@@Vince-lq3ve In terms of relative magnitude, Genesis vs Yes is pretty much Salieri vs Mozart. Yes not only survives, but thrives with a new generation of master musicians coming forth to carry its name and visionary musical ethos forward beyond the lives of its founders.
The terms you were searching for are called polyrhythms and polyphonic sounds. You're hearing two or more distinct rythms at that same time and various tones, some of which might not seem to go with some of the instruments, while at the same time, they fit perfectly with other sounds and rhythms that are being produced. To the untrained ear, it can sound like musical chaos at times, but once the listener stops comparing what they are hearing, to more conventional styles of music with less complex rhythms, they will find that there are multiple rhythms, beats and tones to follow. I always get a kick out of watching people who are new to polyrhythmic music, trying to move their heads and bodies in a smooth, soulful manner with the music. It looks so awkward. It's like, "I Found the beat. Nice! Nope, I lost it again. Ooh! What's happening over here? That is so freakin cool! Nope, I lost it. WTF is this music? I give up. I'm just gonna chill, sit back, listen to everything and see where all of this is going". "Hey! I get it now!"
As someone who has listened to that song, and that album since the day it came out, it was fascinating to see your first response. And predictable. You see, you just listened to what many consider to be the best and possibly most influential ‘progressive rock’ song and album ever. Other YES albums were certainly great, yet CTTE seems to be noted most often by hard-core YES fans as their favorite. I noted you saying you to wanted to listen again, to absorb more. Go ahead. Just know that you’ll find this to be timeless music. It never gets old. You won’t wear it out. And take the time to listen to the 2 other songs. They’ll add to the surprise and the enjoyment you’ve now embraced in Close To The Edge. By the way, I strongly suggest that you not try to make any literal sense out of the song lyrics. They are more like an extra instrument of music, painting a picture that you will find your own meaning for. Finally, find a way to consume the album art, for this completes the package of ideas that CTTE delivers.
@@josedealbuquerquejr.941 Yes, anyone who likes CTTE should listen to all of those albums too. Thing is, I get the feeling rasengankhan hasn't engaged with his channel recently. IF he had, he should have noticed that the CTTE session attracted a lot more traffic and interest than ANY other single session. Distracted I guess.
That is exactly what classical means: it never gets old. One can listen over and over for years. Especially so with CTTE. It has all ingredients of a symphonic masterpiece. No wonder even symphonic orchestras make versions of it and they played also with European symphonic orchestra in Heineken hall Holland. And several young members of the orchestra was in ecstacy.
Everything YES recorded is their best... it just depends on what day it is and the particular mood you’re in. (See what I did there? ...Mood for a Day)
You hit all the normal reaction points; “Jesus”, speechless, goosebumps, don’t know how to feel, don’t know what to think... you’ve arrived at the Yes space on your life gameboard. I would strongly advise keeping this band in your life, because it will stretch your awareness in music, art and life... and how Yes connects them all to you.
This song can speak to anyone's spiritual path without having to spell it out. It's almost like a guide to reach an individualistic spiritualism. You don't have to even be religious to appreciate it's message.
Well said I truly believe that Awaken is musically an ascension of the soul from the start of Wakeman's almost waking of a flourish of piano at the beginning to the almost floating Corrales and keys etc to the build of the almost gregorian chant vocal style to the glorious pipe organ segment to the crescendo of the full ensemble building ever higher to the , in the symphonic version , the molto rit. that almost stretches the accents to the end of the notes possibilities to the glorious circle of fifths passage that just washes over your soul like no other song ever written only to settle to Anderson telling you of the peace achieved by this voyage . Ended by a almost back down to Earth bluesy riff by Mr. Howe.
Love Awaken and saw Yes perform it in 1977 at Empire Pool (as was) Wembley. Always has bee a favourite and a true musical experience. However listen to Todmobile from Iceland perform it with Jon Anderson it is truly wonderful
It was designed to play in a loop... The more you listen, the better it gets. I’m not the only one who will resonate with your reaction . It happened so long ago that I can barely remember the feeling of discovering Yes... Your reaction is the closest Ive seen to how I remember it feeling. I hope you enjoy the rest of Yes’ songs.
Thank you for your comment, hearing that my reaction was the closest you've seen to remembering how it felt is an honour to be honest. I will be coming back to Yes for sure :)
Thanks very much for showing us your journey through this awesome piece of music. Your reactions took me back to my first listen all those years ago as a 14 year old adolescent. Haven’t stopped listening since. Awesome!!! Next listen Awaken. Please.
Relayer is my favorite Yes album. I love GOD (it's amazing how many don't get that) but Soundchaser is my all time favorite Yes song. Too bad Moraz didn't blend personality-wise with the band. I really thought he added an amazing element.
@@topographic1973ify I love To Be Over from Relayer. The slide guitar just knocks me out and some of the bass playing is wicked silly. It also reminds me of Christmas.
The first time I heard this I could not help but to marvel at the thought that someone not all that much older than myself actually wrote this piece of music. I would listen to this album with my best friend in his room and we would just hang out and be amazed.
How to listen to Yes: put it on -- listen to it -- all the way through. Then put it on again and listen to it all the way through. Then think about it for a week. Repeat as needed.
rasengankhan, thank you so much for reacting to my request. Glad its "weirdness" met your qualifications. This song is about a journey of self discovery and felt this song sent you on your own journey of discovery. I would recommend you listen to the rest of the album because the songs are all gems. A lot of people find it difficult to grasp this song, some never do, I absolutely love it and felt you will too after a couple of more listens. Keep up the good work, I have subscribed to your channel so will look forward to watching more reactions. Firth Of Fifth by Genesis would be another good prog rock song to checkout... but it's not weird though, just a very beautiful piece.
I was 13 years old in 1972 and I will always remember how I felt after listening to Close to the Edge. In 2019 47 years afters yes released this masterpiece I still get goosebumps.
As you listen to this or any Yes song from the time, you will find that every nuance, is there by design, and when you know the song, you can appreciate the exquisite precision which Yes puts into their songs. There are other Yes songs that are even more Unique and Strange. All of Relayer, The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, Yessongs, Going For The One. I was 12 when all this came out, and I had an older brother with a Killer Audio System, You really have to feel the Bass in these songs to get the full experience.
The first 3 minutes of Close To The Edge is the sound of being swept away by a river. You're right! It is a journey. The entire song is a musical exploration of the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, the journey along the river of life, where Siddhartha returns to the river and sees all of life reflected on the old man's face.
That's crazy, I learn more everyday thanks to the comments. I had no idea it was based on a novel. I haven't sat down to read a book in years but now I'm curious about Siddhartha
I am so happy I had to opportunity to take LSD and listen to this album at it's release. Close to the Edge, Electric Ladyland, Hot Rats, Bright Size Life, and Birds of Fire are the seminal albums of the last part of the 20th century for me. Each are dense, deep, unusual, and genius music like nothing before.
YES packs so much into their masterpiece compositions that you absolutely must expose yourself to several listenings in order to fully appreciate what they put together. That's one of the things I always loved about YES, was that after listening the 4th and 5th times, you're still hearing things you didn't hear before. I think their music always remained fresh for me much longer than the other music for that reason. I recommend listening to *Siberian Khatru* next, my friend...
