KANSAS – Always Never The Same [Japanese reissue SHM-CD] 2017, MP3+FLAC

As requested, the very good and overlooked KANSAS record “Always Never The Same“, in its Japanese reissue on SHM-CD. Easily the stronger album of the Kansas ’90s comeback, the platter was mostly recorded at Abbey Road, with large portions of the record featuring strings by the London Symphony Orchestra
The record mainly consists of the band’s hits with re-arrangement of their original work given new, sweeping symphonic treatments, where original band members still play the music and the composition is strengthen with real orchestra.

The result is an excellent alternative of Kansas classic music. Most of the main melody do not change much but the additional orchestration usually adds value during transition pieces or filling the gaps between breaks. Songs highlight include “Miracles out of Nowhere” (re-arranged with more dynamic sounds), “The Wall”, “Song For America”, “The Wall”, “Cheyenne Anthem”, “Hold On”, and “Dust In The Wind”.
These classic songs sound revitalized, and the group’s three new songs (all written by Steve Walsh) — “The Sky is Falling,” “In Your Eyes,” “Need to Know” — fit well into the group’s repertoire, as does their overblown rendition of “Eleanor Rigby.”

This project took two years from inception to completion and produced by Phil Ehart, Richard Williams, and Trammell Starks. Orchestra arranged and conducted by Larry Baird. This is one of the band’s more purely progressive rock releases and quite a strong one at that.
It’s a rewarding album as we can hear different style of Kansas songs. The recording remarked the welcomed return of Robbie Steinhardt too, however this is the final Kansas album to include songs written by talented Steve Walsh.
Overall, it’s an excellent addition to any classic rock collection.
Highly Recommended

Ｖｉｖｉｄ Ｓｏｕｎｄ VSCD～4387
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Classic Rock Legends Now & Then ＳＥＲＩＥＳ

1 – Eleanor Rigby
2 – Dust In The Wind
3 – Preamble
4 – Song For America
5 – In Your Eyes
6 – Miracles Out Of Nowhere
7 – Hold On
8 – The Sky Is Falling
9 – Cheyenne Anthem
10 – Prelude & Introduction
11 – The Wall
12 – Need To Know
13 – Nobody’s Home

Steve Walsh – lead vocals, keyboards
Robby Steinhardt – violin, lead and backing vocals
Rich Williams – guitars, producer
Billy Greer – bass, vocals
Phil Ehart – drums, producer
The London Symphony Orchestra, arranged & conducted by Larry Baird

MP3 FLAC