very varied (but I love them all 😊)

[@vicprovost2561]

Saw them open for Bad Company, both bands were Awesome. Better than Styx for sure who had the misfortune of having UFO with Michaell Schenker on guitar open & vaporize them. UFO should have headlined.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@vicprovost2561 - “Vaporize”!! I love it!! Schenker is wicked!! I’d love it if UFO did one last album and tour with him before Phil calls it a day. I’m not holding my breath, though, especially with Pete Way and Paul Raymond off to the great gig in the sky. >sigh

[@michaelpebbles6243]

WE NEED A DOUBLE THUMBS UP BUTTON.... THIS WAS GREAT

[@brettmason1666]

I saw Kansas live twice. IMO they had two masterpieces. Leftoverture and Point of know return.

[@blackfender100]

The Wall, Play the Game Tonight are on my list also

[@figgybass]

The 1st album as well.

[@mrz80]

@@figgybass HIghlight "Belexes" and "Journey from Mariabronn"

[@Sober2003]

The Wall, song for America, people of the South wind, he knew, great tunes all!

[@avantprog6902]

Great choice. This is my favourite Kansas. And yes, Steve Walsh has one of the best rock voices.

[@stevenconwell4824]

A Kansas album that gets forgotten and shouldn't is Masque. Didn't get much air play but it is very good!

[@godbluffvdgg]

Great band to listen to..This album, Leftoverture is indeed their Magnum Opus ...I saw them on this tour...Kansas live is an amazing experience...They do everything note for note...Kansas Apercu is amazing...That's early Kansas.

[@bretbreeze8675]

I also saw this tour on New Years Eve and was lucky enough to get 2nd row tickets. NickNLex I think you two would love Journey From Mariabronn from Kansas' first album

[@mhlevy]

You SHOULD do Chicago. Terry Kath, the original guitarist for Chicago, was one of Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarists!

[@vicprovost2561]

You ain't kidding, Chicago's 1st Album = Chicago Transit Authority is one of the best debut albums of all time! Double album to boot, please do several songs off it, Terry Kath Rockers.

[@scottyhightower4812]

Yeah! Do "Make Me Smile"...greatness!

[@52ndWarhawkGerbil]

Beginnings, Poem 58, 25 or 6 to 4, so many good songs.

[@scottyhightower4812]

@@vicprovost2561 Terry Kath was the shit! Whata badass!

[@vicprovost2561]

@@scottyhightower4812 Their first 3 albums are all great but the first is a magnificent classic! Chicago sure could ROCK in the old days, Terry being a main reason.

[@neilpratt5937]

This whole album is a masterpiece!

[@Sabotage8675]

Goosebumps....start to finish. I hate when people say they weren't progressive. Humbug! Not not every song is an epic such as this but still so much brilliance to behold. Nice to see young people with an open mind 😊

[@birage9885]

Magnum Opus, one of the iconic songs of Kansas, that is under appreciated by most Kansas fans. I have been listening to this song for, what is it now, almost 50 years, and this song still puts a chill up my spine, incredible work.

[@mrhelvis07]

Chicago rocks. Just You n Me. Great love song. Lots of brass

[@prometheus7615]

Chicago: 'Beginnings' 1969 they used the name 'Chicago Transit authority' ... Seals and Crofts: 'Summer breeze' 1972 #1 chart-topper hit...Jazz song Oliver Nelson's: Stolen Moments' from 1961 album: 'The blues and the abstract truth' Also from Steely Dan's debut album 1972 the tune 'Do it again' thanx for presenting material I was not aware of.

[@NicknLex]

Beat you to Stolen Moments! Check out our reaction to it if you’d like! Thanks for your suggestions and support. :) - Lex

[@mr.mojorisin1616]

Kansas and Steve Walsh are amazing live! I saw Steve Walsh do a handstand on the keyboards WHILE playing it! Blew my friggin' mind!

[@ResilientOne2112]

Kansas, Two for the show live is epic, this is a great tune, Kansas, prog rock giants! Journey from Maryabroum is a great Kansas tune. Prog rock giants Genesis, Firth of fifth is one that you would love!

[@mhlevy]

If I might suggest, a really special version of "Firth of Fifth" is from "Steve Hackett's Genesis Revisited, Live at Royal Albert Hall" you can find on KZbin. It features John Wetton (King Crimson and Asia) on vocals, and it's amazing, but this is my favorite Genesis song of all time.

