Just so you know, you _still_ haven't heard the perfection of YES in their early years. While I understand the urge to see what these guys looked like when performing, you haven't heard their full musical mastery until you've listened to their studio productions. Because YES were masters of _complexity,_ they spent hours at the sound board perfecting the mix that regularly produced stunning results. in spite of the complexity, you can hear _all_ the contributions blended together perfectly. Especially their vocal harmonies. I'm not saying you should do another reaction vid (though I'd eagerly watch it, cuz I know what yer reaction will be) but at least do yourself that favor. YES stood out among all the Progressive Rock bands with their emphasis on vocal harmonies. Their bass player, Chris Squire, who is the other high range voice you hear in those soaring harmonic climaxes, sang in some big deal church choir so that explains him reaching for those high notes (it's falsetto, but a good one). Together he & Jon (and usually lead guitarist Steve Howe completing their 3-part harmonies) they gave YES that very special vocal sound...
Elizabeth (Charismatic Voice) just posted a reaction to this song as well today, but she used the 2017 live recording....and I made the exact same comment. No matter how well they performed it, and how good the recording is, no live version of this song can compare to the majestic performance in the studio. Do yourself the favor and listen to the studio version, and I'm sure you'll understand what we mean.
I've heard they would have to go back and dissect what they recorded in the studio to relearn their compositions for live performance. There was so much going on in the studio and collaboration and imagination, that they often didn't really know what they had created. Which I can totally believe, those recording are so layered and masterful. While they do an amazing job of arranging them for live performance, the magic of their recordings can never full translate.
They frequently had Producer credits, so they were definitely heavily involved in creating the studio recordings. I do like listening to their live stuff, though. The parts were so complicated that they often didn’t master them until after they’d been able to practice the songs after the albums were made. I like some of the tempos and additional bits they changed/added to the compositions live. But agreed - to get the full/proper effect you need to hear the studio versions.
I think there is a problem with showing non live performances on youtube and thats why they do live. Also, then you get the voice with no filters and its the 'pure' voice. Not the fifth take after five days of puttting it down. She's not analyzing the music but Jon Andersons voice, and live is the best representation of that. I"ve kind of switched around because I never used to even LISTEN to live recordings and only listens to studio stuff, but then that stuff can get OVER produced, to the above thats what Bill Bruford talked about with Chris Squire and Eddie Offerd going over every drum note all night long. THAT is a little pretentious, as I get older I tend to like the 'meat' of it live. Nothwithstanding that, I still think the first five minutes of the studio recording of Awaken is one of the most sublime musical pieces I've ever heard. And of course for a voice coach "We have heaven" is something the likes of which we see very rarely in music. I don't know HOW the hell to categorize that. I like how she says "its a bit jazzy'. I still like best an old friends comment that its "musical insanity", or as Bill Bruford just calls it "chaos".
"Wow" (1:03, 1:32, 1:48, 3:38, 11:33); "the guitar playing is so incredible" (3:44); "overwhelming amount of musicianship" (5:44); "I don't even know how you go about writing a song like this" (6:17); "I can say everything and nothing at all" (8:43); "joy from virtuosity, that's it" (9:15); "and the harmonies" (1:49, 7:14); [staring enthralled] (7:33)... YES, you're on the right track.
His bass playing was also phenomenal. The way Chris locked in with the drummer, who also was phenomenal, was fantastic. Not any one of these guys is lacking anywhere. Just amazing! 😊🦅👍🎸
Not only Jon, but Chris as well had a brilliant voice. Those harmonies between them were there from the start. Steve was such a brilliant addition to the original line-up. More Yes please Beth.
Chris did indeed have a great voice, even if he wasn't that keen to sing lead on Yes songs. Beth, you should check out Hold Out Your Hand and You By My Side from Chris's solo album Fish Out Of Water.
He is one of the most versatile guitarists around. Guitar Player retired a trophy in Steve's name after he was the first to win the readers pole for best overall guitarist three (or was it five?) consecutive years, which made him ineligible for any future wins.
Their secret weapon for writing complex but still flowing songs in this period was Rick Wakeman. The songs were often constructed from smaller parts that the members brought in which were then put together into a greater whole. But the tricky bit of that is the transitions and, as a classically trained pianist, Rick would come up with something that made harmonic sense. His bits are often a small part of the song but a huge part of their impact.
Not to take anything away from Rick but he was not even in the band for several of their albums yet great songs resulted despite him. I have to assume he wasn't QUITE as pivotal as you think; the other members seem to have been successful in blending the bits and pieces together without him ;-)
Wow! It's great to see people react to this so positively. I've listened to Yes since 1970. Roundabout is probably their most recognizable hit single, from the Fragile album. Fragile was their fourth LP, and contains some of their best work. ALL of the albums from 1970 to 1977 are amazing... and VERY different. All of them are worth exploring. The YES Album and Fragile are their most mentally accessible by the most people. Their fifth, sixth, and seventh albums are epic adventures into very long form songs. They are hard for much of the general public to latch onto, but if you are a hard core music fan, they are so complex they are worth DOZENS of listens each! Close to the Edge is often pegged as the penultimate progressive rock album of all time. It contains three songs, all of them studio masterpieces. The Steven Wilson Remix of that album is the best release. Original producer, Eddie Offord, did the best he could at the time, but Stephen has better technology and pulls more musical definition out of the original master tape. Awaken from Going for the One is transcendent, and also worth many listens.
IF CloseToTheEdge is the PENultimate prog rock album, which is the ULTIMATE?!? I'm not sure I know, but for my $$$, TalesOfTopographicOceans and the follow-up Relayer lps are my personal fav YES albums... Actually, JethroTull's ThickAsABrick and EmersonLake&Palmer's BrainSaladSurgery might be co-ultimate prog rock lps.
Yes' epic writing style reached its zenith on the divine and divisive Topographic Oceans. Relayer is bonkers or brilliant or both. Steven Wilson on Close to the Edge: "It's a bona-fide A-level masterpiece." Rick Wakeman: "Steven did that really, really, really, really well." Awaken is a metaphysical masterwork.
This was their first big hit. You need to hear the studio version of Roundabout first. Their greatest album is Close to the Edge. It will blow your mind.
Okay, I have to admit that I listen to other reaction youtubers but it's an amazing coincidence that I was just listening a couple of hours ago to the Charismatic Voice who was doing the same song! However, Charismatic was doing the performance from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2017. It just showcases how well Jon Anderson's voice has aged through the decades. Fortunately, there are several live performances of Roiundabout through the decades, so you can really watch/listen to Anderson's vocal evolution.
Hi Fred.....I travelled from Edinburgh to Birmingham (NEC) in 91 to see the show.....Slight error in your statement. Peter Banks, original guitarist (68 - 70) was supposed to get a cameo spot but was ignomniously left off the tour dispite turning up with his gear because from what we understand was an objection from Steve Howe. Rather sad and pathetic at the time. The show was great, however, the tour was marred by pettiness and division within the oversized group.......
Saw that tour as well. I’ve seen them about a half dozen times. The last time was right after Chris Squier passed. It was still amazing with the smaller band and no Jon Anderson. The ironic thing was that Steve Howe flubbed the intro to Roundabout; I didn’t care though.
Context note: This was recorded in an arena in 1972. The sound systems were very primitive and almost NO stage monitoring. Very hard for people hear well enough to get the vocals just right...[lus the stage volume with amps etc ..very loud. I am really happy to see a younger person seeing this band. Now...The next record they did went further. You have to listen to Close to the Edge. It will inspire you...as well as the next after that Tales of Topographic Oceans. I meant really take the time and hear these. I don't know if people today can know of how deep musicians wanted to go back then.
There was an a capella release later, on the four-disc "Yesyears" box set. The entire song with no instruments - I can't decide which I like better, so BOTH are on my playlist.
