The Syn - (2005) Syndestructible

The Syn - (2005) Syndestructible

I have not heard that a band which was active 40 years ago reformed themselves into new outfit using the same name and newer music. The Syn was Chris Squire’s band prior to Yes. The band was practically defunct after the first debut of Yes was released in 1969. I did not pay into attention on the first time when this band was reformed in 2005 with “Syndestructible” until sometime last year a friend of mine, Rizal informed me about the existence of the new album from a band of 1965. I was so curious about how the music would sound like having known the quality of Chris Squire – whom has been called as the grand pa of Rickenbacker bass guitar. I was actually not so explorative in terms of Chris’s solo or the band before him – but for sure I do love his work with Yes.

Well, I don’t want to dwell into all history kind of thing as you may find it easily through the net with the held of Dr Google. The main question remains: how would the music sound like? Would it be something close to Yes or Chris’ own solo album “Fish Out of Water”. The beginning track “Breaking Down Walls” (0:51) is very Yes “Magnification” style with a combined style of Chris “Fish Out of Water” solo album in an acapella version. It’s quite relaxing intro followed with acoustic guitar work plus keyboard that brings us into next track “Some Time, Some Way” (7:56). The first impression about this song is something in the vein of Dire Straits music (similar to the style of “Brother In Arms” album). The music is so relaxing and enjoyable especially on its groove and rhythm section. There is basically nothing complex this album offers.

It’s been quite sometime ago when I first spun the album. It did not really impress me at first spins of the album until quite sometime. It’s not that the music was bad it’s more on getting the “a-ha” experience from this album. In fact, in some occasion, I play the album through iPod while riding a bicycle to work or going back home. This morning, I spun it while I was riding a bicycle to the office. It’s really quite relaxing and the music offers me a piece of mind so that it was able to keep in balance especially during the traffic jam.

It’s so peaceful when “Reach Outro” (3:38) enters its intro with ambient keyboard, bass guitar and vocal. The song is basically an instrumental track with some chanting of “reach out” and it’s cool. It also demonstrates Chris bass guitar work which serves as solo, instead of beat keeper. “Cathedral Of Love” (8:58) is a beautifully crafted song with nice melody and simple arrangement with some sort of string section. Well, I would say that you like this song as it cut across the whole spectrum of Chris Squire style, especially throughout his solo. Musically, there is an obvious style that is very close to Yes “Magnification” as well.

Almost songs in this album are crafted in similar style even though this does not mean that the album is boring. Even, I do enjoy this album when I spin it from start to end. This demonstrates that this album is successful in creating the music as a cohessive whole where the listeners will be instantly stimulated to have another spin of the CD. The only song that I think I feel “bored” is “The Golden Age” because I hate the beats that truly a very pop song.

This album is well produced and it does have good sonic quality. I would suggest you to play the msuic loud because there is basically no high register notes produced by the music. I do enjoy the mixing on guitar sounds as well as Chris’ Rickenbacker bass guitar.

Overall, it’s a very good album that I recommend to all of you who are exploring prog music to have this one. If you think that the music is quite simple, just treat it for a break after listening to complex music. Recommended. Keep on proggin’ ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild – GW

TrackList:
1. Breaking Down Walls (0:51)
2. Some Time, Some Way (7:56)
3. Reach Outro (3:38)
4. Cathedral Of Love (8:58)
5. City Of Dreams (9:38)
6. Golden Age (8:07)
7. The Promise (13:28)

LineUp:
- Stephen Nardelli / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, vocals
- Paul Stacey / guitar, vocals
- Gerard Johnson / keyboards, vocals
- Jeremy Stacey / drums

Yes - (1979) Quebec City - PQ-Canada

Cd1:
01. Intro (Close Encounters)
02. Siberian Khatru
03. Heart Of The Sunrise
04. Future Times/Rejoice
05. Circus Of Heaven
06. Medley: Time And A Word/Long Distance Runaround/The Fish/Survival/Ritual/Perpetual Change/Soon
07. Don’t Kill The Whale
08. The Clap


Cd2:
01. Starship Trooper
02. On The Silent Wings Of Freedom
03. Rick Wakeman Solo
04. Awaken
05. Tour Song
06. I’ve Seen All Good People
07. Roundabout

Yes - (1991) Yesyears (4CD Boxset) Compilation

Yes - (1991) YesYears: 4CD Boxset/Compilation

Tracklist:

CD 1 (72:50)

01. Something's Coming (7:06)
02. Survival (6:18)
03. Every Little Thing (5:41)
04. Then (4:18)
05. Everydays (4:08)
06. Sweet Dreams (3:49)
07. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (4:48)
08. Time and a Word (4:31)
09. Starship Trooper (9:26)
10. Yours is no Disgrace (9:40)
11. I've Seen All Good People (6:53)
12. Long Distance Runaround (3:33)
13. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (2:35)

CD 2 (72:40)

01. Roundabout (8:31)
02. Heart of the Sunrise (10:31)
03. America (edit) (4:03)
04. Close to the Edge (18:34)
05. Ritual (21:33)
06. Sound Chaser (9:23)

CD 3 (73:18)

01. Soon (4:06)
02. Amazing Grace (2:31)
03. Vevey, part 1 (1:07)
04. Wonderous Stories (3:45)
05. Awaken (15:34)
06. Montreaux's Theme (2:26)
07. Vevey, part 2 (0:57)
08. Going for the One (5:32)
09. Money (3:12)
10. Abilene (3:55)
11. Don't Kill the Whale (3:55)
12. On the Silent Wings of Freedom (7:45)
13. Does It Really Happen? (6:34)
14. Tempus Fugit (5:14)
15. Run With the Fox (4:09)
16. I'm Down (2:31)

CD 4 (72:43)

01. Make it Easy (6:08)
02. It Can Happen (6:01)
03.Owner of a Lonely Heart (4:27)
04. Hold On (5:15)
05. Shoot High Aim Low (7:00)
06. Rhythm of Love (4:46)
07. Love Will Find a Way (4:49)
08. Changes (7:34)
08. And You And I (10:49)
09. Heart of the Sunrise (10:50)
10. Love Conquers All (4:57)

Line-up/Musicians

- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Trevor Horn / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass and vocals
- Patrick Moraz / keyboards
- Geoff Downes / keyboards
- Tony Kaye / keyboards
- Rick Wakeman / keyboards
- Alan White / drums
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Peter Banks / guitars
- Trevor Rabin / guitars and vocals
- Steve Howe / guitars and vocals
- Billy Sherwood / guitars and vocals

Rick Wakeman - (1993) The Classical Connection

Rick's Perspective:
Notes: After going out yet again on tour with a second Classical Connection line up, it was deemed necessary to have another release to coincide with such an event and so Classical Connection II was born which was half live and half studio, which always made it an unsatisfactory compromise as far as I was concerned.
Wakey's Verdict: If you've already got Classical Connection in your collection, then I suppose it makes sense to have Classical Connection II as well.

Track List:
01 Eleanor Rigby 8' 8"
02 Birdman of Alcatraz 4' 28"
03 The Day After The Fair 4' 38"
04 Opus 1 3' 10"
05 The Painter 3' 7"
06 Summertime 6' 5"
07 Dancing In Heaven 6' 36"
08 A Garden of Music 3' 18"
09 Mackintosh 3' 49"
10 Farandol 2' 45"
11 Pont Street 4' 30"
12 Art And Soul 5' 1"


Line-up:
Rick Wakeman - Piano/Keyboards
Bill Bruford - Drums
Chris Squire - Bass
David Paton - Guitar/Bass
Frank Riccotti - Tuned Percussion
Steve Howe - Acoustic Guitars

Rick Wakeman - (1973) The Six Wife of Henry VIII

Rick's Perspective:
Notes: Much has been documented about this album so it's difficult to say anything new except that the stinking reviews it got when it came out really hurt me. Also the fact that A&M records hated it didn't help. I felt very much alone with this album until help came in the form of Tony Burdfield and Terry O'Neill at A&M who actually liked it because it was different and worked their socks off to give it a fair hearing.

Track List:

1 Catherine of Aragon 3' 47"
2 Anne of Cleves 7' 55"
3 Catherine Howard 6' 37"
4 Jane Seymour 4' 50"
5 Anne Boleyn 6' 36"
6 Catherine Parr 7' 4"

Artist List:
Rick Wakeman - Keyboards
Barry St. John/Judy Powell/Laura Lee/Liza Strike/Sylvia McNeill - Vocals
Steve Howe/Dave Lambert/Mike Egan - Guitar
Dave Cousins - Electric Banjo
Chris Squire/Chas Cronk/Dave Winter/Les Hurdle - Bass
Alan White/Barry de Souza/Bill Bruford - Drums
Frank Riccotti/Ray Cooper - Percussion

Crish Squire - (1987) ESQUIRE

ESQUIRE

Request of Theressa.

(Review from amazon)

Esquire are a British symphonic rock group founded in 1982 by singer Nikki Squire, wife of bass player Chris Squire of Yes fame, and ex-New Cross bass player Nigel McLaren. Making up the numbers in this trio is unsung hero Charles Olins on keyboards. One would be entirely correct in assuming that Esquire play a style of music akin to Yes.

This 1987 album is a sublime work of art, that is about great songs rather than being a vehicle for displaying the artists' obvious musical craftsmanship and virtuosity. All tracks overflow with sterling melodies that ooze class and sophistication. Still this remains a hardhitting rock album. The band's unique, innovative sound is further typified by Nikki Squire's remarkable, somewhat masculine sounding vocals, which greatly resemble Jon Anderson's.

The hugely impressive highlight, "Blossomtime", which starts off with a delicate piano passage, but eventually turns into an overwhelmingly pompous affair with a chorus. The multilayered backing vox and harmonies are out of this world.

Unfortunately, the band lacked the promotional clout at Geffen records, and the following autumn Big Generator came out and stole the thunder from this album.

Track List :
01. To the Rescue
02. Sunshine
03. Knock Twice for Heaven
04. Up Down Turnaround
05. Blossomtime
06. Hourglass
07. Moving Together
08. Silent Future
09. Special Greetings
10. What You've Been Saying
11. Sunshine (Original Mix)

Line-up :
- Nikki Squire / vocals
- Nigel McLaren / bass, backing vocals
- Charles Olins / keyboards, backing vocals
with
- Chris Squire / backing vocals
- Alan White / drums
- Pat Thrall / guitar
- Steve Topping / guitar
- Eddie Golga / guitar
- Jamie Lane / drums
- Dinky / drums
- Carmen Squire / backing vocals

Crish Squire - (1975) Fish out Water

Studio Album, released in 1975

When all the members of Yes released solo albums after the appearance of the glorious RELAYER, only three of them came up with (more or less) convincing results. Jon Anderson produced an embarrassing science-fiction fairytale which contained a couple of great tunes. Patrick Moraz came up with wild, half-Brasilian jazz-rock fusion. And Chris Squire emerged with an album so conceited and self-satisfied that more than half of it proved unlistenable. To this day I do not understand how someone can write a supposedly sensitive love song like “You by my Side”, and spoil it completely by bleating out the lyrics as insensitively as possible. To say nothing about the overblown orchestral finale of the same piece! Similarly, the so-called ‘canon’ towards the end of “Safe” (instrument after instrument taking up the same dire melody, accompanied by Chris on bass) must have been intended to prove how many musicians Mr Squire could afford to pay...

Fortunately, the Fish also pulled off two great performances, which trumped anything his colleagues from Yes had on offer. “Hold out your hand” is an exciting opening number with delightfully 'floating' organ playing, more convincing than the similar “Parallells” which would appear two years later on GOING FOR THE ONE. And “Lucky Seven” is superb: Squire, Bill Bruford and the gorgeous Mel Collins conspiring to give us all a catchy, funky tune that proves how much music they’ve got in their blood.

If only Chris had kept FISH OUT OF WATER simple and left out those orchestral excrescences! Two and a half stars.

Track Listings

1. Hold Out Your Hand (4:13)
2. You By My Side (4:59)
3. Silently Falling (11:26)
4. Lucky Seven (6:54)
5. Safe (Canon Song) (14:56)

Total Time: 42:34

Line-up/Musicians
- Chris Squire / vocals, bass, 12-string electric guitar
- Andrew Pryce Jackman / acoustic and electric pianos, orchestrations
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Patrick Moraz / organ, bass, synthesizer
- Barry Rose / pipe organ
- Mel Collins / saxophone
- Jimmy Hastings / flute

YES - (2005) The Word is Live

Live, released in 2005

Track Listings:

Disc 1:
1- Then (John Peel's Sunday Show 12 Mar 70)
2- For Everyone (John Peel's Sunday Show 12 Mar 70)
3- Astral Traveller (Konserthuset, Gothenberg, Sweden 24 Jan 71)
4- Everydays (Konserthuset, Gothenberg, Sweden 24 Jan 71)
5- Yours is No Disgrace (Crystal Palace Bowl, London 31 Jul 71)
6- I've Seen All Good People (Crystal Palace Bowl, London 31 Jul 71)
7- America (Crystal Palace Bowl, London 31 Jul 71)
8- It's Love (Crystal Palace Bowl, London 31 Jul 71)

Disc 2:
1- Apocalypse (Cobo Hall, Detroit 17 Aug 76)
2- Siberian (Khatru Cobo Hall, Detroit 17 Aug 76)
3- Sound Chaser (Cobo Hall, Detroit 17 Aug 76)
4- Sweet Dreams (Queen's Park Rangers Football Ground, London 10 May 75)
5- Future Times/Rejoice (Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA 8 Oct 78)
6- Circus of Heaven (Forum, Inglewood, CA 5 Oct 78)
7- The Big Medley: Time and a Word / Long Distance Runaround / Survival / The Fish / Perpetual Change / Soon (Forum, Inglewood, CA 5 Oct 78)
8- Hello Chicago (Chicago International Amphitheatre, Chicago, 9 Jun 79)
9- Roundabout (Chicago International Amphitheatre, Chicago 10 Jun 79)

Disc 3:
1- Heart of the Sunrise (Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA 8 Oct 78)
2- Awaken (Chicago International Amphitheatre, Chicago, IL 10 Jun 79)
3- Go Through This (Madison Square Garden, NY 6 Sep 80)
4- We Can Fly From Here (Madison Square Garden, NY 6 Sep 80) Tempus Fugit (Madison Square Garden, NY 6 Sep 80)
5- Rhythm of Love (Houston Summit, TX 19 Feb 88)
6- Hold on (Houston Summit, TX 19 Feb 88)
7- Shoot High, Aim Low (Houston Summit, TX 19 Feb 88)
8- Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart (Houston Summit, TX 19 Feb 88)

Line-up/Musicians

(Lineup varies depending on year of the Live recording)
- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass and vocals
- Tony Kaye / keyboards
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Peter Banks / guitars
- Steve Howe / guitars
- Rick Wakeman / keyboards
- Alan White / drums
- Patrick Moraz / keyboards
- Trevor Horn / vocals
- Geoff Downes / keyboards
- Trevor Rabin / guitars & vocals

YES - (2003) Full Circle in Berlin

In 2003 Rick Wakeman joined the band once more. This would be his fourth and hopefully final time becoming a member. The newly reformed Yes classic line up proceeded through 2002 and right into 2003 with a tour known as “Full Circle”. Unexpected at this time was the inclusion of songs such as “We Have Heaven” and “South Side Of The Sky” in the set list, songs that were only rarely performed live at the time that they were composed. The “Full Circle” tour provided Rick Wakeman with an opportunity to put his own stamp on a couple of songs from the MAGNIFICATION album as both the title track and “In The Presence Of” were performed this time. It also marked the unexpected return of the song “Don’t Kill The Whale”, from the much underrated TORMATO album. This performance in Berlin on June 11th 2003 is a good example of the sound of Yes at the time. Those who were there describe a few mistakes, a bit of humour, but most of all a classic Yes performance by classic Yes musicians. Now that is NOT unexpected!
(from the inner notes of the bootleg from PRRP #024)


1.1 Opening: Firebird Suite 2:45
1.2 Siberian Khatru 10:20
1.3 Magnification 7:02
1.4 Don't Kill The Whale 4:51
1.5 In The Presence Of 12:23
1.6 We Have Heaven/South Side Of The Sky 12:51
1.7 And You And I 12:07
1.8 To Be Over (Acoustic) 5:14
1.9 Second Initial 3:30
2.1 Show Me 4:52
2.2 Rick Wakeman Solo 5:09
2.3 Heart Of The Sunrise 11:46
2.4 Long Distance Runaround 3:49
2.5 The Fish/Whitefish/Silent Wings Of Freedom 9:06
2.6 Awaken 17:54
2.7 Encore Applause 2:58
2.8 Roundabout 6:07
2.9 Starship Trooper 13:29

YES - (2002) Las Vegas

Las Vegas Nevada USA 2002-08-25

This is a superb quality soundboard.
Probably a leak from the Westwood One archives, as WWO aired a 60 minutes edit of this show.
So this is not your typical stereo soundboard feed, but a multi track mix.
As you probably know, this show was right after Rick rejoined the band, so we can hear some minor errors in his playing, especially in the songs from Magnification. Jon is not familiar with South Side Of The Sky, which becomes very funny.
The setlist was interesting, including America and Yours Is No Disgrace. Chris and Rick are very prominent on the mix.
Curiosity: there's a law in Las Vegas that prohibits live concerts of during more than two hours, so they had to drop And You And I and the solo songs (To be over, Fish, etc).

Disc 1
01 Firebird suite
02 Siberian Khatru
03 America
04 In the presence of
05 We have heaven
06 South side of the sky
07 Heart of the sunrise

Disc 2
01 Magnification
02 Don't kill the whale
03 Awaken
04 Roundabout
05 Yours is no disgrace

YES - (2001) Yes Friends and Relatives

Boxset/Compilation, released in 2001

Track Listings

Disc One: (60:16)
1. Yes - "New State Of Mind"
2. Esquire - "Big Girls Don’t Cry"
3. Steve Howe & Jon Anderson - "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands"
4. Rick Wakeman - "Merlin The Magician"
5. Chris Squire & Billy Sherwood - "Days Of Wonder"
6. Anderson - "Magic Love"
7. Bill Bruford's Earthworks - "Footloose & Fancy Free"
8. Adam Wakeman - "Madman Blues"
9. Howe - "Night Trade"
10. Yes - "New Language"

Disc Two: (58:43)
1. Yes - "Homeworld"
2. Howe & Annie Haslam - "It’s All Over Now Baby Blue"
3. Rick Wakeman - "Catherine Howard"
4. Anderson - "Faithfully"
5. Esquire - "Coming Home"
6. Squire & Sherwood - "Red Light Ahead"
7. Yes - "From The Balcony"
8. Wakeman With Wakeman - "Number 10"
9. Earthworks - "Dewey Eyed, Then Dancing"
10. Yes - "Finally"

Total Time: 118:59

Line-up/Musicians:

Various artists

YES - (2001) Sacred Ground

Live in Vancouver, August 2, 2001

The Magnification tour was the first one in which Yes performed with an orchestra. This brought some new colour to old songs and made them play some old songs they hadn't played for a long time.
This bootleg is from the beginning of the tour. It's from three months before the show in Amsterdam which was recorded and became the DVD Symphonic Live. So the set list was slightly different. They didn't play Magnification or Owner of a Lonely Heart (not a big lost to me...) and played Perpetual Change and Wonderous Stories. The orchestra left the stage during these two songs, but they were great anyway, with a tight band, improvising a little.
The tour was beginning, and at some moments it's clear they're not so familiar with some songs. Howe has a clear error in Ritual, which he transforms in a great short improvisation. This song had overall a great performance! Also Starship Trooper had a moment when the band kind of got lost, and that only meant more Starship Trooper to us. Mood For a Day had a slight problem, but no big deal.
I was very pleased to hear Steve playing Solar Winds, from his good instrumental album Natural Timbre.
Audio quality is very good at most times, with all instruments loud and clear. But at a few moments the tape probably had some problem, so there are short cuts on And You And I and Perpetual Change.

Set list:

Disc 1
Close to the Edge
Long Distance Runaround
Don't Go
In The Presence Of
Gates of Delirium

Disc 2
Solar Winds
Mood for a Day
Wonderous Stories
Perpetual Change
And You And I
Ritual
I've Seen All Good People

Disc 3
Starship Trooper
Roundabout

YES - (2001) Symphonic Live

Amsterdam, 22-11-2001
Many thanks to the blog where it was originally posted and whose review was the base for mine.
http://newprogshine.blogspot.com

This is the audio of the magnific DVD Symphonic Live, released in 2002. Nothing more than 2 hours and 50 minutes in 14 songs. Relax and enjoy, this is for dreaming.
Close to the Edge starts mind-boggling, what is Steve Howe in his guitar? No answer, just open mouths. Tom Brislim does all the keyboard parts very similarly to Rick's style, and the orchestra makes this one the only really different arrangement for this song since 1972!
Long Distance Runaround is good but nothing very different. They give it a soft approach, very different than, for example, the faster and more rocking they gave in 1978/9.
In the Presence of is divine, with the orchestra, elegant timbres, vocal harmonies, overall, Yes. One of the few recent Yes songs that are really quintessentially Yes.
The Gates of Delirium is one of the favourites of Yesfans, with the orchestra giving a new colour to the epic, and Jon singing with such a dedication, which can be called love. I must say I don't appreciate this version so much, because Steve Howe seems a little dull to me here, it seems to me as if he's not comfortable playing. But here I'm on the minority, all my Yes-friends love it so much.
Steve Howe shows, in his solo, his versatile guitar style, with reanascentism, lirism, folk and rock'n'roll. Great!
Starship Trooper is good but not essential. Magnification is another of the good songs they released on the most recent album.
And You And I gets very beautiful with the orchestra, here it does most of Rick's parts in the grandious symphonic sections, while Howe is perfect in the steel guitar.
Ritual is impressive. They play it with a lot of excitment (the contrast with "The Gates" is obvious to me) and Chris' solo is the best ever in this song! Only if the percussion solo was shorter...
Owner of a Lonely Heart is the only Yes-West song here, with its well-known riff. I must say in my opinion this arrangement is way much better than the original one, with its weird robot-like voices.
Roundabout is the last one. Steve came up with a new and good introduction, but later on they cut some parts of the song, which I don't like.

Buy the DVD if you can, but this bootleg, FORGOD'SSAKE!

Disc 1
01. Overture (Give Love Each Day) - 2'52
02. Close To The Edge - 20'30
03. Long Distance Runaround - 5'45
04. Don't Go - 5'57
05. In The Presence Of - 11'09

Disc 2
01. Gates Of Delirium - 25'33
02. Steve Howe's Solo - 7'26
a)Concerto In D Minor
b)Mood For A Day
03. Starship Trooper - 13'26
a)Life Seeker
b)Disillusion
c)Würm
04. Magnification - 7'26

Disc 3
01. And You And I - 14'00
02. Ritual - 30'08
03. I've Seen All Good People - 9'19
a)Your Move
b)All Good People
04. Owner Of A Lonely Heart - 6'04
05. Roundabout - 8'01

YES - (2001) Magnification

Studio Album, released in 2001

People underestimate old bands that have new, bright sparks, particularly Yes as everyone only ever thinks of the 70’s Yes era. There is another 30 or so years of Yes music out there, during this time unappreciated albums such as 'The Ladder' and 'Keystudios' have been released, all of which can rival any “classic” prog album. They may not be the same in terms of sound, but creativity is defiantly there as the band continues, over thirty years after their debut to challenge standing styles of music, this time incorporating an entire orchestra which, in a way defies their own musical styles. What’s the point of being a symphonic band who synthesizes the orchestral sound and using an actual orchestra? For me, this means that Yes doesn’t care too much about their standings, now, as their careers are drawing to an end they are just making music that can be enjoyed, nothing dark or too meaningful, just music. I like this idea, the band has nothing to aspire to and have not pressure to write any chart-toping hits which gives them great freedom in the composing department.

Indeed, the compositions on "Magnification" are very different from the 70’s, but who cares? Different though they may be they are of no less intrigue. Different styles and moods are provoked by the backing orchestra, and songs like "Spirit of Survival" use this large array of instrumentalists well. The orchestra gives a backing like no other, just listen to "Give Love Each Day", better than any melltron, hu? Another point to make it that there is no Rick Wakeman, just like on 'The Ladder', he is not needed, but he did do a good job on Keystudios. Coincidently there is little keyboard work and the orchestra more than makes up for this vacancy. Alan White plays piano during "Magnification" when needed.

"Magnification" really deserves more than 3.5 stars, with songs like "Magnification", "Spirit of Survival" and others it’s worth at least four. I don’t see anything wrong with this album and I see many people say, to support their ratings “not as good as classic Yes albums”, as The Eagles would say “get over it.” You can’t give a rating solely comparing to another album, it’s criminal and unfair. Steve Howe is the stand out on "Magnification" and he actually makes the banjo blend in with the music towards the end of "Magnification." Generally his guitar work is fantastic.

