YESSONGS

If you have a powerfull stereo system,somewhere where high volumes won't be a problem and a lot of free time,Yessongs may come as one of the most rewarding albums in progressive rock.Those three requirements are hard to ignore,though,as the only significant flaw in the album is the very poor recording quality,under average even for 1973 analog tapes.So being,it can only be appreciated in all it's glory if heard at high volume levels(headphones unfortunately take away most of the album's magic).Also,this live record was made to be listened to in it's entirety,considering it presents the ultimate repertoire of Yes' early 70's performances.So be prepared for over two hours of pompous virtuosity,megalomaniac complexity and extended epic pieces.In other words,the band at it's best.

Opening the album with a Stravinsky piece is a brilliant idea,seeing as it fits perfectly as a dramatic introduction to Siberian Kathru(and indeed enhances the latter's energetic aura).If compared to their studio versions,the majority of songs here(particualry the ones from Close To the Edge)has a quality dropdown due to their original recordings' bright perfection and of course a lot of avaliable studio tricks,but this hardly affects the album:what counts here is the oportunity to listen to the band in a magical performance,and considering the musicians are all stunning throughout,Yessongs is still an amazing rendition of the band's best compositions.Yours Is No Disgrace,however,is found here in an extended and much more energetic version.Even if the climatic mid-break from the same song in the Yes Album isn't achieved on stage,this is still a highlight.

Listening to the music while appreciating Roger Dean's beautifull paintings in the inner sleeve is a remarkable and somehow nostalgic experience,and that brings in mind what this album is all about:even if it is not flawless,the thrilling energy transmited through the speakers is enough to make it immortal.Yessongs is an era's overture,and at the same time it's conclusion.