Absolutely. There is also an A Cappella mix they put out as the b-side to the Leave It single that really lets you concentrate on the vocal harmonies. There is also a late 70's Yes outtake they put out as a bonus track on Tormato called Days which is a pure solo Jon Anderson vocal, almost like an ASMR thing.
The acapella part of Leave It is something like 48 tracks of Anderson/Squire/Rabin (and producer Trevor Horn) layered up into a choir. Every part was doubled and most likely triple tracked. What strikes me about it is the absolute precision of each voice performance. No such thing as ProTools, Logic or AutoTune in those days to fix imperfections in timing or pitch.
Beth, I saw Jon play a few months ago, two nights running. He’s 79. His voice is still incredible. He didn’t have to pull out of any of his high notes. He had a group of young music academy students accompanying him, and his female Backing singers had serious difficulty getting 3rds above him
I'm glad to hear that you Beth enjoyed one of the most talented progressive rock bands of all time! Some 55 years ago, The Beatles had broken up and I hadn't given my heart to another band yet when I heard Roundabout! It was like discovering new universes, new harmonies, new consciences, new dreams... And it's a pleasure to be distracting myself on youtube and see you explain a little what I've always felt, even if intuitively. Your videos about the band Genesis and Jethro Tull - among others, are also wonderful! Thanks! Carlos Navarro from Brazil
"Overwhelming musicianship" That's the real description right there. After listening to them for 40+ yrs and seeing them live many times.. I cant put it better than that. They floor me every time.
This 1972 tour was the first time I saw Yes live. The Close to the Edge tour of 1972-73. It's so wonderful to see younger generations appreciating them. It warms my heart!
I saw Yes twice in the late 70s in the round at the Forum in LA. They were FANTASTIC live!! My favorite Yes song is Long Distance Runaround. I suggest you do this one next.
Jon Anderson is performing these songs in the same key, today. This is his range, and you're right: he probably works like crazy to keep it where it is. He's lost a little power (breath support) but makes up for it with the continued purity of his tone, his GORGEOUS vibrato, his songwriting and his charisma on stage. You need to see Jon Anderson with Todmobile. See them doing Awaken. You will be stunned speechless. And you're right: his voice is, in some ways, better today than 50 years ago.
This is a fivesome that exponentiated one another's astonishing ability to a level of joyous performance/perfection that boggles the heart, mind, and soul. What a true gift it is to listen to their creations.
Trivia time. This was from the Close To The Edge tour in 1973. They came to Las Vegas and performed at the Ice Palace when I was about 17. I was so blown away by the musicianship of the band. The PA system was previously owned by The Iron Butterfly which Yes had opened for, and so they bought it from them. IT WAS FREAKING LOUD! My ears rang for days as I remember. Rick Wakeman was in his early twenties and was just incredible on the keys.
You commented on the outstanding musicianship, and you're absolutely correct. Guitarist Steve Howe would win Guitar Player Magazine's readers poll for best over-all guitarist 5 years in a row in the 70s, before the magazine created their "Gallery of Greats," to give other guitarists a chance. Drummer Alan White, who replaced Bill Bruford (who left Yes for King Crimson,) joined with the band less than 1 week before this tour kicked off! Alan was a very well known session drummer who played with "The Plastic Ono Band (with John Lennon,) and a number of George Harrison's early solo albums. Keyboardist Rick Wakeman was also an extremely well known session player, who played on several David Bowie albums, including "Space Oddity," and he decided to join Yes, rather than join David Bowis & his "Spiders from Mars" tour. He also performed the acoustic piano on Cat Steven's "Morning Has Broken." Finally, bassist Chris Squire had a voice that melded perfectly with Jon Anderson's (the two decided to form a band due to their love of Simon & Garfunkle's harmonies.) Chris took the "Bass Lead" sound of The Who's John Entwistle and moved it ahead into new areas nobody could have imagined at the time. And finally Jon Anderson has a voice that is really perfect for the music of Yes.
Beth, I saw your two Yes reaction videos when they came out a year ago, and came back to report on Jon Anderson. I saw him live a week ago, with his new band, The Band Geeks. They're playing mostly Yes material, with a new original piece. Jon will be 80 years old in a few short weeks, on October 25th, 2024. During the first couple minutes of the first song, his voice was a little scratchy. I thought "Oh. Oh nooo". But he came around. And he was up there on stage, 50' away, belting out the tunes in *great* voice for about 90 minutes. Angelic. Precise. Ripping through lyrics that are complex and at times, almost nonsensical. Not only are the pipes still strong, so is the memory. The band is made up of people in their 30s and 40s who are so so talented and enthusiastic and joyful. To see Jon out in front of relative youngsters, having the time of his life, singing up a storm, prancing around, was one of the great concert experiences of my life. If Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks are in your area and you're up for some progressive rock, I highly recommend attending.
Yeah, when I watched Beth with her previous (and initial) Yes reaction, to Owner of a Lonely Heart, I kept thinking she needed to hear Heart of the Sunrise.
Truth. Beth has really got to review the truly great Yes songs, not just Roundabout (as good as it is) and Owner Of A Lonely Heart! She will be even more blown away.
Yes' method of composition was basically to all get into the studio together, each with their own part worked ideas. It might be a bass line or run, a guitar riff, drum pattern, and possibly an overall idea from Jon. They would work up individual sections to a reasonable state. Then it was left to Rick Wakeman, who had studied orchestration, amongst piano & clarinet at the Royal College of Music to sit down with pencil & score sheets, and basically stitch all of the parts into a consistent whole. It smooths out the key changes and time signature shifts. Jon's lyrics and voice sit over the top. If you read his lyrics, many are just on the right side of nonsense, and you occasionally wonder if they are there more for the sound & pattern of the syllables, than for any real meaning
I was always amazed with Jon's voice in concert because it seemed to get stronger and stronger in the higher range as the night went on, which I wouldn't have expected. So that by the time he hit's the crescendo note in Heart of the Sunrise (a song that you must do...I would love to hear your analysis of that one), which they usually do later in the set, it is so unbelievably powerful and ethereal at the same time, I would always have something akin to an out of body experience. I wondered if it was just me, but I did actually hear him comment in a somewhat recent interview that his voice does indeed get stronger and higher as the night goes on. Anyway, thank you for this, it is always fun and heartwarming as a long time Yes fan to see people, and especially people in the know, discover this music for the first time!!! I would also suggest listening to Going for the One, I think this is where Jon really reaches some heights with his voice, along with some incredible harmonies by Chris Squire...and the rest of the band is just on fire.
I was fortunate to see Yes during their Fragile tour. They were brilliant on stage. Fragile is still one of my all time favorite albums. John Andersons voice and Rick Waksman’s keyboard artistry are something to behold.
Beth, We are not even a full minutes in to this classic tune and you are shaking your head, but you are smiling....!!!!!!!!! These guys are /were just amazing. Great musicians, Mr. Steve Howe the lead guitar man was/is great. And Jon's voice is unreal. He has great tone and a really good range. Chris was a fine bass man. Rick on the keyboards had few if any equals. And he likes to wear a cape. Yes my dear I saw them perform back in the 1970's. It was a great show. They are one of those bands that as you listen to them it is like you are listening to a prerecorded track. It was that tight..... Talent shows thru over and over. Yeas was one of these bands!
Dear Beth, I just discovered you and I am struck by your intelligence (as capacity of deeply connecting) and subtle comments. But What I like above all is your physical reaction about this yes piece. You found something etherial, right ? It's certainly where this band hits people's souls. Thank you for reacting like this to this music, it means so much. And you are right about the jazzy aspect : yes first album was definitely jazz. Love from PAris, keep your sensitivity alive !
