Song for America
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Song for America | ||
 |
||
| Studio album by Kansas | ||
| Released | October 1974 | |
| Recorded | ??? | |
| Genre | Progressive Rock | |
| Length | 44:51 | |
| Label | Kirshner | |
| Producer(s) | Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold |
|
| Professional reviews | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kansas chronology | ||
| Kansas (1974) |
Song for America (1974) |
Masque (1975) |
Song for America is the second album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1974 (see 1974 in music). Endless touring had given Kansas a small following of loyal fans, some of whom would follow the group from one show to another. Despite the minor success of their debut album, they were still, for the most part, a struggling bar band.
While Song for America did little to change that, it is regarded by many as their most progressive work. Like the first album, the writing duties were divided between Kerry Livgren and the former members of White Clover, most notably vocalist / keyboardist Steve Walsh.
Musically, Song for America is a complex wall of sound containing six lengthy tracks full of wailing guitars, violin and generous portions of organ and Mellotron. Lyrically, Kansas had begun to take a dark turn. Walsh’s songs reflected life on the street ("Lonely Street"), drug dealing ("Down the Road"), and a run-in with the Devil. Livgren’s world included a haunting ghost story ("Lamplight Symphony"), a Hymn to the Atman, and the album’s sweeping title track, which is regarded by violinist Robby Steinhardt as the band’s signature tune.
Contents |
[edit] Track listing
- "Down the Road" (Livgren, Walsh) – 3:43
- "Song for America" (Livgren) – 10:03
- "Lamplight Symphony" (Livgren) – 8:17
- "Lonely Street" (Ehart, Hope, Walsh, Williams) – 5:43
- "The Devil Game" (Hope, Walsh) – 5:04
- "Incomudro--Hymn to the Atman" (Livgren) – 12:11
[edit] Personnel
- Phil Ehart - drums
- Dave Hope - bass
- Kerry Livgren - guitar, keyboard
- Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
- Steve Walsh - keyboard, vocals
- Rich Williams - guitar
[edit] Production
- Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
- Engineer: Peter Granet
- Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
- Preparation: Don Meehan
- Arranger: Kansas
- Art direction: Ed Lee
- Paintings: Peter Lloyd
[edit] Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Pop Albums | 57 |
| Kansas |
|---|
| Phil Ehart | Billy Greer | David Ragsdale | Steve Walsh | Richard Williams |
| Dave Hope | Kerry Livgren | Robby Steinhardt | John Elefante | Steve Morse | Greg Robert |
| Discography |
| Studio albums: Kansas | Song for America | Masque | Leftoverture | Point of Know Return | Monolith | Audio-Visions | Vinyl Confessions | Drastic Measures | Power | In the Spirit of Things | Freaks of Nature | Always Never the Same | Somewhere to Elsewhere |
| Live albums: Two for the Show | Live at the Whisky | King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas | Device, Voice, Drum |
| Compilations: The Best of Kansas | Carry On |The Kansas Boxed Set | The Best of Kansas (expanded) | The Ultimate Kansas | Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection | On the Other Side | Works in Progress |
