The Polar Express Полярный Экспресс (2004)

Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 is certainly the most lovingly crafted of the many Kansas retrospectives. Featuring 27 album cuts that range from classic FM hits like "Dust in the Wind" and "Point of No Return" to fan favorites such as "Song for America," and a 16-track DVD that collects numerous television appearances, videos, and live recordings, Sail On seems to be the definitive tome of the Midwest art rock band's very existence…

Those with a just a passing interest in roots reggae are generally aware of Michael Rose's Grammy-winning group Black Uhuru, but the man himself doesn't have the same name recognition. With any luck, the grand Happiness: The Best of Michael Rose will change all that. A solo artist well before Uhuru, Michael Rose's output has equaled – and arguably topped – his work with Uhuru, and Happiness does a great job of representing. Kicking off with the original version of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and ending with the brilliant/quirky Fat Eyes production "Rough Life," Happiness brings to mind the mighty Bob Marley Legend compilation with its filler-free track listing. Just like Legend, Happiness is only an introduction to Rose, and while the man has released too many great, fully formed albums to say this is definitive, Happiness only misses the extended 12" side of his career and covers everything else splendidly.

A throwback to the era of 7" vinyl singles, the Who merge modern technology with a retro aesthetic with their First Singles Box. Featuring 12 CD singles in picture sleeves, the set contains classic tracks like "My Generation," "I Can See for Miles," and "Won't Get Fooled Again," along with their accompanying B-sides…

Sony's Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 is certainly the most lovingly crafted of the many Kansas retrospectives. Featuring 27 album cuts that range from classic FM hits like "Dust in the Wind" and "Point of No Return" to fan favorites such as "Song for America," a 35-page booklet that includes extensive liner notes and career-spanning photos, and a 16-track DVD that collects numerous television appearances, videos, and live recordings, Sail On seems to be the definitive tome of the Midwest art rock band's very existence…

They overcame the negative impacts of the latter though, and while somewhat sceptical to both label and the band's future at this point they decided to hit the studio again to make a second album. The recording of their sophomore effort Solstice was a smooth, problem free affair, and with added spices to their musical palettes from bands like Genesis and Yes this second discc of their was a product they were most satisifed with. The majority of the Norwegian press wasn't impressed though, with a negative impact to initial record sales as a direct result. Once more they looked outside of the borders of Norway to overcome commercial difficulties, and with a generally positive reception for the album in Germany a tour was set up to try to make a name for themselves in that market.