'Ole Audiophile to JustJP: They don't label Kansas as progressive for nothing, this song more than most. My live exposure to them was Kansas & Queen at a very small hall venue/second of two shows. The whole entire show was so completely tight, the stunned crowd stumbled out afterword in a complete daze of wonder. We were programmed to seek out & buy Kansas & Queen albums for the next month or more. Definitely one of the the highlights of my entire existence. Thanx
Kansas never wastes notes. They develop ideas and don't noodle. Great reaction, JP. I love how you let the track play through. You still emote and express your vibe to the song during play but it never gets in the way of letting the song play.
Kansas at the time was one of the few bands that could legitimately open, or play on the same stage as Queen! They were musical equals. And from what I’ve heard, Queen were quite impressed by Kansas!! Great review JP😁
Love Masque so, so much! It's the album that made me discover and fall in love with Kansas. The Arcimboldo-esque cover it's so unique (it's what caught my attention when I bought the cd, actually), and, of course, the songs are so good: The Pinnacle is the epic conclusion, but the album is great from beginning to end... Some may argue that Lefoverture is Kansas' best album overall, and while it's phenomenal, Masque will always be my personal favourite :D
My first introduction to Kansas was in February of 1976 when they opened up for Foghat. They literally blew Foghat off the stage that night. I went out the next day and bought the Masque album. Listen to it all the way through about three times in a row. Saw them as a headliner the following year. Such a great album and such a great band. I don't think they get the props that they deserve for the greatness that they are. So glad you did this album. Keep up the great reactions.
That's an excellent review Justin, thanks. The Pinnacle and Icarus are easily my favourites from this album which, sadly, is a little spoiled for me by the weird sound of the rhythm guitar. By popular demand, Kansas have recently reintroduced this song into their live repertoire on their 50th Anniversary Tour after decades of not playing it. Here they are superbly performing The Pinnacle last year (fan cam videos): ruclips.net/video/fRD5biLTnMY/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/oj5lTav049g/видео.html P.S. Wishing Phil Ehart a full and quick recovery from the serious heart attack that he recently had.
As great as the instrumental work is In Kansas...its the vocal talents of Steve Walsh that makes their sound so distinctive. His tone, the warmth, and the range in his singing is so rare to rock music. What a stunning talent!
If you read some of the early history of Kansas, the search of and for spiritual life by Kerry and others in the band was a significant influence. Always worth listening!
So happy you loved this!!! My dad showed me this song when I was very young g and has influenced me since!!! There is a live version on RUclips that is an absolute must, so cool to see you enjoy this the way I have my whole life
If you can find the live version they did on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert from 1975-76, it is a much harder hitting version. The band is in full flight , they're not worried about takes and the source limitations imposed on them by the sterility of the recording studios at the time. You see them actually playing this track live, and all the parts you were commenting on hit much harder live. Steve Walsh is in great voice on the live track, and they are all playing their asses off. Find it and watch it, but YT keeps pulling it down.
I haven't listened to it in a while, but listening to it again now is really great. What amazing musicianship. The bass is so underrated, but he's amazing, in a lot of their songs he might go under the radar on a regular listening, but what he does is incredible. And of course the keyboards here are so good. Steve is so underrated as a keyboard player as well.
@db321g Organ is keyboards. You meant to say he played the synthesizer? He does play that in a lot of songs. And he's great. And Steve is still very underrated. You can dee in live footage what he does.
First time I've ventured into your skin pores JP, lol. Grew up with Kansas in my HS/college days, saw them live 5-6 times, so enjoyable. Another band who meshed classical influences with prog/rock to form a great musical synthesis. Steve Walsh's singing is fantastic here, fyi he sang on Steve Hackett's solo lp, "Please Don't Touch."
Masque may be my favorite Kansas album. Originally, Kansas wanted to have a 14 minute long track with this song and Mysteries and Mayhem in a suite. See this combo in the link for "The Pinnacle Restored" at Kerrylives YT channel. Ps, More monkeys sighted in central Florida? (Fox 35 Orlando). Monkeys on my roof...sounds like a Zappa song.
This track and Icarus were the absolute best tracks that the group EVER did. They came into greater popularity with the next couple of albums but for me, this was their best record by far. And having seen them live twice, it only verified my opinion.