You've started your Yes journey at the same point as me. It was recommended to me back in 1974 as a 16 year old and I too was totally confused on first hearing. Listened and read the lyrics (Roger Dean's handwriting on the sleeve) and got lost between odd lyrics, booming bass sounds, intricate guitar and the keyboard all joined together with Brufords drumming. It took me maybe two or three listening to appreciate the brilliance of the track. Each instrument is kinda doing it's own thing but together and overlayed it's a masterpiece of intricacy. What's more you can create your own story. After this go backwards to Fragile, The Yes Album, Time and a Word and Yes then you'll see where this brilliance was born. BUT make sure you do the rest - And You and I plus Siberian Khatru first. Best reaction to Close the the Edge I've seen!
Same experience, around the same age, same song when I decided to sit down and see what this was about. Yes fan ever since. I don't know if the 'reactor' reads the comments...I wanna tell him to get to 'know' the song, listen to each instrument separately...and this is a great album for that, not a ton of overdubs...just 5 dudes...in their 20's no less...making true art. But listening to all of the individual parts really makes you appreciate how complex and amazing these arrangements are.
I've been a Yes fan for 4 decades. There is always something new to discover. The latest new thing I discovered is watching someone listen to it for the first time. I smiled the whole way through your video. My buddies introduced me to Yes in high school. I didn't like it at first. Then one night I was like "how about Yes". "Roundabout". One of the most culturally impactful songs of it's time. Yes made rock "almost friendly" (quoting Steve Howe talking about his guitar playing). Then I laid on the floor of my bedroom listening to "And You and I" on LSD while a friend tapped lightly on my closed eye lids. That sealed it, a life long relationship with Yes. I've seen them 10ish times, most recently being just a couple years ago in Portland, Oregon. 3 of my 4 kids have seen them live; 2 of them more than once.
It was like me listening for the first time, all those years ago. Loved your reaction and that your mind is open. Enjoy your future listens. Man, you need so much more tea :)
This is not just a studio work. I've seen it live several times and it's mind blowing. I still have my original vinyl from 1972; I know it sounds corny, but this album changed my life. You should check out more Yes, it's like they're finally being re-discovered. I have (modestly) a monstrously huge collection of stuff by the band and by the individual musicians. You might remember one song by them: OWNER OF A LONELY HEART which caused a huge rift in the fan base but it saved the band at the time. Close To The Edge has the "classic" lineup and there have been a LOT of lineup changes since then. I would suggest some of the live stuff. I would also encourage you to check out ABWH when there were actually two versions of Yes running around the countryside. Yes's history is pretty crazy. I really encourage you to listen to more.
First experience? Original vinyl... 1972... altered state... dark room... headphones... immediately listened to it again. Heard it often. I hear something new every time I play it. Be patient and don’t stop a Yes song. Their music is among the most complex recorded-ever! Relayer is even deeper and more intricate than this. The Yes Album Fragile Close to the Edge Yessongs Tales from Topographic Oceans Relayer Those are the most important albums they made. It takes a lot of time to hear all that. You won’t be bored!
This group has been in my life for 50 years. YESSONGS is the next album you should listen to. Albums FRAGILE and CLOSE to the EDGE were performed on this live albums. Awaken on Going for the One album still makes me cry !
You're listening to bona fide musical masters. Each a genius on their instrument. You need to listen to their album, "Relayer". It is a musical masterpiece.
I know why they have their name: It’s because when you listen to their music, you feel like you want to say no, but something about it just makes you say YES.
Lifelong Yes fan, first time commenter. Let me echo the sentiments here about this song. My uncle had this album when I was but a pisher. My mother owned the two albums before this one: "The Yes Album" and "Fragile", so I grew up listening to "Roundabout" and "I've Seen All Good People". Fascinated by the cover but didn't give it a proper listen until 1985 when I obtained a vinyl copy for myself. I was 16 at the time. I was drawn in immediately. Before then, I had heard the first song on the second side, "And You and I" on classic rock radio and loved it. Anything featuring the Mellotron, I was into. (The Mellotron was the first sampling keyboard ever invented--it used a rack of analog tape loops and the keys activated each respective playback head. That's what created those ethereal string washes you heard.) This album was a revelation for me. I was really stoked for you to hear it for the first time and for you to share that experience, that journey, with us all. I feel it has compositional and chordal elements akin to some of the great Russian composers--Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, even a bit of Stravinsky. Yes were every bit the pretentious, showboat-y prog rock group, but they held on to those crucial pop-rock sensibilities that made them fun to listen to. And for as long as "Edge" is, it's just the right length, always holding your interest. And that's not saying anything about the face-melting musicianship of the group. Fun fact: the keyboardist Rick Wakeman played keys (mostly the aforementioned Mellotron) on David Bowie's first hit, "Space Oddity" from 1969. I got to see Yes in 1984 on their "90125" Tour--they had just had a big hit with "Owner of a Lonely Heart" that year. I could go on and on waxing enthusiastic about them, but I'll spare you. Thank you for this video, and thank you for giving this monumental, culturally crucial piece of music a fair audition. I love that it's finding a new audience in the younger generations.
YES recorded a few epic masterpieces. What sets this one apart from the others is the presence of drummer Bill Bruford. What he does in the first three minutes of this song is pure genius and unprecedented or unequaled in rock music.
This was my first long play record, I bought this record in 1972 or 73, was attracted by the inner cover , listened to it in the shop and was totaly blown away. It still is in my possession and one of my 5 most favourite albums. Keep up tje good work !
Perfect way to experience this song. Lean back on your chair. Close your eyes. Listen. Appreciate. I heard it when it first came out when I was 17. It’s been my favorite album of all time ever since.
We all have our own story about the first time we heard Close to the Edge. Mine occurred in early April 2004. I had already heard The Yes Album and Fragile, the two earlier albums, before buying CTTE and I really liked The Yes Album but didn't much care for Fragile... Anyway, I was on my journey of discovery into progressive rock so I finally got this record, came home, inserted the CD into my portable CD player ( this was two years before I got into the iPod bandwagon, hahah ) and then I went on a walk while playing the record. Just like you and many others, all I could hear initially was cacophony but the thing was, even after that initial, confused listen, my subconscious demanded to hear it again and so I did, and then a third time and a fourth... I believe by the fifth time I suddenly had a musical epiphany; one evening I sat at my desk listening to it with my headphones on and exclaimed out loud "this is incredible, I love it!" I never stopped loving it, either, and to this day I consider Close to the Edge one of my ultimate desert island albums and the title track still sends shivers down my spine. Thanks for the reaction video to this masterpiece of music! =)
I love hearing all these stories about the first time everyone heard CTTE. It's really warming that everyone is sharing them here as well.😁 I've still only heard it twice (the second will be in my next video but chopped up in the edit) but I 100% enjoyed it much more the second time around. I'm looking forward to sitting down to listen to it again but I need to make sure I'm not distracted 🤣
I first heard Close to the Edge using headphones in '74 at the age of 15. I had the same reaction. It was if I was pulled out of reality and had my brain cells rearranged. The Yes Album, Relayer, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Close to the Edge and Fragile still have the same effect today. It's disorienting when the songs are over.
This video really made me smile! I don't know when I first heard this exactly, over 30 years ago, in my early teens, but I'm pretty sure I reacted in a similar way! I haven't stopped listening to it (and their other albums) since. I remember my Dad made me a mix tape of sections from the albums of theirs he had on vinyl (and Olias of Sunhillow - well worth investigation), not an easy thing to do, but I still have the tape (complete with vinyl scratches and jumps) and I must've listened to it hundreds of times. I now have his vinyl, since he passed away a few years ago, and I will be forever grateful for the introduction he gave me to their music.