[@ResilientOne2112]

@@mhlevy The PROG Genesis I knew and LOVED in the late 70s unfortunately died when Hackett left, Genesis put out "then they're were three", and "Duke", which were half decent, and then they became a complete pop band for $$$$$$ 😭 Saw Hackett tour on his own in 2015 and again in 2018, you are 100% correct, he has the best artist with him every time!

[@JohnBrooking4]

I was going to mention Mariabronn. Another favorite is mine, also from Leftoverture, is Miracles Out of Nowhere. It’s mostly a standard song, but what I really love is the instrumental break in the middle. It consists of 4 independent themes all played together, in counterpoint. And in 7/4. And The Spider, from Point of Know Return, is a short instrumental will will blow your mind!

[@mvunit3]

On my playlists; I always put Journey of Mariabronn and DT's "Change of Seasons" together :)

[@Beamshipcaptain]

I listen to Firth of Fifth and the YES cover of Simon and Garfunkel's AMERICA every day in the car to and from work, or anywhere I am going. Timeless classic wonderful music that will outlive us all!

[@kevinmeconi4156]

Absolutely, Song For America is their masterpiece and I consider the best Progressive Rock song ever written by an American band. I literally find it so inspiring that it can bring me to tears when that electric violin comes in cookin' near the latter part of the song.

[@mrz80]

When they had announced Dave Mannion was quitting the band and he was being replaced with Tom Brislin, I 'd never heard of him so I went looking around. Came across a video of him at the Casio booth at NAMM just before he joined the band, demoing one of their new digital pianos, doing a solo piano arrangement he'd done up of Song for America. Soon as I heard it I knew he'd be perfect for Kansas. :D

[@SixStringSteve]

That violin finale is joyous ✨

[@danielolson5378]

Now check out Closet Chronicles also with Kansas!

[@mikeg.4211]

Great reaction as always! This song is a perfect example of why you should always listen to a studio version first time!

[@randallreece3636]

Also, "The Wall" is amazing.

[@GTX1123]

Kansas is one of the more underrated prog rock bands from the 1970's prog rock era. It was A LOT easier for earlier prog rock bands like Pink Floyd, King Crimson etc. to blaze the prog rock trail with early success because it fit within the then late 60's psychedelic pop genre. By 1975 rock music had shifted away from this but Kansas was able to masterfully thread the needle of creating hits that charted but kept their prog rock identity. "Masque" is one of the best albums Kanas ever produced but there were no hits that charted very high from that material. "Leftoverture" & "Point of No Return" was their Zenith both in terms of hits that charted high but retained their prog rock identity.

[@Lightmane]

My favorite piece by them. My second favorite by them is Song for America. Brilliant piece of music.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

The live version on the best live album ever, Two For The Show, is the archetypal ‘show stopper’!

[@davedrd8829]

Wow, still holds it’s own!! The vocals...

[@stevegirard-voiceaudiopodcasts]

I think you guys would like Kansas' 'Song for America'. It depicts, aurally, the history of America... and laments much of it... great memorable melody, brilliant vocals, incredible changes, and with an instrumental ending that is almost questioning, "OK, what will you do to create a better future?"

[@christopheryochum3602]

No one ever does this request, but I'll give it a shot. I comment on every KZbin video that has a Kansas reaction on it that I'd like to hear a reactor do "Song for America." I think this is one of the greatest epic songs ever written. It must have eight or twenty parts to it, the piano solo is in 9/8 time signature, and it's so accessible that I listen to it repeatedly. I'd bet most of the commenters here like rock as a staple. I don't. I like accessible melodies in the rock genre, things like "China Grove" from the Doobie Brothers, "Worlds Away" from Pablo Cruise, and a lot of stuff from Chicago. But I am a big Carpenters fan. I also like Bread. Who cares? Well, my point is that "Song for America" is so catchy and well-written that I played it one time for a classical buff, and he really liked it, comparing it to a Baroque piece. And this Carpenters fan loves it. I think Kerry Livgren (classically trained) was one of the great rock composers. He didn't put this together by jamming in a garage with the band. He sat down and thought this through. You two are fun. :)

[@crusheverything4449]

Magnum Opus is credited to all six members of Kansas. Kerry didn’t sit down and write this by himself. It’s a pastiche of various song fragments the band strung together to make a full song. It was originally titled Leftoverture, but the record label insisted on using that as the album title, so the original album title, Magnum Opus, became the name of this track.

