Dude, I'm an old guy and first saw Yes in 1971. Still probably my favorite Prog Rock band. Supremely talented. Unbelievably so. The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales of Topographic Oceans and Relayer. Absolutely awesome. Virtuosity.
To be honest without this song I wouldn't be the person I am! This song this band ultimately changed my outlook on music and life! I've been listening to this song for 45 years and every single time it brings tears to my eyes because it is in my opinion the greatest song ever made!
You have to understand that early Yes was fortunate enough to come along when the record company and producers gave them the freedom to create this type of music. They take us on an incredible journey. Don't forget, this was the 70s. So close your eyes and take a ride, Close To The Edge.
They had a high regard for Ahmet Ertegun, the boss of Atlantic (their record company) who let them do whatever they wanted to do. And Led Zeppelin reunited after 27 years in a tribute concert to him after he died. How many record company owners would command such respect these days?
Also FM Radio was new and they played whole albums not just hits. Requests weren't that big a deal to these new stations. Yes, Genesis, Steely Dan, etc wouldn't exist without open minded record executives/producers and FM radio. I do believe there was short version of Roundabout that was played a lot on our AM stations.
My son, you have achieved Nirvana. You have reached the heights of progressive rock. You have been blessed and sanctified by the perfection of the ultimate Yes showcase masterpiece. Congratulations and welcome to the celestial plane of being. How-ummmmmmmmmm ....
There are people who cannot escape themselves or surroundings long enough to listen to an 18 minute song. I am not one of them ! Thanks for actually listening to music 👍😎
One of the great Prog Rock albums of all time. The third song, Siberian Khatru, is Da Bomb! I was in college when this album came out. Hard to believe it was around 50 years ago. :)
Close to the Edge,the bible of prog. Geddy,Gabriel,Fripp and every prog legend pay homage to Yes and this legendary,iconic work of art. Please listen on repeat,each listen will reveal something new and very rewarding.
Rick Wakeman had once said the members of YES would all individually bring down random pieces of music and then they would weave it all together to make something amazing. And they did!
A musical experience that changed so many, including myself what modern, contemporary rock was like. The evolution of progressive rock! From the Fragile album and this one a fan forever more. This is the Mt. Rushmore of progressive rock!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️☮️☮️🎤🎼🎹🎸
This song BLEW me away the first time I heard it. It continues to blow me away EVERY time I listen to it. It is one of my most listened to songs, and I always seem to notice something I never noticed before. It is the very definition of a MUSICAL MASTERPIECE. I hope you enjoy it for a lifetime as I have.
Thanks for getting to this Chod. The live version on Yessongs is even better. It's hard to believe that a band can pull this kind of music off live better but it's true. I'll be 65 the 3rd of next month. I saw Yes perform this live in Atlanta when I was 16. Stood at the stage in front of Steve Howe and was blown away. Their music still does the same to me today.
The real beauty and genius of this song, is that aspects of it will reveal for decades! It takes many listens to fully appreciate it, but then it keeps on giving as you listen more. If I'm forced to name a favorite of the scores, even hundreds, of songs that I love, this would be my favorite. Like you, I have two favorite bands, and though I love Led Zeppelin, my other favorite band is Radiohead. They have a similar level of talent, especially their lead guitarist/keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/ arranger Jonny Greenwood, along with songwriter and lead singer, Thom Yorke. Keep going with Yes, but plan on checking out some Radiohead at some point. One suggestion I would make; take their songs in chronological order. Their sound and style evolved so much from album to album, that you will appreciate them much more if you hear their songs in order written. Thanks for listening and sharing this awesome work of art! Peace from SF
It’s quite literally a religious experience listening to this song and album. Tales From Topographic Oceans is the following album, a double album, four sides, each side is a song, each song is a masterpiece. Enjoy it when you get to it.
@@justineapril7922 TFTO was my first experience with Yes. I was only 13 or 14. Didnt understand what I was listening to , but I knew it was great. Their musicc will be studied by musicians for years to come.
Growing up during the time of these great bands it was everyday music and easy to take for granted. Hearing them through young ears that appreciate the music, helps me realize how truly great they were.
I first heard this when I was about 11 years old and it opened up a whole new world for me, well over 40 years later this music is a profound experience still, it's great musicianship, but other bands are great musicians, this music is genuinely inspired, its a new spiritual rock music, deeply creatiove and deeply moving. There is no modern pop/rock music better than this.
First listen of CTTE is always amazing. You can remember sections that impressed you, but the totality of what those guys achieved is only fully appreciated upon subsequent listenings. YES packed so much into their Epics, you only notice how it all works together the more you listen to it. Which is one of the reasons I've loved YES; their music always remained so fresh for so long. Like you said, Chod, Close To The Edge was smack-in-your-face *_outrageous_* with respect to the raw *_audacity_* of what those musicians were actually attempting to do, but dammit, *_they nailed it._* So perfect was this composition on multiple levels, it's fair to describe it as a "religious experience" for those who have a deep appreciation of music. I can't imagine another Prog Group exceeding CTTE, cuz while many have been inspired by it--like RUSH--none have been able to match the overall mastery of CTTE. So far, the only band that has come close is...YES...:)
I was 11 in 1973 when my older brother was away, and my parents, and I snuck in my brothers room, and picked this out for some reason, I have never been the same musically, since then. I happened to mention to him a year later, about listening to Yes, and what he thought, and I remember saying "but they couldn't play any of this live", and he reached in his crate of albums and handed me YESSONGS. Not only can they play all of their masterpieces live, they created "new" masterpieces. Yours Is No Disgrace from YESSONGS is a must hear.
@@kima.4268 I saw them in '77, when they did Close To The Edge with the huge screen, with the earth turning and the running man, with dry ice mist, and multicolored nylons stretched from truss to stage, Wow what a show. I saw them on the Tormato tour "in the round" and Jon's Son came out and spoke the lines at the end of "Circus Of Heaven". Again, a Masterpiece Live Show. RIP Chris Squire, such a Master Bass Player.
my older brother came home from a gig in 1971 , thrust a copy of the Yes album into my hands and said, what do you think of this? I was hooked at 14yrs old and never regarded any other band in the same way ever again
Yes is by far my favorite band. No one comes even close to their masterpieces. What you said after the song ended made tears in my eyes. I am so happy for you.
You're honest, smart, very insightful and so to watch and listen to. Its a pure joy to listen to Yours insights. It resonates with me very deeply. I feel the same way about Yes. They are simply unmatched, musical phenomenon.
First heard YES in 1971....now I am 71....Can't help but smile when riding the YES rollercoaster. Musical virtuosos and the voice of Jon Anderson carry you away like no other.
You have to listen to this song from the album "YESSONGS" (live album) too. I know I am "prejudiced". Yessongs was my first Yes album. That's why these live versions of the songs are "the original" for me. But despite the moderate sound quality and the lack of the effects possible in the studio: all the songs in the "Yessongs version" sound more clarified, rounder, more dynamic and more powerful. Many songs have also been further developed in terms of composition / arrangement. With "Close To The Edge" you notice that especially in the second half (after the spherical interlude)
It's great to see young people, especially musicians, hear this and hear what we heard in the Fall of 1972. Yes was a very special band back then. Their albums from the 1971 YES album through 1977's Going for the One represent their core body of work. This sort of music is almost impossible to sell in huge numbers now, at least according to the spineless record industry execs who are incapable of risking what the late Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic was willing to risk. God bless him for his support. And thank Eddie Offord for his supreme command of the control board, both in the studio and on the road when they toured back then. Yes always loved to do three hour shows. I saw them live in 1974 as they did Tales from Topographic Oceans and most of Close to the Edge, plus Roundabout. It was a magical evening. If you haven't seen the Yes Symphonic Live concert videos here on YT, look them up. They're a treat!
I've been listening to Yes for 54 yrs. This album came out 52 yrs ago. I still love it as much after all this time. Their music has a timeless quality to it. It transcends time. It's my favorite song by the best prog band in the known universe. The whole album is sublime. The Yes album through Relayer was my favorite period of their ever evolving style and craft. So deeply spiritual and moving. This is man trying to achieve something noble and from the heart, and succeeding!
Ah yes, or better yet, Ah Yes, such a criminally underrated album. A tremendous tour also with a local orchestra playing with the guys in every city. Long live the mighty Yes.
" Deeper than just music"?....yessir.....in all my years....I have yet to encounter anything that comes close to this beautiful, majestic, powerhouse of a piece of music....and I suspect I never will...
So glad you've done "Close to the Edge"... This is Yes at its' best. Lyrically and musically. There are so many other Yes tunes that come close - but this one is their ultimate masterpiece. Just my opinion...
I still have the album and turntable I first played it on 45 years ago at age 15. Classic music and spiritually deep. I can always count on it keeping me from going over the edge in difficult times. Thanks for reacting to it!
I really like this guy. He has described the brilliance of this piece of music so well and acknowledges in his wisdom that this sort of genius will never see the light of day again. I bought this album at the age of twenty when it came out in late 1972. I subsequently saw Yes perform the whole album in 1973 in it's entirety at the The Rainbow Theatre London. They then performed their new double Album Tales From Topographic Oceans (which was not yet released), in its entirety. Just like their performance of Close To The Edge it was note for note perfect. Such genius.
In the 80s there was a backlash against progressive rock. It’s great to see younger generations finding Yes an appreciating them for the great musicians they are.
Absolutely. As an aging Gen-X’er, I remember the vitriol heaped on Yes and Rush in the late 70’s and 80’s. They were absolutely hated by the music press and the mainstream. It is bizzare but satisfying to see so may positive reaction videos to these bands several decades later as a new generation discovers and appreciates their music without the stigma that used to be attached to progressive rock bands.
Indeed! I was that 15 yo teenager who found this album at the record store. It was the first Yes album I bought and it remains close to my heart; second only to their next year's release, 'Tales from Topographic Oceans,' which is my favorite Yes album. A 4-sided double album with only FOUR SONGS!! 💙💙💙💙
That smile that creased your face for the final, "I get up, I get down" just said everything. You got it. This song is based on the book Siddhartha, but you don't even need to know that to enjoy the beauty of this piece. You'd also enjoy Tales From Topographic Oceans, it's a double album, 4 song set that Jon Anderson said tongue-in-cheek was his version of putting the Bible to music, lol. As only he could.
in 1979 one of the first quad plex movie theaters in KC was having a midnight special with 2 theaters showing YESSONGS and two showing The Song Remains the Same. Both were packed. It was like a dream multiband concert and the atmosphere and reactions by the viewers was just as intense as if the bands were on stage.
Like any symphony, it took me a few listens to understand what I was hearing- but I loved it, actually couldn't believe it! Ok....now, do South Side of the Sky. :)
Still listening in 2023 which makes 59 years…aging boomer and I’m still listening to the same music I immersed myself in as a teen, no additional substances needed for this music.💙👍🎶😘
Great stuff. I'd like to think music like this will continue, but alas, it seems the wonderful prog. rock albums we grew up with in the 70s won't ever be repeated. And music is the sadder for it.
Next up: Long Distance Runaround + The Fish. You will love Bruford's drumming and percussion and of course Squire's bass. Hell, it's all good, it's Yes.
It was a great trip for myself, and others of my age, to experience Yes as they released this music, and as a teenager to be able to travel on that Yes journey. I would not have traded those times away.
Yes, the are artists. They paint a picture that can't be duplicated. The only thing you can do is sit back and enjoy it. So many colors, textures, flavors and transitions; every band member a musical Dali, if you will.
Chod!!! You did it! You finally played THE song that drove many of us in the 70s insane with joy!! THIS is the album that epitomized prog rock. This title track from the album is only half of the record. Then Side B gives us 2 more Yes classics: "And You And I" and "Siberian Khatru." Now, what will continue to blow your mind is listening to the next year's TRIPLE ALBUM release, 'Yessongs,' which showcases the 3 previous albums, 'The Yes Album,' 'Fragile' and 'Close to the Edge.' Not only does it showcase those albums, Yes replicates the music to near perfection! My personal Top 3 bands are Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues, the latter of which you have yet to really dive into. Rounding out my Top 5 are Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd (who I saw live in 1977)! ✌💋
Right on Chod, & why I've seen them perform some 25-30 times since '75. Yes was a part, a big part, for me of what the '70s as a teenager sounded like, & felt like. In all sincerity the vibes were truly different & did not last, but this music did. I took my kids to see them, & so have many others, I feel because the younger ones needed to experience these performers before they are gone forever, and many are. There is both joy & sorrow in how all this is being shared & celebrated, as I experienced a huge part of it.
I'd forgotten almost how epic this is. Masterpiece. Every one of them elite level ability. And much like Mozart, Rush, etc. you never get tired of listening to it. This is probably on the same level as Rush's 2112. I'm glad to see all you young kids getting into the classic rock. Rock and Roll is not dead.
A Prog Rock masterpiece. I was 15 when it came out. It blew me away. In1972 there was literally nothing like it. "Awaken" is another pinnacle in Yes' catalogue. Give it a listen.
And when you watched them reproduce it live , on stage, in their prime, it really feels like a religious experience. The crowd filing out was dead silent, not wanting to ruin the memory with simple conversation.❤
Thanks for reacting to the greatest progressive rock song of all time. This is a musical masterpiece. I saw YES in 1972, at the Long Beach Auditorium. They played this whole album, from start to finish. I had been listening to this on cassette for several months. I couldn’t tell the difference. Favorite album of all time.
Bill Bruford on drums after this album Alan White from the John Lennon band took over on drums for YES. Bruford is a jazz drummer playing jazz in a rock band. From YES Bruford moved to King Crimson Genesis And a solo career. He retired a few years back .
I knew you'd get around to this sooner or later. I was about 14 when I first listened to this. I was already a big prog and Yes fan, but this blew me away. Such a great song.