I'm really happy my video made you smile 😊 That alone makes, making these videos worth it and I can't wait to get back to the rest of the album (and their discography). Also sounds like your dad had a fantastic taste in music 👌
close to the edge by Yes is like waking up in a field of beauty at the beginning then being picked up by some friendly alians who share their space/alian music with you for a while then gently place you back on your planet fully inspired to spread more good vibes.
Whenever you hear progressive rock, you should do so with a clear and open mind...which you did. There are numerous hallmarks of prog rock. Some of which are complex layering of sounds, numerous time signature changes, not to mention incorporating elements of rock, jazz, classical, and blues. For example, you mentioned early on during the song about instruments making all different sounds that don’t seem like they should mesh together, and yet they do. If you listen to jazz, it’s much the same. Individually, the instruments appear to be playing something that is totally apart from each other, but they somehow inexplicably merge to make a great sound. When you first listen to prog rock, it may be rather confusing because it’s flow is not as predictable as other genres of rock. Progressive is not just something you listen to... it’s something you experience.
Funny thing is, if you feel weird and lost first time you listen to this, you are a YES fan!! If you listen to it ten times more it all makes sense. And you never forget this song.
Once you embrace that music can transport you - take you on a majestic journey into a land you’ve never been - you’ll never view its potential the same way. I love me some pop music, but it’s a different part of the life experience and emotion. The intrepid Jon was a visionary, conductor and inspirer, and this lineup (plus Alan and Patrick) together took us all to exciting places. Your comments nailed it, and your reactions were priceless. CTTE will only get better with repeated listening; all great, complex music - unlike anything you’ve ever heard - does, yet it expands one’s musical vocabulary and soul dimension.
CLOSE TO THE EDGE - I GET UP, I GET DOWN You relax a little bit. “The song came about because Steve was playing these chords one day, and I started singing, 'Two million people barely satisfy. ' It's about the incredible imbalance of the human experience on the planet. “The vocals came together nicely.
Yes were founded in 1969, they were initially like a wild, orchestral, jazz fusion, Beatles combo. They took orchestral rock to a whole new level, further than anyone else.
Great job! When you don't know what to say say nothing. Your quite an honest guy! This music really takes you on a journey. I have been listening to yes from there beginnings! Enjoyed your commentary! Listen to Yes you and I or Heart of the sunrise you'll be happy you did!
My favorite piece of music ever. Smart move NOT watching lyrics. Jon's lyrics are very poetic and are meant to evoke mood. IMHO, you just got done listening to five of the most talented musicians ever. Rick Wakeman's keyboards (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Pipe organ recorded in a cathedral, Mellotron and Mini-Moog synthesizers) are what contributed to a lot of the atmosphere, but also the Hammond organ solo near the end is probably the best rock organ solo ever. Chris Squire's bass is so heavy and funky and really plays almost like a guitar or keyboard part at times. Steve Howe's guitar is amazing in this he is constantly playing riff's and leads that draw on different genres. The odd sounding guitar parts he plays are on a Danelectric Sitar guitar which has sympathetic strings that resonate when the main strings are played like a sitar. Jon Anderson's vocals are so distinct with his raspy voice and amazing vocal range (without using falsetto), and Chris and Steve sing the background vocals and they have somewhat similar sounding voices which allows them to blend in well with Jon's vocals. Thank you for doing this.
I was one of the Yes Fans who got introduced to them during the 90125 Era. And then found out all the things I missed from the albums they put out when I was a pre-schooler. I've seen them in concert 4 or 5 times including the Union Tour in 1991 that brought together the '70s and '80s versions of the band together. Normally I would recommend "Long Distance Runaround" or "Starshipship Trooper" or Yours is no Disgrace" as a song to prepare you for "Close to the Edge."
So glad you shared your first dive into "prog" with us. Both this band and this song are an amazing place to start. Its a rather vast ocean with lots of variety. Please keep exploring. 😉
This is the only classic song that I can honestly say that I remember the first time I listened to it. Your reaction was pretty much spot on to my reaction and of course pretty much everyone else. Your first stop was at the perfect spot as the first few moments of CttE represent various chaotic elements that simultaneously seem to have nothing and everything to do with each other. Slowly becoming more alike, then like the creation of the universe, BANG! It all gels together once the verse begins. I also remember my first reaction after listening to it the first time which was, I'm glad they recorded it because they'll never be able to reproduce that live. I was wrong, fortunately. Fantastic song and probably my vote for greatest song of any genre from the rock era.
My favorite album of ALL time!! Super love for these guys! been following them since my brother turned me on to em' in the 5th grade..1975!! Excellent Choice my friend!! I stumbled onto this video, but I sunscribed.. WooHoo!! peace n love bro
I think what you first heard was a consistent dissonance...order in chaos, although it does resolve to beauty. The first time I heard this I was 14 and it frightened me. Then I saw Yes live in 1978 at MSG in NYC..,it then somehow all made sense and changed the way I heard music. YES was the soundtrack for my coming of age and I am grateful for this. Listen on and enjoy. Thanks for the reaction.
Your reaction was a thing of beauty, and mirrored my own reaction when I first dropped the needle on CTTE sometime in 1974, right after I had heard... sorry Yes Fans, but I have to go there, I feel honor bound to at least offer this young Yes Newbie a chance to glimpse the glorious wonders that is, ....wait for it..... "Tales from Topographic Oceans"... the 1973 release, not the sucky remaster. NOTE: It's not for the weak of heart. Then of course, "Olias of Sunhillow", for some church.
great video,honesty is the thing! been a rabid Yes listener since 1970! Just like me you've been Gobsmacked! The music of my generation was wierd and wonderful,it opened me up to appreciate all genres. Keep up the journey peace bro.
Yes are the Classical Music of Rock. Like Classical Music this track starts with a theme and goes into another ,returning to the original theme. This whole album had only 3 tracks and is a masterpiece . It needs listening to many times with no breaks! All the different members of Yes over the years have always been brilliant musicians and we won’t see their like again.
Music was more futuristic in 1972, great watching you there, you might not have known what was happening but it definitely took you somewhere. I first listened to this not that long after its release I was about 11 years old and it was monumental for me, it was like a world of imagination and wonder opened up for me. Over 40 years later I still love this.
“it needs to be sonically pleasing first, then I might want to break it down...” Anderson has said to more than one interviewer that’s his basic approach to a lyric. Later he would write with a literary intent at times. Siberian Khatru on this album seems to work via free association, and words are there for their sheer sound.
My bedroom walls were covered by posters of the Yes albums ... Roger Dean being the artist .. As below I'd highly recommend "The Gates of Delirium" from Relayer .. another great album from Yes
Possibly the best side long epic of all time. The first time I heard this song was actually off their live album, Yessongs. I knew of the band beforehand and was particularly fond of the song "Roundabout". My sister's BF at the time had bought her Yessongs because they were planning on seeing Yes live on their 1990-91 Union Tour. I fell in love with Yessongs and to this day it's my favorite live album. Close to the Edge soon became my new favorite song. Definitely check out the live version on Yessongs if you get the chance. They bring a lot of energy to the song.
prog = progressive: to extend, improve, do more, to advance the art. Yes. Ras, you have fallen into the hands of masters. Oh, LOTS of replay value. Listen to this again in a week, a year, and you will hear more...
I wasn't sure what to think on my first listen to close to the edge in 1974. Became one of my favorites. Seen yes 4 times in the 70s. Relayer was a great yes show.
Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this landmark album. It is emotionally exhausting to listen to and I can appreciate you trying to get your hands around it on a first listen. I applaud you for your honest reaction and thank you for hopefully introducing this special music to a new audience. Cheers!
Let this song sink into your brain for 4 decades, it still wont make sense why you love it so much. The trick is to stop trying to make sense of the sounds or the lyrics with early Yes. Hearing this album and Dark Side of the Moon for the first time are probably the most memorable musical moments in my youth.
With every listening of that song you hear something new. I've been listening to it for 40 years and get something new out it every time. Please listen to the entire album. It's only 3 songs .... Hahaha
Metal took off from Prog. mix match of influences is what causes progressive rock 'Heart of the Sunrise' is one that really influenced a lot of metal, namely that BASS! Fast, dramatic, loud, deep. Someone mentions metal doom sound at 1:30 of 'Yours is No Disgrace' th-cam.com/video/yV0NTKPvdco/w-d-xo.html Sounds like electric experimental prog band, Kraftwerk
Great band, song is out there. Progressive rock is a genre that generally uses weirder compositional tactics than a pop song. They’re longer, use weird time signatures, have more dynamics and changes. Also influenced by classical, jazz, and folk lyrics. So all around more sophisticated genre back then in the 60s, musicianship and compositionwise. Good video by the way \m/
Thanks a lot for that explanation, dropped you a sub for that alone. Will be watching some videos of yours soon :) I see Periphery in a thumbnail, not particularly their biggest fan but I have seen them live :P I think i'll start with that video unless you have one you'd recommend?
My music tastes Video is good if you’re curious what I’m into. Periphery I really like but can understand why someone wouldn’t like them. Also I the one with the periphery thumbnail is where I talk about artists not evolving their sound enough, so that could be a good one to start with. Thanks for the sub it’s much appreciated!
They really try to kick you in the head in the first minutes. After they got you close to the edge, it gets much easier. Quite poppy even. I only found Yes like two years ago, so first times are still clear in my memory. Love this.
As for recommandations, if you have not heard Roundabout, that is a great starter. Siberian Khatru and And you and I are great too, from this album. Starship Troopers.
It's been over a year since you posted this and I'm just seeing it. Yeah, Close To The Edge is a masterpiece in my opinion. The adventure aspect is real. Good job! (Think "Siddhartha")
I first heard this back in 1987 when I was 16. I put it on and got into bed. And just like you was very confused but also elated. It felt like I had been taken into a new plane of existence. I listened to the album almost constantly for a while after that, just trying to figure it all out. Repeated listens are necessary and rewarded. I would concentrate on a different instrument each time to really get what it's doing throughout the song. And then really going in deep on the lyrics...they were inspired by Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha," which I read after that and the philosophy of this book and Yes' lyrics are cornerstones for me. Anderson has a way of writing lyrics that are like word painting...often he is describing something but not in the traditional way (this is what makes it tough for many people, but once you figure it out, it is rewarding for a lifetime because what your mind sees with these lyrics will change as you change). Both the music and lyrics are at once abstract, dissonant and melodic and that combination has made this song at the top of the all time list for me from first hearing until this day. And you can't believe it live, truly a spiritual experience. Unfortunately, that is not really possible anymore, but if you want to see a great version from back in the day, check out Yessongs, a live video made from the tour for this album. Anyway, thanks for listening and posting. I am so glad you enjoyed it...it was fun watching you experience it for the first time, brought me back to the beginning of my Yes journey, "as apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known." I hope you continue to listen to them, many great things await you. Btw, the covers are by Roger Dean...and those have always been another big part of my enjoyment of Yes as well.
YES music is like an addictive drug. Some can use it a few times and decide it’s not for them. Others gorge on it for a while then rehab. Some of us fall hopelessly obsessed for life. There are no support groups that try to break the addiction, only those that encourage its continued consumption. All in all, for those of us that fall prey to its attraction, the end result is only positive. When we witness the elation of a new consumer like you, we have to smile and remember how wonderful it was when we first yielded to the temptation and were rewarded with a heartfelt sense of euphoria. Thanks for posting your reaction. It brought tears to my eyes.
Jesus Christ that's a wonderful thing to hear someone say about a video I made that I didn't think was going to do well. Thank you so much. I'm going to try and do the rest of the album soon and get a video out this week so look forward to it😁
I'd say you've been bitten by the Yes bug. You were great. Your head moved in perfect response to how the music "moved". I loved every second of it. Your confusion was well spoken and appropriate. I've been going on the CTTE trip for over 40 years, and it's still exciting. People who do these reviews reveal more about themselves than they do about the music. The music is complex and layered. To really absorb this music, it must be listened to multiple times over a substantial span of time. I appreciate your honesty, Yes, a second listening, just for your own pleasure is in order. This is an old video actually, but I hope you've plumbed the depths even deeper. Peace.
This album came out the same year I graduated high school. 50 years later here I am still enjoying it as much if not more than I did that first time. I am entirely confident that I will never hear a song in this lifetime that is this good, and just as confident that I will hear something more woderful when I get to heaven. Until then....
![Yes - And You and I - (REACTION) [Also 2nd CTTE REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gNKuV0j6NaU/mqdefault.jpg)
You've dived right in at the deep end. The album is widely regarded as the best prog. rock album ever done, even 47 years after its release.
One can darn near teach a college class on this freaking album !!
I'm not the biggest "prog" fan (in fact, most of the prog rock albums are boring to me), but Close To The Edge is one of my 10 favorite albums ever.
yea it sure is one pof the best
let's call it a tie with either Selling England by the Pound or Lamb Lies Down On Broadway or Foxtrot or....
@@Vince-lq3ve In terms of relative magnitude, Genesis vs Yes is pretty much Salieri vs Mozart.
Yes not only survives, but thrives with a new generation of master musicians coming forth to carry its name and visionary musical ethos forward beyond the lives of its founders.
The terms you were searching for are called polyrhythms and polyphonic sounds. You're hearing two or more distinct rythms at that same time and various tones, some of which might not seem to go with some of the instruments, while at the same time, they fit perfectly with other sounds and rhythms that are being produced.
To the untrained ear, it can sound like musical chaos at times, but once the listener stops comparing what they are hearing, to more conventional styles of music with less complex rhythms, they will find that there are multiple rhythms, beats and tones to follow.
I always get a kick out of watching people who are new to polyrhythmic music, trying to move their heads and bodies in a smooth, soulful manner with the music. It looks so awkward. It's like, "I Found the beat. Nice! Nope, I lost it again. Ooh! What's happening over here? That is so freakin cool! Nope, I lost it. WTF is this music? I give up. I'm just gonna chill, sit back, listen to everything and see where all of this is going".
"Hey! I get it now!"
As someone who has listened to that song, and that album since the day it came out, it was fascinating to see your first response. And predictable. You see, you just listened to what many consider to be the best and possibly most influential ‘progressive rock’ song and album ever. Other YES albums were certainly great, yet CTTE seems to be noted most often by hard-core YES fans as their favorite. I noted you saying you to wanted to listen again, to absorb more. Go ahead. Just know that you’ll find this to be timeless music. It never gets old. You won’t wear it out. And take the time to listen to the 2 other songs. They’ll add to the surprise and the enjoyment you’ve now embraced in Close To The Edge. By the way, I strongly suggest that you not try to make any literal sense out of the song lyrics. They are more like an extra instrument of music, painting a picture that you will find your own meaning for. Finally, find a way to consume the album art, for this completes the package of ideas that CTTE delivers.
