YES-vintage Prog rock legends -- foundations of prog - Wakeman - Moraz - Kaye - Howe - Squire - Bruford - White - "EER-MUSIC.com aka Eclectic Earwig Reviews Music and More for You!"

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Artist: Yes Title: Yes (1969, 2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com The Yes debut is mightily impressive. Today it seems even more creative when one looks back at their recorded history and how they continually developed with each album. This is where their foundation was set and everything that happened subsequently comes back to this fine recording. Jon Anderson and Chris Squire melded their vocals in sparkling fashion in all of these songs. The melody and rhythm of tracks like “Every Little Thing” and “Dear Father” are an indication of what fruit the future would bear for this legendary band. Their ability to mix progressive sounds with pop would prove to be their strongest asset and it still is today. The freshness and clarity of the sound on this version is outstanding, just as every other remaster I have heard thus far from the Yes catalog is. With a generous helping of bonus tracks (six), the listener gets a glimpse of different versions of tracks while listening to the developmental stages of each like never before. That can be the most rewarding aspect of bonus tracks when they are chosen with discriminating care as they are on this CD. This is the best place to start if you are purchasing all the remasters, although I did it in a different order, the impact was just as powerful. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 14, 2003 1. Beyond and Before - 4:55 2. I See You - 6:52 3. Yesterday and Today - 2:51 4. Looking Around - 4:19 5. Harold Land - 5:46 6. Every Little Thing - 5:46 7. Sweetness - 4:35 8. Survival - 6:22 Bonus Tracks: 9. Everydays (Single Version) - 6:23 10. Dear Father (Early Version #2) - 5:51 11. Something's Coming - 7:09 12. Everydays - 5:18 (Early Version) 13. Dear Father - 5:31 (Early Version #1) 14. Something's Coming - 8:02 (Early Version) Rating-5 / 5 Yes 1969: Jon Anderson - Percussion, Vocals Peter Banks - Guitar, Vocals Bill Bruford - Drums, Vibraphone Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Producer Tony Kaye - Organ, Piano Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Time And A Word (1970, 2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com I have to say that the first thing that caught my eye was the surprisingly provocative cover of the Yes album Time And A Word. It was 1970 and this definitely was not a normal album cover for that time. It was a far cry from the science fiction covers that Roger Dean would create. In 2003, a cover like this would not make 10- year-old bat an eyelash, sad but true. What I also find amazing about this album is that it was only the band’s second effort. Rather than stay with the same successful formula (musically, not related to actual album sales) of the first release they dipped their toes into unknown waters by adding an orchestra to their compositions. This album is daring to say the least for a band that was trying to become established. This kind of courage would mark the beginning of many transitions for a band unafraid to step out and try something new. In the future change would become their ally. The next time they would record and tour in this design would be on Magnification (which is an excellent album), released thirty-one years later in 2001. To say that this particular album is a landmark, is putting it mildly. In retrospect, how many bands have done the same thing in progressive rock since? It really does boggle the mind the sheer importance of Yes and their recorded history. Once again, the bonus tracks are generous (four) and interesting liner notes make your overall experience more enriching. The always-terrific sound gives the original recording a new lease on life. I have found listening to all of these remasters a fascinating trip, particularly this one because it was so different. Listening to a band’s profuse expansion and change in their musical range, sometimes dramatically, is a rewarding experience indeed. Its funny, I was looking at the black and white photo of the band in the CD tray and noticed how Peter Banks looked a lot like Joe Perry of Aerosmith. That has nothing to do with the music but it struck me that there can be so much commonality found in music yet so many differences…but then in same token people can look so much alike. I guess it is just another paradox of life, another page out of the novel written by the group Yes. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 18, 2003 1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Necessary - 4:52 2. Then - 5:49 3. Everydays - 6:12 4. Sweet Dreams - 3:51 5. The Prophet - 6:38 6. Clear Days - 2:09 7. Astral Traveller - 5:56 8. Time and a Word - 4:39 Bonus Tracks: 9. Dear Father - 4:14 10. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Necessary (Original Mix) - 4:46 11. Sweet Dreams - 4:20 (Original Mix) 12. The Prophet - 6:33 (Single Version) Rating-4 / 5 Yes in 1970: Jon Anderson - Percussion, Vocals Peter Banks - Guitar, Vocals Bill Bruford - Drums, Vibraphone Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Producer Tony Kaye - Organ, Piano Tony Cox - Orchestral Arrangements Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: The Yes Album (1971, 2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com If there is one album that clearly defined Yes as band that could become an all around progressive rock/pop band between albums, The Yes Album is the one that history points to as their crossover breakthrough. The most important factor that made this change happen was the exit of Peter Banks (not say that Banks was not a fine guitarist) and the entry of Steve Howe as the band’s lead guitarist, whom was a versatile do-it-all kind of player that could change direction at the drop of a hat. This kind of flexibility is what the band needed to move on to a more mainstream level. Although their music was not intent on becoming top-forty oriented, it happened regardless. The reach to their audience was now moving to the next level and garnering a lot of attention with a string of charting singles regardless of their status and unique approach to rock music. “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “Starship Trooper” and “I’ve Seen All Good People” found a wider audience because of their catchy rhythms and choruses of Jon Anderson and Chris Squire backed by the oomph of pinpoint guitar chords of Howe and the sweeping and driving keyboard passages of Tony Kaye. All of those songs have stood the test of time and receive regular airplay to this day. With a newly packaged set as this, the remastered sound brings new sparkle and life to classic prog-rock-pop diamonds that shine ever so brightly all over again, awaiting another generation of audiences to unearth. This was the first commercially successful album for Yes and there would be many more. For their sake, it was a good thing the changes were set in motion. As history shows now with their massively successful catalog of recordings, it would turn their career around forever. Three solid bonus tracks are included with informative liner notes to make the package a complete treasure. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck October 11, 2003 1. Yours Is No Disgrace - 9:40 2. Clap (live) - 3:16 3. Starship Trooper a.Life Seeker b. Disillusion c. Wurm - 9:28 4. I've Seen All Good People a. Your Move b. All Good People - 6:55 5. A Venture - 3:20 6. Perpetual Change - 8:57 Bonus Tracks: 7. Your Move (Single Version) - 2:59 8. Starship Trooper: Life Seeker (Single Version) - 3:27 9. Clap (Studio Version/Previously Unissued)- 4:01 Rating-5 / 5 Yes in 1971: Jon Anderson - Percussion, Vocals Bill Bruford - Percussion, Drums Steve Howe - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocals Chris Squire - Bass, Guitar, Vocals Tony Kaye-Piano, Organ, Moog Yes - Producer EER-MUSIC.com Editor's Note: When I think Progressive rock, I immediately think of this album as one of the genre's cornerstones. "Starship Trooper" has got to be one the the most memorable anthems to prog rock ever penned. How many times have I played the "Wurm" movement on my guitar while my friends and I jammed to that? Easily thousands . . . dada dahh, dadadada dahh, dadadada dahh, dadadada dahh, (repeat endlessly with improv -- opening tuning to D is suggested for max sonic punch.) Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Fragile (1972/ 2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com When you first hear the clear and crisp version of "Roundabout" on the remastered Yes album Fragile, you will be beside yourself how fresh and exuberant it sounds. Just as many recordings from their catalog, it is hard to believe that this music was originally conceived and recorded back in 1972. This was the turning point for Yes as keyboardist Tony Kaye exited and Rick Wakeman made his grand entrance. Although Kaye was exceptional, Wakeman's influence created an entirely different mindset in the band. He brought the classical influence to the table. His acceptance into the group would follow immediately and the results of that are found on Fragile. Yes became the prototypical progressive rock band in 1972, and they never turned back. Steve Howe became the quintessential diverse guitarist on this album, jumping back and forth from hard rocking intense guitar licks to gentle jazz/classical influenced passages. I found this component to be quite evident throughout the entire recording. This one important factor changed them forever and put them into category all by themselves (they always were). Two AOR staples were introduced from this masterpiece, "Long Distance