CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Oh Yes, I like Yes. Oh Yes, Yes is one of the most infludential prog bands of the history of Rock 'n' Roll (Dumb word play). Oh Yes, Close to the Edge is one of the most breath-taking Prog albums ever, but I dare to say it's not their best. No, it's not Relayer or Fragile. it's Yes Album. But neverthless I decided that my first Yes review should be of this album. Maybe I just want to lift back to #1, who knows?

The title track begins with the sounds of singing birds and waterfall and quickly bursts with a classic Guitar/bass arsenal. Squire and Howe do magnificent job, but naturally we can't forget the rest of the band. Bruford gives his best performance of any Yes album, but I think that his best work is from the albums he made with King Crimson. And naturally Wakeman who gives very nice performances on keyboards. Nice Harpsichord playing especially. Last but not the least, Jon Anderson and his magnificent voice (Singing those obscure writings) will move you to a state of strange feelings. Weakest link on the album is the semi-acoustic And You and I. It is not bad by any means, but the weakest. Took me a bit to get into it. Slideguitar! Siberian Khatru is the hmm... less proggiest song, but I adore it. The Whole songs is a one big, fu**ing diamond (Sorry, but profanity just adds up the effect on the perfectinuum (That's not a word is it?) of the song in general). I love the part around 7 minutes.

Last minute Edit: I was just listening to the album while writing this (Siberian Khatru Harpsichord solo now) and I came to the conclusion that this IS the Best Yes Album ever. Funny isn't it?