Thank you so much for this reaction video! I hadn't thought much about the jazz influence in this song, but you're right! I had not really heard it until you pointed it out. Apparently the band would work together for hours on sections of their complex songs, the sound engineer would put it together using a lot of tape splicing, and then the band would have to learn to play and sing the whole thing live for the tour. How they managed to have such flowing, coherent artistic structure still eludes me. Jon Anderson has said that he was uncomfortable on stage in he early years (he admits to using some pharmacologic "help" with that).
Yes was the greatest prog band of all time. Seeing them live were some of the most amazing musical moments of my life. When they were at the top of there game, there was no one near them. And without Anderson's voice, it simply would not be Yes. GEE I want a time machine.
Amazing, eh? Jon's voice has definitely developed over the years. He had some nasty respiratory issues in the last 10 years or so and caused some problems but he's back and still showing us all how it's done. The energy of these early live performances is undeniable and I never tire of listening and watching Yessongs from which this video is taken. That being said, the sound quality on the recording is notoriously bad yet the virtuosity of the performances is still ridiculous. Remember - this was recorded in 1973. There are some recordings from the same set of tours that were released a few years back as "Progeny" - multiple recordings of the same tour on different nights and locations and the sound is much much better. Another source for some "mid career" live material is the concert film "Keys to Ascension" and later "Live at Montreaux." Also, "Songs from Tsongas" is a lot of fun. As a side note, the drummer on this recording is Alan White who reportedly had about 3 days to learn the songs since he took over from original drummer Bill Bruford who left the band right before the "Close to the Edge" tour. Also, the jazz influence is all over their music - Steve Howe, the guitarist is a big Wes Montgomery fan, and Anderson has been known to give a real swing flavor to much of his music. Thanks for the review!
Those of us,children of the seventies, had the incredible fortune of one of most amazing times in music. Bands like Yes, the Eagles, Kansas, the Allman Brothers etc.. what diversity and talent. It has been an amazing journey through our lives. So thank you to all the bands that made our lives special.
When you go to a classical music concert or opera, the blend, precision, and talent levels shine across the spectrum. Yes is all of that and, before all the rest, the most talented group of musicians to gather together and make such joyous music. And they've been doing it through lineup changes over decades and decades and decades. Beyond amazing.
Why do I well up when I see the younger generation reacting with such wonderment to the music of this great band? Yes music is a gift that I received in the early 70s, I've cherished it ever since and now it is time for the younger generation to unwrap that same gift and enjoy a musical journey like no other.
Beth. Somehow I found this video a week or so ago, but along with it I saw there was another previous one about another Yes song. So I wanted to see that too before commenting (got it just a while ago). My pleasure! Well, I've been a Yes fan over almost 50 years by now, and I got to know them by this very same exquisit song! I became a life long prog rock fan. I'd like to point that keyboardist in the original Fragile album and this performance is actually Rick Wakeman. As a fellow fan said here, the interaction between him and Steve Howe is just... magical. All band members for sure. (I'm thinking on "Madrigal" and "Turn of the century", for intance) As already mentioned as well, I strongly encourage you to listen to "Close to the Edge", one of the finest compositions of the band and of the entire genre (if not "the one"). I'd suggest in particular the 1996 live performance during "Keys to Ascention" show at San Luis Obispo. Always love when young people appreciate and get moved by this beloved music. Welcome! \o/
Thank you for this insightful/thoughtful reaction, Beth. Being a lifelong fanatical follower of this ensemble-a fan from their first release way back when in 1969; that's right; I'm incredibly old-I can only express four words in response: "Close to the Edge", hinting at a suggestable follow-up reaction video. It is the title track to the album release which followed the above burst of creative energy, and a poetic, musical journey of immense proportions, to say the least-"journey" being a keyword! Please look into it. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. All live performances of the piece are great, of course (in my opinion), however, I recommend visiting the studio offering (1972) for its original texturing. "Masterpiece" and "epic" are overused sentiments, but in the case of "Close to the Edge" they are appropriately uttered. As teasers and possible spoilers, I'll mention that an Anderson high note ascends and melts into a lofty, thick chord cloud emanating from a real pipe organ. And the crescendo of this title track piece is to die for! I hope I haven't said too much?
One of my greatest regrets is that I never saw Yes live when I had the chance. I discovered them mainly when their concertt movie "YesSongs" came out. I saw it in the theatre and they kicked me in the head and I came out a cultist through the rest of my college years. Possibly the greatest musicianship of the era, and Jon Anderson was the vocalist they needed. Always on the cutting edgeof music, it is amazing to see how great they are after so many years. Jon Anderson could do a masterclass on how to maintail your voice. So very glad you are reviewing them today.
Jon’s voice definitely improved over the years, but probably reacted it’s peak a few years after this (although maintained it for decades). Two songs that really highlight this are Turn of the Century and Wondrous Stories, both originally from Going for the One. They are both short songs. Turn of the Century (studio is best): th-cam.com/video/b3bysb4T5mg/w-d-xo.html Wondrous Stories live from ‘78: th-cam.com/video/UZGiYPW9iGY/w-d-xo.html
As you alluded to, this song was born on a train trip through Scotland from Aberdeen to Glasgow after a gig in Aviemore, as they toured promoting 1971's, "The YES Album". Passing through roundabouts and seeing mountains rising above the fog/low lying clouds, these surreal lyrics emerged to create a classic.
Beth, i so love your excitment and joy when you are listening to these groups and their music. When you listen to Yes,... Emerson, Lake, n Palmer, for instance and their music. You have such a joy when you are listening to them, especially when for the first time. I so wish i could have taken you to see those two groups live in concert. I so love being with someone and watching their expressions when hearing for the first time. Thankyou for these videos, from here in Southern California... By the way, if you enjoy those two groups, you probably would enjoy the band called "Asia". If you listen to their first album, there is a question the lead singer and writer has about the album, and each song on it. God bless and be with you.
"Close to the Edge" has an encredible harmony part in the middle with all three singing, but if you want to hear Jon more specifically at his pinnacle, I'd recommend either "And You And I" or "Heart of the Sunrise".
I was 14 when I attended the Close To The Edge Tour. I was hooked and in lust with 3 of the band members. Try listening to Close to the Edge to truly hear the musicianship. Enjoy your journey
I love your reaction to Steve Howe's playing - he was at his peak in terms of daring to play unique things within a rock context here! In terms of writing, this was the time of "Right, we've got this bit - let's record it and see what comes next", then they would sit and work out the next section, wind the tape back and start recording again. Their engineer Eddie Offord would splice all the 'bits' together into a whole. Clever stuff!
If you want a more modern sample of Jon's live capabilities, I recommend you try " And you and I" from the Songs from Tsongas live album. I was at that show in Lowell Massachusetts. It was unbelievable
This is from YESSONGS Album 1972. Jon Anderson, vocals, Steve Howe Lead Guatair, vocals, Chris Squir Bass, vocals, Alan White, drums, Rick Wakeman, Keyboards, organ Synthsizer.
I'm always amazed when people say things like "I'd never heard YES." but then I have to remind myself, stuff like this is generational. It's cool when younger people discover older musicians. It's also neat when it goes the other way around.
The way a song is written. We should recall this song was written when the band were on tour and had been away from home for weeks. Jon Anderson realises he is only a day away from returning to his girlfriend. "Twenty four before my love you'll see I'll be there with you." Driving through the twisting "roundabout" lake country they turn a corner and see mountains reflected in a lake. "In and around the lake. Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there." The spectacle and joy of that image combined with the thought of homecoming - "Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land" - infuses the song with its excitable, romantic, slightly dizzy energy.
Once again a big thank you for bringing your reactions to the sound of YES and what you understand as unique where all the individual musicians come together brilliantly in very complex harmonies etc., I would love to hear/ watch your reaction to CLOSE TO THE EDGE which is considered their absolute best track/composition, but there are so many other tracks that are so beautiful such as I AM WAITING. Thanks again!
I bought this Gibson 175 D in 1974 as a professional player because of the sound this incredible player had . Yes this band was mind blowing . Genius in action , true art .