Chod please play the live versions of Long Distance Runaround/The Fish from YESSONGS. Mind blowing bass solo. On the same album Bill Bruford plays a drum solo in Perpetual Change. Both songs are special because these are the only 2 that have Bill Bruford on drums. To me that is my favorite lineup of Yes. They only recorded 2 albums. Fragile(1971) Close To The Edge(1972)
That, my friend, is a musical masterpiece!! Unmatched…even to this day! YES is the greatest band of all time. Now you need to experience yet another masterpiece by them: Gates of Delirium. Enjoy!! Great review!
CLOSE TO THE EDGE [LYRICS] A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace, And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace, And achieve it all with music that came quickly from afar, Then taste the fruit of man recorded losing all against the hour And assessing points to nowhere, leading every single one A dewdrop can exalt us like the music of the sun, And take away the plain in which we move, And choose the course you're running Down at the edge, round by the corner, Not right away, not right away Close to the edge, down by a river, Not right away, not right away Crossed the line around the changes of the summer, Reaching out to call the colour of the sky Passed around a moment clothed in mornings faster than we see Getting over all the time I had to worry, Leaving all the changes far from far behind We relieve the tension only to find out the master's name Down at the end, round by the corner Close to the edge, just by the river Seasons will pass you by I get up, I get down Now that it's all over and done, Now that you find... Now that you're whole My eyes convinced, eclipsed with the younger moon attained with love It changed as almost strained amidst clear manna from above I crucified my hate and held the word within my hand There's you, the time, the logic, or the reasons we don't understand... Sad courage claimed the victims standing still for all to see, As armoured movers took approach to overlook the sea There since the cord, the license, or the reasons we understood will be Down at the edge, close by a river Close to the edge, round by the corner Close to the end, down by the corner Down at the edge, round by the river Sudden call shouldn't take away the startled memory All in all, the journey takes you all the way As apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known Guessing problems only to deceive the mention, Passing paths that climb halfway into the void... As we cross from side to side, we hear the total mass retain: Down at the edge, round by the corner Close to the end, down by a river Seasons will pass you by I get up, I get down In her white lace, you could clearly see the lady sadly looking Saying that she'd take the blame For the crucifixion of her own domain I get up, I get down, I get up, I get down Two million people barely satisfy Two hundred women watch one woman cry, too late The eyes of honesty can achieve How many millions do we deceive each day? I get up, I get down I get up, I get down In charge of who is there in charge of me Do I look on blindly and say I see the way? The truth is written all along the page How old will I be before I come of age for you? I get up, I get down I get up, I get down I get up, I get down The time between the notes relates the color to the scenes A constant vogue of triumphs dislocate man, so it seems And space between the focus shape ascend knowledge of love As song and chance develop time, lost social temperance rules above Ah, ah Then according to the man who showed his outstretched arm to space, He turned around and pointed, revealing all the human race I shook my head and smiled a whisper, knowing all about the place On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley, Called to witness cycles only of the past And we reach all this with movements in between the said remark Close to the edge, down by the river Down at the end, round by the corner Seasons will pass you by, Now that it's all over and done, Called to the seed, right to the sun Now that you find, now that you're whole Seasons will pass you by, I get up, I get down I get up, I get down I get up, I get down
When I was at High School back in the early 70s, my mates and I used to take turns in discovering and sharing the latest epic prog rock bands. Yes was one of my earliest and I don't think I've discovered anything better since. They are literally a force of nature.
Hey Chod My Man!!! Went straight to the comments!!! All pretty much the same of course!!! This is my favorite band, ALBUM OF ALL time!!! And yes you have to get ready for- Suppers Ready by Genesis!! My second favorite song and band of all time my friend!!! So this is Michael the retired chef from Phoenix chiming in!!! I love your enthusiasm for YES!!! I was 14 when this came out!! Ive seen them.live atleast 8 times in my life!!! Just AMAZING!! Before I go today I must remind you of my VERY VERY SPECIAL REQUEST OF SOME SONGS FROM.A VERY SPECIAL MUSICIAN!!! AWARD WINNING BLUES ARTIST- MIKE LEDBETTER WHO JUST SO HAPPENED TO HAVE BEEN MY NEPHEW! HE PASSED AWAY 2 YEARS AGO AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 33!! I WOULD SO VERY MUCH APPRECIATE A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO HIM!! HIS BIRTHDAY IS APRIL 27TH!! HERE ARE A LIST OF THESE SPECIAL SONGS I WISH YOU TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD MY FRIEND!! SO WE NEVER FORGET SUCH A SPECIAL HUMAN BEING- GONE WAY TOO SOON!! PLEASE BARE WITH ME WHILE I MAKE THIS LIST FOR YOU!!! SONG#1- AN AMAZING COVER OF A B.B.KING CLASSIC- 3 OCLOCK BLUES BY- THE NICK MOSS BAND!! MIKE WAS THE LEAD SINGER WITH NICK FOR A FEW YEARS AND DOES LEAD IN THIS REALLY COOL VIDEO!! SONG#2-DANIELLE NICOLE & MIKE LEDBETTER- NIGHT TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME!! OMG!! GREAT LIVE PERFORMANCE AGAIN!! SONG#3- I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW- THE NICK MOSS BAND- LIVE FROM THE BING LOUNGE!! SONG#4- AN AMAZING COVER OF AN ETTA JAMES CLASSIC THAT YOU JUST DID RECENTLY BY BETH HART AND JOE BONAMASSA- ID RATHER BE BLIND!!! TRUST ME CHOD WHEN I SAY THIS!! THIS VERSION IS ONE OF THE BEST LIVE PERFORMANCES IVE EVER SEEN!! THE TITLE OF THE VIDEO IS- DANIELLE NICOLE- ID RATHER BE BLIND- IN LOVING MEMORY OF MIKE LEDBETTER!!! JUST AMAZING VIDEO!! THEN A GREAT GUITAR TRIBUTE BY- NICK MOSS AND MIKE WELCH- THE COMET- LIVE FROM KNUCKLEHEADS N KANSAS CITY!! THERE YOU GO MY FRIEND!!! WHEN YOU WATCH THESE VIDEOS- PLEASE GRAB YOUR DAD AND WATCH WITH HIM!! IM SURE HE WILL APPRECIATE ALL OF THIS AMAZING MUSIC!! CHECK OUT HIS WIKI PAGE!! HE PLAYED AT CARNEGIE HALL TOO ND DID A TRAVEL VIDEO FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO!! MULTI- AWARD WINNING BLUES MUSICIAN- ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR AND ALBUM OF THE YEAR IN 2019!!! LET THE WHOLE WORLD ENJOY!!! HIS MOTHER- (MY SISTER) WILL SO APPRECIATE YOU DOING THIS CHOD!!! FROM YOUR #1- AZ FAN MICHAEL!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TIME AND ALLOWING ME TO SHARE ON YOUR CHANNEL!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!😊😊😊
I was 17 and a lady called me out of the blue and asked if I would like to go and hear “YES” ?. For no other reason that she was someone I would like to know, and was stoked that she knew was into live music. I didn’t tell her I had never heard of YES, but why look a gift horse in the mouth. 50 years on I can still remember every minute of the concert, wish I could remember her though.
