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.