[@katesjanice]

Kansas IS American progressive rock, and no one comes close. I urge you to buy their 70s catalog: Kansas, Song for America, Masque, Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Two for the Show, Monolith, and AudioVisions!!!!!!!!

[@michaelpebbles6243]

Wow!!... yous guys are killing me with this. Kansas is on my top ten list, but you know that already. I was introduced to them while still in the Navy in 1973. Followed them all the way thru. Thanks for picking this particular one. YOU DO KNOW THAT DREAM THEATER ATTRIBUTES PART OF THEIR INFLUENCE TO KANSAS. I CAN HEAR THE INFLUENCES TOO. Hey Nick, I said it first here. I wrote this before I heard you say it on the video. "sounds like DT. lol

[@GT-mq1dx]

That killer guitar sound, very jazz fusion sounding like Alan Holdsworth. I absolutely loved jazz fusion rom the 70’s and 80’s. Jean Luc Ponty would be my recommendation, anything from his masterpiece album Enigmatic Ocean. 😎 Ok I’m updating my comment, I just came from watching some other reaction videos on Jean Luc, there are some absolute rockstars that played with him on his recordings. You can also check out Chick Corea with Frank Gambale. Andrea Vollenweider is another musical choice to listen to. Cheers!

[@Parrain0606]

I’m looking at this a year ago from my perspective (and comments time stamp) and 500 comments is too many to go through to see if anyone has suggested you listen to their live album “Two for the Show”. It’s great. I’m not suggesting it necessarily for a reaction but more that you set aside a block of time and listen to it by yourselves (together, of course) from start to finish with as little or no interruption as/if possible. I was fortunate to see them in 1976 or 77 in Baton Rouge and they were incredible!! Steve Walsh ran back one forth on the stage, did handstands on his keyboards and never missed a beat….. I’m still awed that he was able to sing while expending that much energy! I’m enjoying yours, as well as other similar channels. It’s as close as I can get to hearing songs I loved then as well as now for the first time!! (Don’t forget to listen to the live Little Feat album I suggested “Waitin’ For Columbus “. You’ll probably thank me later. 🥴🦞

[@juliebrockett3471]

Great reaction y’all!! This is America’s Prog version of RUSH!! (with 6 members...LOL) Excellent musicianship! I think they are so talented, because there is hardly anything else to see or do in Kansas... LOL!! The extensive keyboards and the violin really fill in a lot of space and make them very unique! The title fits... this is what I think of as an “Opus”! Steve Walsh is an excellent vocalist/keyboardist and Kerry Livgren is an excellent musician/composer! He went thru a very spiritual journey and his lyrics are very deep and reflect that. I think I heard you mention “The Wall” which is excellent also “Song For America”, “Point of no Return”, and “Icarus” they will have more Steve Walsh on vocals! When you get back to some RUSH, I really think I want you to do “2112” lyric version! I think y’all are ready!! I’m anxious to see your reaction to their 20 min EPIC!! Be Well and God Bless... from Texas!

[@terryprevette9824]

So, Kansas is one of my all time favorites, specifically because they were very progressive early on. Their debut is mostly progressive. You should react to Journey From Mariabronn, Apercu, Death Of Mother Nature Suite, Lonely Street, Song For America, Icarus-Born On Wings Of Steel, Cheyenne Anthem, Miracles Out Of Nowhere ... WOW!!! For shorter rock songs check out Belexes, The Devil Game, Child Of Innocence, Mysteries and Mayhem, What's On My Mind, Lightning's Hand, Sparks Of The Tempest, Stay Out Of Trouble, Relentless, No Room for A Stranger, Windows, Face It, Crossfire. They made their mark and should've been bigger. If you get a chance to see them live today, GO!

[@mrz80]

Definitely see them! They are about the tightest live band you will ever come across, and their new material is magnificent.

[@johns1364]

70s!!! Awesome! Total High School flashback.. :-) Definitely do more Kansas. Another 70s Prog rock suggestion would be Emerson, Lake and Palmer. (ELP) It's very similar to this, and one of the British "Supergroups". Check out the instrumental, "Hoedown" from the Trilogy album. It's actually an adapted classical piece. FYI, Carl Palmer is a drum god. Keep up the good work!

