Kansas - Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004

Expert Musicians only hindered by marketing

Kansas is a band where you could literally take their first 6 albums and every song was top notch. The only reason the average listener didn't hear those songs like Magnum Opus, or Lamplight Symphony, etc was because rock radio focused on their most popular tracks "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind" and "Point of Know Return".

Every concert I've been to, I hear people who may not have heard Kansas play before just open their mouths in amazement that 5 or 6 (it varied) musicians can have that huge wave of sound and a rare level of execution that is not easy to achieve. Yes they're progressive art-rock, but they're not pompous, they're down to earth, and have a wicked sense of humor. I paraphrase "We figured you're getting a deal tonight, twice as many notes for the same price!"-Bass Player/Vocalist Billy Greer (long time kansas member taking over for Dave Hope and assuming Steinhardt's vocal duties)

This greatest hits is worth it if not just for the DVD that chronicles Kansas along with interviews in between that are interesting especially guitarist Rich "meatwall" Williams and his frustration "there's that darned hat again!".

And how about Steve Walsh? As a keyboardist I look at him in amazement, he's like Schroeder in "Peanuts" seemingly banging away randomly on the keyboard but producing amazing music, only a gift from God is his vocal abilities which to this day is solid and powerful.

I digress but if you're a casual fan, get this collection, if you're a "wheathead" get this collection, just get it.
June 22, 2008

KANSAS - 30 Years of Great Music

KANSAS - Sail On 30th Anniversary Box (*****) 2004

Sail On is KANSAS's 30th Anniversary Collection from 1974 to 2004. This is an extensive, multi-label box set, presented in a sort of, book form that's twice as tall as a regular CD box. With a 35 page booklet attached in the middle that provides song credits, color pictures and a short history of where the band has been and KANSAS's current status (at the time). Unlike the previous Box Set, this one gives you an additional DVD of KANSAS's performances and videos. To the die-hard KANSAS fan, the DVD alone is worth the price. The highlights are five early performances recorded during Don Kirhner's Rock Concert series back in the 70's. You get some great (and rare) performances of Can I Tell You, Journey From Mariabronn, Death of Mother Nature Suite, Icarus (born on wings of steel), and The Pinnacle. After that, there are 11 more standard style videos made for the MTV era. In between all this there are individual interviews from the band members about the performances and insights into what was going on with the band during those times. Very informative and entertaining. Highly Recommended to any KANSAS Fan. If you don't think this set is quite worth the $40 retail price, just pick up a used copy for about 1/2 that. Enjoy, and keep on Rockin'.
March 28, 2008

A must for kansas fans and everyone

A great compilation of a great american band's music. January 27, 2007

More than expected

I have always liked Kansas so I bought this one. However upon viewing and listening it has surpassed all my expectations September 1, 2006

Great Collection of Kansas

This was a gift for my husband's birthday and he was totally surprised. The music contained in this collection is awesome along with the DVD of performances. He listens to it all the time and he already knew the words to all the songs as he is an AVID Kansas fan, and this collection just topped off his collection. It is well worth the money. February 27, 2006

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