Hi Justin. Dave from London. How does this song rank as a Kansas favourite? High In The Sky! So many themes and moods, but it still flows so well. All the instrumentation is terrific, but I think Robby's violin really shines through. And what a climax! P.S. my song ref High In The Sky is by Amen Corner, and is one of my absolute fave 60s singles.
❤😊 VERY VERYYYYY COOL JUSTIN, I'M GUESSING YOU'VE ENJOYED ( MASQUE ) 👍 HAVE A FANTASTICCC FRIDAY! THIS WAS AWESOME OF COURSE! 💯I ADMITTTT BUT I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT!
Great music to have on the road, when last year in May to celebrate a graduation anniversary I drove over to visit my college, Kansas State University. I was looking for answers there, and had music that was also looking for answers!
@@-davidolivares I did find some answers to why some college buildings were not improved when I looked them up on Google Earth - the Google cameras didn't update them for a few years.
it's fine prog but prog as we knew it.... Racing In A 70s American Yes Groove Fine indeed. Think I'll track down their Live LP for a rougher livelier affair! Diolch.
Sorry for this (I did enjoy the Kansas, and the commentary, but this link does not relate): _If Black Sabbath wrote 'Jolene'_ ruclips.net/video/YRAheVxhuIA/видео.html
'Ole Audiophile to JustJP: They don't label Kansas as progressive for nothing, this song more than most. My live exposure to them was Kansas & Queen at a very small hall venue/second of two shows. The whole entire show was so completely tight, the stunned crowd stumbled out afterword in a complete daze of wonder. We were programmed to seek out & buy Kansas & Queen albums for the next month or more. Definitely one of the the highlights of my entire existence. Thanx
Masterpiece! And as I always say: Walsh's voice capacities is somewhere out of this universe.
Another great song on one of my favorite Kansas albums. So happy I got to see them live back in 70's with the original lineup.
One of if not the best American prog song ever written. Just awesome!
Saw this live in 76 at the Armory in Lewiston Maine. They were opening for Queen. Great show.
Jealous
Kansas never wastes notes. They develop ideas and don't noodle. Great reaction, JP. I love how you let the track play through. You still emote and express your vibe to the song during play but it never gets in the way of letting the song play.
This is the pinnacle of American progressive music. It never got any better than this. Ridiculously amazing song.
Masterpiece is an understatement
Kansas at the time was one of the few bands that could legitimately open, or play on the same stage as Queen! They were musical equals. And from what I’ve heard, Queen were quite impressed by Kansas!!
Great review JP😁
Love Masque so, so much! It's the album that made me discover and fall in love with Kansas.
The Arcimboldo-esque cover it's so unique (it's what caught my attention when I bought the cd, actually), and, of course, the songs are so good: The Pinnacle is the epic conclusion, but the album is great from beginning to end...
Some may argue that Lefoverture is Kansas' best album overall, and while it's phenomenal, Masque will always be my personal favourite :D
Not just the best song on the album but in my opinion, the best song by Kansas.
My first introduction to Kansas was in February of 1976 when they opened up for Foghat. They literally blew Foghat off the stage that night. I went out the next day and bought the Masque album. Listen to it all the way through about three times in a row. Saw them as a headliner the following year. Such a great album and such a great band. I don't think they get the props that they deserve for the greatness that they are. So glad you did this album. Keep up the great reactions.
That's an excellent review Justin, thanks. The Pinnacle and Icarus are easily my favourites from this album which, sadly, is a little spoiled for me by the weird sound of the rhythm guitar. By popular demand, Kansas have recently reintroduced this song into their live repertoire on their 50th Anniversary Tour after decades of not playing it. Here they are superbly performing The Pinnacle last year (fan cam videos): ruclips.net/video/fRD5biLTnMY/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/oj5lTav049g/видео.html P.S. Wishing Phil Ehart a full and quick recovery from the serious heart attack that he recently had.
Memories... in my top 5 Kansas favorites. Played it over and over and over as a teenager. The lyrics hit home.
❤😂🎉ALWAYS FELT KANSAS WAS A MUSICIANS BAND. HARD TO FIND PEOPLE THAT COULD SEE THEIR DEPTH
I LOVE KANSAS!!!!!!❤❤❤
As great as the instrumental work is In Kansas...its the vocal talents of Steve Walsh that makes their sound so distinctive. His tone, the warmth, and the range in his singing is so rare to rock music. What a stunning talent!
If you read some of the early history of Kansas, the search of and for spiritual life by Kerry and others in the band was a significant influence. Always worth listening!