Runaround" and "Heart of the Sunrise." Bonus tracks include a hearty version of "America" and "Roundabout" in its developmental stages. This album is so good you never tire of it; its importance and resiliency are more evident than ever on this superb remastered version. (c)"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck November 2, 2003 1. Roundabout - 8:35 2. Cans and Brahms - 1:42 3. We Have Heaven - 1:39 4. South Side of the Sky - 7:58 5. Five Per Cent of Nothing - 0:37 6. Long Distance Runaround - 3:30 7. The Fish - 2:42 8. Mood for a Day - 3:02 9. Heart of the Sunrise - 11:32 Bonus Tracks: 10. America - 10:33 11. Roundabout (Early Rough Mix)- 8:35 Rating-5 / 5 Yes In 1972: Rick Wakeman - Organ, Synthesizer, Arranger, Harpsichord, Piano (Electric), Mellotron, Piano (Grand) Jon Anderson - Vocals Bill Bruford - Percussion, Drums Steve Howe - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocals, Soloist Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Arranger, Producer, Original Album Producer Roger Dean - Photography EER-MUSIC.com Editor's Note: Okay folks, this was the one, right? Was not this the HUGE Yes impact on the radio, Top 40, and the psyches of most of us? Of course it was. And this was the LP that I even tune my guitar to, using Howe's opening "E" harmonic sweep. I learned many and excellent technique and riff of this LP and came to really appreciate the rocking-out that even art-rock full of symphonic airs could hold. Yes was the cool band to be into back in the day and all the "heads" were into. For me it was the artsy and image-laden futurism of the band's lyrics, songs, extended instrumentals, and the Dean artwork. What a super package! A must-have recording!!!! Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Close To The Edge Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com My first thought when I think of Yes music is "musical genius." Their music has always pulled me out of my reality and right into a completely different zone, and I like that. Rhino Records has been steadily remastering and reissuing the Yes catalog with bonus tracks and insightful liner notes that put each period of time the band recorded a particular album into proper perspective. Close to the Edge is no exception when it comes to the consistency of excellence that the label demands of itself. The sound on this CD is quite simply, magnificent. This album is arguably one of the first true progressive rock albums ever recorded. It was 1972 and music was on the brink of many changes and Yes was right in the middle of it all. The opening suite "Close to the Edge: I. The Solid Time of Change II. Total Mass Retain III. I Get Up I Get Down IV. Seasons of Man," which lasts for nearly 19 minutes, set the precedence for this genre of music and for the band for many years to come. Their ability to record such complex compositions such as the title track and release a pop flavored single such as the bonus track "America," gave them a cross over appeal that most bands that played music along the same lines simply could not hope to accomplish. How can you go from one distinctly intricate symphonic prog-rock piece of music and switch over to a rock-pop format with songs that had a hit single appeal and still sound the same but different all at the same time? It sounds crazy but that is exactly what this band has been doing for over thirty years now. With Jon Anderson's one of a kind vocals, Steve Howe's striking guitar, Rick Wakeman's built in orchestra with his keyboards and Chris Squire (bass) and Bill Bruford (drums) the anchors of the ship, they were ready to set sail. The good ship Yes would get underway time after time but some of the sails would change as each album was recorded, which never stopped their creative flow. This album kept the stream of creativeness going that the two previous albums The Yes Album and Fragile had begun. The best part about it was that there was a lot more to come. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck August 21, 2003 1. Close to the Edge: I. The Solid Time of Change II. Total Mass Retain III. I Get Up I Get Down IV. Seasons of Man- 18:36 2. And You And I I: Cord of Life II. Eclipse III. The Preacher The Teacher IV. Apocalypse - 10:13 3. Siberian Khatru - 8:57 Bonus Tracks: 4. America (Single Version) 4:03 - Atlantic single #2899 (7/17/72) 5. Total Mass Retain (Single Version) 3:20 - Atlantic single #2899 (7/17/72) 6. And You And I (Alternate Version) 10:21 - (Previously Unissued) 7. Siberia (Studio Run-Through of "Siberian Khatru") 9:19 - (Previously Unissued) Rating-5 / 5 Lineup 1972: Rick Wakeman - Keyboards Jon Anderson - Vocals Bill Bruford - Percussion, Drums Steve Howe - Guitar, Vocals Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Arranger, Producer Roger Dean - Design, Photography, Cover Design, Paintings, Logo, Cover Art EER-MUSIC.com Editor's note: This is one of