KANSAS rare demo tape for “Windows” w/ Steve Walsh lead vocal; from 1979 “Monolith” writing sessions

Kerry Livgren originally wrote this in 1979 for “Monolith” and this initial demo features Steve Walsh on lead vocal. It did not make the cut for that album and disappeared from everyone’s memory. Fast forward to 1981 when Steve had left the band, and John Elefante was now the lead singer. They were just about finished with writing sessions for “Vinyl Confessions,” when Kerry and I were speaking on the phone one evening. He felt like they needed one more tune, but were coming up dry.

I mentioned “Windows” from the “Monolith” sessions (I had a copy of the work tape). Kerry had completely forgotten about it, but was eager to give it a fresh listen. He located the original work tape buried in a box of cassettes, and after some rewriting of the lyrics and shortening the instrumental break, it indeed ended up on “Vinyl Confessions,” and actually became a single with an MTV video to boot.

The instrumental passage on this version is still in 5/4 time, but then has a fun harmonizing guitar passage with Kerry and Rich Williams that is somewhat reminiscent of “Lightning’s Hand” from POKR. The ending is also much more sudden that the final VC version.

The line-up of Kansas at this time was still: Steve Walsh on lead vocal/keyboards/vibes; Kerry Livgren on electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards; Robby Steinhardt on lead vocals, violin, and percussion; Phil Ehart on drums and percussion; Dave Hope on bass; and Rich Williams on electric and acoustic guitars.

This rarity is shared to help honor Kansas on their 50th Anniversary, and was edited by Mark Hollingsworth and Grace Jester.