It strikes me that this live version is way more frenetic sounding that the album cut, which to me has almost a hypnotic feel. Technically, they're all playing the parts, basically as written, but the stage gives everything an almost aggressive feel. "The joys of virtuosity - that's it!" Yes!
To Jon’s voice, I agree he sounds better in his later years. However, in early Jon’s defense, YES played live with much greater energy, improvisation, and volume in the YESSONGS era that I think he sometimes was shouting outside his natural sublime and ethereal voice range,
IMHO, YES is a National Treasure of the UK. I've seen them a couple of times here in the States, the last time I saw them was when I took my 10yr old daughter in a small outdoor arena in Las Vegas where I live. My Mum from London, my Wife from Scotland, I remember flying over to Scotland in 1990 to visit my in-laws for the first time with my YES cassette tapes, sitting in a window 3 floors high with my legs hanging out the window admiring the Scottish Countryside with my YES music playing in the background, it was awesome.
I saw Yes a handful of times back in the 1970's, first time in 1972. Love their run of albums from The Yes Album through to and including Going for the One. Would love to see you react to their contemporaries, Emerson, Lake and Palmer - perhaps their Montreal performance of Pirates, with Orchestra, which has a superb vocal performance by Greg Lake, or their California Jam performance of Karn Evil 9.
I never knew anyone that didn't know YES .Roundabout is great but there's a deep rich catalog of amazing music.Jon still sounds the same even today 🎸🎶♥️ so happy to see you enjoy the band
The virtuosity is a trade mark of Yes music. Arguably the most musically talented band in the history of rock music. Jon Anderson was awkward on stage at this point in his development. They even resorted to giving him a guitar to give his hands something to do. He may have vocally peaked in the 80s but he has been magnificent throughout his career
Great reaction Beth......thank you. When it comes to Yes, you have only just scratched the surface. There is so much in there catalogue to study. From there short commercial songs of 90125 from the 80s to there unforgettable masterpieces. Check out 'In the presence of" from there Symphonic live tour, I'm sure you will notice how Jon Anderson's voice has just got better and better as the years roll on.
I first heard this song on a very cold, windy, snowy winter evening in the 70’s. About 2:00 am with the cold radiating from the windows, the heaters trying to keep up with the cold and the old house groaning. The song played on the Montreal rock station CHOM FM. I recorded it on cassette and listened to the tape for years afterwards. Good memories. Everything is gone now but the song.
My first concert was Yes Topographic Oceans tour when I was 13. Still the best gig I have been to (several hundred since).Close to the Edge still gives me goose bumps.
The live version of Owner if a Lonely Heart was a sung at the rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jon sang a total of two songs that evening, to a small audience. Yessongs was recorded as part of a tour, after dozens of back to back performances on the road, and was likely the encore to the entire concert. Apples and Oranges, Beth 😀
You should try the version of Awaken done by Jon ANDERSON and Tod Mobile from 2012. It’s the most amazing version of an incredible song. Jon sounds amazing and orchestra and choir are magnificent.
It was a pure joy watching you love this song. That's how I felt when I was 14 years old when I heard it for the 1st time... And yes I still get Goosebumps.
Ah yes. Another glimpse into my "misspent" teenage years in the 70s! Weekend midnight movies, Yes or Zeppelin or Stones... One of my favorite sounds was that of someone's beer bottle tipped over and rolling down the theater floor! Please continue to consume the greatness of that era! rl 🤘👹🤘
I agree with you Beth, you nailed it in just a few minutes of watching. I first saw Yes on this tour and Jon definitely had not developed his stage presence yet. Within a couple of years he started connecting more personally with the audience and that really kept growing even decades later. His voice was really good even when young, though. The studio versions of this album, Fragile, and Close to the Edge, both from 1972...his voice magical.
As a female fan of Yes since 1974, IMHO, they produced some of the most approachable prog rock. And the musicianship is spot on. From the opening guitar harmonic notes of "Roundabout," to the beautiful vocals to the keyboards and the rhythm section of bass and percussion. Arguably, the apex of Yes occurred from 1971-80 (even though many SUPPOSED Yes fans would disagree about the latter 2 albums, 'Tormato' 'Drama'). This performance was part of a tour and was filmed for "Yessongs," and was also released as a TRIPLE album of the same name. I first saw Yes in 1976 when Patrick Moraz played keyboards, and then again in 1980 with Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards.
most YES fans will tell you that although they are an EXCEPTIONAL live band, the studio version is where to start with this song.
Yah, its is one of the best recordings ever made
100% the bassline need to be heard to crisp
The studio versions are always the beginning. They were much better live
Definitely need to listen to the studio version. It’s so much more clean and the harmonies are supremely captured. It’s a MUST
Definitely. I found this too fast for my taste.
Just so you know, you _still_ haven't heard the perfection of YES in their early years. While I understand the urge to see what these guys looked like when performing, you haven't heard their full musical mastery until you've listened to their studio productions. Because YES were masters of _complexity,_ they spent hours at the sound board perfecting the mix that regularly produced stunning results. in spite of the complexity, you can hear _all_ the contributions blended together perfectly. Especially their vocal harmonies. I'm not saying you should do another reaction vid (though I'd eagerly watch it, cuz I know what yer reaction will be) but at least do yourself that favor.
YES stood out among all the Progressive Rock bands with their emphasis on vocal harmonies. Their bass player, Chris Squire, who is the other high range voice you hear in those soaring harmonic climaxes, sang in some big deal church choir so that explains him reaching for those high notes (it's falsetto, but a good one). Together he & Jon (and usually lead guitarist Steve Howe completing their 3-part harmonies) they gave YES that very special vocal sound...
Elizabeth (Charismatic Voice) just posted a reaction to this song as well today, but she used the 2017 live recording....and I made the exact same comment. No matter how well they performed it, and how good the recording is, no live version of this song can compare to the majestic performance in the studio.
Do yourself the favor and listen to the studio version, and I'm sure you'll understand what we mean.
I couldn’t agree more
I've heard they would have to go back and dissect what they recorded in the studio to relearn their compositions for live performance. There was so much going on in the studio and collaboration and imagination, that they often didn't really know what they had created. Which I can totally believe, those recording are so layered and masterful. While they do an amazing job of arranging them for live performance, the magic of their recordings can never full translate.
They frequently had Producer credits, so they were definitely heavily involved in creating the studio recordings.
I do like listening to their live stuff, though. The parts were so complicated that they often didn’t master them until after they’d been able to practice the songs after the albums were made. I like some of the tempos and additional bits they changed/added to the compositions live. But agreed - to get the full/proper effect you need to hear the studio versions.
I think there is a problem with showing non live performances on youtube and thats why they do live. Also, then you get the voice with no filters and its the 'pure' voice. Not the fifth take after five days of puttting it down. She's not analyzing the music but Jon Andersons voice, and live is the best representation of that.
I"ve kind of switched around because I never used to even LISTEN to live recordings and only listens to studio stuff, but then that stuff can get OVER produced, to the above thats what Bill Bruford talked about with Chris Squire and Eddie Offerd going over every drum note all night long. THAT is a little pretentious, as I get older I tend to like the 'meat' of it live.
Nothwithstanding that, I still think the first five minutes of the studio recording of Awaken is one of the most sublime musical pieces I've ever heard. And of course for a voice coach "We have heaven" is something the likes of which we see very rarely in music. I don't know HOW the hell to categorize that. I like how she says "its a bit jazzy'. I still like best an old friends comment that its "musical insanity", or as Bill Bruford just calls it "chaos".
"Wow" (1:03, 1:32, 1:48, 3:38, 11:33); "the guitar playing is so incredible" (3:44); "overwhelming amount of musicianship" (5:44); "I don't even know how you go about writing a song like this" (6:17); "I can say everything and nothing at all" (8:43); "joy from virtuosity, that's it" (9:15); "and the harmonies" (1:49, 7:14); [staring enthralled] (7:33)... YES, you're on the right track.
