Point of Know Return
Encyclopedia
Point of Know Return is the fifth album
by American
rock
band Kansas
, released in 1977
. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2002.
The huge success of Kansas's previous effort, Leftoverture
, brought a new kind of pressure. While they were no longer desperately poor and starving for a hit, the band wondered whether they would be able to build on or, at least, maintain the level of achievement the years of recording and touring had brought them. The sessions for their follow-up LP, Point of Know Return, were filled with tension as singer/songwriter Steve Walsh
, who had always been uncomfortable with the artistic direction of the band, left the group briefly. Years later, Walsh would admit in an interview with nationally-syndicated radio host Redbeard on the weekly rockumentary series In the Studio with Redbeard
(edition #849, week of 9/27/04 and again on the 30th Anniversary Episode for Point of Know Return in 2007) that he had been something of a prima donna
at this point. The other members of the group talked him into returning and the sessions continued. As with the previous album, it was a last-minute addition to the track line-up that would prove to be a huge success.
Kerry Livgren
had been practicing with his acoustic guitar, working on a chord progression that he had written as a finger exercise. His wife, Vicci, happened to hear what he was doing and remarked that the melody was nice and that he should write lyrics for it. The result was a short song called "Dust in the Wind
". Again, Livgren was unsure as to whether his fellow band members would like it, since Kansas was not known for acoustic ballads. Needless to say, the song was recorded, securing Kansas's place in the annals of classic rock
.
The album marked the commercial peak of the band in many ways. A subsequent tour brought them to the largest venues in the country, such as Madison Square Garden (which was sold out resulting in a second show at the newly constructed nearby Nassau Coliseum on Long Island) and the LA Forum (on New Year's Eve 1977). Marketing efforts were escalated at that point, including a tour book featuring an essay about the band by then Rolling Stone contributor Cameron Crowe. The band became a staple on FM radio at this point, and during this period was one of the most popular rock acts in the country.
," Jack Black
's character criticizes one of John Cusack
's character's proposals as "too obvious, like 'Point of Know Return'/'Point of Know Return.'" The album cover has become an iconic image from the album rock era, appearing on the background of the set of VH1 Classic
, on tee shirts worn by characters in movies and on TV, and in other places.
In October 2009, a live version of the title track "Point of Know Return" was released as a downloadable add-on to the Harmonix video game Rock Band
. The title track has also been used in a 2009 State Farm
commercial, in which a man sings along to it in his parked car.
In the 2008 movie The Rocker, Rainn Wilson
's character 'Robert Fishman' is seeing wearing a 'Point of Know Return' t-shirt.
and Steve Walsh
, except where noted.
Note: The album's performing credits listed one joke "instrument" for each band member, such as "chain-driven gong," "autogyro," "Rinaldo whistling machine" and "Peabody chromatic inverter."
Singles - Billboard (North America)
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
by American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
, released in 1977
1977 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1977.-January–February:*January 1 – The Clash headline the gala opening of the London music club, The Roxy....
. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2002.
The huge success of Kansas's previous effort, Leftoverture
Leftoverture
Leftoverture is the fourth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1976. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2001.-Overview:...
, brought a new kind of pressure. While they were no longer desperately poor and starving for a hit, the band wondered whether they would be able to build on or, at least, maintain the level of achievement the years of recording and touring had brought them. The sessions for their follow-up LP, Point of Know Return, were filled with tension as singer/songwriter Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh (musician)
Steve Walsh is a singer and songwriter best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock band Kansas.-Introduction:The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer/percussionist is best known for his visionary work with Kansas...
, who had always been uncomfortable with the artistic direction of the band, left the group briefly. Years later, Walsh would admit in an interview with nationally-syndicated radio host Redbeard on the weekly rockumentary series In the Studio with Redbeard
In the Studio with Redbeard
In the Studio with Redbeard is a North American radio program, produced and hosted by Dallas, Texas based rock and roll disc jockey Redbeard....
(edition #849, week of 9/27/04 and again on the 30th Anniversary Episode for Point of Know Return in 2007) that he had been something of a prima donna
Prima donna
Originally used in opera or Commedia dell'arte companies, "prima donna" is Italian for "first lady." The term was used to designate the leading female singer in the opera company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given. The prima donna was normally, but not necessarily, a soprano...
at this point. The other members of the group talked him into returning and the sessions continued. As with the previous album, it was a last-minute addition to the track line-up that would prove to be a huge success.
