YESTERDAYS

The problem with compilation albums is the fact that they are usually a record company's motivation to 'cash in' on a band's success and popularity. And also, they generally include some rare and non- album material, so what do we do, we buy them. This is Yes' first collection like this, presented beautifully in another surreal Roger Dean art-work and offers 2 rare goodies, amongst 6 other tunes. The first treat being a great version of Paul Simon's 'America', totally dissected and re-invented, performed by the 'classic' line-up of Anderson/Bruford/Wakeman/Howe/Squire and lasts 10 minutes and 31 seconds. Every bit as worthy as Close To The Edge. The other treat included here is 'Dear Father', which was intended for the album 'Time and a Word', but was relegated to a B-side. It is another quality tune, and bears the distinctive, 'underground' vibe of that album. Actually, the remaining selection of tracks, culled from the first 2 albums, 'Yes' and 'Time and a Word', are quite representative of Yes' brand of boundary- pushing symponic rock music. 'Looking Around' & 'Survival' being top examples of Yes in 1969. No less than half the tracks of TAAW have been chosen, 'Time and a Word' and 'Sweet Dreams' being quite accessible and catchy songs, and both 'Then' and 'Astral Traveller' showing a band willing to explore unchartered territory, at least, at that point in time. This record serves as a reliable and enjoyable introduction to the world of Yes, and, worth obtaining for the rare tracks. 3.5 rating.