Episode 157 – Styx & Kansas Part 10, 1986 to 2000

Technical Note: apologies for the stalker breathing throughout this episode

In this episode the group considers the decade plus where both Styx and Kansas search for who or what they are. Both bands see significant lineup changes resulting in albums that, while enjoyable, didn’t seem to capture the previous magic. This period ends for both bands by trying to recapture the intangible aspects of their heyday personnel. We loosely cover the four albums in this period, Edge of the Century, Brave New World, Power, and Somewhere to Elsewhere.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Special Episode – Interview with Tom Brislin of Kansas – April 2024

The Palaver crew welcomes Kansas keyboardist Tom Brislin to the show for a fascinating conversation. Tom provides us some truly fantastic tales as he describes the career path that ultimately led him to be music director for Kansas. From Meatloaf to Yes with stops to play with Dennis DeYoung, Tom’s experiences leave one agog. He also gives us a glimpse into the way that Kansas has maintained their music magic. This is an excellent conversation that is well worth your time.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 156 – Styx & Kansas Part 9, 1983 – Kilroy Was Here

Another palaver years in the making. Kilroy Was Here is a clear enigma. Some of us LOVE this record. Some of us do not love this record. Some of us are in the middle. There are certainly some very strong feelings on each side of this, but they ultimately lead to interesting discussions. The group certainly had a great time discussing this record. Styx have given us much to consider with this offering.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Bonus Episode – Grease (The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)

Paul and Joe take a side quest to discuss the soundtrack to the movie version of Grease. We know that this is not what we normally do. We also know that there are many people who know a LOT more about this movie and music than we do. This is a light dip into an album that we hold dear and came up in our discussions of more prog-centric topics. Don’t take it too seriously and we hope you have a little fun with this.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Bonus Episode – ProgStock 2024 Recap

On the heels of ProgStock 2024, the group gathered with new Friend of the Palaver Jordan Blum to recollect. ProgStock is always a wonderful, rewarding, and slightly exhausting experience. You get merit badges for this and you LOVE them. We have a great time revisiting our favorite moments from a jam-packed weekend of excellent prog music. Jordan adds some welcome flavor to the soup as we cover from Thursday night with Abacab to the jubilant ending nuptials of Tom and Ann!

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Special Episode – Interview with Mark Anthony K of Projekt Gemineye – Oct 2024

The Palaver is very pleased to have another chat with Mark Anthony K (Projekt Gemineye, The Dark Monarchy, The Yes Music Podcast, and KissFAQ) about the latest Projekt Gemineye offering Canada: Stories and Legends. Mark is, as always, very engaging and insightful about the process that led to this latest record. He walks us through his inspirations, recording techniques, and overall intentions. We poke into almost every corner of this project to illuminate this collection for our listeners. We hope you enjoy. We are always thrilled to speak with Mark about his work!

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 155 – Styx & Kansas Part 8, 1982-83 – Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures

The Palaver splits up the Kansas / Styx timeline to consider the two John Elefante Kansas records. Offering a complete view of what Kansas would be without Steve Walsh in the early 80s these two records showcase the songwriting of John and his brother Dino. The group considers the influence of religion on the band and on these records. These albums are a fascinating part of the Kansas stories and provide some truly memorable music moments.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Special Episode – Interview with Joe and Terry From Total Mass Retain – Oct 2024

The Palaver crew gets the chance to catch up with Joe and Terry from Total Mass Retain ahead of their JA80 tour in October 2024. We always enjoy the chance to talk all things Yes and Yes music with these consummate musicians. Their perspectives are unique and illuminating. As always, it’s a great chat with these excellent gentlemen.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 154 – Styx & Kansas Part 7, 1980-81 – Audio Visions and Paradise Theater

Welcome to the 80’s for our Styx and Kansas combo timeline. Audio Visions and Paradise Theater are albums that find both bands on slightly different precipices. Audio Visions will be the last Steve Walsh Kansas record until he returns with Power. Paradise Theater will be the last Styx album before their leap over the cliff of Kilroy was here. Surprisingly, the group has differing opinions on both of these records. Check out our palaver and see where we all wind up on these two interesting offerings.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 153 – Styx & Kansas Part 6, 1979 – Monolith and Cornerstone

On this episode Joe isn’t quite sure what year it is, but the group soldiers on to cover both Monolith and Cornerstone. Both these albums stand out for their memorable packaging. Monolith’s epic artwork and the innovative design of the Cornerstone album cover certainly stand the test of time. As for what’s inside, the group has varied reactions to both these records. No one really seems to buy in to Joe’s opinion that Cornerstone is a masterpiece for the ages…

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt