KANSAS – Vinyl Confessions [Remastered] (2011)

Japan Blu-Spec CD – EICP 20080

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Kansas were one of America’s most successful rock bands during the mid to late ‘70s. Their brand of progressive pomp rock had spawned several multi platinum albums and hit singles, including the ubiquitous radio staples ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind’.

By 1981, singer Steve Walsh had elected to leave the band, paving way for the appointment of a new vocalist, the previously unknown John Elefante.
Recorded in Los Angeles at Chateau Recorders with producer Ken Scott (Supertramp, Jeff Beck) and featuring Queen’s Roger Taylor on backing vocals, the band crafted a winning slice of melodic rock with all the twists and turns that you might expect from such masterful musicians.
“Vinyl Confessions”, originally released in 1982, manages to remain true to the roots of Kansas, while at the same time noticeably moving from the band’s traditional sound of the ’70s into the more AOR-friendly ’80s.

John Elefante and his brother Dino contributed four of the album’s strongest songs, with the album being co-produced by the band with Englishman Ken Scott – famous for his work with David Bowie and Supertramp.
The storming AOR anthem “Play The Game Tonight”, which opens this album, was a big US hit, and there were many other strong moments on “Vinyl Confessions”, as the commercial and beautiful ballad “Chasing Shadows”.
But “Right Away”, “Face It” and especially “Play On” were all written in a typical Kansas style, with Elefante’s strong voice being really enjoyable.
Livgren weighed in with some great tracks too, particularly the busy “Windows” and the brilliant, multi-textured “CrossFire”, and the heavily orchestrated “Diamonds And Pearls”.

Having become increasingly rare on CD of late, “Vinyl Confessions” is now re-issued with the audio maximum technology.
On the Blu-spec CD’s, the master used for replication is burned with a smaller and much more precise blue-violet laser to obtain more accurate pits.
The Blu-Spec process even improves the SACD technology.
A must have for any ’80s AOR fan.

01 – Play The Game Tonight
02 – Right Away
03 – Fair Exchange
04 – Chasing Shadows
05 – Diamonds And Pearls
06 – Face It
07 – Windows
08 – Borderline
09 – Play On
10 – Crossfire

John Elefante (vocals, keyboards)
Rich Williams (guitar)
Dave Hope (bass)
Robby Steinhardt (violin, vocals)
Kerry Livgren (keyboards, gutiars)
Phil Ehart (drums)
Roger Taylor (backing vocals)

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=EICP-20080