Chris squire added so much to the harmonies. Totally underrated.
We need his own vocal assessment, off of his solo album Fish Out of Water.
His bass playing was also phenomenal. The way Chris locked in with the drummer, who also was phenomenal, was fantastic. Not any one of these guys is lacking anywhere. Just amazing! 😊🦅👍🎸
How was he underrated ?? Certainly not….
Not only Jon, but Chris as well had a brilliant voice. Those harmonies between them were there from the start. Steve was such a brilliant addition to the original line-up. More Yes please Beth.
Wonderful backup for Jon oh Yes.💙🥰
The harmonies are such an underrated aspect of Yes
Chris was just a powerful vocalist.
Chris did indeed have a great voice, even if he wasn't that keen to sing lead on Yes songs.
Beth, you should check out Hold Out Your Hand and You By My Side from Chris's solo album Fish Out Of Water.
Agree!
I cried with joy when I finally got to see Yes. A great band and I love seeing you discover their magic.
The musicianship in YES is always superb with so many layers of sound texture. So glad I saw them back in the day. More YES please and Thanks.
Steve Howe is one of the guitar greats. Regularly included in most top 25 lists of all time greats. His range of techniques is amazing.
He is one of the most versatile guitarists around. Guitar Player retired a trophy in Steve's name after he was the first to win the readers pole for best overall guitarist three (or was it five?) consecutive years, which made him ineligible for any future wins.
@@bookhouseboy280 I think it was 5.
@@zenlandzipline correct.
Effort finding the time Steve sat in with Les Paul at a club on TH-cam.
For me Steve Howe is the best.
I'll die on this hill! lol
Their secret weapon for writing complex but still flowing songs in this period was Rick Wakeman. The songs were often constructed from smaller parts that the members brought in which were then put together into a greater whole. But the tricky bit of that is the transitions and, as a classically trained pianist, Rick would come up with something that made harmonic sense. His bits are often a small part of the song but a huge part of their impact.
Not to take anything away from Rick but he was not even in the band for several of their albums yet great songs resulted despite him. I have to assume he wasn't QUITE as pivotal as you think; the other members seem to have been successful in blending the bits and pieces together without him ;-)
Arguably the greatest songs arrived after he joined. I'm paraphrasing a Bill Bruford interview reply rather than expressing my own opinion.
They were writing great songs with complex and interesting transitions way before Rick W joined (my HO).
No, he's correct. Even members such as Bruford have said that Wakeman was the key to their development.@@hughmungus1767
I just love this woman reacting to brilliant songs!!! ❤
i agree,she is stunning.
Wow! It's great to see people react to this so positively. I've listened to Yes since 1970. Roundabout is probably their most recognizable hit single, from the Fragile album. Fragile was their fourth LP, and contains some of their best work. ALL of the albums from 1970 to 1977 are amazing... and VERY different. All of them are worth exploring. The YES Album and Fragile are their most mentally accessible by the most people. Their fifth, sixth, and seventh albums are epic adventures into very long form songs. They are hard for much of the general public to latch onto, but if you are a hard core music fan, they are so complex they are worth DOZENS of listens each! Close to the Edge is often pegged as the penultimate progressive rock album of all time. It contains three songs, all of them studio masterpieces. The Steven Wilson Remix of that album is the best release. Original producer, Eddie Offord, did the best he could at the time, but Stephen has better technology and pulls more musical definition out of the original master tape. Awaken from Going for the One is transcendent, and also worth many listens.
IF CloseToTheEdge is the PENultimate prog rock album, which is the ULTIMATE?!?
I'm not sure I know, but for my $$$, TalesOfTopographicOceans and the follow-up Relayer lps are my personal fav YES albums...
Actually, JethroTull's ThickAsABrick and EmersonLake&Palmer's BrainSaladSurgery might be co-ultimate prog rock lps.
I would say the first single that comes to mind when I think about YES is "Owner of a lonely heart". This one is a close second for me
I don't know about the 70's but this song especially is a famous song in anime community which also boosted it's fame in younger generation like me 😅😅
Yes' epic writing style reached its zenith on the divine and divisive Topographic Oceans. Relayer is bonkers or brilliant or both.
Steven Wilson on Close to the Edge: "It's a bona-fide A-level masterpiece." Rick Wakeman: "Steven did that really, really, really, really well."
Awaken is a metaphysical masterwork.
Time for me to find that remix! Thanks for the tip, William :)
Your appreciation for their musicality, virtuosity and songwriting comes through loud and clear. Nice job!
This was their first big hit. You need to hear the studio version of Roundabout first. Their greatest album is Close to the Edge. It will blow your mind.
That’s my favorite too. Saw them on that tour….and 19 times since
@@williamsporing1500 I first saw them in '79 'In the Round' in Chicago. I was 17. That concert blew my mind.
@@Lightmane there’s no other band like them
This is proper rock. Jon Anderson's perfect voice, Steve Howe's brilliance and Rick Wakeman, ohhhh Rick Wakeman 🎶
Heavy Progressive ,we had great music in the 70's.......
Okay, I have to admit that I listen to other reaction youtubers but it's an amazing coincidence that I was just listening a couple of hours ago to the Charismatic Voice who was doing the same song! However, Charismatic was doing the performance from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2017. It just showcases how well Jon Anderson's voice has aged through the decades. Fortunately, there are several live performances of Roiundabout through the decades, so you can really watch/listen to Anderson's vocal evolution.
lol....a happy coincidence?
Synchronicity...
Yep, I saw her reaction first too.
Same here :D
Is it me or is that RRHoF performance at a lower temp? It sounds a lot less energetic.
I saw Yes on their Union tour in 91 where they had every member that had ever been in the band from the 70's up until then. They were amazing.
those shows were amazing because they could play all the parts. glad I saw that show
Hi Fred.....I travelled from Edinburgh to Birmingham (NEC) in 91 to see the show.....Slight error in your statement. Peter Banks, original guitarist (68 - 70) was supposed to get a cameo spot but was ignomniously left off the tour dispite turning up with his gear because from what we understand was an objection from Steve Howe. Rather sad and pathetic at the time. The show was great, however, the tour was marred by pettiness and division within the oversized group.......
Saw that tour as well. I’ve seen them about a half dozen times. The last time was right after Chris Squier passed. It was still amazing with the smaller band and no Jon Anderson. The ironic thing was that Steve Howe flubbed the intro to Roundabout; I didn’t care though.
Context note: This was recorded in an arena in 1972. The sound systems were very primitive and almost NO stage monitoring. Very hard for people hear well enough to get the vocals just right...[lus the stage volume with amps etc ..very loud. I am really happy to see a younger person seeing this band. Now...The next record they did went further. You have to listen to Close to the Edge. It will inspire you...as well as the next after that Tales of Topographic Oceans. I meant really take the time and hear these. I don't know if people today can know of how deep musicians wanted to go back then.
A fantastic harmony can be heard in the song "Leave it". Part of the song is sung a cappella. It's worth checking out. Greetings from Brazil
There was an a capella release later, on the four-disc "Yesyears" box set. The entire song with no instruments - I can't decide which I like better, so BOTH are on my playlist.
Absolutely. There is also an A Cappella mix they put out as the b-side to the Leave It single that really lets you concentrate on the vocal harmonies. There is also a late 70's Yes outtake they put out as a bonus track on Tormato called Days which is a pure solo Jon Anderson vocal, almost like an ASMR thing.
@@jodonnell64 That's the B side of the single release. It was also on the 12"
The acapella part of Leave It is something like 48 tracks of Anderson/Squire/Rabin (and producer Trevor Horn) layered up into a choir. Every part was doubled and most likely triple tracked. What strikes me about it is the absolute precision of each voice performance. No such thing as ProTools, Logic or AutoTune in those days to fix imperfections in timing or pitch.
