----------------------------------------------------- AUGUST 15, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Dallas Morning News Prog-rock legends share more than style  By Thor Christensen One band's from England and changes members every other week. The other's from Canada and has had the same lineup since the heyday of 8-track tapes. But such minor differences aside, Yes and Rush are kindred spirits of prog-rock. Both came to fame in the '70s with heady lyrics, high-pitched singers and songs that lasted longer than the average Wagner opera. Both streamlined their sound in the '80s and scored big radio hits ("Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "Tom Sawyer," respectively). And both are back on the road this summer with upcoming shows at Smirnoff Music Centre: Yes plays Saturday night; Rush performs Monday night. Here are a few more comparisons to keep fans going 'till the house lights go down and the jazzy chord progressions begin. "Mind-bending" lyrics sound suspiciously like: YES: Diary entry of a teen "Trekkie" on "ecstasy". RUSH: The complete works of philosopher Ayn Rand. Sample pass-the-bong poetry: YES: "Shining, flying, purple wolfhound, show me where you are" ("Yours is No Disgrace") RUSH: "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice ("Free Will") Lead singer wails like: Yes: A cosmic castrato (Jon Anderson) Rush: A Cuisinart in an echo chamber (Geddy Lee) Strangest remake: YES: Simon & Garfunkel's "America." RUSH: Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" (the band's first single). Crowning achievements: YES: The Yes Album, Fragile RUSH: 2112, Permanent Waves Dudes, what were you thinking? YES: Drama and "Holy Lamb (Song for Harmonic Convergence)." RUSH: Counterparts and "I Think I'm Going Bald." Coolest album cover: YES: Yessongs. Roger Dean rules, plus the triple-LP "gatefold" is ideal for seed and stem removal. RUSH: Hemispheres. Naked guy dancing on a brain symbolizes our quest for inner freedom. Lamest album cover: YES: Tie: Time and a Word and The Yes Album. It took 'em three albums to figure out they weren't photogenic? RUSH: Signals. A dog sniffing a fire hydrant symbolizes a dog sniffing a fire hydrant. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com