YESSONGS

If somebody asked me for a live album that describes perfectly the progressive spirit of the early 70's, I would answer Yessongs without any hesitation, even when production sucks and audio quality is mediocre due to primitive analog recording techniques existing in 1972 - 1973, but WHO CARES? The music is fantastic.

Few bands sound better on stage (or at least as good) as in studio, with Yessongs you have the chance of listening one of them.

Wakeman is a perfect showman to complement Jon Anderson, Steve Howe is a genius with his magic guitar (even though not in his best moment), Chris Squire is precise as always and Jon is always Jon.

Maybe the weakest link is Alan White but only if you compare him with Bill Bruford otherwise he's a very good drummer.

Is not necessary to describe the album song by song because all the tracks are well known classics, but I have to mention some high points.

Most of the tracks from The Yes Album sound much better in Yessongs, specially Your Move/All good People because they join the two songs with a breathtaking drums section, creating and explosive moment instead of the annoying blank space left in Yes Album between the tracks that separates both songs forcing the band to start all over again.

Having the chance to see or listen Wakeman playing the Excepts from the Six Wives of Henry the VIII (after the beautiful vocal introduction by Jon) is one of those moments that a fan must treasure all his life and Steve playing "Mood for a Day" is always a gratification for the soul.

An excellent album despite the technical problems, no Yes collection is complete without Yessongs.