Tim Genster and try their other albums, starting with Going For The One, Relayer, Fragile, Tales From Topography Oceans, Yes Album and so on
@@josedealbuquerquejr.941 Yes, anyone who likes CTTE should listen to all of those albums too. Thing is, I get the feeling rasengankhan hasn't engaged with his channel recently. IF he had, he should have noticed that the CTTE session attracted a lot more traffic and interest than ANY other single session. Distracted I guess.
Yes, those of us who have listened to CTTE over 40 years can testify that it only gets richer with time. A one of kind band, truly.
That is exactly what classical means: it never gets old. One can listen over and over for years. Especially so with CTTE. It has all ingredients of a symphonic masterpiece. No wonder even symphonic orchestras make versions of it and they played also with European symphonic orchestra in Heineken hall Holland. And several young members of the orchestra was in ecstacy.
have a cover soundcloud.com/morbidman/close-to-the-edge-yes-cover
"Close to the Edge" is probably the best thing Yes ever recorded.
Awaken is a close second then.
Except for Heart of the Sunrise.
It’s probably one of the best pieces ever in terms of its composition
Everything YES recorded is their best... it just depends on what day it is and the particular mood you’re in. (See what I did there? ...Mood for a Day)
Maybe you should hear The Gates of Delirium.
You hit all the normal reaction points; “Jesus”, speechless, goosebumps, don’t know how to feel, don’t know what to think... you’ve arrived at the Yes space on your life gameboard.
I would strongly advise keeping this band in your life, because it will stretch your awareness in music, art and life... and how Yes connects them all to you.
This song and the GREAT playing by Chris Squire turned me onto bass guitar so much so that I took it up and played for over 10 years.
Yes are unsurpassed musical giants. React to "Awaken" by them! If you dug this, you will dig that.
Awaken is the song that puts its all in perspective.
Awaken by Yes is a masterpiece almost a religious experience.
the eastern guitar riff still gets me every time
This song can speak to anyone's spiritual path without having to spell it out. It's almost like a guide to reach an individualistic spiritualism. You don't have to even be religious to appreciate it's message.
Well said I truly believe that Awaken is musically an ascension of the soul from the start of Wakeman's almost waking of a flourish of piano at the beginning to the almost floating Corrales and keys etc to the build of the almost gregorian chant vocal style to the glorious pipe organ segment to the crescendo of the full ensemble building ever higher to the , in the symphonic version , the molto rit. that almost stretches the accents to the end of the notes possibilities to the glorious circle of fifths passage that just washes over your soul like no other song ever written only to settle to Anderson telling you of the peace achieved by this voyage . Ended by a almost back down to Earth bluesy riff by Mr. Howe.
Not almost it is!!!
Love Awaken and saw Yes perform it in 1977 at Empire Pool (as was) Wembley. Always has bee a favourite and a true musical experience. However listen to Todmobile from Iceland perform it with Jon Anderson it is truly wonderful
It was designed to play in a loop...
The more you listen, the better it gets.
I’m not the only one who will resonate with your reaction .
It happened so long ago that I can barely remember the feeling of discovering Yes...
Your reaction is the closest Ive seen to how I remember it feeling.
I hope you enjoy the rest of Yes’ songs.
Thank you for your comment, hearing that my reaction was the closest you've seen to remembering how it felt is an honour to be honest.
I will be coming back to Yes for sure :)
Thanks very much for showing us your journey through this awesome piece of music. Your reactions took me back to my first listen all those years ago as a 14 year old adolescent. Haven’t stopped listening since. Awesome!!! Next listen Awaken. Please.
Even weirder - "Gates Of Delirium" from "Relayer" describes an Apocalyptic battle.
Relayer is my favorite Yes album. I love GOD (it's amazing how many don't get that) but Soundchaser is my all time favorite Yes song. Too bad Moraz didn't blend personality-wise with the band. I really thought he added an amazing element.
Relayer is an amzing album ... :-)
@@topographic1973ify I love To Be Over from Relayer. The slide guitar just knocks me out and some of the bass playing is wicked silly. It also reminds me of Christmas.
Its the Battle of Borodino from Tolstoy's War and Peace.
Kings of Progressive Rock! Yes!
The first time I heard this I could not help but to marvel at the thought that someone not all that much older than myself actually wrote this piece of music. I would listen to this album with my best friend in his room and we would just hang out and be amazed.
How to listen to Yes: put it on -- listen to it -- all the way through. Then put it on again and listen to it all the way through. Then think about it for a week. Repeat as needed.
repeat every couple of days for 50 years... rinse and repeat!!
heeheeee
YEP
You were moved by it, loved your reaction!!!!
Two words: Chris Squire
You said 'I wanna sit in bed, with all the lights off, and listen to this'. That said it all. I loved to see (and hear) you go through this.
rasengankhan, thank you so much for reacting to my request. Glad its "weirdness" met your qualifications. This song is about a journey of self discovery and felt this song sent you on your own journey of discovery. I would recommend you listen to the rest of the album because the songs are all gems. A lot of people find it difficult to grasp this song, some never do, I absolutely love it and felt you will too after a couple of more listens. Keep up the good work, I have subscribed to your channel so will look forward to watching more reactions. Firth Of Fifth by Genesis would be another good prog rock song to checkout... but it's not weird though, just a very beautiful piece.
Spot on with the interpretation, Anderson said the lyrics were inspired by Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha", particularly the final part on enlightenment.
Thanks for suggesting!
I was 13 years old in 1972 and I will always remember how I felt after listening to Close to the Edge. In 2019 47 years afters yes released this masterpiece I still get goosebumps.
As you listen to this or any Yes song from the time, you will find that every nuance, is there by design, and when you know the song, you can appreciate the exquisite precision
which Yes puts into their songs. There are other Yes songs that are even more Unique and Strange. All of Relayer, The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, Yessongs,
Going For The One. I was 12 when all this came out, and I had an older brother with a Killer Audio System, You really have to feel the Bass in these songs to get the full experience.
The first 3 minutes of Close To The Edge is the sound of being swept away by a river. You're right! It is a journey. The entire song is a musical exploration of the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, the journey along the river of life, where Siddhartha returns to the river and sees all of life reflected on the old man's face.
That's crazy, I learn more everyday thanks to the comments. I had no idea it was based on a novel. I haven't sat down to read a book in years but now I'm curious about Siddhartha
@@Rasengankhan there is a beautiful film version, but it may make less sense absent the experience of the book
Speechless is the greatest form of compliment
The greatest and most powerful ending in rock history.
I am so enjoying him being speechless
YES! An experience of spirituality!
I am so happy I had to opportunity to take LSD and listen to this album at it's release. Close to the Edge, Electric Ladyland, Hot Rats, Bright Size Life, and Birds of Fire are the seminal albums of the last part of the 20th century for me. Each are dense, deep, unusual, and genius music like nothing before.
YES packs so much into their masterpiece compositions that you absolutely must expose yourself to several listenings in order to fully appreciate what they put together. That's one of the things I always loved about YES, was that after listening the 4th and 5th times, you're still hearing things you didn't hear before. I think their music always remained fresh for me much longer than the other music for that reason.
I recommend listening to *Siberian Khatru* next, my friend...
The artist on most of the YES album covers is Roger Dean. I have several of his signed prints. They are a prized possession to me!
Great reaction and yes, listen to this lying down, eyes closed, headphones on, in the dark.
