Kansas - Original Album Classics (5 CDs)

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The "Original Album Classics" series has been a runaway success for CBS/Sony.  These neat little boxes each hold 5 CDs in cardboard replicas of the original LP sleeves.  Retailing for the price of one standard CD, these sets are quite a steal for collectors.  Warners have now started issuing a similar series - the "Original Album Series". CBS/Sony have also issued a few slimmer boxes in their series featuring 3 CDs at a cheaper price.

I had been looking for a copy of the "Leftoverture" album by Kansas for quite a while but was hesitating due to the high cost of imported copies.  So imagine my delight when I saw this box set of 5 quality albums for the price of one import CD!  In this box you get "Kansas", "Masque", "Song For America", "Leftoverture" and "Point Of Know Return".  All the Kansas a casual fan such as I could ask for, except perhaps the 7" version of the hit "Carry On Wayward Son" which is arguably better structured than the album version on "Leftoverture".  Chances are that you have that version on one of those ubiquitous "Drivin' Rock" type albums. You get not only 5 great albums but also bonus tracks because this set contains the expanded remasters of the albums.  So in addition you get 5 live tracks (half a live album in effect) plus single, demo and remix tracks.  An outstanding bargain all round and worthy of 5 stars I feel.

Kansas are still playing.  Rather like Blue Oyster Cult, their line-up seems pretty fluid with members coming and going and guesting as they please.  How I wish they would come and play the UK some time.  Anyway, here are some pictures of the 5 CD box.  Don't settle for mp3s, treat yourself to the CDs.  They sound so much better.