[@mrz80]

I'll never forget a conversation at church with a friend back just after Boston's first album broke. I mentioned liking it a lot, and she said to me, "Ah, Boston just wishes they were Kansas." Ever since then? TOTALLY hooked on Kansas :D

[@michaelblaney4461]

On the point on no return album, Point of No Return Nobody's home He Knew

[@TheGipoman]

In fact, the whole Left Overture Album is great !

[@gopinhead]

I love seeing young people enjoy the rock that I grew up with. This was a period when so many things were invented and Kansas did such a wonderful job such talent. I still have several of their record albums in my collection from so many years ago. Magnum opus was up there with anything Yes Emerson Lake & Palmer Deep Purple Pink Floyd all of those guys did. The 70s were an incredible time for music.

[@kevinlundgren1169]

Got to see KANSAS a few years ago when they were doing the LEFTOVERATURE Tour , yes , they brought it back about 5 years ago . Incredible show !! The last song or two they brought out a local high school orchestra to play along , very cool . Fantastic light show , fantastic playing !! I would definitely go see KANSAS again , well worth it !! Too bad we recently lost one of them . Fantastic band !!!!

[@mrz80]

Saw them several years ago in Clearwater, FL, and Robbie Steinhardt put in a guest appearance to sing a couple songs, I think "Cheyenne Anthem" and one or two others. So sad when he passed recently.

[@gregcormier2379]

A fitting title for this song. Kansas threw everything into this extended piece and whether you like prog, rock, or metal you get a little of everything in this song. Leftoverture was a huge success for Kansas especially when the opening track "Carry on my wayward son" , broke them into the mainstream. This song shows that they had a lot of talent and could construct an epic concept as well as a top 40 hit.

[@midnightfury7267]

I was going to say something similar, a bit of everything in this one so I'll just call it a smorgasbord of sounds.🎵

[@johncassidy3071]

It was originally titled Leftoverture. The album was going to be called Magnum Opus.

[@mrz80]

"Magnum Opus" is a PERFECT example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

[@katesjanice]

Do Kansas' Journey from Mariabronn, Song for America, Lamplight Symphony, The Pinnacle, Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel, Miracles Out of Nowhere, Hopelessly Human, Hold On. All musical masterpieces!

[@thomaswalkowiak815]

Saw this tour back in 75 or 76. They played flawlessly. This was the last song they played. At the end the lights went off and when the lights came on the entire band and all their equipment were gone and all that remained was a portable tape machine sitting in the middle if the stage playing the final refrain. So cool

[@miketrower2009]

This whole album rocks! Glad you found this one, too. The 70s was a GREAT decade for music. And maybe a little mind altering substance to make this prog rock even more enjoyable as well!

[@PromLesbian]

Cheyenne Anthem! 👍👍👍

[@joeanfinson2055]

Yes!

[@joeanfinson2055]

Bring on the Chicago!

[@stevemurrell6167]

One of Kansas greatest songs.....when I heard this in the late 70's, my life changed for the better. Have loved Kansas ever since. Great reaction.

[@mhlevy]

I saw Kansas a number of times in the 1970s and 80s while they were selling out arenas, and they're still touring today with Phil Earhart and Rich Williams, 2 of the original members, and their current Keyboardist is Tom Brislin, who toured and recorded with Yes! Kansas also played at my high school way back in the early 70s. If you get a chance, check out "Song for America." And anything from "Point of Know Return" is a real winner!

[@marconihawk2566]

Their new stuff with Brislin is great, too! Check out “Throwing Mountains.”

[@mrz80]

@@marconihawk2566 I *still* haven't peeled the shirnkwrap off my Absence of Presence CD. I dunno why. :D I think I'm afraid of finding songs even better than 8:18 :D :D

[@TheRellokid]

Your channel is growing really fast. Congrats 🔥

[@davedrd8829]

Again a super talented group!!

[@bassmanbernard]

Kansas made a huge impact on Me as a young teenager just beginning to play music . Steve Walsh had the perfect tone and his range was phenomenal. Kerry Livgrens genius backed by Walsh,Hope,Steinhart,Ehart and Williams. The arrangements were unique and deep with thought provoking lyrics that matched Steve and Robbys intensity. I’m still a huge fan.

[@funkster007]

Kansas could do it all. It's cool how they combined elements of Fusion and Prog into this tune to create their own sound. They are a huge influence on Dream Theater as well.

