YESSONGS

This was my introduction to YES back then in 1973. It was my first album and is still my favourite of them! why?? Beacuse not only it contains all the classic tracks of the YES ALBUM, FRAGILE and the toatality of CLOSE TO THE EDGE, but ALL the versions played live on this album are performed way better than the original ones, with more energy and freshness , less restraint . Just listen to this live rendition of CTTE and you will hear the intense sheer energy coming out of the musicians.

What helps also to the artistic success of this album is the addition of the opening track, a classical piece of Stravinsky , the FIREBIRD SUITE which is a wonderful way to start a YESconcert, a perfect entrance to the msical world of YES. Also another highlight is RICK WAKEMAN'S exceprts of ''THE 6 WIVES OF HENRY VIII'' that mix well with the YES material and add a more grandiose touch to the experience when listening to this wonderful album.

Every musician is top notch on these recordings; there is no flaw whatsoever; 5 musicians at their peak creatively. Bill BRUFORD left during this tour and was subsequently replaced by ALAN WHITE........coming out of the ...ONO PLASTIC BAND from John Lennon, hardly a prog outfit. But he will find his niche nicely and YES will keep going untouched by the departure of BRUFORD. Alan white is still going strong with YES some 35 years later.

What also make thsi album quite noticeable was the packaging and cover art of the great ROGER DEAN. I don't think of any more grandiose cover-art than the one on YESSONGS! The drawings are so beautiful , full of mystery, an opening to another lost world and we don't want to forget about the original 33LP different folders. Yes the CD revolution doesn't let us appreciate the ROGER DEAN art-work as much as the old timer vinyl presentation.

Try to find the 3 original LPs album in all its splendor!! I still have my original one from 1973( very used) i bought a new edition LP ( to have it proper) I have the 2 CD jewel case ( not great) I bought also the Japanese mini-LP look alike CDS (not bad)

As you can see, i love YESSONGS; goes with me on my desert island. One of the prog mountain. 6 STARS, but can only give 5.

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