I remember when this song came out and it was a shock to the system (longtime Yes fans will get that pun). The song was like nothing I'd ever heard, and I was already a Yes fan when it came out. A true masterpiece. And now, you are finally ready for their incredible song "The Gates of Delirium." It's also a long song, but it's so incredible and hard hitting, with an ending that is sublime. A masterpiece that's at least on par with CTTE if not arguably better. Please, react to "Gates of Delirium" if not next then soon.
Prog nirvana -- you have arrived, Chod! While the rest of the album is great, if you want another epic mental journey, try Gates of Delirium from Relayer.
They were exposed to a whole range of types of music growing up. Classical, jazz, rock, blues. They just melded that together with the advances in technology, like the synthesizer, and came up with something new. You're doing great work listening to it and hopefully it will inspire young artists to fuse styles together.
They pushed a lot of boundaries with this song. Just an incredible work. Great reaction man. And remember, "I crucified my hate and held the world within my hands."
When they came along, there were several bands that really didn't sound like anybody else. They didn't want to. People were trying to be unique. Yes didn't sound like anybody else. I bet I've listened to this song 10 times in the last month.
Not entirely. Like other bands of that time, they would be influenced or try to emulate bands they heard. Heart Of The Sunrise is strongly influenced by 21st Century Schizoid Man and the opening of Close To The Edge by Mahavishnu Orchestra, who they toured with in the States. Not just Yes; Phil Collins used to go see them at The Speakeasy and would encourage the rest of Genesis to try polyrhythms as well.
I wonder what it felt like for these five fine musicians upon completing this epic in the studio and sitting back and listening to it for the first time as a completed work? Almost 50 years later, I am still blown away by it every time I listen to it.
When I listen to CTTE I am worshipping The Lord. This song and Awaken are meditations to The higher plane. Only Yes does that for me. And they've been doing it since 1971.
Well, you asked what I thought when I first heard it - I was 16 years old and was swimming in everything YES! I had seen them the previous year at the Hollywood Bowl for the Relayer concert (PLEASE do try SOUND CHASER from that album - a great drum song!). I loved watching you succumb to closing your eyes while you took this musical journey of CTTE. If you really want to listen to a "novel" by Yes, you will take on the four 20+ minutes each songs that make up Tales From Topographic Oceans. Yes is both musical mastery and a spiritual experience... it really changed my life for good.
And I would note that the pipe organ solo in the middle of this song was recorded at the massive pipe organ at Saint Giles Cathedral in downtown London. Yeow!
In CTTE the band brought their A game. They are truly incredible. However, don't forget there was another presence in that studio that rarely gets mentioned. Next time you get that goose bumpy feeling for CTTE remember that the unheard piece of that sonic puzzle was a guy named Eddie Offord. Although rarely mentioned, a little research will reveal his strong contribution to the magic of YES. I'd compare him to what George Martin was to the Beatles.
Great song you chose there. Yes is a mind blow, especially this song. You can hear how the band and the music is "close to the edge" at the beginning: it's like what is the craziest out there music we can do but still be understandable. Over the edge would be nonsense, rhythmic insanity but Yes will just be close to the edge here. And then Jon Andersen brings them bit by bit into relative normalcy. I love how we just hear that "aah" all of a sudden, then again and again, finally giving way to intelligible lucid music. I love the ambient interlude that comes in at 9:53. It just takes me away to a cool place: the Mellotron strings, the dreamy guitar and synth effects- a wonderful soundscape it is. And then pipe organ! I read that Rick Wakeman actually played a huge English cathedral pipe organ for this song. Incredible production. This was when music was unbelievably good. Ah the 70s.
Yes were operating on a whole different level from anyone around at that time. They were reaching for the cosmos. They were reaching for the divine. With a level of musicianship and artistic genius rarely seen then or now. The seventies especially was a time of creative freedom and the sky was the limit for bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, ELP, etc. where record companies, for the most part allowed talented musicians to do what they did best, without much interference. A golden era of music that may take hundreds of years to come along again.
I’m 19 and this is my favorite band of all time, their music is indescribable and truly out of this world!
So glad to hear a young guy get into one of the greatest bands ever
Mine too and I'm 57.....
You would've loved the 70's my friend
mine too and I'm 69
Dude, I'm an old guy and first saw Yes in 1971. Still probably my favorite Prog Rock band. Supremely talented. Unbelievably so.
The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales of Topographic Oceans and Relayer. Absolutely awesome. Virtuosity.
To be honest without this song I wouldn't be the person I am! This song this band ultimately changed my outlook on music and life! I've been listening to this song for 45 years and every single time it brings tears to my eyes because it is in my opinion the greatest song ever made!
I'm with you bro
So hard to describe. Its like being paralyzed by God himself! Spiritual utopia!!
No doubt
It is indeed a masterpiece that is more mysterious to me now than it was then. Nobody composed like this. Nobody but YES
The sacred music that is YES
You have to understand that early Yes was fortunate enough to come along when the record company and producers gave them the freedom to create this type of music. They take us on an incredible journey. Don't forget, this was the 70s. So close your eyes and take a ride, Close To The Edge.
They had a high regard for Ahmet Ertegun, the boss of Atlantic (their record company) who let them do whatever they wanted to do. And Led Zeppelin reunited after 27 years in a tribute concert to him after he died. How many record company owners would command such respect these days?
Also FM Radio was new and they played whole albums not just hits. Requests weren't that big a deal to these new stations. Yes, Genesis, Steely Dan, etc wouldn't exist without open minded record executives/producers and FM radio. I do believe there was short version of Roundabout that was played a lot on our AM stations.
Wouldn't happen today
Great review my musical friend. Youre right on the money... YES is an Amazing & Special Collaboration of Worldly Musicians..
My son, you have achieved Nirvana. You have reached the heights of progressive rock. You have been blessed and sanctified by the perfection of the ultimate Yes showcase masterpiece. Congratulations and welcome to the celestial plane of being. How-ummmmmmmmmm ....
Very nice Frankincensed 🌠
I've been listening to YES for over 50 years now and their music never gets old and never ceases to amaze me.
So true.
Oh boy! Stopped dinner prep to listen in. My family understands. Seasons will pass you by...
All of us true Yes fans understand Andrew.
50 year Yes listener here.
@@YoCraps-og4kt Right on, 48 year listener here saw them live twice back then never to be forgotten concerts.
@@78yestor93 Isn't it great brother, these younger people experiencing the "magic of Yes"?
I get up...i get down.
There are people who cannot escape themselves or surroundings long enough to listen to an 18 minute song. I am not one of them ! Thanks for actually listening to music 👍😎
One of the great Prog Rock albums of all time. The third song, Siberian Khatru, is Da Bomb! I was in college when this album came out. Hard to believe it was around 50 years ago. :)
Close to the Edge,the bible of prog.
Geddy,Gabriel,Fripp and every prog legend pay homage to Yes and this legendary,iconic work of art.
Please listen on repeat,each listen will reveal something new and very rewarding.
Rick Wakeman had once said the members of YES would all individually bring down random pieces of music and then they would weave it all together to make something amazing. And they did!
