That was a violin in the instrumental part Robbie Steinhardt (RIP) played violin and was also the lower grittier singer in the middle part. Across the sea there came a multitude…. They were blessed with 2 great singers (Steve Walsh was the other higher range one. Also played organ) The bass player was Dave Hope. Highly underrated. He’s now a youth minister in Florida Kerry Livgren was the piano, lead guitar and chief songwriter You want a mind blower from them? Check out “Magnum Opus” from the Leftoverture album They were very creative back in the day Americas Prog band 😀 Nice one here, brotha!
The back and forth is Call and Response. The lyrics show America's state before and after colonization. Kerry Livgren wrote the song while looking down at the country from an airplane. He said "I was musing over our relatively young nation."
Long time Kansas fan here particularly the earlier stuff. That logo is very cool indeed. I had a Kansas shirt that had that image but the tee shirt was orange so was black on orange. I don’t remember if I bought at their concert or not. Saw them several times in 1970s.
Got to see them for the first time in 1975 with Bad Company. I could have left after Kansas but BC was good too. Some of the guys walked in through the rear by the audience entrance wearing Kilts and playing bagpipes coming up the aisle toward the stage. All I could hear was the bagpipes and the crowd going wild until they got toward the front where I could see them. I was looking on the stage for them. LOL! A good double header that night. I definitely got my money's worth for $7.
Recently found your channel and have been really enjoying your reactions! Kansas is my favorite band, so I was excited to see you start listening to them. Kansas has some really classy music like Song for America, but they can get pretty heavy too! If you’re interested in the more hard rock side of Kansas, check out Belexes or Can I Tell You off the debut album, Lightnings Hand, or Rhythm In The Spirit.
The lead singer would usually play organ live simultaneously even switch to percussion in the same song. The lead guitarist would play keyboards too even at the same time as the organ.
Smoothy Moody trippy goodness..lol Love this album actually. One of the best 70's psychedelic rock bands. PS: Have you heard? Ronnie Romero (Lead singer of Lords Of Black) and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest have formed a new group called ELEGANT WEAPONS, debut album comes out in May and they just dropped the first 2 singles. ELEGANT WEAPONS - Do Or Die, and Blind Leading The Blind over the last week. It's a sonic boom to my heart..
Well welcome to the REAL band Kansas. People are finally catching on to the better songs by them. It only took almost 45 years! They should have heard this before wayward son and dust wind. But it so happened that it took 4 albums and 1 big song and it seems that everyone stops dead there except Kansas fans. Actually the first cut on that side DOWN THE ROAD is a banger if you like a little metalish. Also Sparks of the Tempest off of their Point of Know Return album AND if you want to hear another one on the same plane as this, listen to NO ONE TOGETHER off of Audio Visions album. The flip side of this album is Lonely Street that has a bluesy melody along with Portrait He Knew of Point of Know Return. They are so versatile. RIP to our beloved Robbie (violinist).
Don't look for guitars taking lead on this one. Robbie the violinist has that part on this song. Many of the guys played gigs in New Orleans area and were called White Clover.
Kansas is great!! Try The Wall, Magnum Opus and anything off the album Left Overture! Yea that’s a real violin…his name was Robbie Steinhardt! He was a master violinist and a monster vocalist! He died less than a year ago and we lost a very talented musician! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
It seems you missed the violin. I just saw Kansas last August for thier 50th Anniversery Tour, still fantastic. Ah 11:40 you finally heard it, been there since the begining.
Glad you checked out the greatest American prog band. Like Yes they are top shelf musicians who have many great tunes. Two for the Show, one of the great live albums of the 70's. Magnum Opus and Miracles out of Nowhere are must listens. Plenty of Hard guitar parts.
I always love to see a reaction to Song For America after COWS and DITW. It really showcases how deep of a band they were. Plenty more in the catalog to check out.
Great choice !! This has always been a special tune for myself as it would be one of several that drew me into this uniquely talented prog band. Due to the vocals and the amazing Robbie Steinhardt on the violin, no other group ever sounded like Kansas. And like your comparison to Deep Purple. John Lord is just legendary. But as a whole, this song as well as the album is easily one their finest. Be sure to check out the remainder of that LP.