Enjoy the journey
You've started your Yes journey at the same point as me. It was recommended to me back in 1974 as a 16 year old and I too was totally confused on first hearing. Listened and read the lyrics (Roger Dean's handwriting on the sleeve) and got lost between odd lyrics, booming bass sounds, intricate guitar and the keyboard all joined together with Brufords drumming. It took me maybe two or three listening to appreciate the brilliance of the track. Each instrument is kinda doing it's own thing but together and overlayed it's a masterpiece of intricacy. What's more you can create your own story. After this go backwards to Fragile, The Yes Album, Time and a Word and Yes then you'll see where this brilliance was born. BUT make sure you do the rest - And You and I plus Siberian Khatru first.
Best reaction to Close the the Edge I've seen!
Same experience, around the same age, same song when I decided to sit down and see what this was about. Yes fan ever since. I don't know if the 'reactor' reads the comments...I wanna tell him to get to 'know' the song, listen to each instrument separately...and this is a great album for that, not a ton of overdubs...just 5 dudes...in their 20's no less...making true art. But listening to all of the individual parts really makes you appreciate how complex and amazing these arrangements are.
I've been a Yes fan for 4 decades. There is always something new to discover. The latest new thing I discovered is watching someone listen to it for the first time. I smiled the whole way through your video. My buddies introduced me to Yes in high school. I didn't like it at first. Then one night I was like "how about Yes". "Roundabout". One of the most culturally impactful songs of it's time. Yes made rock "almost friendly" (quoting Steve Howe talking about his guitar playing). Then I laid on the floor of my bedroom listening to "And You and I" on LSD while a friend tapped lightly on my closed eye lids. That sealed it, a life long relationship with Yes. I've seen them 10ish times, most recently being just a couple years ago in Portland, Oregon. 3 of my 4 kids have seen them live; 2 of them more than once.
It was like me listening for the first time, all those years ago. Loved your reaction and that your mind is open. Enjoy your future listens. Man, you need so much more tea :)
This is not just a studio work. I've seen it live several times and it's mind blowing. I still have my original vinyl from 1972; I know it sounds corny, but this album changed my life. You should check out more Yes, it's like they're finally being re-discovered. I have (modestly) a monstrously huge collection of stuff by the band and by the individual musicians. You might remember one song by them: OWNER OF A LONELY HEART which caused a huge rift in the fan base but it saved the band at the time. Close To The Edge has the "classic" lineup and there have been a LOT of lineup changes since then. I would suggest some of the live stuff. I would also encourage you to check out ABWH when there were actually two versions of Yes running around the countryside. Yes's history is pretty crazy. I really encourage you to listen to more.
Hari
Masterpiece of prog rock and a classic that one can listen to over and over again (50 years for me) and not get bored. A symphony.
@@Tapas08 Same for me
Seeing the Yessongs tour, Tales tour and Relayer tour changed my life...
@@RayVRoberts I believe it.
First experience? Original vinyl... 1972... altered state... dark room... headphones... immediately listened to it again. Heard it often. I hear something new every time I play it.
Be patient and don’t stop a Yes song. Their music is among the most complex recorded-ever! Relayer is even deeper and more intricate than this.
The Yes Album
Fragile
Close to the Edge
Yessongs
Tales from Topographic Oceans
Relayer
Those are the most important albums they made. It takes a lot of time to hear all that. You won’t be bored!
You've just put your toe into the wonderful world of Prog! There's so much more.
This group has been in my life for 50 years. YESSONGS is the next album you should listen to. Albums FRAGILE and CLOSE to the EDGE were performed on this live albums. Awaken on Going for the One album still makes me cry !
Close to the Edge is a great song to get baptized into the ethereal world of YES.
They formed in 1968. First album was in 1969. A version of the band is still touring and they're working on a new album as of this moment.
You're listening to bona fide musical masters.
Each a genius on their instrument.
You need to listen to their album, "Relayer".
It is a musical masterpiece.
I know why they have their name: It’s because when you listen to their music, you feel like you want to say no, but something about it just makes you say YES.
Lifelong Yes fan, first time commenter. Let me echo the sentiments here about this song. My uncle had this album when I was but a pisher. My mother owned the two albums before this one: "The Yes Album" and "Fragile", so I grew up listening to "Roundabout" and "I've Seen All Good People". Fascinated by the cover but didn't give it a proper listen until 1985 when I obtained a vinyl copy for myself. I was 16 at the time. I was drawn in immediately. Before then, I had heard the first song on the second side, "And You and I" on classic rock radio and loved it. Anything featuring the Mellotron, I was into. (The Mellotron was the first sampling keyboard ever invented--it used a rack of analog tape loops and the keys activated each respective playback head. That's what created those ethereal string washes you heard.) This album was a revelation for me. I was really stoked for you to hear it for the first time and for you to share that experience, that journey, with us all. I feel it has compositional and chordal elements akin to some of the great Russian composers--Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, even a bit of Stravinsky. Yes were every bit the pretentious, showboat-y prog rock group, but they held on to those crucial pop-rock sensibilities that made them fun to listen to. And for as long as "Edge" is, it's just the right length, always holding your interest. And that's not saying anything about the face-melting musicianship of the group. Fun fact: the keyboardist Rick Wakeman played keys (mostly the aforementioned Mellotron) on David Bowie's first hit, "Space Oddity" from 1969. I got to see Yes in 1984 on their "90125" Tour--they had just had a big hit with "Owner of a Lonely Heart" that year. I could go on and on waxing enthusiastic about them, but I'll spare you. Thank you for this video, and thank you for giving this monumental, culturally crucial piece of music a fair audition. I love that it's finding a new audience in the younger generations.
YES recorded a few epic masterpieces. What sets this one apart from the others is the presence of drummer Bill Bruford. What he does in the first three minutes of this song is pure genius and unprecedented or unequaled in rock music.
Still have my 1972 original album in good condition signed by Roger Dean. How I got his signature is quite a story.
If you're feeling it, please do tell :)
This was my first long play record, I bought this record in 1972 or 73, was attracted by the inner cover , listened to it in the shop and was totaly blown away.
It still is in my possession and one of my 5 most favourite albums.
Keep up tje good work !
This is quite possibly the greatest progressive rock tune
have a cover soundcloud.com/morbidman/close-to-the-edge-yes-cover
Perfect way to experience this song. Lean back on your chair. Close your eyes. Listen. Appreciate. I heard it when it first came out when I was 17. It’s been my favorite album of all time ever since.
We all have our own story about the first time we heard Close to the Edge. Mine occurred in early April 2004. I had already heard The Yes Album and Fragile, the two earlier albums, before buying CTTE and I really liked The Yes Album but didn't much care for Fragile... Anyway, I was on my journey of discovery into progressive rock so I finally got this record, came home, inserted the CD into my portable CD player ( this was two years before I got into the iPod bandwagon, hahah ) and then I went on a walk while playing the record. Just like you and many others, all I could hear initially was cacophony but the thing was, even after that initial, confused listen, my subconscious demanded to hear it again and so I did, and then a third time and a fourth... I believe by the fifth time I suddenly had a musical epiphany; one evening I sat at my desk listening to it with my headphones on and exclaimed out loud "this is incredible, I love it!" I never stopped loving it, either, and to this day I consider Close to the Edge one of my ultimate desert island albums and the title track still sends shivers down my spine.
Thanks for the reaction video to this masterpiece of music! =)
I love hearing all these stories about the first time everyone heard CTTE. It's really warming that everyone is sharing them here as well.😁 I've still only heard it twice (the second will be in my next video but chopped up in the edit) but I 100% enjoyed it much more the second time around. I'm looking forward to sitting down to listen to it again but I need to make sure I'm not distracted 🤣
I first heard Close to the Edge using headphones in '74 at the age of 15. I had the same reaction. It was if I was pulled out of reality and had my brain cells rearranged. The Yes Album, Relayer, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Close to the Edge and Fragile still have the same effect today. It's disorienting when the songs are over.
