All YES Appreciation Thread

I came here years back listening to Kansas, Yes, Rush, and Pink Floyd.  I think that's about it, in terms of "prog" bands. 

I may have four stars by my name, but I'm still a big fat newb.

progkidjoel wrote: XunknownX wrote: ...from where does some get their opinions, their asses?  If you don't understand prog - don't post and don't register. Sorry if you want this site to only be available only to those with a massive knowledge of prog and incredibly reserved opinions, but it ain't gonna happen. This thread is for discussing YES - Not for you to put down other people's opinions. I doubt anyone came in to PA with a fully developed understanding of prog, and some members develop their understanding and appreciation at different speeds to others. -Joel

Quite right too!!!!

I thought Rick's work on Tales actually helped hold a lot of that album together. Even if he doesn't like it as much as he likes other albums (he's said that there's a single album worth of great material in the album). The variety of keyboard textures and playing styles was probably never bettered by himself. Funny that he disparages much of the album...

ghost_of_morphy wrote: progkidjoel wrote: ^^ Well said... As far as Wakeman goes on Keyboards, I'd actually say TFTO is his true pinnacle with YES. Actually I'd call that a mediocre effort, but that's mostly for the laziness on Revealing.  The Remembering and The Ancient are quite good for Rick, and Ritual is average.

Actually I can't agree that the Wakeman's playing of Revealing is "lazy" per se, unless you know something I don't.  I love the sounds, the orchestration of them.  As for the speed and virtuosity of things, maybe it just wasn't appropriate to the piece to go to those lengths.  Thoughts?

I will tell you this though.  I have the dubious distinction of having in my collection a bootleg from their tour after the release of TfTO.  It's called "Tales from Madison Square Garden" and was recorded there in February of 1974.  The show was simply that record and goodnight (man how I wish I could have been there for that!).  I have to say that it sounds like Wakeman couldn't or didn't remember much of it, even The Revealing in the parts he presumably wrote himself.  He literally hangs on chords as if trying to remember what comes next, then sometimes gets the next chord wrong.  Oof.  I know it's a tough cookie that symphony of rock, but no one else has this problem (maybe White fouls up a thing or two, but he gets a pass since he just joined, and besides which anyone who can ably walk into that band at that point in their output deserves kudos).

J-Man wrote: What are your thoughts about Tony Kaye? I really think he is a horrible keyboard player, and I have various stories to share as to why, if you're interested. What do you guys think of him?

He was competent.  He was hardly exceptional.  His greatest claim to fame is probably that back in the early days he was more willing to give us some fast, swirling finger action than most other keyboardists.  Oh, and he was rather deeply involved in composing most of the Big Generator material.  (I consider that a plus, but you may not.)

Mosis wrote: Let me further clarify. In general, I don't think the drums take a very prominent role in the music of Yes. They're just kind of in the background, doing their thing, with a creative fill or subtle roll on occasion.

In general, I agree with you.  Fragile would be an exception, and White had an odd song or two here and there where he took centre stage, and I think his drumming excellently punched up the KTA tracks.

progkidjoel wrote: ^^ Well said... As far as Wakeman goes on Keyboards, I'd actually say TFTO is his true pinnacle with YES.

Sorry for coming back to Relayer, but I am with those that love Gates of Delirium but don't really care about side two. I just can't get into Sound Chaser, too much noise for me, and I can't stand the "Cha cha cha" thing; I liked the vocal live version included in the box set "The word is live" a little bit more, that one's got some really beautiful moments. To be over has a rather beautiful melody, but I think it goes on for too long, that one should have been 5 or 6 minutes long, then it would have been really beautiful. I like much more the insrumental version Steve Howe's done with that song.
As far as Tony Kaye is concerned, I've never really been impressed with him, but have no reason to hate his work, I guess it's just OK.

progkidjoel wrote: ^^I know the video you mean... Its on the ABWH DVD, and, well, I'm super impressed by it With that video, I was wondering if it was more keyboards you didn't like over piano... I kind of get what you mean with the showing off aspect - Especially with Dream Theater... It seems to me like they're still in their "Mummy, look at me!" phase when it comes to speed... Sometimes, they remind me of DRAGONFORCE

Edited by Mosis - August 28 2009 at 20:21