One more thing as I watch you comment. Almost all the Kansas songs have a “call and answer” all the way through. Remember they have two keyboard players playing a different part with each hand so that’s four keyboard parts going on in the background at all times. It would be a nightmare to have to try and read this music written down.
Welcome to Kansas! Song For America was album 2.. album 3 is Masque.. You should review The Pinnacle from Masque. The song before it Mysteries and Mayhem was supposed to lead in directly to The Pinnacle but the record company made them split it up.
so many great Kansas songs! I have listened to this 100s of times and am a guitar nut, but never really noticed, until you said it, that there wasn't much guitar in it. By they way, there is a violin all the way through - one of their signature instruments. Thanks for reviewing.
Another great reaction! Kansas was one of favorite bands back in the 70s! Carry On was epic but I mostly enjoyed their early Prog songs (such as Song for America). What's next to react to? You are a drummer I believe? Check out Incomudro also from Song for America album. Phil Eharts drum solo is phenomenal (Phil is so underrated). Other favorites: Mysteries & Mayhem/The Pinnacle Icarus - Bourne on Wings of Steel Lamplight Symphony Magnum Opus Cheyenne Anthem (chills....) The Wall (not PF lol) That's my short list lol.
The two songs you knew before are the only ones almost everybody knows. "Carry on.." of course a fantastic song, "Dust in the Wind" - okay, but most people would only listen to the real good stuff for one minute. They have no idea what they're missing.
The reason you had trouble at the beginning was because there’s four guys playing four different time signatures, and then the Bass comes in on 4/4 time and brings it all together. Carry-on and Dust In The Wind. Don’t hold a candle to what you’re gonna listen to if you follow. There’s always a guitar going on in the background and they bring it out constantly -in and out in and out. Plus with the 4 keyboard parts in every song, Kerry had to take his hands off of Guitar to play the keyboards. But Rich Williams is always playing something on his guitar in the background -you just have to listen very carefully.
Listen to thw Mysteries and Mayhem/ The Pinnacle and Distant Vision,among others. Saw then before Masque came out and they did entire first Lp from beginning to end.Bought 1st one next day and was instantly there with them.Been a fan ever since.
If you want to have the total experience including video you need to check out the version from 2009 " There's know place like home" there is an accompanying video which starts with Industrial Revolution. ALSO you need to listen to :Miracles out of Nowhere!
Robby Steinhardt was the violinist, 2nd vocal and front man for Kansas. He passed recently. One of the things the group did well was the changes of time signature. It's probably the reason you were having a bit of trouble with the groove.
Yes, that was indeed a violin. The great Robbie Steinhardt, who added great vocals as well!
Such a talented musician. May his memory be a blessing.
For a Kansas newbie, you picked up on it pretty well. So much good music for you to explore - especially first 5 albums.
That was a violin in the instrumental part
Robbie Steinhardt (RIP) played violin and was also the lower grittier singer in the middle part. Across the sea there came a multitude….
They were blessed with 2 great singers (Steve Walsh was the other higher range one. Also played organ)
The bass player was Dave Hope. Highly underrated. He’s now a youth minister in Florida
Kerry Livgren was the piano, lead guitar and chief songwriter
You want a mind blower from them?
Check out “Magnum Opus” from the Leftoverture album
They were very creative back in the day
Americas Prog band 😀
Nice one here, brotha!
The pinnacle of Kansas is Pinnacle, IMHO.
I’ve always loved Kansas so much! I prefer all the early works from the 70s. RIP Robbie ✝️🕊️❤️
This is great stuff! For more Kansas, check out "Miracles Out Of Nowhere"... I think you'll love it!
Cheers!
This band set the standard for an all American progressive group.
Try 'The Wall', Miracles Out of Knowhere', and 'Carry on Wayward Son'.
The back and forth is Call and Response. The lyrics show America's state before and after colonization. Kerry Livgren wrote the song while looking down at the country from an airplane. He said "I was musing over our relatively young nation."
Check out “Icarus (Born on Wings of Steel) from their 3rd album “Masque”
Song for America! Longest intro ever, but worth every moment, great song!😊
Portrait (He Knew), Miracles out of Nowhere, Can I Tell You, Journey from Mariabronn to name a few. Start with Can I Tell You, great violin.
'is that a legit violin?' lololololol. ahhh, yeah, yeah it is.
Long time Kansas fan here particularly the earlier stuff. That logo is very cool indeed. I had a Kansas shirt that had that image but the tee shirt was orange so was black on orange. I don’t remember if I bought at their concert or not. Saw them several times in 1970s.
Got to see them for the first time in 1975 with Bad Company. I could have left after Kansas but BC was good too. Some of the guys walked in through the rear by the audience entrance wearing Kilts and playing bagpipes coming up the aisle toward the stage. All I could hear was the bagpipes and the crowd going wild until they got toward the front where I could see them. I was looking on the stage for them. LOL! A good double header that night. I definitely got my money's worth for $7.
Saw them back in ''75, this was the show opener.
I have to say - many europians as me are ready to defend America and to fight for the freedom. Bro I am ready to die for Canada!
That's a real legitimate Violin!
Best reaction I have seen to this song...you get it....violin
Notice in parts that they layer instruments to build the sections of the song.
Recently found your channel and have been really enjoying your reactions! Kansas is my favorite band, so I was excited to see you start listening to them. Kansas has some really classy music like Song for America, but they can get pretty heavy too! If you’re interested in the more hard rock side of Kansas, check out Belexes or Can I Tell You off the debut album, Lightnings Hand, or Rhythm In The Spirit.
The lead singer would usually play organ live simultaneously even switch to percussion in the same song. The lead guitarist would play keyboards too even at the same time as the organ.
Smoothy Moody trippy goodness..lol Love this album actually. One of the best 70's psychedelic rock bands. PS: Have you heard? Ronnie Romero (Lead singer of Lords Of Black) and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest have formed a new group called ELEGANT WEAPONS, debut album comes out in May and they just dropped the first 2 singles. ELEGANT WEAPONS - Do Or Die, and Blind Leading The Blind over the last week. It's a sonic boom to my heart..
Thanks Rusty! I'll look into it
Lamplight Symphony is another great one! Great reaction!🤘🎸
Dave Hopes punchy melodic bass playing along with Phil’s virtuosic drumming is the foundation of that Kansas “sound”
Nic, you're officially one of us now, eh?
Yep, now he knows how special he/we are. lol!
Try "Miracles out of Nowhere "or "Journey from Mariabronn" :)
Well welcome to the REAL band Kansas. People are finally catching on to the better songs by them. It only took almost 45 years! They should have heard this before wayward son and dust wind. But it so happened that it took 4 albums and 1 big song and it seems that everyone stops dead there except Kansas fans. Actually the first cut on that side DOWN THE ROAD is a banger if you like a little metalish. Also Sparks of the Tempest off of their Point of Know Return album AND if you want to hear another one on the same plane as this, listen to NO ONE TOGETHER off of Audio Visions album. The flip side of this album is Lonely Street that has a bluesy melody along with Portrait He Knew of Point of Know Return. They are so versatile. RIP to our beloved Robbie (violinist).
That Deep Purple sound that you hear in Kansas is the Hammond B3
Oh and I must add, check out “ Magnum Opus “ from the Leftoverture album. That’s a real hard, driving barn burner that you’ll never forget.
Robbie Steinhart is a violin player and singer and he’s a professor of music
…was
Don't look for guitars taking lead on this one. Robbie the violinist has that part on this song. Many of the guys played gigs in New Orleans area and were called White Clover.
Kansas is great!! Try The Wall, Magnum Opus and anything off the album Left Overture! Yea that’s a real violin…his name was Robbie Steinhardt! He was a master violinist and a monster vocalist! He died less than a year ago and we lost a very talented musician! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
It seems you missed the violin. I just saw Kansas last August for thier 50th Anniversery Tour, still fantastic. Ah 11:40 you finally heard it, been there since the begining.
Glad you checked out the greatest American prog band. Like Yes they are top shelf musicians who have many great tunes. Two for the Show, one of the great live albums of the 70's. Magnum Opus and Miracles out of Nowhere are must listens. Plenty of Hard guitar parts.
