Classical Composer Reacts to Song For America (Kansas) | The Daily Doug (Episode 229)

#Kansas #SongForAmerica #KansasReaction

In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to Song For America by Kansas. We're using their 2009 live performance from Washburn University in Topeka, KS as our source material. I am largely unfamiliar with the more 'proggy' songs by KS, and I am very impressed with their musicianship. This poem, though, captured my attention just as much as the music. Enjoy!

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[mk]

For a live performance, nothing beats Two for the Show. Absolutely a brilliant recording

[katesjanice]

Kerry Livgren wrote (thought) this masterpiece as he was flying across the country. You absolutely must hear the studio version. Critical parts have been left out of this love performance, and Walsh's voice, which was magnificent for their 1st 10 years, was nearly destroyed by this time.

[DropAnchor]

I was worried Doug would end up doing the live video version, especially the later version. It just misses all the special parts that were in the original. I wish Doug listens to the original studio version.

[randycrooks]

The Wall is another fantastic song from Kansas.

[tobytanzer]

First album - **Journey From Mariabronn**. The song that made me fall in love with Kansas in 1975. Tell us what you think of the progressions in that one. You will love it. Kansas attracted me due to 1. The violin - I played in school for 7 years. 2. The classical structures of their music. And 3. The poster cover of John Brown on the debut album.

[terrys]

Kerry Livgren was a great lyricist, & musician!

[tung-x]

The original version from the Song For America album is not to be missed!! Really worth a listen, not only for the great music and lyrics but also for the great sounds of the 1970s!! Please do check out the original (and not the edited Best Of version, either)!

[lphilpot]

Agreed on the studio version being far better. The orchestra lumbers this one down and although the sound isn't bad for a live performance, but it doesn't compare to the studio sound.

[erickvermeulen]

I always loved their song The Closet Chronicles, with the wonderful lyric: Daydreams filled his night times, and night-dreams filled his days

[nealevans]

This version does not have the cool synth solo or the piano interlude which segues really well into the odd meter instrumental section. Tom Brislin who plays keyboards with Kansas now just nails this song live and takes care of the complicated keyboard work on this interlude all by himself. Very impressive. The odd-meter instrumental section always sounded like trains to me and reminds me of the industrial revolution. All within the context of the passage of time. Not my favorite version of this song, but thanks for listening to Song For America! Miracles out of Nowhere, Journey From Mariabronn, Icarus - Borne on Wings of sayin'

[iancharles]

The studio version and album is masterful.

[pablojose]

I was at this concert in Topeka. Bitterly cold night. Lots of really old people in attendance. From Lawrence. Rock Chalk!

[phillipnoble]

Wish you had done the album version or at least an earlier live version that included the late great Robbie Steinhart. RIP..

[StephenCaudillPhoto]

Yeah, the studio version is special. The power of Dave Hope's bass makes it. Hopefully you'll listen again to that one. "So rich in Earth's delight..."

[lxathu]

You'd love Miracles out of Nowhere for the music and for its ambivalent but positive-seeking text.

[AlexAlex-drzc]

I met this band with the live album Two For The Show in the late 70's and must admit that these guys were quiet unknown here in France at the time. This album remains IMO one of the best live recordings ever released and most of the material played reveals more energy and is better than the studio versions. Obviously this engages only myself. I've always been very respectful to their musicianship. Phil Ehart is really a rhythm wonder and has always blown me out. Kerry Livgren is one of the best rock & prog rock songwriter of all times. (If not the best). On another hand despite loving so much Song For America, I confess not being that much enthousiast with this particular version presented here. Keep on digging into their work Doug ! Their 70's production is a music wonderland but even what came afterwards contains a huge amount of really really good stuff. Prog on !

[-Mohog]

Kansas, one of the most amazing bands ever. Extreme creative talent.

[davidmellick]

Your knowledge blows me away doug. I need to go back to school!

[robertranieri]

Finally some comments on the lyrics...FANTASTIC.. THEY ARE GREAT POETS

[pyrotarkus]

Kansas was the first band I saw after I started smoking weed .... what a show ! it was Dec 1980 btw . Leftoverture tour .