Beth, I saw Jon play a few months ago, two nights running. He’s 79. His voice is still incredible. He didn’t have to pull out of any of his high notes. He had a group of young music academy students accompanying him, and his female Backing singers had serious difficulty getting 3rds above him
I'm glad to hear that you Beth enjoyed one of the most talented progressive rock bands of all time! Some 55 years ago, The Beatles had broken up and I hadn't given my heart to another band yet when I heard Roundabout! It was like discovering new universes, new harmonies, new consciences, new dreams... And it's a pleasure to be distracting myself on youtube and see you explain a little what I've always felt, even if intuitively. Your videos about the band Genesis and Jethro Tull - among others, are also wonderful! Thanks! Carlos Navarro from Brazil
It’s refreshing to hear a vocalist such as this lass with the quantum thinking as she reviews all musical parts!
Bravo, my Lady!
One Of This Bands Best Most Splendid Tracks...
"Overwhelming musicianship" That's the real description right there. After listening to them for 40+ yrs and seeing them live many times.. I cant put it better than that. They floor me every time.
This 1972 tour was the first time I saw Yes live. The Close to the Edge tour of 1972-73. It's so wonderful to see younger generations appreciating them. It warms my heart!
From that same concert you will really enjoy the song "And You and I". It really highlights Jon's vocals in that song.
I saw Yes twice in the late 70s in the round at the Forum in LA. They were FANTASTIC live!! My favorite Yes song is Long Distance Runaround. I suggest you do this one next.
It took me 20 times seeing them to decide I liked them lol
Progressive Music is acquired taste.@@williamsporing1500
It's Especially Amazing That He Maintained His Vocals Even Through A Brief Illness...
Jon Anderson is performing these songs in the same key, today. This is his range, and you're right: he probably works like crazy to keep it where it is. He's lost a little power (breath support) but makes up for it with the continued purity of his tone, his GORGEOUS vibrato, his songwriting and his charisma on stage. You need to see Jon Anderson with Todmobile. See them doing Awaken. You will be stunned speechless. And you're right: his voice is, in some ways, better today than 50 years ago.
His voice improves with auto tune.
This is a fivesome that exponentiated one another's astonishing ability to a level of joyous performance/perfection that boggles the heart, mind, and soul. What a true gift it is to listen to their creations.
Trivia time. This was from the Close To The Edge tour in 1973. They came to Las Vegas and performed at the Ice Palace when I was about 17. I was so blown away by the musicianship of the band. The PA system was previously owned by The Iron Butterfly which Yes had opened for, and so they bought it from them. IT WAS FREAKING LOUD! My ears rang for days as I remember. Rick Wakeman was in his early twenties and was just incredible on the keys.
You commented on the outstanding musicianship, and you're absolutely correct. Guitarist Steve Howe would win Guitar Player Magazine's readers poll for best over-all guitarist 5 years in a row in the 70s, before the magazine created their "Gallery of Greats," to give other guitarists a chance. Drummer Alan White, who replaced Bill Bruford (who left Yes for King Crimson,) joined with the band less than 1 week before this tour kicked off! Alan was a very well known session drummer who played with "The Plastic Ono Band (with John Lennon,) and a number of George Harrison's early solo albums. Keyboardist Rick Wakeman was also an extremely well known session player, who played on several David Bowie albums, including "Space Oddity," and he decided to join Yes, rather than join David Bowis & his "Spiders from Mars" tour. He also performed the acoustic piano on Cat Steven's "Morning Has Broken." Finally, bassist Chris Squire had a voice that melded perfectly with Jon Anderson's (the two decided to form a band due to their love of Simon & Garfunkle's harmonies.) Chris took the "Bass Lead" sound of The Who's John Entwistle and moved it ahead into new areas nobody could have imagined at the time. And finally Jon Anderson has a voice that is really perfect for the music of Yes.
Thanks for the comment, wasn't sure if this was still Bruford or not. Is that Alan White that played on the 45 of "Love Me Do"?
Beth, I saw your two Yes reaction videos when they came out a year ago, and came back to report on Jon Anderson. I saw him live a week ago, with his new band, The Band Geeks. They're playing mostly Yes material, with a new original piece. Jon will be 80 years old in a few short weeks, on October 25th, 2024.
During the first couple minutes of the first song, his voice was a little scratchy. I thought "Oh. Oh nooo". But he came around. And he was up there on stage, 50' away, belting out the tunes in *great* voice for about 90 minutes. Angelic. Precise. Ripping through lyrics that are complex and at times, almost nonsensical. Not only are the pipes still strong, so is the memory.
The band is made up of people in their 30s and 40s who are so so talented and enthusiastic and joyful. To see Jon out in front of relative youngsters, having the time of his life, singing up a storm, prancing around, was one of the great concert experiences of my life.
If Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks are in your area and you're up for some progressive rock, I highly recommend attending.
You have to listen to Jon Anderson with Todmobile perform Awaken. Yes song from 1977. Jon's voice shines in that recording.
Thank you
Jon's voice did get better over time, I think he said later he strived to make his voice more husky but it's just pure dedication and focus.
I always thought Heart of the Sunrise was a prime example of his vocal excellence
That and turn of the century
Yeah, when I watched Beth with her previous (and initial) Yes reaction, to Owner of a Lonely Heart, I kept thinking she needed to hear Heart of the Sunrise.
Truth. Beth has really got to review the truly great Yes songs, not just Roundabout (as good as it is) and Owner Of A Lonely Heart! She will be even more blown away.
God bless u Beth. There’s no overestimating or overstating the greatness of this epic genius band
Yes' method of composition was basically to all get into the studio together, each with their own part worked ideas. It might be a bass line or run, a guitar riff, drum pattern, and possibly an overall idea from Jon. They would work up individual sections to a reasonable state. Then it was left to Rick Wakeman, who had studied orchestration, amongst piano & clarinet at the Royal College of Music to sit down with pencil & score sheets, and basically stitch all of the parts into a consistent whole. It smooths out the key changes and time signature shifts. Jon's lyrics and voice sit over the top. If you read his lyrics, many are just on the right side of nonsense, and you occasionally wonder if they are there more for the sound & pattern of the syllables, than for any real meaning
It's a gorgeous song and composition, exquisitely performed, and was rewarded by your response.
The song And You And I from their studio album Close To The Edge probably contains Anderson’s greatest vocal ability
Chris Squire and Steve Howe sang such killer harmonies. God bless you and keep you, Chris Squire.
I was always amazed with Jon's voice in concert because it seemed to get stronger and stronger in the higher range as the night went on, which I wouldn't have expected. So that by the time he hit's the crescendo note in Heart of the Sunrise (a song that you must do...I would love to hear your analysis of that one), which they usually do later in the set, it is so unbelievably powerful and ethereal at the same time, I would always have something akin to an out of body experience. I wondered if it was just me, but I did actually hear him comment in a somewhat recent interview that his voice does indeed get stronger and higher as the night goes on. Anyway, thank you for this, it is always fun and heartwarming as a long time Yes fan to see people, and especially people in the know, discover this music for the first time!!! I would also suggest listening to Going for the One, I think this is where Jon really reaches some heights with his voice, along with some incredible harmonies by Chris Squire...and the rest of the band is just on fire.
I was fortunate to see Yes during their Fragile tour. They were brilliant on stage. Fragile is still one of my all time favorite albums. John Andersons voice and Rick Waksman’s keyboard artistry are something to behold.
Beth,
We are not even a full minutes in to this classic tune and you are shaking your head, but you are smiling....!!!!!!!!! These guys are /were just amazing. Great musicians, Mr. Steve Howe the lead guitar man was/is great. And Jon's voice is unreal. He has great tone and a really good range. Chris was a fine bass man. Rick on the keyboards had few if any equals. And he likes to wear a cape. Yes my dear I saw them perform back in the 1970's. It was a great show. They are one of those bands that as you listen to them it is like you are listening to a prerecorded track. It was that tight..... Talent shows thru over and over. Yeas was one of these bands!