People that don't know Kansas and just think about their hits need to listen to this if they love prog.
So happy you loved this!!! My dad showed me this song when I was very young g and has influenced me since!!! There is a live version on RUclips that is an absolute must, so cool to see you enjoy this the way I have my whole life
Ty Chris! I'm glad you enjoyed!
Another fantastic song from the best album by Kansas.
Thank you JP, have a great weekend!
🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇 ☺️. Ker
If you can find the live version they did on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert from 1975-76, it is a much harder hitting version. The band is in full flight , they're not worried about takes and the source limitations imposed on them by the sterility of the recording studios at the time. You see them actually playing this track live, and all the parts you were commenting on hit much harder live. Steve Walsh is in great voice on the live track, and they are all playing their asses off. Find it and watch it, but YT keeps pulling it down.
Another great Kansas Classic ! 👍🎶🎼✌
Had to circle back…
Glad I did, very intricate interwoven and juxtaposed portions with great playing plus an epic ending. Nice nice very nice.
I haven't listened to it in a while, but listening to it again now is really great. What amazing musicianship.
The bass is so underrated, but he's amazing, in a lot of their songs he might go under the radar on a regular listening, but what he does is incredible.
And of course the keyboards here are so good. Steve is so underrated as a keyboard player as well.
Kerry played the keyboards, Steve played the organ
@db321g Organ is keyboards.
You meant to say he played the synthesizer?
He does play that in a lot of songs.
And he's great.
And Steve is still very underrated. You can dee in live footage what he does.
@@osomusic meant to type Kerry plays the piano
First time I've ventured into your skin pores JP, lol. Grew up with Kansas in my HS/college days, saw them live 5-6 times, so enjoyable. Another band who meshed classical influences with prog/rock to form a great musical synthesis. Steve Walsh's singing is fantastic here, fyi he sang on Steve Hackett's solo lp, "Please Don't Touch."
Masque may be my favorite Kansas album. Originally, Kansas wanted to have a 14 minute long track with this song and Mysteries and Mayhem in a suite. See this combo in the link for "The Pinnacle Restored" at Kerrylives YT channel.
Ps, More monkeys sighted in central Florida? (Fox 35 Orlando). Monkeys on my roof...sounds like a Zappa song.
I may be totally wrong but I’m a…
EFFIN AWESOME! Kansas produced the best outros for many songs.
This track and Icarus were the absolute best tracks that the group EVER did. They came into greater popularity with the next couple of albums but for me, this was their best record by far. And having seen them live twice, it only verified my opinion.
Jealous you saw them live. This album is a masterpiece but the lefftoverture disrespect!! Magnum opus is imo…their magnum opus.
Hi Justin. Dave from London. How does this song rank as a Kansas favourite? High In The Sky! So many themes and moods, but it still flows so well. All the instrumentation is terrific, but I think Robby's violin really shines through. And what a climax!
P.S. my song ref High In The Sky is by Amen Corner, and is one of my absolute fave 60s singles.
❤😊 VERY VERYYYYY COOL JUSTIN, I'M GUESSING YOU'VE ENJOYED ( MASQUE ) 👍 HAVE A FANTASTICCC FRIDAY! THIS WAS AWESOME OF COURSE! 💯I ADMITTTT BUT I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT!
My favorite Kansas album
Too bad this album did not get more love when it was introduced years ago. These guys are tremendous.
Quintessential prog
Great music to have on the road, when last year in May to celebrate a graduation anniversary I drove over to visit my college, Kansas State University. I was looking for answers there, and had music that was also looking for answers!
Hope you found some answers, I often want to visit my old school.
@@-davidolivares I did find some answers to why some college buildings were not improved when I looked them up on Google Earth - the Google cameras didn't update them for a few years.
Peak Kansas
it's fine prog
but prog
as we knew it....
Racing In A
70s American Yes Groove
Fine indeed.
Think I'll track down their Live LP for a rougher livelier affair! Diolch.
Justin, I think it's time for some more Monty Python episodes : )
Sorry for this (I did enjoy the Kansas, and the commentary, but this link does not relate):
_If Black Sabbath wrote 'Jolene'_ ruclips.net/video/YRAheVxhuIA/видео.html
Remains my least favorite of the Kansas albums. I'll look forward to any of the others.
You’re really not a Kansas fan or a prog fan in general.
@@rubicon-oh9km You are mistaken. Just not all prog is golden. It is your right to be wrong.