those progressive rock releases that took several listens to before it settled in. It was a challenging listen with side one being one whole concept but heck -- it was Yes -- so it had to be good. And you and I each came to the conclusion that this was yet another Yes masterpiece. Consider these "Siberian Khatru" chant-sung lyrics: Bluetail, tailfly, Luther, in time, Suntower, asking, Cover, lover, June cast, moon fast, As one changes, Heart gold, leaver, Soul mark, mover, Christian, changer, Called out, saviour, Moon gate, climber, Turn round, glider. How cool was that to our young brains? We never knew what the heck it was all about but -- dang -- it was trippy cool so it worked. Close to the Edge was magic then and always will be! And now remastered with xtra stuff - Get it! Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973/2003) Format: 2 CDs-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com Tales From Topographic Oceans is a remarkable album. It was in 1973 and it still is today. It seems that many Yes albums have attained that lofty status over the years. This one in particular was risqué in that it was such an enormous undertaking and so complex to record and mix. The result was a definitive progressive rock masterpiece that served as a benchmark for all other aspiring like-minded groups to follow. This album marked the departure of drummer extraordinaire Biil Bruford and the emergence of Alan White. Did this all- important change affect the group? I dare say it did not. White was every bit adept with his drum kit as Bruford was. It is also interesting to note that this was not one of Rick Wakeman’s favorite albums and hence his departure was eminent as well unfortunately. Well, on to the brighter side of things. This beautifully remastered copy comes housed in a nice slipcase with the old- fashioned gatefold album sleeve style to emulate the original vinyl release, which I absolutely love. With the exception of one track, “The Ancient Giants Under the Sun,” which clocked in at 18:37, the other three songs were over twenty minutes long! What a marvelous achievement. At the time critics surely must have thought it was a bit self-indulgent, but after all this was a band with a string of successes behind it and why not push the envelope one more time to see what would happen? Thank the good Lord they did, where would we be in progressive rock right now without pioneers like Yes, I shudder at the thought. There are two very remarkable and entertaining bonus tracks on this remastered magnum opus, “Dance of the Dawn (Studio Run-Through) “ and “Giants Under The Sun (Studio Run-Through).” They are both studio practice sessions. It gives you a glimpse of each composition in its infancy. I do not think I need to add anything else except that you should get all of these remasters, they are essential for any progressive rock collection. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck August 28, 2003 Disc One 1. The Revealing Science of God - Dance of the Dawn - 20:23 2. The Remembering High the Memory - 20:35 3. The Ancient Giants Under the Sun - 18:37 Disc Two 4. Ritual - Nous Sommes du Soleil - 21:33 Bonus Tracks: 5. Dance of the Dawn (Studio Run-Through) - 23:10 (Previously Unissued) 6. Giants Under The Sun (Studio Run-Through) - 17:34 (Previously Unissued) Rating-5 / 5 Lineup 1972: Rick Wakeman - Keyboards Jon Anderson - Vocals Alan White - Percussion, Drums Steve Howe - Guitar, Vocals Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Arranger, Producer Roger Dean - Design, Photography, Cover Design, Paintings, Logo, Cover Art EER-MUSIC.com Editor's note: Okay folks, honesty time -- other than Dean's ultra-cool LP art and the superb LP graphics lay-out, this release was one huge bummer to me and many other Yes fans. Perhaps I should have another listen these many years later and I'll feel different. But only the great rhythms of "The Ancient" did anything for me back then. In essence, I quit buying Yes after that and turned my attentions elsewhere. If you have another opinion or wanna bash my diatribe feel free to surf to the EER-MUSIC.com Contact Info page and do so. Otherwise, Yes' Tales... is a purchase you should consider listening to a friend's copy first before buying new and being bummed out again in digital. Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Relayer (1974/2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com The Yes album Relayer was my introduction to progressive rock. Before this album, the only song I knew by this group was “Roundabout.” I remember seeing the album covers in the department store racks and thinking how strange they were. It’s funny, I remember thinking how weird this album was to me at the time I first heard it and no matter how many times I listened to it I just did not get it, I was not ready for Yes in 1974. Fast forward to 2003 and we have a remastered copy of this underrated and much maligned classic prog-rock masterpiece. I suppose many folks were upset because Rick Wakeman left the band and this person named Patrick Moraz stepped in to try to fill his shoes. He did not replace Wakeman; he did however make his one and only Yes recording a memorable one. Granted, they were not the same without Rick but they continued to make incredible music that nobody else was. The previously unissued “Gates of Delirium” is alone worth the price of admission for this CD. It is much better than the original release. Steve Howe’s guitar is amazing on this cut; it comes popping out at you with burst of power. Reaching a creative peak, the rest of the band is in rare form as well sounding more inspired than on any other track. God knows why they did not use this version as it really made this entire CD the great experience it was. “Soon” is a pretty song with a lovely melody. You will hear the single edited version on this package. You get the best of both worlds listening to “Sound Chaser” now, as the full album cut and single edit are available for the first time on the same album. It is interesting to compare and contrast the different versions. This forgotten classic needs another good listen now. It will unquestionably develop new opinions this time around. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 2, 2003 1. Gates of Delirium - 21:55 2. Sound Chaser - 9:25 3. To Be Over - 9:08 Bonus Tracks: 4. Soon (Single Edit) - 4:06 Atlantic single #3242 (1/8/75) 5. Sound Chaser (Single Edit) - 3:07 Atlantic single #3242 (1/8/75) 6. Gates of Delirium - (Studio Run-Through) - 21:21 (Previously Unissued) Rating- 4 / 5 Yes in 1974 Was: Patrick Moraz - Keyboards Jon Anderson - Vocals Alan White - Percussion, Drums Steve Howe - Guitar, Vocals Chris Squire - Bass, Vocals Yes - Arranger, Producer Roger Dean - Design, Illustrations, Cover Design EER-MUSIC.com Editor's note: Even after I swore I'd never buy anymore Yes after the disaster of Tales..., I grabbed this used and cheap, to have a listen. I was so-so about it until I heard "Gates of Delerium" which was worth my $1 spent. So for a great Yes tune, seek this one out and remember: it's an [extract track, burn to CD-R compilation, and re-sell CD] option, music world now. ;^) Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here

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Artist: Yes Title: Going For The One (1977, 1991/2003) Format: CD-Expanded and Remastered Genre: Rock/British Psychedelia, AOR, Pop, Progressive, Art, Symphonic Label: Rhino Records-www.rhino.com Website: www.yesworld.com Going For The One marked the return of Rick Wakeman to Yes and a mixture of the prog-rock and pop that prevailed on albums like Fragile. There was a different mindset at work here since the previous release Relayer. The open-ended fusion of pop meets prog-rock was the direction they decided to travel along with a totally out of character album cover. It seemed to mark the modernized sound and image of the band. While the album originally had only five tracks, this release sports six bonus tracks. The run times were typical of Yes compositions regardless of what direction the music was taking. “Wonderous Stories” was a top-ten hit and “Awaken” came in at a stunning 15:38 making it another classic Yes tour de force. The bonus tracks are a different matter entirely. I was very disappointed in them. With the exception of “Eastern Numbers (Early Version of "Awaken"),” they certainly all fit the bill of rehearsals and I suppose that needs to be taken into account. The three previous remastered albums offered superlative previously unissued cuts and a wide variety of the studio run through tracks, which spoiled me. Well I guess you cannot have your cake and eat it to all the time. Nevertheless, this is yet another remastered Yes classic worth adding to your collection. After all, what album was not? ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 3, 2003 1. Going for the One - 5:30 2. Turn of the Century - 7:58 3. Parallels - 5:52 4. Wonderous Stories - 3:45 5. Awaken- 15:38 Bonus Tracks 6. Monteux’s Theme-2:34-First issued on YesYears, Atco #91644 (8/6/91) 7. Vevey (Revisited) -4:43-Edit of this track was first issued on YesYears, Atco #91644 (8/6/91) 8. Amazing Grace -2:31- First issued on YesYears, Atco #91644 (8/6/91) 9. Going For The One (Rehearsal) - 5:00 10. Parallels (Rehearsal) - 6:33 11.Turn Of The Century (Rehearsal) - 7:00 12. Eastern Numbers (Early Version of "Awaken") - 12:35 Rating- 3 1/2 / 5 Credits: Rick Wakeman - Organ, Piano, Keyboards, Choir Arrangement, Polymoog Jon Anderson - Harp, Vocals Steve Howe - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Steel), Vocals Chris Squire - Bass, Guitar (Bass), Vocals Yes - Arranger, Producer Roger Dean - Design Alan White - Percussion, Drums

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