Track Listings:

1. Magnification (7:15)
2. Spirit Of Survival (6:02)
3. Don't Go (4:27)
4. Give Love Each Day (7:44)
5. Can You Imagine (2:58)
6. We Agree (6:30)
7. Soft As A Dove (2:18)
8. Dreamtime (10:45)
9. In the Presence of (10:24)
i) Deeper
ii) Death of Ego
iii) True Beginner
iv) Turn Around and Remember
10. Time Is Time (2:09)

Total Time: 60:33
Line-up/Musicians

- Jon Anderson / lead vocals, MIDI guitar, acoustic guitar
- Steve Howe / acoustic & electric guitars, steel, mandolin, vocals
- Chris Squire / bass guitars, vocals, lead vocal on "Can You Imagine"
- Alan White / drums, percussion, piano, vocals

Orchestral music composed, arranged and conducted by Larry Groupë

YES - (1999) LUNA PARK

Publisher: Highland
Reference: HL458
Date: 1999
Source: Notes say TV or FM. This is definitely FM (spectral analysis).
Quality: A
Total duration: 57:19

01. Intro
02. Yours Is No Disgrace
03. America
04. Lightning Strikes
05. Time and a Word
06. New Language
07. Survival
08. Perpetual Change
09. Ritual
10. Homeworld
11. It Will Be A Good Day
12. Nine Voices
13. Owner of a Lonely Heart
14. Roundabout
15. I've Seen All Good People

Jon Anderson: vocals
Steve Howe: guitars
Chris Squire: bass, vocals
Billy Sherwood: guitars, vocals
Alan White: drums
Igor Khoroshev: keyboards

YES - (1999) The Ladder

This just in: 90s Yes wasn't a complete waste of everyone's time!

That's right, The Ladder has to be mentioned alongside Fragile and The Yes Album among the best Yes has ever done. It's no Relayer, but the important part is that this is Yes making interesting, competent, progressive music, something I'm pretty sure few thought them capable of after Open Your Eyes. This is a conistently upbeat album with some impressive keyboard work from Igor Khoroshev (who will impress even the most diehard Rick Wakeman fan) and some of Chris Squire's best basslines since Fragile. Jon Anderson's energetic and inspired vocal performance show that he's still got it, Steve Howe hasn't stopped being one of the best guitarists ever, and Alan White is rock solid as always on drums. Billy Sherwood (a second guitarist the band brought on for Open Your Eyes) doesn't have too much of an influence here, but after what happened when he did, I don't think anyone will be too upset over that.

One of my concerns before listening to this was producer Bruce Fairbairn, who was known for producing such "classic" artists as Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Kiss. Yet the crystal clear sound he gives Yes simply helps to stengthen an already tight performance from the band. Right off the bat with "Homeworld", it's clear Yes has returned to progressive greatness. While tracks like the smooth "If Only You Knew" have a little bit of pop influence, it's not the irritating 80s style that made 90125 and Big Generator stand out from the rest of the Yes catalog. "Face To Face", "To Be Alive", "The Messenger", all fantastic songs (despite a tiny bit of pop influence).

Track Listings

1. Homeworld (The Ladder) (9:33)
2. It Will Be A Good Day (The River) (4:53)
3. Lightning Strikes (4:34)
4. Can I? (1:32)
5. Face to Face (5:03)
6. If Only You Knew (5:42)
7. To Be Alive (Hep Yadda) (5:07)
8. Finally (6:01)
9. The Messenger (5:13)
10. New Language (9:19)
11. Nine Voices (Longwalker)(3:20)

Total Time: 60:17
Line-up/Musicians

- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, harmonica, vocals
- Billy Sherwood / guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Alan White / drums, percussion, vocals
- Steve Howe / guitars, steel, mandolin, banjo, vocals
- Igor Khoroshev / keyboards and vocals

Yes - (1999) House of Yes (Live)

This is a good live album from a band that usually releases great live material. This doesn't quite live up to the Yessongs/Yesshows/Keys to Ascension standard in quality, but it is still a worthwhile purchase for the following reasons.

1. They played a fair amount of new material (at the time) from The Ladder on this album. Most of it comes off fairly well too, especially It Will Be a Good Day, Face to Face, and above all, The Messenger. The Messenger sounds brilliant. After hearing it on this album, it wouldn't surprise me if they brought it back in later tours (something almost unheard of for any song released on an album after 90125.)

