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
This is an awesome post. Describes what the whole music thing is all about. Hey Foster, just think how cool it's going to sound on your 70th, 80th (and hopefully beyond) birthday.
-John
Awesome set list and performances. Too bad the sound quality is not as good. Still listen to the CD now and then. Can't bring myself to see them live w/o Jon Anderson.
YESSONGS is a favorite of mine for performance but not sound. Fantastic energy especially from Howe. SOUND: like it was recorded and a poor 2-head cassette deck. Blurry indistinct non-extended highs.. bad bass.. no detail.. I had the US pressing, the Japanese pressing, and the original 1st UK edition.. MY experience with the UK pressing was.. that it sucked.. the JAP. pressing I kept as it was the 'cleanest' and I got the best sound overall out of it.. but I am not generally a fan of Japanese pressings.. I love the music but hate this particular recording..
I'm with Pops on this . My first exposure was the Yes Album and I was completely blown away by the performance. I still listen to their works today and smile . Great talent and revolutionary in the day. I read where a poster stated that Kansas and Yes were similar. I couldn't disagree more not even close IMHO. Nice too see other people who appreciate them.
For me, the beginning using the excerpt from Firebird Suite is pure genius. 06-02-14: Ghosthouse
Absolutely! Yes started their show with the Firebird Suite at the the World Series of Rock and the anticipation that piece created was incredible.
I think that Yessongs is one of the best live albums of all time. 06-02-14: Maxnewid
Thank you! That is how I have always felt! If you're a fan of Yes and have not felt the thrill Yessongs can give, then please re-visit it! The music performances are still incredible considering this was all done live! Many groups could never achieve such musicianship, cohesion, and creativity live!
what version are you listening to (I read you're listening to tracks on PC)? 06-02-14: Ghosthouse
Nothing special, I simply logged into Grooveshark and started listening through my Creative Aurvana Live 2 headphones and it sounds excellent to me and the live affect is there. It's just mp3 I know, but Yessongs over the phones sounds good to me.