YES: Rhino Remasters vs Japanese HDCD

Thanks, Max.

An interesting review which gives strong support towards buying the Yes catalogue in the Rhino Remaster format. I've held them in my hands numerous times trying to decide if it was worth the money to get these again.

Actually the fifth time.

Vinyl, Cassette, 8-Track (don't laugh), CD and now again.

There's always Birthdays, right? My kids are getting sick of me buying prog CD's for them. They always complain and then give them back to me. Silly children...

I'm wondering whether to buy GOING FOR THE ONE  remaster.
What do you think of the bonus tracks? Some of you must have this!
(Below is a quote from the link M@X gave.)

The bonus tracks found on the Rhino release don't start off in a very impressive manner. Montreaux's Theme was originally released as part of the YesYears box set and to my ears the song sounds unfinished, like an incomplete thought. I keep wondering where this track is headed and then it's finished. Vevey Revisited is more improvisational harp and organ work from Anderson and Wakeman. As with the versions that appear on YesYears, this is a rather unstructured piece so don't expect it to go anywhere musically. (...) The dramatic and wonderful Amazing Bass makes it's appearance on the Rhino remaster but again that's on YesYears as well.
It's only when we get to the studio rehearsal of Going For the One that the Rhino remaster starts to gain points. The title track sounds as though it's a live in the studio rehearsal (without Anderson) but again the liner notes fail to provide any sort of details about when and how these tracks were recorded. None-the-less this rocking version of GFTO without Jon's vocals is very interesting indeed with Steve showing off his massive chops.
Up next is the rehearsal of Parallels with Chris's bass high in the mix. To my ears this too sounds like it's live in the studio with Jon and Chris providing guide vocals. Steve performs a cool slide guitar solo in place of where Wakeman will eventually lay down his church organ solo. The rehearsal for Turn of Century is the shining gem of this collection. Drastically different from the version we all know and love, this is an electric version that will surprise just about every Yes fan who hears it not just for it's totally different feel but because of the inclusion of Squire's Silently Falling which eases it way into the arrangement. This is the kind of thing that makes purchasing this release all the more worthwhile.
The final bonus track from Rhino's GFTO is Eastern Number which according to the liner notes is a early version of the much-beloved Yes classic Awaken. The basic structure is present however Wakeman seems to be missing from this version. Was this recorded during the period when Moraz was removed and the band was awaiting the return of Wakeman? Sadly we are never given any info about this. The opening piano solo is missing as is the harp and organ solo in the middle section. What is here is Chris, Steve and Alan going through the basic arrangement with Jon once again searching for lyrics and melody. There's not much more to describe since there are no drastic differences or surprises, which is a bit of a let down.

 (PS: re-sent in hope for answers...)

I also think 'GFTO' should have a had a digipak on the Rhino reissue, but the sound on all these Rhino remasters is absolutely top grade, and have some of the best remaster quality I've heard. Chris Squire's bass lines are very clear and powerful, particularly on 'Fragile'. I feel absolutely no need to replace them.

However, I do think all remasters these days should have bonus material of some sort- I never get that thrilled by the 'alternate mix' or 'alternative take/demo' type stuff, but it shows the company actually put some effort into the production of the CD.

Snow Dog wrote: Going for The one didn't have a single sleeve...it had a beautiful fold out one!

Yeah, I've got that one up in my loft (along with Hemispheres!). What a photo that is in the middle!

That's why that Rhino CD was such a disappointment. The outer cover is not much to shout about (it's embarassing to show it to your mates when there's a bloke's arse on the front), but the inside is ace.

Hmm, there could be a thread there about arses on prog album covers - 2112, GFTO, Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking...

Sorry for my incorrectness, but I'm a CD-era boy, so what do I know about your precious vinyl versions?

Anyway, I think the most beautiful vinyl to own is the 3-lp, 6 panel (!!!) gatefold of "Lotus" by Santana... There you'll find beautiful music too, for fans of improvisations, latin feel, psychedelic and wonderful melodies...