All YES Appreciation Thread

Where are we in this convo?

Ramshackled.  You know, that's one of those ones that just got away from me - no real reason, except maybe that I'm a big Bruford guy so I guess it wasn't tough for me to forget White.  Anyone know it?

By the way, just picked up the first Flash album at the same store yesterday (uh oh, it'$ beginning).  Probably a completist's type of thing from what I can tell so far; interesting to a Yes fan certainly because you go, ah, so Banks and or Kaye brought that kind of thing to Yes, and that kind of thing...  But the vocals kind of stink.

You can have Flash. Bank's solo record was much better. And I'll also stick up for Ramshackled. Loosely arranged,  reggae/white r&b/jazz rock-inflected (with an out-of-place ballad with Anderson and Howe). Most were musicians in White's peer group, until he hit the big time with Yes.

I'm finding problems with Flash actually, sometimes in the music writing but mainly in the vocals and lyrics.  The first song keeps exploiting the words "in the morning when you start your day...", and it gets tediously tawdry, sounding like a coffee jingle or something.  But I don't know, it doesn't really leave me disappointed in my purchase; it's a nice piece of vinyl, I still get some kicks out of it, and it's interesting to a big Yes fan like me.  Anyway I only know this first Flash album.  After this one Kaye left and things went more guitar based; I'll definitely be interested in checking that out when I find it.  But I'm certainly not looking for or expecting anything like the level of Yes from this stuff. 

I will say that I do like Banks' solo record (Two Sides of Peter Banks) far, far better.  It has a beautifully serious tone to it most times; great guitar playing by both Banks and Akkerman; a roughly-executed, boldly-edited aspect that keeps things fresh and muscular; a unique record that I think I'll always treasure.

So when it comes to these solo records, Joel, I'd say if your dad is a big Yes fan - and this is increased if maybe he didn't know about Banks' solo record or Ramshackled or whatever - how could you go wrong in getting him a gift of one of these?  It doesn't have to end up his favorite disc in the world.  He'll probably just think, wow, look what my cool son gave me, and he's bound to find interest in it.  I know I'd think that.

Edited by American Khatru - September 16 2009 at 07:52

Yes, welcome

OK, here we go.  Worst Yes album ever?

Ghost, don't feel abandoned, I just have no time lately for the forums.  All yours are excellent starters.  I hope others will kick into this.

^^

Even as the massive Jon Anderson fan I am, I still love DRAMA... Although, I don't think I'll buy an album with Benoit. Can't stand him...

Khoroshev would probably be my choice too, after Wakeman... Solid player, good range of styles and genres aswell!

^Apologies Lazland, I haven't heard any of his work without Yes...

I haven't gone beyond 90125...from these, I dislike Tormato, actually the only one I flat out dislike by Yes.  Drama is great, maybe more flash than substance but it's always fun to listen to.  

ghost_of_morphy wrote: rogerthat wrote: I haven't gone beyond 90125...from these, I dislike Tormato, actually the only one I flat out dislike by Yes.  Drama is great, maybe more flash than substance but it's always fun to listen to.   Do yourself a favor and pick up either Keystudio or Keys to Ascension II (whichever one appeals to you more will do.)

Thanks for the recommendation, will do.