A musical experience that changed so many, including myself what modern, contemporary rock was like. The evolution of progressive rock! From the Fragile album and this one a fan forever more. This is the Mt. Rushmore of progressive rock!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️☮️☮️🎤🎼🎹🎸
One of my favorite shows back in the day. Yes in “the round” with the rotating stage set-up.
Yes, saw them in-the-round at MSG with Wakeman. What a show.
This song BLEW me away the first time I heard it. It continues to blow me away EVERY time I listen to it. It is one of my most listened to songs, and I always seem to notice something I never noticed before. It is the very definition of a MUSICAL MASTERPIECE. I hope you enjoy it for a lifetime as I have.
calgary 1979 or 80..I was there..in the round..wish i still had the stubs !!
Thanks for getting to this Chod. The live version on Yessongs is even better. It's hard to believe that a band can pull this kind of music off live better but it's true. I'll be 65 the 3rd of next month. I saw Yes perform this live in Atlanta when I was 16. Stood at the stage in front of Steve Howe and was blown away. Their music still does the same to me today.
When I listen to the studio version, there are always a lot of moments when I think: something is missing now, isn't it?
The real beauty and genius of this song, is that aspects of it will reveal for decades! It takes many listens to fully appreciate it, but then it keeps on giving as you listen more. If I'm forced to name a favorite of the scores, even hundreds, of songs that I love, this would be my favorite. Like you, I have two favorite bands, and though I love Led Zeppelin, my other favorite band is Radiohead. They have a similar level of talent, especially their lead guitarist/keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/ arranger Jonny Greenwood, along with songwriter and lead singer, Thom Yorke. Keep going with Yes, but plan on checking out some Radiohead at some point. One suggestion I would make; take their songs in chronological order. Their sound and style evolved so much from album to album, that you will appreciate them much more if you hear their songs in order written. Thanks for listening and sharing this awesome work of art!
Peace from SF
Time being relative, it flies by when I listen to this song.
This song never gets old !!!
It’s quite literally a religious experience listening to this song and album. Tales From Topographic Oceans is the following album, a double album, four sides, each side is a song, each song is a masterpiece. Enjoy it when you get to it.
My personal favorite Yes album! TFTO!! Indeed that each song is a masterpiece! 👍💜💗
@@justineapril7922 TFTO was my first experience with Yes. I was only 13 or 14. Didnt understand what I was listening to , but I knew it was great. Their musicc will be studied by musicians for years to come.
Growing up during the time of these great bands it was everyday music and easy to take for granted. Hearing them through young ears that appreciate the music, helps me realize how truly great they were.
Greatest song ever written.
I first heard this when I was about 11 years old and it opened up a whole new world for me, well over 40 years later this music is a profound experience still, it's great musicianship, but other bands are great musicians, this music is genuinely inspired, its a new spiritual rock music, deeply creatiove and deeply moving. There is no modern pop/rock music better than this.
Nice reaction. Yes: The gates of delirium, maybe the next one? Thx.
First listen of CTTE is always amazing. You can remember sections that impressed you, but the totality of what those guys achieved is only fully appreciated upon subsequent listenings. YES packed so much into their Epics, you only notice how it all works together the more you listen to it. Which is one of the reasons I've loved YES; their music always remained so fresh for so long. Like you said, Chod, Close To The Edge was smack-in-your-face *_outrageous_* with respect to the raw *_audacity_* of what those musicians were actually attempting to do, but dammit, *_they nailed it._* So perfect was this composition on multiple levels, it's fair to describe it as a "religious experience" for those who have a deep appreciation of music. I can't imagine another Prog Group exceeding CTTE, cuz while many have been inspired by it--like RUSH--none have been able to match the overall mastery of CTTE. So far, the only band that has come close is...YES...:)
I was 11 in 1973 when my older brother was away, and my parents, and I snuck in my brothers room, and picked this out for some reason, I have never been the same musically, since
then. I happened to mention to him a year later, about listening to Yes, and what he thought, and I remember saying "but they couldn't play any of this live", and he reached in his crate
of albums and handed me YESSONGS. Not only can they play all of their masterpieces live, they created "new" masterpieces. Yours Is No Disgrace from YESSONGS is a must hear.
They were amazing live. Late 70's in the round at the Forum in Los Angeles. Incredible live show. Sounded better live!
I kind of envy Chod hearing this for the first time. I can barely remember my first time with it, cuz we were smokin'.
@@kima.4268 I saw them in '77, when they did Close To The Edge with the huge screen, with the earth turning and the running man, with dry ice mist, and multicolored nylons stretched from truss to stage, Wow what a show. I saw them on the Tormato tour "in the round" and Jon's Son came out and spoke the lines at the end of "Circus Of Heaven". Again, a Masterpiece Live Show.
RIP Chris Squire, such a Master Bass Player.
@@kima.4268 I was there! :)
my older brother came home from a gig in 1971 , thrust a copy of the Yes album into my hands and said, what do you think of this? I was hooked at 14yrs old and never regarded any other band in the same way ever again
Ok, it's time to do SUPPERS READY by GENESIS. It is indescribably stellar and instrumentally staggering, stunning and beautiful.
The pinicle of progressive rock!
Yes is by far my favorite band. No one comes even close to their masterpieces. What you said after the song ended made tears in my eyes. I am so happy for you.
Wilburn Reactions: YES and Led Zeppelin are my 2 favorite bands.
Me: Well, after this I'm sure Led Zeppelin will be fine with "second place" 😎
Before Yes & Zeppelin formed in '68, Jon Anderson & Robert Plant knew each other when Jon was in the Warriors & Robert was in Listen c. '66.
@@krisdoggett483 Cool
@@Lightmane Found another one. I am getting CTTE'd out! Lol.😂😂😂
@@jeffschielka7845 This guy loves YES. He's reacted to some old YES too, which is awesome. Enjoy
@@Lightmane Thanks! You know i will.😎
You're honest, smart, very insightful and so to watch and listen to. Its a pure joy to listen to Yours insights. It resonates with me very deeply. I feel the same way about Yes. They are simply unmatched, musical phenomenon.
Almost 19 minutes and when it's done you wish it was still going.
Aye Randy
First heard YES in 1971....now I am 71....Can't help but smile when riding the YES rollercoaster. Musical virtuosos and the voice of Jon Anderson carry you away like no other.
Reminds me of being in high school... When a friend and I first discovered Yes. Brings back some wonderful memories. Good job 👍
You have to listen to this song from the album "YESSONGS" (live album) too. I know I am "prejudiced". Yessongs was my first Yes album. That's why these live versions of the songs are "the original" for me. But despite the moderate sound quality and the lack of the effects possible in the studio: all the songs in the "Yessongs version" sound more clarified, rounder, more dynamic and more powerful. Many songs have also been further developed in terms of composition / arrangement. With "Close To The Edge" you notice that especially in the second half (after the spherical interlude)
It's great to see young people, especially musicians, hear this and hear what we heard in the Fall of 1972. Yes was a very special band back then. Their albums from the 1971 YES album through 1977's Going for the One represent their core body of work. This sort of music is almost impossible to sell in huge numbers now, at least according to the spineless record industry execs who are incapable of risking what the late Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic was willing to risk. God bless him for his support. And thank Eddie Offord for his supreme command of the control board, both in the studio and on the road when they toured back then. Yes always loved to do three hour shows. I saw them live in 1974 as they did Tales from Topographic Oceans and most of Close to the Edge, plus Roundabout. It was a magical evening. If you haven't seen the Yes Symphonic Live concert videos here on YT, look them up. They're a treat!
when i saw that you uploaded this, a few minutes ago, I said out loud, "ahh shit", and grinned.
