Kansas ‘Masque’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#260 in the Series) is Kansas, Masque
I have been wanting to do a write-up on an old Kansas album for sometime. The passing of Don Kirshner was a perfect reason to do it today.
I was a little worried that Mr. Kirshner was only going to be remembered for his 1970’s television show Rock Concert. He was much more than that.
He was the major inspiration behind the ‘Brill Building’ and ‘Tin Pan Alley.’ It was home for some of the great songwriters of the 60s and 70s. Included in that group was Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Neil Sadaka, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jack Keller, etc.
The Monkees hired him to provide songs for their career.
And lastly, his record label, Kirshner Records. This is where Kansas comes in. They recorded for his label. This was at a time when American prog rock acts weren’t particularly ‘happening.’
Kansas, Masque was their third album. It contained some great tunes such as ‘Icarus, Child of Innocence’ and of course,’ The Pinnacle.’
It peaked at #70 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. They’d eventually bust out with their next release, Leftoverture.
Track listing
- “It Takes a Woman’s Love (To Make a Man)” (Steve Walsh) – 3:08
- “Two Cents Worth” (Kerry Livgren, Walsh) – 3:08
- “Icarus – Borne on Wings of Steel” (Livgren) – 6:03
- “All the World” (Robby Steinhardt, Walsh) – 7:11
- “Child of Innocence” (Livgren) – 4:36
- “It’s You” (Walsh) – 2:31
- “Mysteries and Mayhem” (Livgren, Walsh) – 4:18
- “The Pinnacle” (Livgren) – 9:44
Personnel
- Phil Ehart – drums and percussions
- Dave Hope – bass
- Kerry Livgren – guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Robby Steinhardt – violin, vocals
- Steve Walsh – keyboards, vocals
- Rich Williams – guitars
See other albums from 1975 that we’ve featured.
Links
Petition for Kansas Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
One of the best ProgRock albums ever….Great choice!!!