Rating: 
Summary: THEY DON'T MAKE BANDS LIKE THIS ANYMORE! WOW, WHAT SKILL!
Review: If you only know Kansas for Carry On or Dust in the Wind, think again. They had many hits like "The Wall", "Point of Know Return", "Fire with Fire", "Play the Game Tonight". This band has more talent and skill in their little finger than all the 3 chord bands we see today. Absolutely the best progressive rock band from America. This DVD covers music across their 27 year career and is flawlessly played, filmed and packaged in the DVD. It captures the essense of Kansas as a live performance band. You know those the bands that you hear the CD and live they stink. Well Kansas plays and sounds just like the CD. Every note in place and perfect. It's a pure joy to see veteran rockers enjoying what they do and still be on top of their game. They surely are destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rating:
Summary: This foolish game, it's still the same....
Review: Device Voice Drum is its title (ha ha, get it? A new take on the abbreviation) and it's a concert video shot in June in Atlanta.It's nice to see them perform some of the more obscure epic pieces: "Journey from Mariabronn", an underrated piece from their first album, "Icarus", a multifaceted number from Masque, "Cheyenne Anthem" from Leftoverture... alongside the more familiar tunes like "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry on Wayward Son". They all can still play: I detected a few funny tempo changes, but they have no problems with the more complex pieces; Steve Walsh even keep up with Livgren's piano flourishes. The only element that isn't up to par was Steve's singing. His voice is a lot better than it was ten years ago, but he insists on doing weird things to the melodies and he forgets big chunks of lyrics and wobbles his way through it. The rare times he stays true to form usually are because Robbie Steinhardt and Billy Greer were doing vocal harmonies and there isn't room for him to do his mad vocal experiments. A couple of other mild disappointments, but it's Kansas, so I won't complain: No songs from Monolith or Audio-Visions (usually they at least do "Hold On") but hey, "Child of Innocence" and "Mariabronn" were treats that made up for that. They do a great version of "Fight Fire with Fire" although they've altered the midsection to a more typically "Kansas" style, and again Steve wobbles through the chorus. ("Fight fire with fire and I don't ayeeeyahhh yah yah wooah desire...") Big plus: Billy Greer, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams have some really smoking places where the sound is just guitar-bass-drums. Even though Kansas is most effective when they're orchestral (layers of keyboards, multitracked violins) the times when they reverted to the primal nature of a rock guitar trio are my actual favorite moments. And this, coming from a former keyboard player.
Rating:
Summary: Kansas at their peak!
Review: Great set. Great performance. Kansas is America's best progressive rock band and they prove it here. These guys are all well into their 50's now but play with more enthusiasm than kids less than half their age. Great talent, great songs. This dvd is a must.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!!
Review: I first heard Kansas in 1975 ("Masque" had just been released). I followed them thru the early 80's and then lost track. Two years ago, I was reunited with the boys on "Somewhere to Elsewhere", which was a GREAT CD! If you've ever liked Kansas, you must have this DVD. The song selction (mostly older, longer Progressive Rock classics), the concert setting (an intimate theatre in Atlanta, filmed this past summer), and the production qualities (on film, mixed in 5:1 Surround Sound)make this one of those DVD's that is contstantly in the "Heavy" rotation. Steve Walsh's voice has returned!!! GREAT DVD!
Rating:
Summary: A lot to like with this DVD
Review: I ordered this DVD on impulse after reading only 1 or 2 reviews. I'm glad I did! The performances, the camera work and the sound are all great. I like the way they used film instead of video tape. The darker parts of the film don't bother me - in fact, the frequent changes in the intensity and colors of the lighting give it more of the "live concert" feel. Also, it seems like the camera director (or editor) knew the music very well because the switching between cameras follows the band member who is being featured at the moment, right on cue. The 5.1 sound is very good. The only very small complaint I have about the sound mix is that the sound level on Robby's violin seems to be a bit low on several of the songs. On others, though, it's OK. The only other minus I can think of is the animation. By itself, in the "special features" section, is OK. But, in the middle of the concert, as was noted by another reviewer, it's very distracting and of no value, in my opinion. At least, it was a short distraction and only done once or twice. I was familiar with most of the songs on this DVD but there were a few that I hadn't heard. For example, "Child of Innocence" was new to me and I really liked that one. In fact, I liked all of the songs and the way they were performed. Kansas' music reminds me a little of a couple of British bands that I also liked back in the 70's - Genesis and Jethro Tull. For guys that are over 50, the voices still sound very strong. Kansas is one of the few bands that I liked a lot but never saw live in concert back in the 70's. So, I can't compare the sound of this DVD with what they sounded like back then except for the studio albums of theirs that I bought (Leftoverture and Point of Know Return). However, compared to my other DVDs of "classic rock" bands, this one ranks right up there near the top. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: These guys can still ROCK
Review: This new DVD is a must have addition for a Kansas fan. These guys sound great on this live album. There is so much energy and passion in their performances and anyone who loves the great classic rock sound will love and appreciate this DVD. I can't say enough good things about it...of course, I am a huge Kansas fan.
Rating:
Summary: Kansas' kick ass DVD, LIVE!
Review: Since I've been a huge Kansas fan for several years, it wasn't hard deciding on whether to buy this DVD or not. But, it blew me away how good this live DVD actually is. They really run the gamut on this by doing material from the older days and a lot of newer stuff too! This is the best tool for the greatest prog-rock band of all time to cut loose. And of course, you can't have a Kansas live DVD without one of the greatest songs of all time, "Carry on My Wayward Son" closing it out. Don't forget to check out all the special features that come along with this as well. Also if you're interested, there's a awesome cd that accompanies the DVD that kicks too!
Rating:
Summary: They were in the Zone
Review: Kansas was musically/instrumentally superb on this particular night. Vocally I was impressed with Walshs' voice I won't say it was perfect but it was solid vocally with times it hearkening back a bit to earlier times(mid 80's) IMO. The musicians all nailed this performance and show that they are world class talents on their prospective instruments. I missed Livgren ,a little, but he was there in spirit and composition. Some complain about the low lighting on the visual aspect of this DVD. Interestingly , I actually like the lighting because it reflects a more intimate setting as if you are right there at the concert.
Rating:
Summary: This is how all concert DVDs should be made !!!!!!
Review: Any band thats considering making a concert dvd should take a look at this one first. Kansas and director Michie Turpin did a superb job on this. A complete concert in 5.1 surround sound with the interviews at the end of the dvd. No interuptions or stupid special effects that get on your nerves.This is one of the best concert dvds I own now. The only downside is Kerry Livgrin and Dave Hope are not in it, but Billy Greer does a great job on bass. They sound as good as they did in the late 70's.
Rating:
Summary: Great Production
Review: If you've never had an opportunity to see Kansas live, this is the next best thing. Great production, great performances and great song selection. You won't be disappointed.
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