TWO FOR THE SHOW (1978)1. Song For America
2. Point of Know Return
3. Paradox
4. Icarus – Borne on Wings of Steel
5. Portrait (He Knew)
6. Carry On Wayward Son
7. Journey From Mariabronn
8. Dust In The Wind
9. Lonely Wind
10. Mysteries & Mayhem
11. Excerpt From Lamplight Symphony
12. The Wall
13. Closet Chronicles
14. Magnum Opus
The next release from the band was their first live album,
Two For The Show. Released in October 1978, it had been recorded on their sold-out tour supporting
Point of Know Return, which featured their first concert dates in Europe. The album stayed on the charts for 15 weeks, reaching # 32 in January 1979. An edited version of the performance of the debut album’s “Lonely Wind” was released as a single, which reached # 60 in February 1979.
The album was certified Gold on November 16, 1978, and platinum on March 14, 1979. This was the band’s first self-produced album, and was the beginning of a period where the group had more control over their albums. And this one turned out fairly well. Kerry Livgren said, “On most other people’s live albums, there’s extensive re-recording.
Two For The Show is pure, pristine, live Kansas. I was always real proud that we were able to take the same songs that we had done in the studio and play them live – and they sounded great.”
Overall, it is a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, the songs are clearly performed very well, and are accurate translations in a live setting, which is very impressive. On the other hand, none of the live versions are better than the original studio recordings; none of these are the definitive versions of these songs. So, it is pleasant and interesting to listen to, but give me the studio albums any day. Just my two cents.
When the album was released on CD, Closet Chronicles was omitted due to time constraints. However, in 2008, the album was remastered and released as a double-disc release, with the second disc containing songs recorded for the original but never included. Closet Chronicles was on the second disc. Here is the track listing for the second disc of that version of the album.
1. Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman (intro)/Hopelessly Human
2. Child of Innocence
3. Belexes
4. Cheyenne Anthem
5. Lonely Street
6. Miracles Out of Nowhere
7. The Spider (w/drum solo)
8. Closet Chronicles
9. Down The Road
10. Sparks of the Tempest
11. Bringing it Back