I must tear down the wall...

This is the album 'Leftoverture' by the band Kansas.  It's an album I return to again and again - always to listen to the whole thing, never just one track.  You know how you have to do that with some albums?


I'm kind of pleased that this album, which I love so much, is a bit obscure - it's not a 'Dark Side of the Moon' or 'Night at the Opera' - you never hear it talked about when people remember the heyday of progressive rock, although it's a supreme example of that genre.


When describing it you have to use words like 'sweeping' and 'majestic' - although 'pompous', 'cheesy', 'bonkers' and 'beautiful' also spring to mind.  It's full of strange 'Moog' moments and songs are quite likely to include unexpected polkas or violin flourishes.  The production is crisp and clear throughout the swirling, joyful madness - you can hear absolutely every instrument, the hum of the Moog and the squeak of the strings.


It's particularly unusual,I think, because it's such an optimistic and spiritual record.  Most of the songs seem to be about some kind of personal journey of discovery - in fact the theme is 'redemption' I suppose, something I always find appealing.  It's odd to me that rock music doesn't often venture into this area because it actually suits it really well.  The thrill of the volume and the hugeness of it - it perfectly describes how we reach towards something higher. 


Anyway, the song that means most to me on the record is 'The Wall' - because it so perfectly describes my journey.  'The Wall' is everything that would stop me reaching my goal - it's my fear, it's other people's opinions, it's inside me and outside.  But I can tear down the wall.  Have a read of the lyrics and I'm sure you'll see what I mean : 

I'm woven in a fantasy, I can't believe the things I see
The path that I have chosen now has led me to a wall
And with each passing day I feel a little more like something dear was lost
It rises now before me, a dark and silent barrier between,
All I am, and all that I would ever want be
It's just a travesty, towering, marking off the boundaries my spirit would erase

To pass beyond is what I seek, I fear that I may be too weak
And those are few who've seen it through to glimpse the other side,
The promised land is waiting like a maiden that is soon to be a bride
The moment is a masterpiece, the weight of indecision's in the air
Standing there, the symbol and the sum of all that's me
It's just a travesty, towering, blocking out the light and blinding me
I want to see

Gold and diamonds cast a spell, it's not for me I know it well
The treasures that I seek are waiting on the other side
There's more than I can measure in the treasure of the love that I can find
And though it's always been with me, I must tear down the Wall and let it be
All I am, and all that I was ever meant to be, in harmony
Shining through and smiling back at all who wait to cross
There is no loss