😂😂😂😂
So did I 🙏🏼
Same! Knew Chod was the right man for the job 😊
@@WILBURNREACTIONS I've seen YES over 200 times. Greatest band on this planet!!
I've been listening to Yes for 54 yrs. This album came out 52 yrs ago. I still love it as much after all this time. Their music has a timeless quality to it. It transcends time. It's my favorite song by the best prog band in the known universe. The whole album is sublime. The Yes album through Relayer was my favorite period of their ever evolving style and craft. So deeply spiritual and moving. This is man trying to achieve something noble and from the heart, and succeeding!
When you listen to a YES song, you are embarking on a musical journey. One of my favorite albums, start to finish, is Magnification
Magnification is so underrated. Their last truly great album. Dreamtime and In the Presence of... are latter-day masterpieces
Ah yes, or better yet, Ah Yes, such a criminally underrated album.
A tremendous tour also with a local orchestra playing with the guys in every city.
Long live the mighty Yes.
" Deeper than just music"?....yessir.....in all my years....I have yet to encounter anything that comes close to this beautiful, majestic, powerhouse of a piece of music....and I suspect I never will...
So glad you've done "Close to the Edge"... This is Yes at its' best. Lyrically and musically. There are so many other Yes tunes that come close - but this one is their ultimate masterpiece. Just my opinion...
I still have the album and turntable I first played it on 45 years ago at age 15. Classic music and spiritually deep. I can always count on it keeping me from going over the edge in difficult times. Thanks for reacting to it!
OK, ready for a 43 minute Prog masterpiece? ("Thick as a Brick")
I really like this guy. He has described the brilliance of this piece of music so well and acknowledges in his wisdom that this sort of genius will never see the light of day again. I bought this album at the age of twenty when it came out in late 1972. I subsequently saw Yes perform the whole album in 1973 in it's entirety at the The Rainbow Theatre London. They then performed their new double Album Tales From Topographic Oceans (which was not yet released), in its entirety. Just like their performance of Close To The Edge it was note for note perfect. Such genius.
Dude! You get it. YES fan for 50 years, 200 plus shows and still going. You are one of us now. Welcome to YESWORLD!!!
In the 80s there was a backlash against progressive rock. It’s great to see younger generations finding Yes an appreciating them for the great musicians they are.
Absolutely. As an aging Gen-X’er, I remember the vitriol heaped on Yes and Rush in the late 70’s and 80’s. They were absolutely hated by the music press and the mainstream. It is bizzare but satisfying to see so may positive reaction videos to these bands several decades later as a new generation discovers and appreciates their music without the stigma that used to be attached to progressive rock bands.
Its not popmusic.
More progressive jazzrock with classical influenses.
Many pop critics did not understand it.
@@karelvandervelden8819 Which is mind-boggling in many ways. Jazz used to BE the popular music.
@@dopaminecloud Maybe we should let loose the labels and just enjoy the artistc expression as is communicated. (or not)
Imagine that you’re just a young teenager and you find this in a record store. Mind blown. 🤯
Indeed! I was that 15 yo teenager who found this album at the record store. It was the first Yes album I bought and it remains close to my heart; second only to their next year's release, 'Tales from Topographic Oceans,' which is my favorite Yes album. A 4-sided double album with only FOUR SONGS!! 💙💙💙💙
Yes has been my fav since I was 15. Now 62. Yes. Positive name. Positive vibes. Great emotion and spirit. ☮️💜
Thank you!! I'm 62 and I have NEVER gotten tired of listening to Yes. The same with Pink Floyd...many, many thanks Chod!!!
That smile that creased your face for the final, "I get up, I get down" just said everything. You got it. This song is based on the book Siddhartha, but you don't even need to know that to enjoy the beauty of this piece. You'd also enjoy Tales From Topographic Oceans, it's a double album, 4 song set that Jon Anderson said tongue-in-cheek was his version of putting the Bible to music, lol. As only he could.
Well, TFTO was both Jon Anderson and Steve Howe. But the cryptic lyrics are most definitely the eclectic Mr Anderson!! ✌💙
in 1979 one of the first quad plex movie theaters in KC was having a midnight special with 2 theaters showing YESSONGS and two showing The Song Remains the Same. Both were packed. It was like a dream multiband concert and the atmosphere and reactions by the viewers was just as intense as if the bands were on stage.
Like any symphony, it took me a few listens to understand what I was hearing- but I loved it, actually couldn't believe it! Ok....now, do South Side of the Sky. :)
Still listening in 2023 which makes 59 years…aging boomer and I’m still listening to the same music I immersed myself in as a teen, no additional substances needed for this music.💙👍🎶😘
Great stuff. I'd like to think music like this will continue, but alas, it seems the wonderful prog. rock albums we grew up with in the 70s won't ever be repeated. And music is the sadder for it.
Next up: Long Distance Runaround + The Fish. You will love Bruford's drumming and percussion and of course Squire's bass. Hell, it's all good, it's Yes.
live version is best
The mountain has been summit-ed .
You'll never be the same .
It was a great trip for myself, and others of my age, to experience Yes as they released this music, and as a teenager to be able to travel on that Yes journey. I would not have traded those times away.
Yes, the are artists. They paint a picture that can't be duplicated. The only thing you can do is sit back and enjoy it. So many colors, textures, flavors and transitions; every band member a musical Dali, if you will.
You're doing the entire "Close To The Edge" Can I just take a moment and thank the big guy upstairs....life feels real good today.
By Big Guy upstairs are you referring to Chris? Even though he's gone, that thundering bass still influences people.
Chod!!! You did it! You finally played THE song that drove many of us in the 70s insane with joy!! THIS is the album that epitomized prog rock. This title track from the album is only half of the record. Then Side B gives us 2 more Yes classics: "And You And I" and "Siberian Khatru."
Now, what will continue to blow your mind is listening to the next year's TRIPLE ALBUM release, 'Yessongs,' which showcases the 3 previous albums, 'The Yes Album,' 'Fragile' and 'Close to the Edge.' Not only does it showcase those albums, Yes replicates the music to near perfection! My personal Top 3 bands are Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues, the latter of which you have yet to really dive into. Rounding out my Top 5 are Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd (who I saw live in 1977)! ✌💋
Right on Chod, & why I've seen them perform some 25-30 times since '75. Yes was a part, a big part, for me of what the '70s as a teenager sounded like, & felt like. In all sincerity the vibes were truly different & did not last, but this music did. I took my kids to see them, & so have many others, I feel because the younger ones needed to experience these performers before they are gone forever, and many are. There is both joy & sorrow in how all this is being shared & celebrated, as I experienced a huge part of it.
