Yes-Fly From Here

At last I got this album. I tried not to expect another classic Yes album, but I can't help be a bit dissapointed... perhaps after a few more listens I'll get it in better. However, most of the songs are somewhat weak for me... but in the end, the only Yes albums that have been completley strong for me have been Fragile and CttE, all the others have songs I don't like so much (though the strong ones are among my favourite music). I don't like the Fly From Here suite as an epic song, it just doesn't hold together so well; perhaps if they had worked the transitions better it could have done the trick, but they actually just about made a pause between each part... and that's particularly notable on Bumpy Ride (certainly one that I don't like, but if they had made the transition better and boosted the piece a bit it might have been a worthy part of the song). However, parts 1 and 2 (tracks 2 & 3) are really good... pop songs, I'm still making my mind about part 3 (track 4). I'm also still making my mind about the last song, though that one I think I will come to like.
Oh, and Benoit David, I think he did a pretty nice job here, the vocals are rather beautiful... though of course, Anderson is still my favourite, and his voice is indeed unique, Yes should just not try to replace him as such, it's not possible.

Edited by Dellinger - July 25 2011 at 19:17

Dellinger wrote: At last I got this album. I tried not to expect another classic Yes album, but I can't help be a bit dissapointed... perhaps after a few more listens I'll get it in better. However, most of the songs are somewhat weak for me... but in the end, the only Yes albums that have been completley strong for me have been Fragile and CttE, all the others have songs I don't like so much (though the strong ones are among my favourite music). I don't like the Fly From Here suite as an epic song, it just doesn't hold together so well; perhaps if they had worked the transitions better it could have done the trick, but they actually just about made a pause between each part... and that's particularly notable on Bumpy Ride (certainly one that I don't like, but if they had made the transition better and boosted the piece a bit it might have been a worthy part of the song). However, parts 1 and 2 (tracks 2 & 3) are really good... pop songs, I'm still making my mind about part 3 (track 4). I'm also still making my mind about the last song, though that one I think I will come to like. Oh, and Benoit David, I think he did a pretty nice job here, the vocals are rather beautiful... though of course, Anderson is still my favourite, and his voice is indeed unique, Yes should just not try to replace him as such, it's not possible.

more listenings didn't help me. after dozen efforts I'm slowly beginning to give up. for me there's nothing interesting anymore, softpop/aor is not for me. only thing I still enjoy in FFH is Steve Howe.

better luck to you ...

akaBona wrote:   so there are not so many Yes albums you enjoy if you hate Anderson! David is, compared to Anderson, so uncharismatic, he adds nothing personal to FFH. the thing that makes me worried (because I have tickets to their Helsinki concert) is those live clips I've seen him performing classic Yes material. if that's the reality, Yes is swimming quite deep water. FFH vocals seem ok (if you accept "nobody" singing in Yes), but we all know that in studio they can make you and me sound like Simon and Garfunkel

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: And no, studios can't make miracles, Jon Anderson sounds like Jon Anderson (flat boring and without technique) despite what they use. Sorry fr the extreme honesty, but I always speak what I feel. Iván

Speaking what I feel = Hater

I'm curious as well.

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: ghost_of_morphy wrote: Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: And no, studios can't make miracles, Jon Anderson sounds like Jon Anderson (flat boring and without technique) despite what they use. Sorry fr the extreme honesty, but I always speak what I feel. Iván Speaking what I feel = Hater Why hater? People say here I don't like ELP, Genesis, Dream Theater, etc, and it's OK I simply can't stand Jon's vocal range and lack of style. I joined this place to speak freely about what I like and what I don't like about Prog, it would be futile to be here if I had to only praise musicians. I haven't said Jon Anderson's voice is crap, I haven't insulted him (most likely is a nice person), I simply  cant resist his voice but worst his lack of modulation (Hey I like Geddy Lee and even David Surkamp due to the work they did on their voices), and I believe I'm entitled to dislike something and express it with honesty. I believe Benoit David (At least in studio) is an improvement, that's my honest opinion and I will express it with freedom on the place I consider my second house. Iván

ghost_of_morphy wrote: akaBona wrote: David is, compared to Anderson, so uncharismatic, he adds nothing personal to FFH. He was not hired to be charismatic.  Haven't heard the latest tour, but was lucky enough that the first two actually stopped in my obscure neck of the woods.  He was ok.  Thank your lucky stars that Horn isn't singing.

We all know David was hired because of his stage dance and his rumba shakers technique ...

akaBona wrote:   I see you really hate Anderson, hope David eases your pain. I still find it odd you loving those classic Yes albums, because Anderson's voice is so essential part of Yes ... It's like saying I love Led Zeppelin but I hate Plant's voice. I'm sure even David thinks Anderson is much much better singer. Yes, they can make miracles in studio

chopper wrote: ghost_of_morphy wrote: richardh wrote: Anthony wrote: Most awful album since "Open your eyes" I thought Yes was a progband, and Steve Howe promised 'fresh music'. Instead we get all pop, and instead of fresh music, the majority of it is just re-workings of 30-years-old Buggles material.   Would have been nice if they could have redefined the whole progressive rock genre I suppose but many of us are realistic and were hoping for just something listenable and this certainly is. I would put it on a par (quality and style wise) with Asia's Phoenix album which also featured Howe and Downes.Good solid efforts just not 'progressive'. The difference is that Pheonix kept that Asia sound from the first two albums.  Most of FFH does not sound like the Yes we know and love.  And despite what various people are claiming, it doesn't sound one bit like the Drama lineup (which is probably a plus here, although another Machine Messiah would have been nice.) Ah, but which is the Yes we know and love? The Kaye era Yes? The "classic" era? The Moraz Yes? The Rabin Yes? The Drama Yes? To me this is another great album in their history and we should be grateful they're still making music this good after 43 years.

I'm thinking this is the end, except for the obligatory live album and DVD.  Time has not been kind to Squire.