[@cometogether999]

So good I had to watch again. I hope to hear more Kansas reactions soon. "The Pinnacle" or "Closet Chronicles" would be nice, or "Song for America."

[@keithpasculli7465]

I am a life long musician and I remember hearing this for the first time and having my mind blown. I wanted to figure it out, and I did, but I initially didn’t even know where to start

[@michaelgross8635]

Awesome track! Lots to recommend, based on you loving this: Emerson, Lake and Palmer's full Karn Evil 9 suite is a big one. Also, I highly recommend you check out Return to Forever's Romantic Warrior album - lots of the same energy - check out Medieval Overture, Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant, and Majestic Dance. Also, Steve Morse's work with the Dregs, particularly tracks like Odyssey, Take It Off the Top, and Cruise Control (the version from Unsung Heroes). Morse is with Deep Purple now, but did two albums with Kansas in the '80s. Overall, jazz/fusion and prog are very closely related, so there's tons to explore. Enjoy!

[@progperljungman8218]

Jazz fusion and prog is sonetines related - but where jazz fusion needs to be a fusion of jazz and some other genre (commonly rock) prog could be anything that goes outside frames and gernre boundaries - boundless rock if you will 😁

[@paullane1680]

RTF...is the greatest...check out Chase ...

[@larrym1439]

Yeah...I can see that the mid to late 70s were good for you. I found Sancious tried to bring it all together in his way, but yeah, Chick and Stanley are ridiculous where it comes to composition.

[@charleshodges]

Great to see that you were into this one, and that you don't run screaming from prog. I saw Kansas once in the 70's and it was a life-long memory! Can these guys rock, or what! I can't wait until Kerry Livgren completes his cantata "Lazarus".

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your support and glad to have you!! :) - Lex

[@mrz80]

Resurretion of Lazarus is available now. Got a copy of it a couple months ago. Can I find it on this mess of a desk? Of COURSE not! :P

[@001snapshot]

Im impressed that you took on Magnum Opus...arguably one the best of Kansas...life Long Kansas fan.

[@sidecardog5244]

TransAtlantic is a current supergroup consisting of members from Dream Theater, Marillion, The Flower Kings, and Spock's Beard. They sound a little like Kansas with key changes, multiple styles, instrumental layering...as a starting point, I suggest the opening songs to The Whirlwind album (Overture /Whirlwind)

[@racinguy17]

It is a real hoot and a pleasure to see you younger people appreciating some of this classic rock and roll.

[@brotherskissingproductions4078]

If you two like Kansas you should check out the more recent band Mystery. It's like music that straddles the middle ground between classic prog like Yes and 70s/80s radio rock like Styx, Kansas & Asia. Best songs to check out first would be A Song For You, Chrysalis or Wall Street King.

[@crusheverything4449]

Yes! Mystery is an awesome band! You described them very well. I’d like to see them get some more exposure and recognition because they’re making some truly great, proggy rock with strong melodies and meaningful lyrics. Great stuff!!

[@hawkone007]

Been a fan since the White Clover years, so Kansas is obviously my favorite all time progressive band! Can't believe it has been fifty years !! Still the band is making music and the current lineup is an extremely talented group not unlike the originals, still with two original members, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams. Can't count how many times I've seen them in concert!

[@johngardner4096]

I can't think of a single bad song on _Leftoverture_. Sure, "Carry On My Wayward Son" may have gotten overplayed, but the rest of the album has even more awesome tracks. P.S. Before Kansas, I had never considered a violin to be a rock instrument. See what I knew...

[@ford-oz3vs]

Have you heard Ben Mink on Losing it? On the album Signals from Rush.

[@johngardner4096]

@@ford-oz3vs Oh, yes... but that came later!

[@mrz80]

Papa John Creach in early Jefferson Airplane? Electric Light Orchestra? Ok, that was mostly cellos, but still... :D

[@johngardner4096]

@@mrz80 what can I say? I was a teenager - young and legally stupid.

