THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: February 13, 2021

YES – Close To The Edge

February 13, 2021 /

This is actually part of the Steven Wilson remix box set that the randomizer threw up for today’s review, and I didn’t want to review them all at once so this one is first out. You may notice this has a different cover than what you are used to seeing, and was exclusive to this box set. This was the first Yes album I discovered way back in the mists of time, and Yes are another band that the term Prog was made for.

This album has only three songs on Side 1, as the title track is split into three parts, and Side 2 is And You And I in 4 parts plus Siberian Khatru. Classic Yes line up of Anderson, Buford, Howe, Squire and Wakeman. Definitely my favourite album of this period of Yes before they went more commercial with 90125.

The title track is a Prog fans wet dream, it has everything you would expect and a lot more. Lots of rambling synths, lost of weird lyrics, great vocal harmonies, and almost jazz in places. My only gripe would be is that Steve Howe’s guitar sounds awful. Just a bad sound to my ears, but that’s just me.

Side 2 begins with lots of fannying about from Howe with harmonics before the track kicks in proper. I’ve always loved this song, it’s one of their best from this era. Last up is the rambling Siberian Khatru, another Prog classic of the period. Again everything and the kitchen sink is used to create the full Prog experience. Other than the quality musicianship it’s the vocal harmonies the made Yes stand out from the crowd.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

CARAVAN – Cunning Stunts

February 13, 2021 /

I see what you did there! Cunning Stunts indeed. When the term Prog is uttered in musical discussions far and wide, this is what you automatically think of. The Canterbury sound was a quintessential part of the Prog movement with bands like Gong, Soft Machine, and Caravan themselves. I heard the word twee used when talking about Caravan, and that is a bit harsh as they are lot more than that. Led by the incomparable Pye Hastings on vocals and guitar, they never quite reached the heights that were expected of them. Even so, Cunning Stunts is a fine representation of what they were all about.

Side 1 is basically six differing songs, and the whole of Side 2 is the Dabsong Conshirtoe split into 6 parts. The Show Of Our Lives starts off the album and is a pleasant ramble through the English countryside, at least that’s how it feels . Stuck In A Hole and Lover casually saunter past and are very relaxing. Welcome The Day reminds me of Pink Floyd and is a decent tune and side closer. The Fear And Loathing In Tollington Park Rag is almost funky, which is quite unexpected as it differs greatly from everything else on offer here. Over to Side 2 to the aforementioned epic that takes up the whole side, and is a grandiose piece that you would expect from a band of this ilk. Lots of synths, brass section, weird lyrics and heavier sections slotted in to create atmos.

Not a bad album, and fans of this era of Prog would probably lap it up.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

Archives

© 2024 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