In Awe of "Yessongs" Forty Years Later


Began listening to "Yessongs" on 8 track back in 1973, the year after I graduated high school. A friend of mine who lived in the neighborhood brought this 8 track along when we were riding around in my car. I had never heard of "Yes" or their music. I was immediately mesmerized. I proceeded to buy the 8 track the same day. Since then I re-purchased the recordings many times as they were damaged, wore out, lost, or stolen (once). Over the years bought and re-bought Yessongs at least twice on 8 track, twice on album, once on cassette and twice on CD. Was fortunate to see Yes perform material from Yessongs at the "World Series of Rock" Cleveland Stadium, 1975. What a wild concert that was, a rush running from the gates when they opened to get to the stadium floor. Over 40 years later, and here I sit listening on new headphones (Creative Aurvana Live 2) to tracks from Yessongs on my PC, still in awe of the music! Close to the Edge and Jon Anderson are still chilling. Yours is No Disgrace, Perpetual Change, Siberian Khatru, all still incredible musical performances! Anderson, Squire, Howe,Bruford,White, and Wakeman, all exceptional! Listening on the Creative Aurvana's is the best I've heard Yessongs in many years! (I'll be 60 in 5 months). It has always been a very compromised recording that does not sound nearly as great as the performances, even after a remastering. It's amazing that Yessongs has stood the test of time and after 40 years is still an awe-inspiring performance. Other recordings of Yes that I like exist, but this one is unique.
foster_9
I think Yessongs is a truly a superb piece of music. I luckily still have my original UK pressing and it's a winner. Superior sonics to the US re-issue, although by no means an a'phile recording,
The music of my youth always holds a special place,,Remembering listening to them the first time,usually brings back fond memories for sure.Pretty hard to beat ,even if the recording is not the greatest .
It's the high octane, high powered, virtuosity, the extended nature of the live "Yessongs" perfomances, that have always made them special for me. (the mastery of their instruments and Jon Anderson vocals) Although Yes often achieved greatness in the studio, and I love many of those recordings, "Yessongs" was on a different level in my opinion.
I graduated HS in 76, but for the previous5 years had listened to everything Yes had put out, and had gone to four or five Yes concerts.Picked up Close to the Edge a few years back on cd, and was stunned by how well it holds up. Great music and musicianship. Now I'll have to order Yessongs.
Yessongs never grabbed me but I love The Yes Album and Close to the Edge. Saw the group live with 2nd Mahavishnu Orch around '75 or so. Good show.
Did anyone catch the recent tour where they played 3 entire LP's in succession (the two I mentioned plus one later one)?