Audio CD review:
Kansas - Vinyl Confessions

Kansas - Vinyl Confessions

Band: Kansas Title: Vinyl Confessions Rating: Release Date: 27 February, 1996 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Play The Game Tonight 2: Right Away 3: Fair Exchange 4: Chasing Shadows 5: Diamonds And Pearls 6: Face It 7: Windows 8: Borderline 9: Play On 10: Crossfire

Customer Reviews Sonic Confessions I think there are some definite "A-List" KANSAS songs on here which demonstrate moves forward. I agree with much of the positive sentiments related here about Vinyl Confessions. "Chasing Shadows", "Crossfire" and "Diamonds and Pearls" come to mind as true winners. "Windows", "Play On" and the hit, "Play The Game Tonight" stand up as well. One word of sonic warning. Although this is a 1982 recording, and basically well-produced, there are serious flaws in at least two prime tracks. "Chasing Shadows" and "Crossfire" reveal what sounds like tape stretch, due to age. A garbled quality is evident, and I hope that if these are remastered, the damage can be reversed. Listen to "Chasing Shadows" for the lines "All of us we are an audience, looking for evidence. . . " to hear what I am describing. "Crossfire" shows the same flaws towards the end of the song on the "Living Anew" lines before the closing vamp. There are more of the same here and there during other moments. On one hand, it passes by fairly quickly but on the other, it is disturbing to think that this was the best there is, sonically. I hope the sign that this album is not for sale except through a third party is more an indication of a remaster-to-come. Cheers! . Kansas - The First Album Without The Original Lineup Lead vocalist / keyboardist Steve Walsh had left the band over the blatantly Christian lyrics that Kerry Livgren was writing. Big changes were in the works for Kansas by the time "Vinyl Confessions" came out in 1982. Violinist / Vocalist Robby Steinhardt was still on board, but had been reduced to a backup role in much of the music and vocals. The band had become Kerry Livgren's animal which is reflected in the abundance of Christian oriented lyrics found throughout the album. The band brought in an unseasoned young vocalist in John Elefante who was also a Christian. Much to a lot of people's surprise the single from the album "Play The Game Tonight" bolted into the top 40 and got the band back on the radio in a big way. It is actually a great little song and one of my all time favorite Kansas singles. As a whole I don't think this album stands up to the band's earlier works, but that is not to say it is bad. Elefante had a great voice and fit in well with the band. The songs are mostly on the short side with the longest (and best track on the disc) being "Crossfire" clocking in at a little over 6 minutes. Another really strong track is the rocking "Windows" on which Elefante really shines and Robby Steinhardt is actually given some violin playing to do. The rest of the album is all ok, but I find it fairly pedestrian for Kansas standards. . David Scott "follower of The Way" The vocals, as others have mentioned, may be even better than on previous Kansas efforts. This is a great album even without Walsh. I like several of the songs very much, including the "hit" "Play the Game Tonight". But I think "Crossfire" that ends this album is one of the smartest rock songs ever recorded! The words are so true. The sound may be considered "dated" by some but I'd rather listen to it than 98% of what is coming out today. It is another Kansas classic. It does need a rerelease. . You can see a complete list of all Kansas discography, or go back to the Kansas tabs