Kerry Livgren
Kerry Livgren
Kerry Allen Livgren is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band, Kansas.-Biography:...
had been practicing with his acoustic guitar, working on a chord progression that he had written as a finger exercise. His wife, Vicci, happened to hear what he was doing and remarked that the melody was nice and that he should write lyrics for it. The result was a short song called "Dust in the Wind
Dust in the Wind
"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
". Again, Livgren was unsure as to whether his fellow band members would like it, since Kansas was not known for acoustic ballads. Needless to say, the song was recorded, securing Kansas's place in the annals of classic rock
Classic rock
Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on the hard rock genre that peaked in popularity in the...
.
The album marked the commercial peak of the band in many ways. A subsequent tour brought them to the largest venues in the country, such as Madison Square Garden (which was sold out resulting in a second show at the newly constructed nearby Nassau Coliseum on Long Island) and the LA Forum (on New Year's Eve 1977). Marketing efforts were escalated at that point, including a tour book featuring an essay about the band by then Rolling Stone contributor Cameron Crowe. The band became a staple on FM radio at this point, and during this period was one of the most popular rock acts in the country.
Detailed description
Point of Know Return begins with a song of the same title, clocking in at 3:13. It was a later addition to the album, along with giving the album its name. After this track is "Paradox", in which the violin takes center stage as a solo instrument in an extension of the prototypical Kansas style. Following is the band's first ever instrumental "The Spider", composed by Steve Walsh and so named for its alleged likeness to the arachnid. This piece segues into a song written about Albert Einstein, "Portrait (He Knew)". "Portrait" is a straightforward collection of rock riffs and somewhat strained phrases, building upon a relentless theme and weaving a unique patchwork of counterpoint. "Closet Chronicles" is a Howard Hughes allegory, which is an unusual subject for a progressive rock epic. Nonetheless, this song includes a unique instrumental break and makes use of the contrasting vocal timbres of Steve Walsh and Robby Steinhardt. Next is a rock tune called "Lightning's Hand." Following this song is the work in which many listeners judge the band, "Dust in the Wind". The song does not really reflect any other song in the entire Kansas canon in many ways, and is known for its sparse acoustic nature. In this song the band explores the prospect of death and the insignificance of one lifetime in the endless thread of time. "Sparks Of The Tempest" comments upon the cyclical nature of rebellion and the claim of power through a purely Kansas-esque brand of accessible rock. "Nobody's Home" chronicles an alien encounter with the world of a fallen civilization, and reflects the pensive atmosphere of "Dust." This song makes effective use of Robby Steinhardt's skill on the violin, particularly in the climax of the instrumental break. The album closes with "Hopelessly Human", a progressive epic in the vein of those on Leftoverture. The piece features many instrumental solos.Commercial success
Point of Know Return would be Kansas' highest charting album in the US, peaking at #4 in January 1978, and would sell four million copies in the US and be certified Quadruple Platinum by the RIAA.Cultural impact
During a debate of greatest "Song 1 Side 1" in history among the lead characters in the movie "High FidelityHigh Fidelity (film)
High Fidelity is a 2000 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Frears and starring John Cusack and the Danish actress Iben Hjejle. The film is based on the 1995 British novel of the same name by Nick Hornby, with the setting moved from London to Chicago and the name of the lead character...
," Jack Black
Jack Black
Jack Black , is an American actor and musician, notably of Tenacious D.Jack Black may also refer to:* Jack Black , late 19th - early 20th Century author and hobo* Jack Black , drummer for 1970s UK punk band The Boys...
's character criticizes one of John Cusack
John Cusack
John Paul Cusack is an American film actor and screenwriter. He has appeared in more than 50 films, including The Journey of Natty Gann, Say Anything..., Grosse Point Blank, The Thin Red Line, Stand by Me, Con Air, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, Serendipity, Runaway Jury, The Ice Harvest,...
's character's proposals as "too obvious, like 'Point of Know Return'/'Point of Know Return.'" The album cover has become an iconic image from the album rock era, appearing on the background of the set of VH1 Classic
VH1 Classic
VH1 Classic is a television network, launched on May 8, 2000. It is operated as part of MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom and primarily features music videos and concert footage from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, though it formerly included a wider range of genres and time periods...
, on tee shirts worn by characters in movies and on TV, and in other places.
In October 2009, a live version of the title track "Point of Know Return" was released as a downloadable add-on to the Harmonix video game Rock Band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
. The title track has also been used in a 2009 State Farm
State farm
State farm can refer to:*Sovkhoz, a type of state-owned farm in the Soviet Union*Volkseigenes Gut, a type of state-owned farm in East Germany*Państwowe Gospodarstwo Rolne, a type of state-owned farm in People's Republic of Poland...
commercial, in which a man sings along to it in his parked car.
