Kansas: Leftoverture (50th anniversary, gold vinyl) [EPIC/LEGACY]

Why you'll love it

A 50th anniversary pressing on gold vinyl of the album that made Kansas stars. Leftoverture was their first record certified by the RIAA and remains their best seller, four times platinum in the US, thanks in no small part to "Carry On Wayward Son."

This edition

50th anniversary edition
Gold vinyl
Epic / Legacy pressing

About the album

By 1976 Kansas had made three albums of ambitious, violin-laced progressive rock and built a loyal following on the road, but a hit had eluded them. Then guitarist and keyboardist Kerry Livgren turned up with "Carry On Wayward Son," written at the last minute during the sessions, and everything changed. The song became a staple of rock radio, and Leftoverture went on to sell millions, proving that intricate prog and big American rock choruses could live happily side by side. Steve Walsh's vocals and Robby Steinhardt's violin give the band a sound nobody else in American rock could match.

Beyond the hit, the album is a treat for anyone who loves musicianship. "The Wall" is a soaring, emotional ballad, "Miracles Out of Nowhere" and "Cheyenne Anthem" are full of twists and turns, and "Questions of My Childhood" packs a lot into three and a half minutes. It closes with "Magnum Opus," an instrumental suite that shows off every member of the band. Fifty years on, it still sounds huge, and on gold vinyl it finally looks as grand as it sounds. Carry on, indeed.