2. Igor Khoroshev. I realy like what Igor does on this album. If I can't have Rick, give me Igor as his replacement. Not only does he do well on songs off the Ladder that showcase the keys, he also does a fine job on the back material, especially Perpetual Change. And the two very short Anderson/Khoroshev pieces (snippets of Time and a Word and Ritual) make me sad that the planned Anderson/Khoroshev project has been cancelled.

3. A generally good selection of songs from the back catalog. Perpetual Change is the gem here simply because they have not done this one very often, but Awaken and And You and I and Your Move/All Good People come off pretty well too.

Here are the main reasons this album isn't quite up to the Yessongs/Yesshows/Keys to Ascension standard.

1. On several of the songs, the band just doesn't seem to rise above it's material. That's what made Yessongs and Keys To Ascension so special. Yes actually played live versions of songs on those albums that had more energy and interest than the studio recordings. This album is lacking in songs like that.

2. Owner of a Lonely Heart. OMG. Steve should never play this song again. For that matter, Billy Sherwood probably should hang this one up too. Things don't get good until they reach the extended ending where Steve can play his own way. The other 90125 track, Cinema comes off OK, although White's backbeat cymbals are far more distracting here than on the original.

3. The back catalog songs. These are OK, but if you are a Yes fan, you have better live versions of these songs on other releases (excepting the two unique short Anderson/Khoroshev snippets.)


Track List :
CD1
01. Yours is No Disgrace
02. Time and a Word
03. Homeworld (The Ladder)
04. Perpetual Change
05. Lightning Strikes
06. The Messenger
07. Ritual - Nous Sommes Du Soleil
08. And You And I
CD2
01. It Will Be A Good Day (The River)
02. Face to Face
03. Awaken
04. Your Move / I've Seen All Good People
05. Cinema
06. Owner of a Lonely Heart
07. Roundabout


Line-up :
- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, harmonica, vocals
- Billy Sherwood / guitars, vocals, keyboards
- Alan White / drums, percussion, vocals
- Steve Howe / guitars, steel, mandolin, banjo, vocals
- Igor Khoroshev / keyboards and vocals

YES - (1998) Big Generator Tour

Big Generator Tour 1988

Houston, Texas - Feb. 2nd 1988

Tracks:
Rhythm Of Love
Hold On
Heart Of The Sunrise
Big Generator
Changes
Instrumental
Shoot High Aim Low
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
And You And I
Yours Is No Disgrace

Yes - (1997) Open Your Eyes

Studio Album, released in 1997

The only really "bad" Yes album of their career. The technical playing of the brilliant musicians is the only reason for I give one star, but the song ideas are poor 'til average. This album sounds like a bad "Talk" copy (best album with Travor Rabin on guitar) and should be forgotten soon in the big Yes-backcatalogue. For a band, which is alive since over 30 years and made a lot of classic records, it's not so bad when they lost some creative ideas someday. But the follow-up "The Ladder" was a big step forward to old strength, so there's no time to argue!

Track Listings

1. New State of Mind (6:00)
2. Open Your Eyes (5:14)
3. Universal Garden (6:16)
4. No Way We Can Lose (4:56)
5. Fortune Seller (5:00)
6. Man In The Moon (4:41)
7. Wonderlove (6:06)
8. From The Balcony (2:43)
9. Love Shine (4:37)
10. Somehow, Someday (4:47)
11. The Solution (5:25)

Total Time: 55:45
Line-up/Musicians

- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, harmonica, vocals
- Billy Sherwood / guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Alan White / drums, percussion, vocals
- Steve Howe / guitars, steel, mandolin, banjo, vocals

Yes - (1997) Keys to Ascension II

KEYS TO ASCENSION

Track List :
CD1 (Live)
01. I've Seen All Good People (7:16)
02. Going For The One (4:58)
03. Time And A Word (6:23)
04. Close To The Edge (19:40)
05. Turn Of The Century (7:55)
06. And You And I (10:48)

CD2 (Studio)
01. Mind Drive (18:37)
02. Foot Prints (9:09)
03. Bring Me To The Power (7:25)
04. Children of Light (6:02)
a) Children of Light
b) Lifeline
05. Sign Language (3:29)

Line-up :
- Jon Anderson / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass and vocals
- Rick Wakeman / keyboards
- Alan White / drums
- Steve Howe / guitars and vocals