I always love to see a reaction to Song For America after COWS and
DITW. It really showcases how deep of a band they were. Plenty more in the catalog to check out.
Great choice !! This has always been a special tune for myself as it would be one of several that drew me into this uniquely talented prog band. Due to the vocals and the amazing Robbie Steinhardt on the violin, no other group ever sounded like Kansas. And like your comparison to Deep Purple. John Lord is just legendary. But as a whole, this song as well as the album is easily one their finest. Be sure to check out the remainder of that LP.
That was the first album I listened to and I was instantly hooked.
One more thing as I watch you comment. Almost all the Kansas songs have a “call and answer” all the way through. Remember they have two keyboard players playing a different part with each hand so that’s four keyboard parts going on in the background at all times. It would be a nightmare to have to try and read this music written down.
Yes that is a real violin by the late great Robbie Steinhardt.
Welcome to Kansas! Song For America was album 2.. album 3 is Masque.. You should review The Pinnacle from Masque. The song before it Mysteries and Mayhem was supposed to lead in directly to The Pinnacle but the record company made them split it up.
Also love Kansas's "The Wall", along with other ones people have mentioned here
My favorite song.
I only have heard a few songs from Kansas. I didn't realize they were that prog.
Me either
Start with 1st Lp.
so many great Kansas songs! I have listened to this 100s of times and am a guitar nut, but never really noticed, until you said it, that there wasn't much guitar in it. By they way, there is a violin all the way through - one of their signature instruments. Thanks for reviewing.
Another great reaction! Kansas was one of favorite bands back in the 70s! Carry On was epic but I mostly enjoyed their early Prog songs (such as Song for America).
What's next to react to? You are a drummer I believe? Check out Incomudro also from Song for America album. Phil Eharts drum solo is phenomenal (Phil is so underrated).
Other favorites:
Mysteries & Mayhem/The Pinnacle
Icarus - Bourne on Wings of Steel
Lamplight Symphony
Magnum Opus
Cheyenne Anthem (chills....)
The Wall (not PF lol)
That's my short list lol.
Thanks. I'm a guitarist actually
Got it - I see you play air drums often. So I assumed...
Do anything off of Kansas - "Two for the Show". A live album that gives all the songs more muscle than the studio versions.
You should react to 12min Incomudro hymn for atman from the same album it's got an insane drum solo
Listen to as many Kansas songs As you can!!
I dare you to listen to 60 seconds of "Throwing Mountains", the single from their latest studio album in 2020.
The two songs you knew before are the only ones almost everybody knows. "Carry on.." of course a fantastic song, "Dust in the Wind" - okay, but most people would only listen to the real good stuff for one minute. They have no idea what they're missing.
The reason you had trouble at the beginning was because there’s four guys playing four different time signatures, and then the Bass comes in on 4/4 time and brings it all together. Carry-on and Dust In The Wind. Don’t hold a candle to what you’re gonna listen to if you follow. There’s always a guitar going on in the background and they bring it out constantly -in and out in and out. Plus with the 4 keyboard parts in every song, Kerry had to take his hands off of Guitar to play the keyboards. But Rich Williams is always playing something on his guitar in the background -you just have to listen very carefully.
Listen to thw Mysteries and Mayhem/ The Pinnacle and Distant Vision,among others. Saw then before Masque came out and they did entire first Lp from beginning to end.Bought 1st one next day and was instantly there with them.Been a fan ever since.
Finally you got the violin, listen again to the song and you’ll notice it way earlier.
Great album!
If you want to have the total experience including video you need to check out the version from 2009 " There's know place like home" there is an accompanying video which starts with Industrial Revolution. ALSO you need to listen to :Miracles out of Nowhere!
Magnum Opus- Just try to keep up.
Timing is never off with KANSAS.
Lonely Street on this album is a gritty rough and tumble kick ass blues song. The vocal is as guttural as it gets and the guitars riffs are mean.
Legit violin
You do not do a kansas song justice by not playing it from start to finish
Robby Steinhardt was the violinist, 2nd vocal and front man for Kansas. He passed recently. One of the things the group did well was the changes of time signature. It's probably the reason you were having a bit of trouble with the groove.
Another cheesy "reaction" video.