CLASSIC YES

Classic Yes is the second compilation album released by the band in November of 1981. It was released after the group had separated in early 1981. All of the tracks were compiled by bassist Chris Squire and the cover was designed by Roger Dean. In addition, this album includes two previously unreleased live tracks of Roundabout (live version recorded at Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California, USA, 7 October 1978) and I've Seen All Good People (live version recorded at the Empire Pool, Wembley, London, UK, 28 October 1978). All things considered, it is a truly impossible task to make a definitive compilation of the band's classic tracks due to how many of them there are. Due to the compilation being restricted to two sides of vinyl it doesn't include any of the iconic epics of Yes recorded during this time such as Awaken or Gates of Delirium. The songs found here come from the albums The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One. However, I would consider most of these albums to be a somewhat essential purchase as is. Therefore, this album would be better suited for someone who is just getting into Yes or a fan who is interested in merely hearing these two previously unreleased live tracks. The live tracks presented here are surprisingly great and seem to have been put on the cutting room floor when the band was putting together the live album Yesshows. Overall, this album displays a good representation of Yes during their most iconic time period. Compared to most compilation albums bands release, and when compared to compilation albums Yes would release in the future, this one has aged pretty well. Depending on your collection, the necessity of this album can shift significantly. However, I believe it is a good, but non-essential album for Yes fans and fans of progressive rock in general. I'd still get the classic studio albums instead. "A man conceived a moment's answer to the dream. Staying the flowers daily, sensing all the themes."

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