[@mrz80]

@@johngardner4096 Hehe... I was 10yrs younger than my brother, so I got to watch HIM do all the stupid stuff and then go and do me NOT likewise. 'Course, I did find plenty of my OWN stupidity :D

[@rudolfbecker4313]

Hello from Germany ! At first I'd like to say you two are a lovely couple :-) just discovered your channel yesterday and watched already quite a few of your reaction Videos. Great selection of Songs so far and not the 08/15 selection, as we say in Germany. My personal Story to Magnum Opus is, that I knew 3 Kansas Songs as Teenager, when I bought Leftoverture at the age of 18 in 1979 and from the first Moment, it blew me away and Magnum Opus at the end left me with my mouth open. Steve Walsh is one of my Top 5 singers of all times, and I will Always remember him, making the "Handstand" on his piano, when I saw them live over here 2 times. So I look Forward for more reaction Videos … PS: sorry for my stupid Computer, writing certain words with capitals :-)

[@willasacco9898]

I ever heard this before. Wow- this band was so versatile, from pop to epic program suites to a folkish masterpiece, like Dust in the Wind.

[@bobdelp2023]

THE LIST GROWS LARGE VERYYYYYYY FAST HUH? LOL, YIKES! :) MY FAVORITE KANSAS ALBUM IS BEFORE THIS ONE 75'S ( MASQUE ) IT TAKES A WOMANS LOVE TO MAKE A MAN, ICARUS: BORNE ON WINGS OF STEEL, CHILD OF INNOCENCE ETC! THOSE ARE 3 GOOD 1'S :) THANKS

[@markhenrynoll5601]

I was lucky enough to see them at a small college auditorium in early 76 so they played songs from their first 2nd, 3rd, & 4th albums. Seen them quite a few times. Going to see them in April.

[@mrz80]

Just saw 'em last spring in Orlando. Wanted to go to Van Wezel in Sarasota but ticket prices were absurd. I gut a much better seat at DR Phillips in Orlando for half the money. Frone edge of the balcony right above Rich's guitar rig. WIN! :D

[@bobdelp2023]

THERE'S LOTSAAAA PROG ( PROGRESSIVE ) ROCK BANDS YOU GUYS BUT I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE BEST 1'S ARE JETHRO TULL, RUSH, AND KANSAS :) GREAT 76 MULTI PLATINUM ALBUM ( LEFTOVERTURE ) TAKE CARE AND ENJOY!

[@ronvogt00]

This song, like many Kansas compositions, took you on a journey - a musical roller coaster. Peaks and valleys, slowly climbing then a drop and a twist and you're off in another direction. Song for America, Masque, Leftoverture, and Point of Know Return were albums of depth and musical beauty. Not many bands can boast a string like that.

[@MrPolleyr]

More Kansas would be wonderful.❤️ Song for America....next. You will love it. I think I need to subscribe

[@richardwalker9826]

one of my favorite songs and albums since the 70's kansas music will never go out of style because the words and music are intertwined and make a memory in my mind that means something can't get enough of this album - love the flyswatter and other ingenious sounds in the magnum opus!!! 3 minutes in when most songs are done magnum opus is just getting started- a masterpiece of progressive music composition!! Kansas and Kerry Livgren at their timeless best!!!!! saw them perform live twice - at heinz hall in pittsburgh a few years ago and in a field south of johnstown pa back in the 90's unforgettable memories from a once in a lifetime group of guys!

[@rayhutchinson640]

I love the way you both just sit down and really listen to these performances. It reminds me of the way teens used to race home from the record store to listen to multiple entire albums with their friends. You and KZbin are evolving that experience of musical exploration and entertainment. I can't tell you how many new artists I've "discovered" thanks to my love of watching attractive and fascinating strangers reacting to music here! Thank you!!!

[@NicknLex]

That’s exactly our intention; to listen to it the way you did! Thank you for your support!! :) - Lex

[@LegoGBlok]

You two are now the 4th ever KZbinrs, to react to this song.

[@Beamshipcaptain]

That first solo was bass-guitar with a flanger, & a wah pedal. Cool as heck. I saw KANSAS live in 1978 the POINT OF KNOW RETURN tour. It was beyond awesome, as you can imagine!

[@JohnNewkirk1]

This entire album should be listened to as a whole. Love this band so much!!!

[@HistDean]

Welcome to the world of rock from my generation! So glad you are showing others what true music is!

[@KawaTony1964]

I didn't appreciate this song when I was 17 years old. I need to listen to the deep tracks on my old records.

[@lydiapawlak8564]

That Bass from Dave was like ran thru a distortion and flanger. It sounded grungy grainy, and feedback that sounded so cool! Love the bottom end note, sounded like the lowest bass note I have ever heard from a bass guitar..