This video really made me smile! I don't know when I first heard this exactly, over 30 years ago, in my early teens, but I'm pretty sure I reacted in a similar way! I haven't stopped listening to it (and their other albums) since. I remember my Dad made me a mix tape of sections from the albums of theirs he had on vinyl (and Olias of Sunhillow - well worth investigation), not an easy thing to do, but I still have the tape (complete with vinyl scratches and jumps) and I must've listened to it hundreds of times. I now have his vinyl, since he passed away a few years ago, and I will be forever grateful for the introduction he gave me to their music.
I'm really happy my video made you smile 😊 That alone makes, making these videos worth it and I can't wait to get back to the rest of the album (and their discography). Also sounds like your dad had a fantastic taste in music 👌
close to the edge by Yes is like waking up in a field of beauty at the beginning then being picked up by some friendly alians who share their space/alian music with you for a while then gently place you back on your planet fully inspired to spread more good vibes.
Whenever you hear progressive rock, you should do so with a clear and open mind...which you did. There are numerous hallmarks of prog rock. Some of which are complex layering of sounds, numerous time signature changes, not to mention incorporating elements of rock, jazz, classical, and blues. For example, you mentioned early on during the song about instruments making all different sounds that don’t seem like they should mesh together, and yet they do. If you listen to jazz, it’s much the same. Individually, the instruments appear to be playing something that is totally apart from each other, but they somehow inexplicably merge to make a great sound. When you first listen to prog rock, it may be rather confusing because it’s flow is not as predictable as other genres of rock. Progressive is not just something you listen to... it’s something you experience.
Funny thing is, if you feel weird and lost first time you listen to this, you are a YES fan!! If you listen to it ten times more it all makes sense. And you never forget this song.
Once you embrace that music can transport you - take you on a majestic journey into a land you’ve never been - you’ll never view its potential the same way. I love me some pop music, but it’s a different part of the life experience and emotion. The intrepid Jon was a visionary, conductor and inspirer, and this lineup (plus Alan and Patrick) together took us all to exciting places. Your comments nailed it, and your reactions were priceless. CTTE will only get better with repeated listening; all great, complex music - unlike anything you’ve ever heard - does, yet it expands one’s musical vocabulary and soul dimension.
Truly a masterpiece!
CLOSE TO THE EDGE - I GET UP, I GET DOWN
You relax a little bit. “The song came about because Steve was playing these chords one day, and I started singing, 'Two million people barely satisfy. ' It's about the incredible imbalance of the human experience on the planet. “The vocals came together nicely.
Yes were founded in 1969, they were initially like a wild, orchestral, jazz fusion, Beatles combo. They took orchestral rock to a whole new level, further than anyone else.
Great job! When you don't know what to say say nothing. Your quite an honest guy! This music really takes you on a journey. I have been listening to yes from there beginnings! Enjoyed your commentary! Listen to Yes you and I or Heart of the sunrise you'll be happy you did!
My favorite piece of music ever. Smart move NOT watching lyrics. Jon's lyrics are very poetic and are meant to evoke mood. IMHO, you just got done listening to five of the most talented musicians ever. Rick Wakeman's keyboards (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Pipe organ recorded in a cathedral, Mellotron and Mini-Moog synthesizers) are what contributed to a lot of the atmosphere, but also the Hammond organ solo near the end is probably the best rock organ solo ever. Chris Squire's bass is so heavy and funky and really plays almost like a guitar or keyboard part at times. Steve Howe's guitar is amazing in this he is constantly playing riff's and leads that draw on different genres. The odd sounding guitar parts he plays are on a Danelectric Sitar guitar which has sympathetic strings that resonate when the main strings are played like a sitar. Jon Anderson's vocals are so distinct with his raspy voice and amazing vocal range (without using falsetto), and Chris and Steve sing the background vocals and they have somewhat similar sounding voices which allows them to blend in well with Jon's vocals.
Thank you for doing this.
Then you go and forget to mention the GREAT Bill Bruford. Haha
Yes: masters at melding seemingly disparate parts into a cohesive whole.
I was one of the Yes Fans who got introduced to them during the 90125 Era. And then found out all the things I missed from the albums they put out when I was a pre-schooler. I've seen them in concert 4 or 5 times including the Union Tour in 1991 that brought together the '70s and '80s versions of the band together.
Normally I would recommend "Long Distance Runaround" or "Starshipship Trooper" or Yours is no Disgrace" as a song to prepare you for "Close to the Edge."
So glad you shared your first dive into "prog" with us.
Both this band and this song are an amazing place to start.
Its a rather vast ocean with lots of variety.
Please keep exploring.
😉
That's how you listen to yes, WITH EYES SHUT, AND GO ON A JOURNEY!!!!
Your reaction at 29 minutes says it all. :) They are building bridges. And by 30 minutes I think you got the main theme. :) Great vid!
This is the only classic song that I can honestly say that I remember the first time I listened to it. Your reaction was pretty much spot on to my reaction and of course pretty much everyone else. Your first stop was at the perfect spot as the first few moments of CttE represent various chaotic elements that simultaneously seem to have nothing and everything to do with each other. Slowly becoming more alike, then like the creation of the universe, BANG! It all gels together once the verse begins. I also remember my first reaction after listening to it the first time which was, I'm glad they recorded it because they'll never be able to reproduce that live. I was wrong, fortunately. Fantastic song and probably my vote for greatest song of any genre from the rock era.
1972 is the year you want to listen to.
My favorite album of ALL time!! Super love for these guys! been following them since my brother turned me on to em' in the 5th grade..1975!! Excellent Choice my friend!! I stumbled onto this video, but I sunscribed.. WooHoo!! peace n love bro
The genius of YES
The sound quality of your video is great . Can really hear the nuances of the song
I think what you first heard was a consistent dissonance...order in chaos, although it does resolve to beauty. The first time I heard this I was 14 and it frightened me. Then I saw Yes live in 1978 at MSG in NYC..,it then somehow all made sense and changed the way I heard music. YES was the soundtrack for my coming of age and I am grateful for this. Listen on and enjoy. Thanks for the reaction.
Your reaction was a thing of beauty, and mirrored my own reaction when I first dropped the needle on CTTE sometime in 1974, right after I had heard... sorry Yes Fans, but I have to go there, I feel honor bound to at least offer this young Yes Newbie a chance to glimpse the glorious wonders that is, ....wait for it..... "Tales from Topographic Oceans"... the 1973 release, not the sucky remaster. NOTE: It's not for the weak of heart. Then of course, "Olias of Sunhillow", for some church.
great video,honesty is the thing! been a rabid Yes listener since 1970! Just like me you've been Gobsmacked! The music of my generation was wierd and wonderful,it opened me up to appreciate all genres. Keep up the journey peace bro.
Yes are the Classical Music of Rock. Like Classical Music this track starts with a theme and goes into another ,returning to the original theme. This whole album
had only 3 tracks and is a masterpiece . It needs listening to many times with no breaks! All the different members of Yes over the years have always been brilliant musicians and we won’t see their like again.
Great choice - a masterpiece!
Music was more futuristic in 1972, great watching you there, you might not have known what was happening but it definitely took you somewhere. I first listened to this not that long after its release I was about 11 years old and it was monumental for me, it was like a world of imagination and wonder opened up for me. Over 40 years later I still love this.