In the 2008 movie The Rocker, Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Dietrich Wilson is an American actor and comedian. He is primarily known for his role as the egomaniacal Dwight Schrute on the American version of the television comedy The Office...
's character 'Robert Fishman' is seeing wearing a 'Point of Know Return' t-shirt.
Track listing
All songs written by Kerry LivgrenKerry Livgren
Kerry Allen Livgren is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band, Kansas.-Biography:...
and Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh (musician)
Steve Walsh is a singer and songwriter best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock band Kansas.-Introduction:The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer/percussionist is best known for his visionary work with Kansas...
, except where noted.
- "Point of Know ReturnPoint of Know Return (song)"Point of Know Return" is a progressive rock single by Kansas written by Steve Walsh, Robby Steinhardt, and Phil Ehart for their 1977 album Point of Know Return...
" (Phil EhartPhil EhartPhillip W. Ehart is the drummer in the rock band Kansas. He and Rich Williams are the only two members who have appeared on every Kansas album. He has also taken on the band's management responsibilities in recent years. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas on February 4, 1950, Phil took up the drums in...
, Robby SteinhardtRobby SteinhardtRobert Eugene Steinhardt is a rock violinist and singer best known for his work with the group Kansas, for which he was co-lead singer / "frontman" and emcee along with keyboardist Steve Walsh, from 1973–1982 and 1997–2006...
, Steve WalshSteve Walsh (musician)Steve Walsh is a singer and songwriter best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock band Kansas.-Introduction:The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer/percussionist is best known for his visionary work with Kansas...
) – 3:13 - "Paradox" – 3:50
- "The Spider" (Walsh) – 2:05
- "Portrait (He Knew)" – 4:38
- "Closet Chronicles" – 6:31
- "Lightning's Hand" – 4:24
- "Dust in the WindDust in the Wind"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
" (Livgren) – 3:28 - "Sparks of the Tempest" – 4:18
- "Nobody's Home" – 4:40
- "Hopelessly Human" (Livgren) - 7:17
2002 CD reissue bonus tracks
- "Sparks Of The Tempest (Live) (5:17)
- "Portrait (He Knew) [Remix] (4:50)
Band
- Phil EhartPhil EhartPhillip W. Ehart is the drummer in the rock band Kansas. He and Rich Williams are the only two members who have appeared on every Kansas album. He has also taken on the band's management responsibilities in recent years. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas on February 4, 1950, Phil took up the drums in...
- Drums - Dave HopeDave HopeDave Hope is an American bass guitarist who played with the American rock band Kansas from 1973 until the band's first split in 1983. He then started the Christian band AD with Kerry Livgren and others....
- bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Kerry LivgrenKerry LivgrenKerry Allen Livgren is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band, Kansas.-Biography:...
- Guitars, Keyboards - Robby SteinhardtRobby SteinhardtRobert Eugene Steinhardt is a rock violinist and singer best known for his work with the group Kansas, for which he was co-lead singer / "frontman" and emcee along with keyboardist Steve Walsh, from 1973–1982 and 1997–2006...
- Violins, Vocals, Lead Vocals On "Lightning's Hand", "Sparks Of The Tempest" And "Hopelessly Human" - Steve WalshSteve Walsh (musician)Steve Walsh is a singer and songwriter best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock band Kansas.-Introduction:The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer/percussionist is best known for his visionary work with Kansas...
- Keyboards, Vibes, Lead Vocals - Rich WilliamsRich WilliamsRichard Williams is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album. Rich lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident. He wore a prosthetic eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead.In the beginning, Williams shared...
- Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars
Note: The album's performing credits listed one joke "instrument" for each band member, such as "chain-driven gong," "autogyro," "Rinaldo whistling machine" and "Peabody chromatic inverter."
Production
- Producer: Jeff GlixmanJeff GlixmanJeff Glixman is an American record producer. He has produced, mixed or remastered artists such as Kansas, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, the Georgia Satellites and Black Sabbath...
- Engineers: Terry Becker, Jeff Glixman
- Mastering: George Marino
- Arranger: Kansas
- Art direction: Tom Drennon
- Cover art concept: Kansas
- Cover design: Rod Dyer
- Artwork: Peter Lloyd
- Artwork: Bob Maile
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Pop Albums | 4 |
Singles - Billboard (North America)
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Point Of Know Return" | Pop Singles | 28 |
| 1978 | "Dust In The Wind" | Pop Singles | 6 |
| 1978 | "Portrait (He Knew)" | Pop Singles | 64 |