[@timmurphy3977]

Classic old guy (like me) prog rock. Good times and good memories!

[@52ndWarhawkGerbil]

For another amazing 70s prog rock song you should check out Firth of Fifth by Genesis. It's from the Peter Gabriel era Genesis before they become more poppy, and Firth of Fifth is regarded as having one of the greatest guitar solos in all of Prog Rock. I'd highly recommend you give it a look.

[@johnnyhunt9447]

Excellent Choice Entire Album is Amazing Garth Brooks Country Music Star just Loves this Band and said he told his friends that he Drummer was actually playing notes I have gotten to see this Band many times since 1980 Their Incredible Story called Kansas Miracles Out of Nowhere a Awesome Song on the album Leftoverture This is Fun seeing reactions to Music that has been The Soundtrack of My Life

[@glennkonklin2926]

I think their earlier albums are more epic and experimental; Masque, Song for America, and Leftoverture are littered with songs like this. Icarus, The Pinnacle, Song for America, and the one I think you should do next is Miracles out of Nowhere. But you really can't go wrong with any of them.

[@soundsgood4949]

I had a roommate in college who was a Kansas-head, so I heard all their stuff a ton. For me, this song was by far their best, followed by Carry On Wayward Son. Great reaction! 🙂

[@sammybeck7794]

You are correct, that is a bass guitar in the intro

[@masternovahlavoie998]

This was my first time hearing this song as well. Good call. *love you guys. Your genuine interest is heartwarming and contagious. Cheers!

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your support! Comments like these really make our day and bring smiles to our faces! Glad you enjoyed the song and we’re so happy to have you! :) - Lex

[@j.c.a2872]

Gentle Giant is another great prog band very similar to Kansas

[@JohnBrooking4]

I think GG is much less accessible then Kansas, hence most people have never heard of them, but there are some similarities in instrumentation. They were more “arty” than popular. I only discovered them a few years ago. First song heard, and still my favorite, is On Reflection, from Free Hand. Only “rock” song I know that features a 4-part fugue, first purely vocal, then even adding a drum beat to it at the end!

[@mvunit3]

​@@JohnBrooking4 - I agree, especially the more complex tracks (very odd-metered, angular, and the vocal harmonies could even be complex). This tells you even more, this is what Kerry Livgren said from his book "Seeds of Change": "Gentle Giant was one of my favorite groups. Their albums Three Friends and Octopus had a remarkable originality, good musicianship, and philosophically interesting lyrics. I also had the pleasure of seeing them in concert, and appreciated the energy of their performance." He also cites Gentle Giant in a discussion of contemporary music, formerly on numavox.com (also an excerpt from Seeds of Change): Over the years I have accumulated a rather large collection of recordings which covers the whole spectrum of musical styles. Lately I have found that there is rarely time to sit down and simply listen to music, but in one of those rare moments, I pulled a record off the shelf that I have not listened to for probably ten years. It was an early album by a little known British group, Gentle Giant. I happened to notice the liner notes on the album which read: _"It is our goal to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of being very unpopular. We have recorded each composition with the one thought--that it should be unique, adventurous and fascinating. It has taken every shred of our combined musical and technical knowledge to achieve this."_ I think they fulfilled their prophecy of their own obscurity, but what a credo! They stated most succinctly the exact attitude which I think is missing from so much of today's contemporary music."

[@stevegirard-voiceaudiopodcasts]

GG... to me... is more along the lines of British pastoral type of prog... a lot of classical instruments and sounds. Perhaps they're 'grounded' in the same way Kansas is... connected to nature. Love them, too...

[@crusheverything4449]

Kansas had one thing in abundance that most of the British prog bands lacked: BALLS!!!

[@loilt5091]

@@crusheverything4449 Tull has B A L L S. 🇨🇦

[@katesjanice]

Yes, Dave Hope played an electric Fender P bass. Robby Steinhardt was a trained classical violinistn Steve Walsh had one of the finest voices in the rock world. And Kerry Livgren, their synth player, pianist, & lead guitarist was the primary foundation of the band. He wrote almost all their music, and certainly all the prog compositions.

[@AlexAlex-dr9zc]

Glad you brought these guys under the spotlight. This track is even way better on the live album "Two for the show". Give it a try some day.

[@AudiophileTubes]

MASTERCLASS! TIMELESS PERFECTION! THE WHOLE ALBUM!