Dear Beth, I just discovered you and I am struck by your intelligence (as capacity of deeply connecting) and subtle comments. But What I like above all is your physical reaction about this yes piece. You found something etherial, right ? It's certainly where this band hits people's souls. Thank you for reacting like this to this music, it means so much. And you are right about the jazzy aspect : yes first album was definitely jazz. Love from PAris, keep your sensitivity alive !
Saw them in concert in 1976. I think the keyboard playing of Rick Wakeman is superb.
If it was 1976, you were seeing Patrick Moraz on keyboards.
I’m 71 now. Bought the album when it came out. Saw them live in the seventies. “STILL” get goosebumps!
You obviously know music as well as you know vocals. Your face when Steve Howe is running that backwards scale, priceless. You go girl!
Thank you so much for this reaction video! I hadn't thought much about the jazz influence in this song, but you're right! I had not really heard it until you pointed it out. Apparently the band would work together for hours on sections of their complex songs, the sound engineer would put it together using a lot of tape splicing, and then the band would have to learn to play and sing the whole thing live for the tour. How they managed to have such flowing, coherent artistic structure still eludes me. Jon Anderson has said that he was uncomfortable on stage in he early years (he admits to using some pharmacologic "help" with that).
40 years ago I heard this song for first time, and YES, I fell in love with it ... :-)
Yes was the greatest prog band of all time. Seeing them live were some of the most amazing musical moments of my life. When they were at the top of there game, there was no one near them. And without Anderson's voice, it simply would not be Yes. GEE I want a time machine.
Amazing, eh? Jon's voice has definitely developed over the years. He had some nasty respiratory issues in the last 10 years or so and caused some problems but he's back and still showing us all how it's done. The energy of these early live performances is undeniable and I never tire of listening and watching Yessongs from which this video is taken. That being said, the sound quality on the recording is notoriously bad yet the virtuosity of the performances is still ridiculous. Remember - this was recorded in 1973. There are some recordings from the same set of tours that were released a few years back as "Progeny" - multiple recordings of the same tour on different nights and locations and the sound is much much better. Another source for some "mid career" live material is the concert film "Keys to Ascension" and later "Live at Montreaux." Also, "Songs from Tsongas" is a lot of fun. As a side note, the drummer on this recording is Alan White who reportedly had about 3 days to learn the songs since he took over from original drummer Bill Bruford who left the band right before the "Close to the Edge" tour. Also, the jazz influence is all over their music - Steve Howe, the guitarist is a big Wes Montgomery fan, and Anderson has been known to give a real swing flavor to much of his music. Thanks for the review!
Beth, so much fun to see your reaction to this much beloved song! Hope you find time to listen and just let the music take you to another place.
Those of us,children of the seventies, had the incredible fortune of one of most amazing times in music. Bands like Yes, the Eagles, Kansas, the Allman Brothers etc.. what diversity and talent. It has been an amazing journey through our lives. So thank you to all the bands that made our lives special.
I’m so glad I grew up in the 70’s. Music was great, cars were great, drugs were great and the women were way better looking!
I saw them several times in the 1970s and 1980s whenever they came to town. Always put on a great show. "Roundabout" was the usual encore piece.
Very beautiful reaction. Thx, keep discovering more Yes. 😊👍
When you go to a classical music concert or opera, the blend, precision, and talent levels shine across the spectrum. Yes is all of that and, before all the rest, the most talented group of musicians to gather together and make such joyous music. And they've been doing it through lineup changes over decades and decades and decades. Beyond amazing.
Why do I well up when I see the younger generation reacting with such wonderment to the music of this great band? Yes music is a gift that I received in the early 70s, I've cherished it ever since and now it is time for the younger generation to unwrap that same gift and enjoy a musical journey like no other.
Beth. Somehow I found this video a week or so ago, but along with it I saw there was another previous one about another Yes song. So I wanted to see that too before commenting (got it just a while ago). My pleasure!
Well, I've been a Yes fan over almost 50 years by now, and I got to know them by this very same exquisit song! I became a life long prog rock fan.
I'd like to point that keyboardist in the original Fragile album and this performance is actually Rick Wakeman. As a fellow fan said here, the interaction between him and Steve Howe is just... magical. All band members for sure. (I'm thinking on "Madrigal" and "Turn of the century", for intance)
As already mentioned as well, I strongly encourage you to listen to "Close to the Edge", one of the finest compositions of the band and of the entire genre (if not "the one"). I'd suggest in particular the 1996 live performance during "Keys to Ascention" show at San Luis Obispo.
Always love when young people appreciate and get moved by this beloved music. Welcome! \o/
"Yours Is No Disgrace" Studio version from the 1st album, is still my favourite Yes track.
While "Yours is No Disgrace" is on "The Yes Album," it was actually the 3rd album by Yes.
Troisième album tu voulais dire...
Third Album. Their first is called Yes. Second is Time and A Word, Third is The Yes Album.
Yes and The Yes Album are 2 different albums.
Thank you for this insightful/thoughtful reaction, Beth. Being a lifelong fanatical follower of this ensemble-a fan from their first release way back when in 1969; that's right; I'm incredibly old-I can only express four words in response: "Close to the Edge", hinting at a suggestable follow-up reaction video. It is the title track to the album release which followed the above burst of creative energy, and a poetic, musical journey of immense proportions, to say the least-"journey" being a keyword! Please look into it. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. All live performances of the piece are great, of course (in my opinion), however, I recommend visiting the studio offering (1972) for its original texturing. "Masterpiece" and "epic" are overused sentiments, but in the case of "Close to the Edge" they are appropriately uttered. As teasers and possible spoilers, I'll mention that an Anderson high note ascends and melts into a lofty, thick chord cloud emanating from a real pipe organ. And the crescendo of this title track piece is to die for! I hope I haven't said too much?
Fantastic. I was there in '72 and saw them do this. It's so great to watch you experience it and have the same reaction. Thanks Beth. Rock on.♥️
One of my greatest regrets is that I never saw Yes live when I had the chance. I discovered them mainly when their concertt movie "YesSongs" came out. I saw it in the theatre and they kicked me in the head and I came out a cultist through the rest of my college years. Possibly the greatest musicianship of the era, and Jon Anderson was the vocalist they needed. Always on the cutting edgeof music, it is amazing to see how great they are after so many years. Jon Anderson could do a masterclass on how to maintail your voice. So very glad you are reviewing them today.
Jon’s voice definitely improved over the years, but probably reacted it’s peak a few years after this (although maintained it for decades).
Two songs that really highlight this are Turn of the Century and Wondrous Stories, both originally from Going for the One. They are both short songs.
Turn of the Century (studio is best):
th-cam.com/video/b3bysb4T5mg/w-d-xo.html
Wondrous Stories live from ‘78:
th-cam.com/video/UZGiYPW9iGY/w-d-xo.html
As you alluded to, this song was born on a train trip through Scotland from Aberdeen to Glasgow after a gig in Aviemore, as they toured promoting 1971's, "The YES Album". Passing through roundabouts and seeing mountains rising above the fog/low lying clouds, these surreal lyrics emerged to create a classic.
Beth, i so love your excitment and joy when you are listening to these groups and their music. When you listen to Yes,... Emerson, Lake, n Palmer, for instance and their music. You have such a joy when you are listening to them, especially when for the first time. I so wish i could have taken you to see those two groups live in concert. I so love being with someone and watching their expressions when hearing for the first time. Thankyou for these videos, from here in Southern California... By the way, if you enjoy those two groups, you probably would enjoy the band called "Asia". If you listen to their first album, there is a question the lead singer and writer has about the album, and each song on it.
