Kansas - The Band, Not the State...Although the State's Okay Too
So, in anticipation of the upcoming Kansas show (at a biker rally! Yes!!!) I have been refreshing my Kansas-ical memory. Man they made some great music. I dare you to name me one serious contender for greatness that has a rock and roll organ at the forefront of so many songs. Unless you uttered the name Yes, you lose! If you did utter the name Yes then I'll accept your answer but they are in no way as rock and roll as the mighty Kansas. So there.
Kansas has long been on my list of bands to see before I die so this show is exciting for me for sure. I recently interviewed Rich Williams though, only to find out that the band are only playing one song from the album Power and nothing from Monolith, my two favorite albums. I sort of expected that though as fan favorites and my favorites rarely coincide. Still should be a great show and I have to admit that a big part of me is really excited to hear "Carry On Wayward Son" live and in person.
At the moment I'm listening to the band's recently expanded edition of the Two For the Show live album. Seriously excellent stuff. Honest. This album sounds great and contains an extra disc of songs intended for the original album but couldn't be physically fit on vinyl.
Kansas here I come! Not the state, the band.
Mark1340
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Passing of a Legend- Larry Norman
I intended to write about something else today but the passing of Larry Norman far supersedes any measly thing I may have to say. Mr. Norman has been a huge influence on my thinking throughout my life. I have likely been listening to his albums since I was still in diapers and my respect for a musician could never run deeper than it does for him.
I had the privilege of meeting Larry one brief time. The last time he played the Creation Festival (shame on them for not having him at their anniversary celebrations – without Larry Norman there is no “Christian Rock.” I digress…) my wife and I were among a handful of people who turned out to watch him play under a beautiful, blue sky. I hung on every word. Later that day, as I was buying up as many of his hard-to-find CDs as I could, I saw him standing in the crowd behind me, simply talking with people as if he had known each one forever. After some convincing from my wife (I tend to shy away from being the “super-fan” guy even if my insides are begging me to do it, I finally bought a picture and hoped to catch him to ask for an autograph. I approached him with my picture and said something to the effect of “I have been listening to your music my whole life and I’m so glad to meet you. You are amazing.” Maybe it was something even dorkier, I honestly don’t remember. He stared quizzically at me for second, as if I were a three-headed alien. It seemed like an eternity. Then in a fraction of a second he smiled at me. Not just a polite smile, a whole face smile. The kind of whole face smile that says “Welcome, friend. I’ve missed seeing you.” without ever uttering a word. We exchanged some pleasantries, he autographed my picture, and then I stepped away and, in retrospect, I hope that my stepping away allowed someone else an equally embracing experience with the man whose lyrics helped shape me.
Larry Norman’s charisma was inspiring and his love for people was unquestionable but most of all his words spoke with an authority that is unmatched in today’s wishy-washy music scene. His body will be greatly missed but his songs will live forever in my home and, I pray, my children’s homes as well someday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. I wish them the same comfort that their dear friend and family member has so often given me. Above all else though I wish all of you the hope that Larry Norman’s music boldly offered.
“You say we beat the Russians to the moon. I say you starved your children to do it. You say all men are equal, all men are brothers, then why are the rich more equal than others? Don’t ask me for the answers, I’ve only got one. A man leaves his darkness when he follows the son.”
“Lead me on where you’re going…”
I had the privilege of meeting Larry one brief time. The last time he played the Creation Festival (shame on them for not having him at their anniversary celebrations – without Larry Norman there is no “Christian Rock.” I digress…) my wife and I were among a handful of people who turned out to watch him play under a beautiful, blue sky. I hung on every word. Later that day, as I was buying up as many of his hard-to-find CDs as I could, I saw him standing in the crowd behind me, simply talking with people as if he had known each one forever. After some convincing from my wife (I tend to shy away from being the “super-fan” guy even if my insides are begging me to do it, I finally bought a picture and hoped to catch him to ask for an autograph. I approached him with my picture and said something to the effect of “I have been listening to your music my whole life and I’m so glad to meet you. You are amazing.” Maybe it was something even dorkier, I honestly don’t remember. He stared quizzically at me for second, as if I were a three-headed alien. It seemed like an eternity. Then in a fraction of a second he smiled at me. Not just a polite smile, a whole face smile. The kind of whole face smile that says “Welcome, friend. I’ve missed seeing you.” without ever uttering a word. We exchanged some pleasantries, he autographed my picture, and then I stepped away and, in retrospect, I hope that my stepping away allowed someone else an equally embracing experience with the man whose lyrics helped shape me.
Larry Norman’s charisma was inspiring and his love for people was unquestionable but most of all his words spoke with an authority that is unmatched in today’s wishy-washy music scene. His body will be greatly missed but his songs will live forever in my home and, I pray, my children’s homes as well someday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. I wish them the same comfort that their dear friend and family member has so often given me. Above all else though I wish all of you the hope that Larry Norman’s music boldly offered.
“You say we beat the Russians to the moon. I say you starved your children to do it. You say all men are equal, all men are brothers, then why are the rich more equal than others? Don’t ask me for the answers, I’ve only got one. A man leaves his darkness when he follows the son.”
“Lead me on where you’re going…”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)