Yes/Crimso: Polar opposites

 
  Just an observation:    Yes & King Crimson

  Could any two bands be more oppositely polarized to each other.

 Yes: Life affirming positive themes.
 KC: Dark brooding themes.

 Yes: Songs predominately in major keys.
 KC: Songs predominately in minor keys.

 Yes: Singer with incredible vocal heights.
 KC: Singers with much deeper voices.

 Yes: Keyboards play major role in overall sound.
 KC: Practically no keyboards with exception of mellotron.

 Yes: More focus on intricate vocal harmonies & counterpoint.
 KC: More focus on instrument dynamics.

  Common connections:
  Bill Bruford played in both bands.
  Jon Anderson did sing one song with KC.
  Both are two of the best prog rock bands EVER.

  Any thoughts just for fun?

They are also similar in that they've both had several hundred members over the years

i love Crimson and strongly dislike Yes and its exactly because of those reasons, i completly agree that their very different

Dr. Occulator wrote:       Common connections:   Bill Bruford played in both bands.   Jon Anderson did sing one song with KC.   Both are two of the best prog rock bands EVER.   Any thoughts just for fun?

Also common connection´s:
When Peter Bank´s left (was fired) Yes, Anderson´s first choice was...Robert Fripp! Of course he didn´t accept.
Also, not exacly Yes, but Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe´s bass player was Tony Levin, who also was and now again is a member of KC!!!

...and I absolutly agree with you. Both are my favorite prog bands...First Crimson then Yes.

Witchwoodhermit wrote: I think your observation is spot on! I always preferred Crimson to Yes because of their "darkerside". Yes have always felt more upbeat and positive. Rubs a miserable old hermit like me the wrong way.

hahahhahaha

Dr. Occulator wrote: Yeah, forgot about that Levin connection. Another difference I noticed is that when members leave KC they tend to remain gone whereas many members left Yes at one time or another an did return again. Tony Banks, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Chris Squire (if you consider AWBH) and even Jon Anderson.

nice thread/observations...

while not a brooding hermit.. the darkside of K.C. is a nice change at times.... but I share Jon Anderson's affinity for the spritual, and the mystical side of life... plus being a rather happy positive person I relate more to Yes. 

Nice thread, they do seem like opposite sides of the same prog coin.

Both great at times, both grate at times.

But my preference has always been for KC's Schizoid madness rather than Andersons hippy-dippy peace and love

But Gates of Delirium I've always felt is Yes' best number, and thematically has lots in common with KC.

Just a thought...



Edited by Nipsey88

Dr. Occulator wrote: Nipsey88 wrote: But my preference has always been for KC's Schizoid madness rather than Andersons hippy-dippy peace and love But Gates of Delirium I've always felt is Yes' best number, and thematically has lots in common with KC.   Yeah 'Gates' is pretty dark at times but of course it has the 'hollywood happy ending'.   For Crimso lightness I think 'Walking On Air' from Thrak ' has a bit of that hippy dreamy  happy-go-lucky attitude to it.

Yup, you're right. The "Soon" section does bring the insanity of that song back into traditional Yes-land, but in the context of that song, man does it ever work.

Also, love Walking On Air. Belew really brought a sense of levity to KC, and it worked. My fave from that album is easily "Dinosaur". Great tune, and great lyrics with a wink.

Dr. Occulator wrote: Nipsey88 wrote: [QUOTE=Dr. Occulator] [QUOTE=Nipsey88]   "Dinosaur". Great tune, and great lyrics with a wink.  The mark of a great band; when you're confident enough to make fun of yourself.     Don't think Jon Anderson ever poked fun at himself for having pretentious lyrics.    I actually think he feels like he's God preaching in 'Awaken', where KC's Court of the  Crimson King obviously emanates from some lower region of the netherworlds.

Agreed.

The cover of ITCHYCOCK still ranks as the all time greatest cover that represents the music within.

Paranoid, scary, and dare I say it...progressive.

Creepy indeed.

okay,they could be considered opposites...so?