As a historical entity, the career of Yes is one that fascinates me by its lack of recognition in the sphere of popular culture. These sort of things happen, people or events with a significance that far outweighs their familiarity, but that doesn't mean that they should. Just try to torrent a Yes album-- the results are painful; groups like INXS and Air Supply (why do I have no respect for Australia?) put them to shame. No, not that Yes. But Yes's discography is one that has kept them relevant for over a quarter of a century, and put them on the edge of an era of music that they helped to lead, however overshadowed they might now be.
So lets get to the songs.
Comparisons to Zeppelin are inevitable. But Yes expands far beyond imitation, most clearly by embracing the mystic/cosmic vibe to a degree that Zeppelin only flirts with. Lyrically their sound is much more akin to something like Jethro Tull, and the music follows. Each track is a trip, rolling up and down through different tones with a dynamism that few artists can pull off. Before you ask: yes, I chose two 10 minute songs. On to our first track.Yes - And You And I
The middle two minutes of the song is an acid party that is pulled straight from the soundtrack to a Kubrick film, as if to remind you that, yes, this was recorded in the early 70s. But its mood is more upbeat, clearly, and comes full circle in a way that begs to be repeated the moment its finished.
Yes - Starship Trooper
No, not that Starship Trooper. This is one of their favorites--the track completely encapsulates that prog rock sound-- it feels more "composed" than "written", if that makes any sense, and just bursts with the feeling that everyone in the room should be lovin on one another. If your shirt isn't off by the 1:45 mark, the flute that comes in at that point will make sure it is.
So I hope you enjoy it. Even though Yes might be missing out on well-deserved respect with the general population, if they get it from AMDAL readers, thats way more important, right?
Right.