I read somewhere that Yes was Sherman Hemsley's favorite band.
Far out man
I'd forgotten almost how epic this is. Masterpiece. Every one of them elite level ability. And much like Mozart, Rush, etc. you never get tired of listening to it. This is probably on the same level as Rush's 2112. I'm glad to see all you young kids getting into the classic rock. Rock and Roll is not dead.
A Prog Rock masterpiece. I was 15 when it came out. It blew me away. In1972 there was literally nothing like it. "Awaken" is another pinnacle in Yes' catalogue. Give it a listen.
And when you watched them reproduce it live , on stage, in their prime,
it really feels like a religious experience.
The crowd filing out was
dead silent, not wanting to ruin the memory with
simple conversation.❤
Thanks for reacting to the greatest progressive rock song of all time. This is a musical masterpiece. I saw YES in 1972, at the Long Beach Auditorium. They played this whole album, from start to finish. I had been listening to this on cassette for several months. I couldn’t tell the difference. Favorite album of all time.
Bill Bruford on drums after this album Alan White from the John Lennon band took over on drums for YES. Bruford is a jazz drummer playing jazz in a rock band. From YES Bruford moved to King Crimson Genesis And a solo career. He retired a few years back .
Progressive rock = a handful of people attempting to be a full orchestra.
Yes = 5 guys succeeding at the above.
Spot on mate .
I believe this song is when music peaked, throughout our entire history. This is the best song ever made!
Now try reacting to the other two masterpieces on this life changing album, And You And I, and Siberian Khatru!
Love the whole album of course but And You And I is SUCH a beautiful piece of music.
I think of my late wife every time I listen to And You And I!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️
I knew you'd get around to this sooner or later. I was about 14 when I first listened to this. I was already a big prog and Yes fan, but this blew me away. Such a great song.
Chod please play the live versions of Long Distance Runaround/The Fish from YESSONGS. Mind blowing bass solo. On the same album Bill Bruford plays a drum solo in Perpetual Change. Both songs are special because these are the only 2 that have Bill Bruford on drums. To me that is my favorite lineup of Yes. They only recorded 2 albums.
Fragile(1971)
Close To The Edge(1972)
That, my friend, is a musical masterpiece!! Unmatched…even to this day! YES is the greatest band of all time. Now you need to experience yet another masterpiece by them: Gates of Delirium. Enjoy!! Great review!
CLOSE TO THE EDGE [LYRICS]
A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace,
And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace,
And achieve it all with music that came quickly from afar,
Then taste the fruit of man recorded losing all against the hour
And assessing points to nowhere, leading every single one
A dewdrop can exalt us like the music of the sun,
And take away the plain in which we move,
And choose the course you're running
Down at the edge, round by the corner,
Not right away, not right away
Close to the edge, down by a river,
Not right away, not right away
Crossed the line around the changes of the summer,
Reaching out to call the colour of the sky
Passed around a moment clothed in mornings faster than we see
Getting over all the time I had to worry,
Leaving all the changes far from far behind
We relieve the tension only to find out the master's name
Down at the end, round by the corner
Close to the edge, just by the river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
Now that it's all over and done,
Now that you find... Now that you're whole
My eyes convinced, eclipsed with the younger moon attained with love
It changed as almost strained amidst clear manna from above
I crucified my hate and held the word within my hand
There's you, the time, the logic, or the reasons we don't understand...
Sad courage claimed the victims standing still for all to see,
As armoured movers took approach to overlook the sea
There since the cord, the license, or the reasons we understood will be
Down at the edge, close by a river
Close to the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by the corner
Down at the edge, round by the river
Sudden call shouldn't take away the startled memory
All in all, the journey takes you all the way
As apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known
Guessing problems only to deceive the mention,
Passing paths that climb halfway into the void...
As we cross from side to side, we hear the total mass retain:
Down at the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by a river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
In her white lace, you could clearly see the lady sadly looking
Saying that she'd take the blame
For the crucifixion of her own domain
I get up,
I get down,
I get up,
I get down
Two million people barely satisfy
Two hundred women watch one woman cry, too late
The eyes of honesty can achieve
How many millions do we deceive each day?
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
In charge of who is there in charge of me
Do I look on blindly and say I see the way?
The truth is written all along the page
How old will I be before I come of age for you?
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
The time between the notes relates the color to the scenes
A constant vogue of triumphs dislocate man, so it seems
And space between the focus shape ascend knowledge of love
As song and chance develop time, lost social temperance rules above
Ah, ah
Then according to the man who showed his outstretched arm to space,
He turned around and pointed, revealing all the human race
I shook my head and smiled a whisper, knowing all about the place
On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley,
Called to witness cycles only of the past
And we reach all this with movements in between the said remark
Close to the edge, down by the river
Down at the end, round by the corner
Seasons will pass you by,
Now that it's all over and done,
Called to the seed, right to the sun
Now that you find, now that you're whole
Seasons will pass you by,
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
When I was at High School back in the early 70s, my mates and I used to take turns in discovering and sharing the latest epic prog rock bands. Yes was one of my earliest and I don't think I've discovered anything better since. They are literally a force of nature.
