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
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)?
Great thread! I love Yes - Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Yes Album are 3 of my all time fav's. Even have some Steve Howe solo work, love his guitar tones.

Going back to analogue a few years ago reintroduced my to these great albums, all originals from my HS and college days and in good sonic shape.

Yessongs is a little rough but I will give it another listen....
My favorite YEs albums:

1) The YEs Album
2) Relayer
3) Close to the Edge
4) Fragile
5) Going for the One
6) Drama
7) Much of 90125 and Big Generator.
8) Still soaking in recent Fly From Here CD but like it enough so far to give it a mention

I like Yessongs and the Key to Ascension series for a good sampling of live Yes. Have seen them live 5 times, Jon Anderson solo once. ALways a treat. Steve Howe alone makes it all worthwhile.
Foster 9 - Have been a fan of Yes for decades now. Agree with you very much on YesSongs. The crowd noise certainly brings a level of energy to it. For me, the beginning using the excerpt from Firebird Suite is pure genius. Who else would think to start a show that way? That double LP is still magical after all these years. BTW - what version are you listening to (I read you're listening to tracks on PC)? I have a digitally remastered version by Joe Gastwirt.
I think that Yessongs is one of the best live albums of all time. Like you, my first version was an 8 track and I was grateful to move on to the LP so that there was no "click click" in the middle of the long songs. The musicianship, and particularly Jon Anderson's voice, are what separates this version of Yes from all other prog wannabes. Yes has been criticized through the years for being pretentious with their long solos, light/lazar shows, and Rick Wakeman's silver sequined cape. As far as I am concerned, the Roger Dean imagery, huge stage shows, and complex arrangements combined with the unique talents of the band members to set the standard for the progressive rock genre. Yes knows how to entertain live and Yessongs captures that spirit.