YESSONGS

I usually don't like to rate live albums or compilations so high, but this one deserves it. Some of the songs on this Live doubledisc are just mindblowing, improving on the already omnipotent studio versions. When I first listened to this, the only Yes I had heard was CTTE and the stuff from Yesterdays. Because of this, I was not completely crazy about the album, just because it wasn't all CTTE. However, this foolishness quickly left me. This album remains in my top two for favorite live albums to this day (sharing the honors with Zeppelin's HTWWW).

Opening: They opened many of their shows with this classical piece. Beautiful. Siberian Khatru: 10/10- I love this version of the song; it's my favorite. Steve's guitar work is faster, louder, and overall more effective then on the studio track. General improvement from the studio version. Heart of the Sunrise: 11/10- WOW. When people ask me what my favorite song is, I tell them that it's like choosing between children. If they insist that I name one, I respond confidently "Yes's Heart of the Sunrise live off of Yessongs". This intro of this version is my favorite of all time. Hearing is believing for this one. An improvement from the flawless original. Perpetual Change: 9.5/10- Another incredible improvement from the studio. Perhaps it is only because I heard this song on Yessongs before I heard it on The Yes Album, but I think that this version changes a good song into an incredible song. Much better than the studio version, and great drum solo by Bruford. And You and I: 9/10- First case of the studio version being better than the Yessongs one. Steve trades in his acoustic guitar for the electric here, and the intro is cut out as well. Still a fantastic song, but the studio version is better. Mood For A Day: 8.5/10- Steve's signature piece. Second case of the studio version being better. Excerpts...: 9/10- Rick's solo. I don't own Rick's tSWoHtE, so it's hard for me to analyze the live version. However, the piano and keyboards here are incredible, and I envy everyone who has seen him do this piece. Roundabout: 9/10- The overplayed, overrated classic. This is my favorite version of it. I've Seen All Good People 10/10: People generally prefer the studio version to this one, but because I heard this one first, I am used to it and have always been more partial to it. The Your Move part here is particularly beautiful. Long Distance Runaround/The Fish 10/10: Another big WOW. Chris Squire is incredible. The version of LDR is better than the original too. But wow... The Squire/Bruford rhythm section in this version of The Fish is phenomenal. Close to the Edge 9.5/10- not a perfect score, only because I prefer the studio version. Yours Is No Disgrace 10.5/10- Whoops, I went over 100% again... This is much improved from the already great studio version. The guitar solo in this version of the song hangs with Steve's best, and is one of my favorites from any band. I love the jazzy intro here too. Starship Trooper 10/10- Great song. The lyrical differences could be annoying to fans familiar with the studio version, but other than that, not too much has changed here.

Fantastic live album from my favorite band. The cover art for this album is great too; I love Roger Dean. I try not to give live albums five stars, but this one deserves it. Great musicianship throughout.

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