Yes folks, this is “The” Kansas- synonymous with terrible gluttonous 70’s arena rock (a la Foriegner, REO Speedwagon, Journey, et al) –but in fact early dug up recordings that reflect quality roots to this band (surprise!). “Art rock”, “prog”, it went by many much maligned names (and mostly deservedly so) and thankfully spawned many a brilliant spoof (Spinal Tap, see National Lampoons LP “goodbye pop”). Regardless, this stuff resembles the likes of Soft Machine, Zappa (saxaphone guitar double-ups), early King Crimson, more than Styx (a band that also had quality roots, but I digress…). Some of it sounds rather sophomoric, but the liner notes claim that they were “playing progressive music long before we had ever heard some of the bands we have been accused of emulating”. Interesting stuff if only for its historical significance, but there is some genuinely brilliant work here from these longhaired misfits from America’s heartland, ca. 1971. Add this to your list of crap bands that had genuine roots (ZZ Top, Styx, Journey, Supertramp… we can argue about this later. My office hours are mon 5-8)

1) Hobbit extravaganza, lore filled lyrics, lots of prog changes, art rock! Ragnar!
2) cheesy stuff, sorta funny, super epic
3) prog feel w/ free jazz sax, Zappa feel, flute
4) galloping deep purple, ELP feel
5) silly regal feel at first, distorto noise-fest bridge, prog fest in end, long
6) mellow love feel
7) sounds a lot like Zappa/Crimson at first, turns English classical-rock quick
8-9) live recordings: nice organ, waaaay prog jazz rock feel