Thank you!!! Yes is my favorite band so I subscribed to your channel. Keep it up.
“it needs to be sonically pleasing first, then I might want to break it down...”
Anderson has said to more than one interviewer that’s his basic approach to a lyric. Later he would write with a literary intent at times. Siberian Khatru on this album seems to work via free association, and words are there for their sheer sound.
Don't worry about Yes lyrics. Just nice sounding words put together and sung, according to Jon Anderson.
My bedroom walls were covered by posters of the Yes albums ... Roger Dean being the artist .. As below I'd highly recommend "The Gates of Delirium" from Relayer .. another great album from Yes
Possibly the best side long epic of all time. The first time I heard this song was actually off their live album, Yessongs. I knew of the band beforehand and was particularly fond of the song "Roundabout". My sister's BF at the time had bought her Yessongs because they were planning on seeing Yes live on their 1990-91 Union Tour. I fell in love with Yessongs and to this day it's my favorite live album. Close to the Edge soon became my new favorite song. Definitely check out the live version on Yessongs if you get the chance. They bring a lot of energy to the song.
prog = progressive: to extend, improve, do more, to advance the art. Yes.
Ras, you have fallen into the hands of masters.
Oh, LOTS of replay value. Listen to this again in a week, a year, and you will hear more...
It's a bit weird, but since Close to The Edge, prog music doesn't have progressed. This album was the peak of the genre, IMHO.
Very WELL said !!! Lol Hell YES
I wasn't sure what to think on my first listen to close to the edge in 1974. Became one of my favorites. Seen yes 4 times in the 70s. Relayer was a great yes show.
Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this landmark album. It is emotionally exhausting to listen to and I can appreciate you trying to get your hands around it on a first listen. I applaud you for your honest reaction and thank you for hopefully introducing this special music to a new audience. Cheers!
I'm 62 and grew up on this stuff. there will never be another group like yes
Let this song sink into your brain for 4 decades, it still wont make sense why you love it so much. The trick is to stop trying to make sense of the sounds or the lyrics with early Yes. Hearing this album and Dark Side of the Moon for the first time are probably the most memorable musical moments in my youth.
Welcome to the best song ever written ❤🎉
I crucified my hate
And held the world within my hand
... great reaction ✌️
You've got a sub my friend...no, my brother.., no my . it's fine, brother is fine.
Check out the symphonic version of CTTE. Simply beautiful
With every listening of that song you hear something new.
I've been listening to it for 40 years and get something new out it every time.
Please listen to the entire album.
It's only 3 songs .... Hahaha
Metal took off from Prog.
mix match of influences is what causes progressive rock
'Heart of the Sunrise' is one that really influenced a lot of metal, namely that BASS! Fast, dramatic, loud, deep.
Someone mentions metal doom sound at 1:30 of 'Yours is No Disgrace' th-cam.com/video/yV0NTKPvdco/w-d-xo.html Sounds like electric experimental prog band, Kraftwerk
Great band, song is out there. Progressive rock is a genre that generally uses weirder compositional tactics than a pop song. They’re longer, use weird time signatures, have more dynamics and changes. Also influenced by classical, jazz, and folk lyrics. So all around more sophisticated genre back then in the 60s, musicianship and compositionwise.
Good video by the way \m/
Thanks a lot for that explanation, dropped you a sub for that alone. Will be watching some videos of yours soon :) I see Periphery in a thumbnail, not particularly their biggest fan but I have seen them live :P I think i'll start with that video unless you have one you'd recommend?
My music tastes Video is good if you’re curious what I’m into. Periphery I really like but can understand why someone wouldn’t like them. Also I the one with the periphery thumbnail is where I talk about artists not evolving their sound enough, so that could be a good one to start with.
Thanks for the sub it’s much appreciated!
They really try to kick you in the head in the first minutes. After they got you close to the edge, it gets much easier. Quite poppy even. I only found Yes like two years ago, so first times are still clear in my memory. Love this.
As for recommandations, if you have not heard Roundabout, that is a great starter. Siberian Khatru and And you and I are great too, from this album. Starship Troopers.
It's been over a year since you posted this and I'm just seeing it. Yeah, Close To The Edge is a masterpiece in my opinion. The adventure aspect is real. Good job! (Think "Siddhartha")
Unfortunately you weren't one of the lucky ones to have been there to see them live in concert.. What an experience to behold...:)
Amen to that!
I first heard this back in 1987 when I was 16. I put it on and got into bed. And just like you was very confused but also elated. It felt like I had been taken into a new plane of existence. I listened to the album almost constantly for a while after that, just trying to figure it all out. Repeated listens are necessary and rewarded. I would concentrate on a different instrument each time to really get what it's doing throughout the song. And then really going in deep on the lyrics...they were inspired by Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha," which I read after that and the philosophy of this book and Yes' lyrics are cornerstones for me. Anderson has a way of writing lyrics that are like word painting...often he is describing something but not in the traditional way (this is what makes it tough for many people, but once you figure it out, it is rewarding for a lifetime because what your mind sees with these lyrics will change as you change). Both the music and lyrics are at once abstract, dissonant and melodic and that combination has made this song at the top of the all time list for me from first hearing until this day. And you can't believe it live, truly a spiritual experience. Unfortunately, that is not really possible anymore, but if you want to see a great version from back in the day, check out Yessongs, a live video made from the tour for this album. Anyway, thanks for listening and posting. I am so glad you enjoyed it...it was fun watching you experience it for the first time, brought me back to the beginning of my Yes journey, "as apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known." I hope you continue to listen to them, many great things await you. Btw, the covers are by Roger Dean...and those have always been another big part of my enjoyment of Yes as well.
I don't always do LSD, but when I do, I make sure I listen to Close to the Edge when I'm doing it.
YES IS KNOWN FOR LONG INSTRUMENTATION, VOCAL HARMONY AND THERE IS ALWAYS A STORY WITHIN THEIR MUSIC!
Loved when the nebulae came drifting through. Perfect. It's one of those songs that you have to listen to a few times to ingest it all.
YES music is like an addictive drug. Some can use it a few times and decide it’s not for them. Others gorge on it for a while then rehab. Some of us fall hopelessly obsessed for life. There are no support groups that try to break the addiction, only those that encourage its continued consumption. All in all, for those of us that fall prey to its attraction, the end result is only positive. When we witness the elation of a new consumer like you, we have to smile and remember how wonderful it was when we first yielded to the temptation and were rewarded with a heartfelt sense of euphoria. Thanks for posting your reaction. It brought tears to my eyes.
Jesus Christ that's a wonderful thing to hear someone say about a video I made that I didn't think was going to do well. Thank you so much. I'm going to try and do the rest of the album soon and get a video out this week so look forward to it😁
I'd say you've been bitten by the Yes bug. You were great. Your head moved in perfect response to how the music "moved". I loved every second of it. Your confusion was well spoken and appropriate. I've been going on the CTTE trip for over 40 years, and it's still exciting. People who do these reviews reveal more about themselves than they do about the music. The music is complex and layered. To really absorb this music, it must be listened to multiple times over a substantial span of time. I appreciate your honesty, Yes, a second listening, just for your own pleasure is in order. This is an old video actually, but I hope you've plumbed the depths even deeper. Peace.
This album came out the same year I graduated high school. 50 years later here I am still enjoying it as much if not more than I did that first time. I am entirely confident that I will never hear a song in this lifetime that is this good, and just as confident that I will hear something more woderful when I get to heaven. Until then....
Wonderful reaction!