You nailed it John Doe. It is about Howard Hughes. I have been a Kansas fan since 1974. I own every album in every format. I own almost all there solo albums. If you nice gentlemen keep covering Kansas. I will watch. "Smiles". TY
The most underrated rock and roll band EVER. STILL killing it in concert too. They play this entire album live and it sounds JUST LIKE the album...50 years later. Thank you Kansas...thanks for the reaction video. Loved this from my 8th grade discovery to this very day.
This was THE SONG that got me into Kansas. In 1977 I was 13 years old and mostly listening to Kiss and just getting into Led Zeppelin. I heard the song Point of Know Return on the radio and liked it so i bought the 45. I wondered what was on the flip side and it was this song. It blew my mind! So I went out and bought the album, mind blown again! I loved every single song on it and I’ve been a huge Kansas fan ever since. The composition, time changes, all the different instruments playing leads at times and the deep lyrics had me hooked. I didn’t know it then but I love progressive rock!
Kerry Livgren was one of those people who read constantly and explored all sorts of curiosities - and when something struck his fancy, he wrote a song about it.
Check out sparks of the tempest. It's beyond prophetic. It describes our world today sadly but perfectly. Each piece is the same (presidents) The difference between us is a part of the game. The less that you know, the more you fall into place. It's a lyrical masterpiece.
I second this. “The future is managed, and your freedom's a joke; You don't know the difference as you put on the yoke. The less that you know, more you fall into place; A cog in the wheel, there is no soul in your face!”
I've seen Kansas in concert more than any other band and they've always been stellar. Again very glad you've ventured into the deeper cuts. I'll throw my suggestions into the ring: Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel (love the entire Masque album) and Song for America.
Kansas, unlike a lot of progressive rock bands, managed to get a goodly amount of radio play on Top 40 and FM AOR stations. The songs chosen for radio play were very good, but always short enough and direct enough to meet the parameters for hit singles being played on the radio, and not overly proggy. To me, they were always welcome on my car radio, where I, like everyone else, would be prone to hit a button for a different station as soon as the first few notes of a boring song hit my ears. It was a real eye-opener for me when Yes announced a joint summer amphitheatre tour with Kansas back in 2000. Some social media Yes fans insisted Kansas was actually a progressive band, America's finest ever, in fact, and that sent me scurrying to YT to see if that was true, and to familiarize myself with deep cuts before the concert. It was, in fact, very true. Kansas is a great progressive rock band. I had misjudged them from their radio singles, just as badly as if I had judged early Genesis from hearing the execrable "Follow You, Follow Me" on the radio.
@Yesquire0 Excellent! Kansas most definitely were a progressive outfit. They held onto the Prog Mantle all the way through their LP's. Even on 1980's Audio-Visions which also explored straight-forward rock, ala Foreigner. Check out Curtain of Iron from that LP.
Howard Hughes was afflicted with a burgeoning fear of germs/sickness throughout his life and this manifested into a pathological Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that caused him to increasingly strategize and build defenses against germs and this type of "germ warfare" (weak pun) drove him into hiding (the closet) literally becoming a prisoner of his phobias. Sadly, he lost the war and died in 1976 at the age of 70 in flight from Acapulco, Mexico to Houston, Texas seeking medical treatment. Really cool how Kerry Livgren took Howard Hughes' story and crafted a thought provoking progressive rock masterpiece with it.
He had a 1953 Buick Roadmaster specially-fitted with a 24 volt electrical system to start aircraft. It also had a fully-contained air filtration system with a collector in the trunk. It sold at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, FL in 2005 for 1.6M at a time when the same car without connection to the man would have reached 20K.
Believe it or not this is the first time I've heard this song. This album was played at every house party I've ever been to in the 70s. So I'm on the same level as you guys. Kansas Styx Yes Rush and many more tried the progressive side of Rock
Billionaire Howard Hughes is who the song it was about who lost his mind with OCD living as a recluse at the end of his life, checked into a high rise hotel in Vancouver BC and was never seen again died in 1976…..there you go boys
Hugh's was one of the wealthiest Americans at one point. He was a brilliant engineer and business icon. He became a total recluse later in life. I remember seeing pictures from perhaps an article in Time magazine about him. The guy had like 12 inch fingernails. He was obviously mentally ill by that time. But, he had always been one of those people so intelligent that they are a bit off anyhow. The plane your friend referred to was the Spruce Goose. It was a wooden plane so large and heavy the experts of the time said it would never fly. But, Hugh's won out and proved it by its one and only flight. That Kansas album is pure magic. They were firing on all cylinders. Sad, as that was their Pinnacle. The creative forces within the band started to strain as Kerry Livgren's lyrics became more blatantly Christian. Kerry's lyrics had always had a hint of spirituality to them ,but it was fairly abstract enough to not be pointed out as Christian Rock. There is nothing wrong with that provided the rest of the band is on the same page, but that wasn't the case, particularly with Steve Walsh, who had to "sell it" vocally. Also, Steve Walsh went through the typical mistake a lot of great lead singers make. They start thinking they are better out on their own. Kansas still produced some good albums. I loved Monolith and later Vinyl Confessions. Audio Visions had a couple of pretty intricate songs on it, but it was sort of all over the place. But Left Overture and Point of Know Return were their two zineth albums. Actually, the more recent albums over the last few years are definitely worth checking out. They went back to their prog roots.
Another musical masterpiece by Kerry Livgren. If any other members co-wrote it their contribution was small in comparison. The 42nd floor was probably after he, Howard Hughes, secluded himself in a hotel room as his mental health went down the tubes. Wouldn’t eat, thought everything could infect him, etc. Paranoia
True art is timeless-an errie twist to note- after many decades-can the lyrics apply to the late...Michael Jackson? Of course it was written back in the 70's & was referring specifically to Howad Hughs.
May I suggest Song for America, Lamplight Symphony, Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman, The Pinnacle, Icarus-Borne on Wings of Steel, all of LEFTOVERTURE (especially The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Cheyenne Anthem, Magnum Opus), Hopelessly Human. All GREAT early Kansas songs. You'll be blown away. Also, their double live album Two for the Show. Amazing stuff!!!!
So... Janice... you, ummm, kinda like Kansas a little? Good news. A lot of their music fit this channel's goals and I am also a fan of Kansas, although my fandom is somewhat limited to 4 albums. I will add your suggestions to the list and add my supervote to some of them, the rest will have to get love from other fans to make a reaction vid. Thanks! - JD
Which 4 albums, John? While likely not fitting this channel, you should check out just for yourself their latest two albums, 2016s The Prelude Implicit, and 2020s, The Absence of Presence.
We read ALL comments. Well, I do, then I share them with Dave. We're on an extended hiatus, unfortunately. Trying to get our schedules to match up, again.- JD
The first 5 Kansas albums are all fantastic, and I would find enough reasons for each of them to call it the best. But I always thought that "Point of Know Return" was the most mature of them, an album on which "Dust in the Wind", in my opinion, is the weakest song. Enough said.
I don't mean to come across as a hater... and believe me, I'm not. I really enjoy your channel... But, I am completely baffled at how someone who is in their late 30s knows nothing about Howard Hughes! Maybe it's a sad commentary on the state of the educational system in this country. You could kind of tell that John Doe was quite surprised that Dave didn't know anything about Howard Hughes. Really strange.
Dave was homeschooled K-12 by his significantly right-wing conservative Christian mother. His father was military. Mom chose what she believed to be important in his teachings, apparently Hughes wasn't.
This entire album is a masterpiece As is Leftoverture. Livgren and Walsh really hit everything spot on. They play this live perfectly.
the entire album is a masterpiece
So true!
The live version of this song on
“Two for the Show”, their live
album that came out in 1978
Is stunning!!
I agree. That live album is a classic
You nailed it John Doe. It is about Howard Hughes. I have been a Kansas fan since 1974. I own every album in every format. I own almost all there solo albums. If you nice gentlemen keep covering Kansas. I will watch. "Smiles". TY
My favorite band of all time. My father got me into them from a young age and I never stopped listening. Amazing.
Kansas is a timeless band. One of my favorites.
The most underrated rock and roll band EVER. STILL killing it in concert too. They play this entire album live and it sounds JUST LIKE the album...50 years later. Thank you Kansas...thanks for the reaction video. Loved this from my 8th grade discovery to this very day.
This was THE SONG that got me into Kansas. In 1977 I was 13 years old and mostly listening to Kiss and just getting into Led Zeppelin. I heard the song Point of Know Return on the radio and liked it so i bought the 45. I wondered what was on the flip side and it was this song. It blew my mind! So I went out and bought the album, mind blown again! I loved every single song on it and I’ve been a huge Kansas fan ever since.
The composition, time changes, all the different instruments playing leads at times and the deep lyrics had me hooked. I didn’t know it then but I love progressive rock!
Perfect reply, thank you! - JD
This song is about Howard Hughes. The movie was"Aviator."
Kansas is my favorite band, bar none. You should definitely own the 1st 7 albums.
Their 1st LP
"Kansas"
2nd LP Song for America
3rd LP
Masque
4th LP
Leftoverture
5th LP
Point of no Return
ALL are EPIC!!!!!
Kerry Livgren was one of those people who read constantly and explored all sorts of curiosities - and when something struck his fancy, he wrote a song about it.
Steve Walsh is the primary songwriter of Closet Chronicles
These country boys made me proud.
I love seeing people enjoy the music i LOVE. plenty more from Kansas
Epic, one of their best!
Actually, their 1976 release, LEFTOVERTURE, literally changed the world & shot the band into the stratosphere. There isn't a weak song on the album!
Fully agree with the excellence of LEFTOVERTURE. - JD
Check out sparks of the tempest. It's beyond prophetic. It describes our world today sadly but perfectly. Each piece is the same (presidents) The difference between us is a part of the game. The less that you know, the more you fall into place. It's a lyrical masterpiece.
Your request has been added to our list, Thank you! - JD
I second this.
“The future is managed, and your freedom's a joke;
You don't know the difference as you put on the yoke.
The less that you know, more you fall into place;
A cog in the wheel, there is no soul in your face!”
This is one of my favorite songs by Kansas.
I've seen Kansas in concert more than any other band and they've always been stellar. Again very glad you've ventured into the deeper cuts. I'll throw my suggestions into the ring: Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel (love the entire Masque album) and Song for America.
Your suggestions have been added, thanks! - JD
Kansas Nobody's Home would be interesting to hear your take on that one.
Added, thanks! - JD
My fav album ever . A masterpiece.
I enjoyed your presentation. One of my favorite Kansas tunes too : )
Kansas, unlike a lot of progressive rock bands, managed to get a goodly amount of radio play on Top 40 and FM AOR stations. The songs chosen for radio play were very good, but always short enough and direct enough to meet the parameters for hit singles being played on the radio, and not overly proggy. To me, they were always welcome on my car radio, where I, like everyone else, would be prone to hit a button for a different station as soon as the first few notes of a boring song hit my ears.
It was a real eye-opener for me when Yes announced a joint summer amphitheatre tour with Kansas back in 2000. Some social media Yes fans insisted Kansas was actually a progressive band, America's finest ever, in fact, and that sent me scurrying to YT to see if that was true, and to familiarize myself with deep cuts before the concert.
It was, in fact, very true. Kansas is a great progressive rock band. I had misjudged them from their radio singles, just as badly as if I had judged early Genesis from hearing the execrable "Follow You, Follow Me" on the radio.
@Yesquire0 Excellent! Kansas most definitely were a progressive outfit. They held onto the Prog Mantle all the way through their LP's. Even on 1980's Audio-Visions which also explored straight-forward rock, ala Foreigner. Check out Curtain of Iron from that LP.
@@LiteralistReactions They still ARE
Dave, you need to research Howard Hughes.... Fascinating pioneer in so many fields.
Howard Hughes was afflicted with a burgeoning fear of germs/sickness throughout his life and this manifested into a pathological Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that caused him to increasingly strategize and build defenses against germs and this type of "germ warfare" (weak pun) drove him into hiding (the closet) literally becoming a prisoner of his phobias. Sadly, he lost the war and died in 1976 at the age of 70 in flight from Acapulco, Mexico to Houston, Texas seeking medical treatment. Really cool how Kerry Livgren took Howard Hughes' story and crafted a thought provoking progressive rock masterpiece with it.
He had a 1953 Buick Roadmaster specially-fitted with a 24 volt electrical system to start aircraft. It also had a fully-contained air filtration system with a collector in the trunk. It sold at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, FL in 2005 for 1.6M at a time when the same car without connection to the man would have reached 20K.
I believe this song is about Howard Hughes.
Really? I always assumed it was an abstract. Hmmm
According to Kerry Livgren, one of the songwriters, this is indeed about Howard Hughes( see his autobiography "Seeds of Change ")
really fantastic album. Brilliant. My faves on that album are many. Nobody's Home, and Hopelessly Human.
Believe it or not this is the first time I've heard this song. This album was played at every house party I've ever been to in the 70s. So I'm on the same level as you guys. Kansas Styx Yes Rush and many more tried the progressive side of Rock
Billionaire Howard Hughes is who the song it was about who lost his mind with OCD living as a recluse at the end of his life, checked into a high rise hotel in Vancouver BC and was never seen again died in 1976…..there you go boys
Crazy song choice here loved this as a child when the record first came out I was alone in this but damn good stuff love you
They are my favorite band of all time, I graduated High School In 1978!
@@thomasroutte8942 1979 here
1976 here. My FAVORITE band by far. Kerry Livgren is the world's finest composer, orchestrator, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist. No contest.
Interesting Selection, which has tastes of "Magnum Opus". I saw Kansas on This Tour.
Howard Hughes was mentioned one or two years earlier in The Wallstreet Shuffle by 10CC.
Steve Walsh is the primary songwriter of Closet Chronicles, and it is about Howard Hughes..
portrait he knew great song from Kansas again another famous person
Great song great album! Please react to Portrait/He Knew next, thank you!
its about Howard Hughes,great track from a perfect album. seen em on that tour.
The best prog band.
I love how the instrumental section reflects his madness.
There was another (earlier) movie called Howard And Me.
*""THE-CLOSET-CHRONICLES WASBASED ON HOWARD HUGHS ANDHIS-WEALTH""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
It is about Howard Hughes folks!!
Hugh's was one of the wealthiest Americans at one point. He was a brilliant engineer and business icon. He became a total recluse later in life. I remember seeing pictures from perhaps an article in Time magazine about him. The guy had like 12 inch fingernails. He was obviously mentally ill by that time. But, he had always been one of those people so intelligent that they are a bit off anyhow. The plane your friend referred to was the Spruce Goose. It was a wooden plane so large and heavy the experts of the time said it would never fly. But, Hugh's won out and proved it by its one and only flight. That Kansas album is pure magic. They were firing on all cylinders. Sad, as that was their Pinnacle. The creative forces within the band started to strain as Kerry Livgren's lyrics became more blatantly Christian. Kerry's lyrics had always had a hint of spirituality to them ,but it was fairly abstract enough to not be pointed out as Christian Rock. There is nothing wrong with that provided the rest of the band is on the same page, but that wasn't the case, particularly with Steve Walsh, who had to "sell it" vocally. Also, Steve Walsh went through the typical mistake a lot of great lead singers make. They start thinking they are better out on their own. Kansas still produced some good albums. I loved Monolith and later Vinyl Confessions. Audio Visions had a couple of pretty intricate songs on it, but it was sort of all over the place. But Left Overture and Point of Know Return were their two zineth albums. Actually, the more recent albums over the last few years are definitely worth checking out. They went back to their prog roots.
Excellent reply! Thanks! - JD
One of my favorite Kansas songs. I was very disappointed when they didn’t play it!
Another musical masterpiece by Kerry Livgren. If any other members co-wrote it their contribution was small in comparison. The 42nd floor was probably after he, Howard Hughes, secluded himself in a hotel room as his mental health went down the tubes. Wouldn’t eat, thought everything could infect him, etc. Paranoia
Steve Walsh is the primary songwriter of Closet Chronicles
This is my favorite of there's
Great album! Love Point of Know Return and Dust in the Wind (among others...)
Your requests/votes have been added to our list, Thank you! - JD
When this song came out I envisioned the Shah of Iran ...
You guys definitely need to do more Kansas!!!
True art is timeless-an errie twist to note- after many decades-can the lyrics apply to the late...Michael Jackson? Of course it was written back in the 70's & was referring specifically to Howad Hughs.
im sure someone has commented before but closet chronicles is about Howard Hughes
Leftoverture sent them thru the roof!!
It's is about howard hughes who became a recluse
It's about Howard Hughes
...and end of videos...
Its about howard hughes
Alot of this album could of been the sound track to a "Sonic the Hedgehog" game, lol
May I suggest Song for America, Lamplight Symphony, Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman, The Pinnacle, Icarus-Borne on Wings of Steel, all of LEFTOVERTURE (especially The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Cheyenne Anthem, Magnum Opus), Hopelessly Human. All GREAT early Kansas songs. You'll be blown away. Also, their double live album Two for the Show. Amazing stuff!!!!
So... Janice... you, ummm, kinda like Kansas a little? Good news. A lot of their music fit this channel's goals and I am also a fan of Kansas, although my fandom is somewhat limited to 4 albums. I will add your suggestions to the list and add my supervote to some of them, the rest will have to get love from other fans to make a reaction vid. Thanks! - JD
Which 4 albums, John?
While likely not fitting this channel, you should check out just for yourself their latest two albums, 2016s The Prelude Implicit, and 2020s, The Absence of Presence.
Hey guys! If you read this comment... I´d love you both to react to "Hopelessly human" from the same album. I´d really love to hear what you think.
We read ALL comments. Well, I do, then I share them with Dave. We're on an extended hiatus, unfortunately. Trying to get our schedules to match up, again.- JD
Have you done Sparks of the Tempest?
We have not... will add it to the list. - JD
It’s about Howard hughes
Howard Hughes?
Isn't this song about Howard Hughes
It's loosely about Howard Hughes
Play more point of know return
Good try….. song is about aviator howard hughes
The first 5 Kansas albums are all fantastic, and I would find enough reasons for each of them to call it the best. But I always thought that "Point of Know Return" was the most mature of them, an album on which "Dust in the Wind", in my opinion, is the weakest song. Enough said.
I don't mean to come across as a hater... and believe me, I'm not. I really enjoy your channel... But, I am completely baffled at how someone who is in their late 30s knows nothing about Howard Hughes! Maybe it's a sad commentary on the state of the educational system in this country. You could kind of tell that John Doe was quite surprised that Dave didn't know anything about Howard Hughes. Really strange.
Dave was homeschooled K-12 by his significantly right-wing conservative Christian mother. His father was military. Mom chose what she believed to be important in his teachings, apparently Hughes wasn't.
I wish young people knew HISTORY!!!!!
🤨😔🙏🇺🇸
Speaking of out of touch...
🤔
You literally shut the song off at the best part
The song faded out in the version Dave played. Since he never heard the song before that moment, how do you suggest he knows he cut it off? - JD
Howard Hughes
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hughes
It's about Howard Hughes
It’s about Howard Hughes