Hey Chod My Man!!! Went straight to the comments!!! All pretty much the same of course!!! This is my favorite band, ALBUM OF ALL time!!! And yes you have to get ready for- Suppers Ready by Genesis!! My second favorite song and band of all time my friend!!! So this is Michael the retired chef from Phoenix chiming in!!! I love your enthusiasm for YES!!! I was 14 when this came out!! Ive seen them.live atleast 8 times in my life!!! Just AMAZING!! Before I go today I must remind you of my VERY VERY SPECIAL REQUEST OF SOME SONGS FROM.A VERY SPECIAL MUSICIAN!!! AWARD WINNING BLUES ARTIST- MIKE LEDBETTER WHO JUST SO HAPPENED TO HAVE BEEN MY NEPHEW! HE PASSED AWAY 2 YEARS AGO AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 33!! I WOULD SO VERY MUCH APPRECIATE A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO HIM!! HIS BIRTHDAY IS APRIL 27TH!! HERE ARE A LIST OF THESE SPECIAL SONGS I WISH YOU TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD MY FRIEND!! SO WE NEVER FORGET SUCH A SPECIAL HUMAN BEING- GONE WAY TOO SOON!! PLEASE BARE WITH ME WHILE I MAKE THIS LIST FOR YOU!!! SONG#1- AN AMAZING COVER OF A B.B.KING CLASSIC- 3 OCLOCK BLUES BY- THE NICK MOSS BAND!! MIKE WAS THE LEAD SINGER WITH NICK FOR A FEW YEARS AND DOES LEAD IN THIS REALLY COOL VIDEO!! SONG#2-DANIELLE NICOLE & MIKE LEDBETTER- NIGHT TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME!! OMG!! GREAT LIVE PERFORMANCE AGAIN!! SONG#3- I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW- THE NICK MOSS BAND- LIVE FROM THE BING LOUNGE!! SONG#4- AN AMAZING COVER OF AN ETTA JAMES CLASSIC THAT YOU JUST DID RECENTLY BY BETH HART AND JOE BONAMASSA- ID RATHER BE BLIND!!! TRUST ME CHOD WHEN I SAY THIS!! THIS VERSION IS ONE OF THE BEST LIVE PERFORMANCES IVE EVER SEEN!! THE TITLE OF THE VIDEO IS- DANIELLE NICOLE- ID RATHER BE BLIND- IN LOVING MEMORY OF MIKE LEDBETTER!!! JUST AMAZING VIDEO!! THEN A GREAT GUITAR TRIBUTE BY- NICK MOSS AND MIKE WELCH- THE COMET- LIVE FROM KNUCKLEHEADS N KANSAS CITY!! THERE YOU GO MY FRIEND!!! WHEN YOU WATCH THESE VIDEOS- PLEASE GRAB YOUR DAD AND WATCH WITH HIM!! IM SURE HE WILL APPRECIATE ALL OF THIS AMAZING MUSIC!! CHECK OUT HIS WIKI PAGE!! HE PLAYED AT CARNEGIE HALL TOO ND DID A TRAVEL VIDEO FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO!! MULTI- AWARD WINNING BLUES MUSICIAN- ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR AND ALBUM OF THE YEAR IN 2019!!! LET THE WHOLE WORLD ENJOY!!! HIS MOTHER- (MY SISTER) WILL SO APPRECIATE YOU DOING THIS CHOD!!! FROM YOUR #1- AZ FAN MICHAEL!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TIME AND ALLOWING ME TO SHARE ON YOUR CHANNEL!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!😊😊😊
Excellent reaction. Yes is like an impressionist painting. My favorite band of all time. You “get” it. Close to the Edge is at another level.
I was 17 and a lady called me out of the blue and asked if I would like to go and hear “YES” ?. For no other reason that she was someone I would like to know, and was stoked that she knew was into live music. I didn’t tell her I had never heard of YES, but why look a gift horse in the mouth. 50 years on I can still remember every minute of the concert, wish I could remember her though.
I remember when this song came out and it was a shock to the system (longtime Yes fans will get that pun). The song was like nothing I'd ever heard, and I was already a Yes fan when it came out. A true masterpiece. And now, you are finally ready for their incredible song "The Gates of Delirium." It's also a long song, but it's so incredible and hard hitting, with an ending that is sublime. A masterpiece that's at least on par with CTTE if not arguably better. Please, react to "Gates of Delirium" if not next then soon.
The remembering by YES will blow your mind also.🙏 blessings.
The "Trigonometry of Music"...Classic View ...thanks Chod
Growing up in the 70's had its advantages! Seeing them twice during their prime was fantastic.
Masterpiece. R.I.P. MR SQUIRE. Chris you are SO missed my friend.🌹🌹🌹
Prog nirvana -- you have arrived, Chod! While the rest of the album is great, if you want another epic mental journey, try Gates of Delirium from Relayer.
The more you listen to this song, the better it gets.
They were exposed to a whole range of types of music growing up. Classical, jazz, rock, blues. They just melded that together with the advances in technology, like the synthesizer, and came up with something new. You're doing great work listening to it and hopefully it will inspire young artists to fuse styles together.
They pushed a lot of boundaries with this song. Just an incredible work. Great reaction man. And remember, "I crucified my hate and held the world within my hands."
When they came along, there were several bands that really didn't sound like anybody else. They didn't want to. People were trying to be unique. Yes didn't sound like anybody else. I bet I've listened to this song 10 times in the last month.
Not entirely. Like other bands of that time, they would be influenced or try to emulate bands they heard. Heart Of The Sunrise is strongly influenced by 21st Century Schizoid Man and the opening of Close To The Edge by Mahavishnu Orchestra, who they toured with in the States. Not just Yes; Phil Collins used to go see them at The Speakeasy and would encourage the rest of Genesis to try polyrhythms as well.
I wonder what it felt like for these five fine musicians upon completing this epic in the studio and sitting back and listening to it for the first time as a completed work? Almost 50 years later, I am still blown away by it every time I listen to it.
I'm 62 and I still listen to Yes since 73.
When I listen to CTTE I am worshipping The Lord. This song and Awaken are meditations to The higher plane. Only Yes does that for me. And they've been doing it since 1971.
So thankful that I got to see Yes in 99 and again in 2014. They did all old stuff at both concerts. Fabulous!
Well, you asked what I thought when I first heard it - I was 16 years old and was swimming in everything YES! I had seen them the previous year at the Hollywood Bowl for the Relayer concert (PLEASE do try SOUND CHASER from that album - a great drum song!). I loved watching you succumb to closing your eyes while you took this musical journey of CTTE. If you really want to listen to a "novel" by Yes, you will take on the four 20+ minutes each songs that make up Tales From Topographic Oceans. Yes is both musical mastery and a spiritual experience... it really changed my life for good.
None better, been on the Yes journey for almost 50 years and what a journey its been, thank you Yes!
And I would note that the pipe organ solo in the middle of this song was recorded at the massive pipe organ at Saint Giles Cathedral in downtown London. Yeow!
In CTTE the band brought their A game. They are truly incredible. However, don't forget there was another presence in that studio that rarely gets mentioned. Next time you get that goose bumpy feeling for CTTE remember that the unheard piece of that sonic puzzle was a guy named Eddie Offord. Although rarely mentioned, a little research will reveal his strong contribution to the magic of YES. I'd compare him to what George Martin was to the Beatles.
Great song you chose there. Yes is a mind blow, especially this song. You can hear how the band and the music is "close to the edge" at the beginning: it's like what is the craziest out there music we can do but still be understandable. Over the edge would be nonsense, rhythmic insanity but Yes will just be close to the edge here. And then Jon Andersen brings them bit by bit into relative normalcy. I love how we just hear that "aah" all of a sudden, then again and again, finally giving way to intelligible lucid music. I love the ambient interlude that comes in at 9:53. It just takes me away to a cool place: the Mellotron strings, the dreamy guitar and synth effects- a wonderful soundscape it is. And then pipe organ! I read that Rick Wakeman actually played a huge English cathedral pipe organ for this song. Incredible production. This was when music was unbelievably good. Ah the 70s.
You have a huge, beaming smile throughout this song - which is how Yes's music has affected me for 50 years!
This song on first hearing changed my musical life in 1976 and I am not surprised it is still doing it.
Thanks for a fantastic review, Yes were one of a few original Prog Bands masters of innovation, virtuosity and musical genius never to be surpassed.
Yes were operating on a whole different level from anyone around at that time. They were reaching for the cosmos. They were reaching for the divine. With a level of musicianship and artistic genius rarely seen then or now. The seventies especially was a time of creative freedom and the sky was the limit for bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, ELP, etc. where record companies, for the most part allowed talented musicians to do what they did best, without much interference. A golden era of music that may take hundreds of years to come along again.