The seventh Kansas album, Audio Visions, was released in September 1980, having been recorded during the end of '79 and the opening months of '80. The album continued the Kansas tradition of putting out an album a year, a pace they had maintained since their self-titled debut in 1974. In fact, in 1975 the band released two studio albums, although only the double live set, Two for the Show, surfaced in 1978. Founding member, guitarist, and one of the group's main songwriters, Kerry Livgren, had recently converted to born again Christianity and lyrics concurrent with his new found faith were first heard on this latest record, notably so in the words to 'Hold On' - written as an evangelistic plea to his wife. The song remains Kansas' last Top 40 Billboard hit, peaking at #40 as the album's first single. On the Audio Visions Tour, which began soon after the album's release, not a single song from their previous album, Monolith , was performed, although interestingly a track apiece from Steve Walsh's (Schemer-Dreamer) and Livgren's (Seeds Of Change) solo albums, both also released in 1980, were played. Audio Vision was to be the last album with the band's original lineup in place, until 2000's Somewhere to Elsewhere, and coincidentally the band's last studio album to be certified gold by the RIAA (which it was in December 1980). Walsh quit the band in 1981, and in 1983 Livgren left too, unhappy with how Kansas were reflecting his faith. Bassist Dave Hope (who had also converted) left at the same time, and the pair formed new group AD. The show featured on this CD, a magnificent spectacle with Kansas on fine form at New York's famous Palladium Ballroom on 20th November 1980, is therefore something of a legendary performance; among the last to feature the original band line-up and shortly before they basically went their separate ways.
M**R
Only for hardcore fans who don't already have this FM broadcast from another source.
Four stars is generous for a bootleg of a radio broadcast, especially given a set list with some disappointing omissions, and underwhelming new tunes. The sound quality sounds FM, not sure if off-air or pre-FM. This show is widely available among fan sharing networks, so I actually already had it, but it is nice that it is available to the general public, especially with the crackdown on file sharing lately. Most of the good songs from this show are better represented on the official release of the expanded version of "Two For The Show". For me, the whole thing is worth it for the version of Cheyenne Anthem, which omits the goofy and overly long 2/4 time instrumental section in the middle, and has better vocal performances than the expanded "Two For The Show" version. Steve does the wordless falsetto part at the end in this version.
T**.
Case was wet along with picture of Kansas music group
The inside of the DVD case and the DVD disc was wet - haven't played disc. Hope it still plays.
D**S
Great cd!!!
I've pretty much always been a Kansas fan. Although it took a while to become one. As I stated in another review, Vinyl Confessions was my first Kansas album. When I saw this concert was being released, I quickly pre-purchased this cd and I wasn't disappointed. Being recorded in the 1980's and one of the last performances with the original lineup it was very well done, I'd say even better than Two For The Show. If you like Kansas and you're a fan of live material I highly recommend this cd!!!
E**E
Five Stars
Bought it for my husband who's a big fan. Quick delivery.
W**N
Buy this CD
Great sound and Kansas put on a fantastic shw.Just like they always do.
T**I
Perfect
Perfect gift for my husband
R**S
The last tour with the original 6 lineup.. EXCELLENT!!
I had the recording from radio for years, but was pleased to see this released. It IS an FM broadcast, but it is solid and overall not a bad listen if you are a fan. The cool thing is that they did two songs (one each from Kerry Livgren's first solo album and one from Steve's first solo album) The CD is missing a song or two from the broadcast to keep the price point down to one CD. I bought the vinyl version which is missing several of the songs for the same reason. This is historically a special time as the band was dividing and going different directions. For me, this is a treasure. Now if only a complete MONOLITH tour concert and a complete 1975 concert would see the light of day!! I have listened to this show dozens of times through the years.. It's a good one!!
S**A
Kansas "Visions of the mask Of The Great Deceiver. "
The highlight for me on this awesome live 1980 Kansas CD is the majestic live version of "The Mask Of The Great Deceiver. " Other Live favorites include: "Point Of Know Return", ," Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel) ", "Paradox", "Hopelessly Human", "Cheyenne Anthem"," Dust In The Wind", "Miracles Out Of Nowhere","Don't Open Your Eyes", "No One Together," , "Hold On", and "Relentness." Thank You .
F**L
Last Incredible Recording from the Original Line-up
What can I say but an awesome recording! Nice of Steve Walsh & Kerry Livgren to include at least one song each off their respective solo albums.Walsh's "You Think You've Got it Made" is a solid rocking effort,while Livgren's "The Mask Of the Great Deceiver" offers a progressive rock suite similar in style to the bands who influenced them like ELP, King Crimson,Genesis,etc.It also has some thought provoking lyrics about who The Great Deceiver actually is considering Livgren's recent conversion to the Christian faith,(which is well documented in his autobiography"Seed Of Change" on the band's 1979 summer tour of the Monolith album with opening act Leroux.)I especially enjoyed the opening track to" Point of Know Return" as well as Walsh's masterpiece "Paradox".Also terrific is how "Miracles Out of Nowhere" segues into the hard rocking Walsh penned"Loner" possibly the best track off of"Audio Visions" LP."Got To Rock On" along with Livgren's amazing "No One Together" are among the highlights off the Audio Visions release but "Hold On" is a beautiful heart-wrenching plea by Livgren to his wife Vicki to join him on his spiritual journey together and finishing with "Relentless"a song about Livgren's joyful anticipation of His Second Coming.Thanks Kerry!Besides Rush's Neil Peart,Kerry Livgren is another one of my favourite lyricsts of all time.Too bad there wasn't an inclusion of "Portrait(He Knew)"& "Carry On My Wayward Son". That would have been the icing on the cake so to speak.The last great live recording from the original band line-up.Get it while you can!
カ**狂
実質17曲、TOTAL84分のド迫力ライブ
音源はアルバム AudioVisons発表後のツアーをFM放送用に収録されたもののようで、何か所かDJの声とノイズがあり少し気になりますが、音質は良く各楽器の細かい音もキッチリとらえられ上出来の部類だと思います。同じ公演を収録したと思われるDVDもでていて、こちらはモノラルで画質やカメラワークも悪くノイズも多くありますが全盛期の映像で貴重です。当CDは容量の関係からか最後の部分（アンコール）がカットされてRelentlessでぶった切るように終わってますが、DVDではこの後PortraitからCarry On Wayward Sonの必殺メドレーとなりオーバーザレインボーが流れて余韻を残して終わってます。（何故かこの部分がHold Onのあとに少し収録されています。アンコールの部分だけで10分以上あり全部収録できなかったようです。オープニングはWagnerのLohengrin～Point Of Know～のメドレーがド迫力の鳥肌ものです。DVDではスモークがたかれ円盤の様な巨大な照明が降下してくる演出で、Kansasが当時凄かったのか想像できます。前半はいつもの代表曲ですが、ソロ2曲をはさんで7曲がAudio Visonsからの選曲でオリジナルより数倍カッコイイです。
フ**ン
素晴らしい！
流石ですね！聞きたかった！何度も聞いています！いい音楽って飽きないですね！
A**ー
良いアルバム
過去の名曲が揃っていて良いアルバムだと思う。曲のアレンジもなかなか面白いので、おすすめ。
J**.
Kansas en directo.
Para ser en directo, suena bastante bien, todas las canciones son de calidad, guitarras, teclados, voces y demás instrumentos se escuchan bien. Esta banda es muy buena y merece la pena ser oída.
Trustpilot
2 days ago
1 day ago