God bless and be with you.
"Close to the Edge" has an encredible harmony part in the middle with all three singing, but if you want to hear Jon more specifically at his pinnacle, I'd recommend either "And You And I" or "Heart of the Sunrise".
Love all those. But Jon's singing especially at the climax of Close To The Edge is pretty damn great too.
I was 14 when I attended the Close To The Edge Tour. I was hooked and in lust with 3 of the band members. Try listening to Close to the Edge to truly hear the musicianship. Enjoy your journey
I love your reaction to Steve Howe's playing - he was at his peak in terms of daring to play unique things within a rock context here! In terms of writing, this was the time of "Right, we've got this bit - let's record it and see what comes next", then they would sit and work out the next section, wind the tape back and start recording again. Their engineer Eddie Offord would splice all the 'bits' together into a whole. Clever stuff!
And they were able to perform these songs live no matter how complicated they were, even after creating them in that way. True virtuosity.
If you want a more modern sample of Jon's live capabilities, I recommend you try " And you and I" from the Songs from Tsongas live album. I was at that show in Lowell Massachusetts. It was unbelievable
This is from YESSONGS Album 1972. Jon Anderson, vocals, Steve Howe Lead Guatair, vocals, Chris Squir Bass, vocals, Alan White, drums, Rick Wakeman, Keyboards, organ Synthsizer.
Amazing combination of high octane energy and out of this world musicianship.
A resounding YES to this reaction.
I'm always amazed when people say things like "I'd never heard YES." but then I have to remind myself, stuff like this is generational. It's cool when younger people discover older musicians. It's also neat when it goes the other way around.
The way a song is written. We should recall this song was written when the band were on tour and had been away from home for weeks. Jon Anderson realises he is only a day away from returning to his girlfriend. "Twenty four before my love you'll see I'll be there with you." Driving through the twisting "roundabout" lake country they turn a corner and see mountains reflected in a lake. "In and around the lake. Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there." The spectacle and joy of that image combined with the thought of homecoming - "Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land" - infuses the song with its excitable, romantic, slightly dizzy energy.
Once again a big thank you for bringing your reactions to the sound of YES and what you understand as unique where all the individual musicians come together brilliantly in very complex harmonies etc., I would love to hear/ watch your reaction to CLOSE TO THE EDGE which is considered their absolute best track/composition, but there are so many other tracks that are so beautiful such as I AM WAITING. Thanks again!
I bought this Gibson 175 D in 1974 as a professional player because of the sound this incredible player had . Yes this band was mind blowing . Genius in action , true art .
Very Very uplifting band - Roger Dean's art work - Chris Squire's bass work - perfect band
Great reactions Beth..80s sound of Jon's voice continues..90s Yes concert was a show I will never forget in Vegas!!😉
It strikes me that this live version is way more frenetic sounding that the album cut, which to me has almost a hypnotic feel. Technically, they're all playing the parts, basically as written, but the stage gives everything an almost aggressive feel.
"The joys of virtuosity - that's it!" Yes!
Hi Beth. I recommend Close to the edge. It's a wonderful song with Yes. Keep on dancing and smiling Beth. It's fun watching your reactions ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
To Jon’s voice, I agree he sounds better in his later years. However, in early Jon’s defense, YES played live with much greater energy, improvisation, and volume in the YESSONGS era that I think he sometimes was shouting outside his natural sublime and ethereal voice range,
IMHO, YES is a National Treasure of the UK. I've seen them a couple of times here in the States, the last time I saw them was when I took my 10yr old daughter in a small outdoor arena in Las Vegas where I live. My Mum from London, my Wife from Scotland, I remember flying over to Scotland in 1990 to visit my in-laws for the first time with my YES cassette tapes, sitting in a window 3 floors high with my legs hanging out the window admiring the Scottish Countryside with my YES music playing in the background, it was awesome.
This should be a cakewalk. Jon Anderson is just one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. "See mom, no auto-tune required".
I bought my first YES album in 73. They are amazing. Impeccable voices, killer bass and instrumentation.
I saw Yes a handful of times back in the 1970's, first time in 1972. Love their run of albums from The Yes Album through to and including Going for the One. Would love to see you react to their contemporaries, Emerson, Lake and Palmer - perhaps their Montreal performance of Pirates, with Orchestra, which has a superb vocal performance by Greg Lake, or their California Jam performance of Karn Evil 9.
What makes it very special is the "background" - Rick at the keyboards and Chris on the bass !
I never knew anyone that didn't know YES .Roundabout is great but there's a deep rich catalog of amazing music.Jon still sounds the same even today 🎸🎶♥️ so happy to see you enjoy the band
The virtuosity is a trade mark of Yes music. Arguably the most musically talented band in the history of rock music. Jon Anderson was awkward on stage at this point in his development. They even resorted to giving him a guitar to give his hands something to do. He may have vocally peaked in the 80s but he has been magnificent throughout his career
Great reaction Beth......thank you. When it comes to Yes, you have only just scratched the surface. There is so much in there catalogue to study. From there short commercial songs of 90125 from the 80s to there unforgettable masterpieces. Check out 'In the presence of" from there Symphonic live tour, I'm sure you will notice how Jon Anderson's voice has just got better and better as the years roll on.
I first heard this song on a very cold, windy, snowy winter evening in the 70’s. About 2:00 am with the cold radiating from the windows, the heaters trying to keep up with the cold and the old house groaning. The song played on the Montreal rock station CHOM FM. I recorded it on cassette and listened to the tape for years afterwards. Good memories. Everything is gone now but the song.
My first concert was Yes Topographic Oceans tour when I was 13. Still the best gig I have been to (several hundred since).Close to the Edge still gives me goose bumps.
The live version of Owner if a Lonely Heart was a sung at the rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jon sang a total of two songs that evening, to a small audience. Yessongs was recorded as part of a tour, after dozens of back to back performances on the road, and was likely the encore to the entire concert. Apples and Oranges, Beth 😀
I saw the band during this tour in the early 70s. I feel old now...thanks Beth! 😄
You should try the version of Awaken done by Jon ANDERSON and Tod Mobile from 2012. It’s the most amazing version of an incredible song. Jon sounds amazing and orchestra and choir are magnificent.
It was a pure joy watching you love this song. That's how I felt when I was 14 years old when I heard it for the 1st time... And yes I still get Goosebumps.
YES began for me in 1972 when I was stationed in Iceland. I never had an amp/speakers that did them justice. This is a fabulous long road trip song!
Ah yes. Another glimpse into my "misspent" teenage years in the 70s!
Weekend midnight movies, Yes or Zeppelin or Stones...
One of my favorite sounds was that of someone's beer bottle tipped over and rolling down the theater floor!
Please continue to consume the greatness of that era!
rl
🤘👹🤘
Yes is my favorite band, and has been for almost 50 years. No surprise, they have played many jazz festivals over their career.
I agree with you Beth, you nailed it in just a few minutes of watching. I first saw Yes on this tour and Jon definitely had not developed his stage presence yet. Within a couple of years he started connecting more personally with the audience and that really kept growing even decades later.
His voice was really good even when young, though. The studio versions of this album, Fragile, and Close to the Edge, both from 1972...his voice magical.
As a female fan of Yes since 1974, IMHO, they produced some of the most approachable prog rock. And the musicianship is spot on. From the opening guitar harmonic notes of "Roundabout," to the beautiful vocals to the keyboards and the rhythm section of bass and percussion.
Arguably, the apex of Yes occurred from 1971-80 (even though many SUPPOSED Yes fans would disagree about the latter 2 albums, 'Tormato' 'Drama').
This performance was part of a tour and was filmed for "Yessongs," and was also released as a TRIPLE album of the same name.
I first saw Yes in 1976 when Patrick Moraz played keyboards, and then again in 1980 with Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards.