Kansas Point of Know Return (180g vinyl LP )

Release date: 30-03-2014(originally released in 1977)

2014 EU repressed on 180g LP= This is the definitive Kansas recording and includes their most famous tune, "Dust in the Wind." The band is in peak form and also churned out the single "Point of Know Return," which is still played daily on classic...

Tracks:
A1 Point Of Know Return
A2 Paradox
A3 The Spider
A4 Portrait (He Knew)
A5 Closet Chronicles

B1 Lightning's Hand
B2 Dust In The Wind
B3 Sparks Of The Tempest
B4 Nobody's Home
B5 Hopelessly Human

Back in 1977, the LP Point Of Know Return marked the commercial peak of Kansas. The Progressive Rock band had experienced tremendous success with their previous release (1976's Leftoverture) and were no longer starving for a hit, yet the sessions for their fifth album were tense. Steve Walsh briefly left the group in the middle of these sessions. Nevertheless, the LP turned out an even bigger success for the band than its predecessor. It would be their highest charting record and with four million copies sold, it was certified Quadruple Platinum by the RIAA.

The tour to support the album brought them to huge venues such as New York's Madison Square Garden and the LA Forum, with the tour book including an essay written by Rolling Stone contributor Cameron Crowe. The band became a staple on FM radio at this point, and during this period was one of the most popular rock acts in the country. "Dust In The Wind" became the hit single off of the album.

180 gram audiophile vinyl
Insert

While their pop-oriented approach and standard rock guitar sound helped define the classic rock sound of the '70s, careful listening reveals that this band's talent goes beyond colleagues such as Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Boston. Their arrangements and time signatures more accurately reflect the music of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

"Paradox" and "The Spider" are both excellent examples of their progressive approach. Unfortunately, the band always struggled to maintain a healthy balance of progression combined with pop. That made for such awkward moments here as "Portrait (He Knew)" and "Lightning's Hand." Yet despite the minor inconsistencies and a dated sound, their interplay and superior musicianship make this both an essential classic rock and progressive rock recording.