------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 24, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Sea of Tranquility Reviews http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php/?op=showcontent&id=1266 Yes: The Yes Album (remaster) By Pete Pardo The third release is where it all "clicked" for progressive rock icons Yes. The Yes Album is an absolute masterpiece, and a recording that would pave the way for the legendary Fragile and Close to the Edge (more about those two at a later date!) Joining the band for this album is guitarist Steve Howe, whose varied, virtuoso style that incorporated classic, jazz, and rock styles totally re-invigorated the band. Rhino has done a great job on this new remastered version, complete with upgraded sound, bonus tracks, extensive liner notes, and an assortment of color photographs taken from the time that the album was recorded. Other than an overall clearer sound that brightens up the mix a bit, the main improvement here is that Chris Squire's bass parts sound much cleaner than ever before. Always one to have a unique style, Squire's velvety bass lines jump out at you on the epic "Starship Trooper" and skate through the mix on the turbulent classic "Your's is No Disgrace", a song also notable for the Wes Montgomery-styled guitar solo from Howe. This would be the last Yes album that Tony Kaye participated in for quite some time, but his earthy organ textures are all over the place on this song, as well as the underrated "Perpetual Change." Nothing really needs to be said about the FM radio staple "I've Seen All Good People" that hasn't already been said before-it's a classic, and sounds great here. Rhino has included both the original, live album version and a bonus studio rendition of Steve Howe's "The Clap" , as well as single edits of "Your Move" and "Starship Trooper." Vocally, the albums that followed were more of a showcase for Jon Anderson than this one, but his angelic voice is bright as day on this new remaster. While it's pointless to remind anyone of the importance of The Yes Album in the history of progressive rock, all I will end with, is that yes....this is a remaster worth getting! Track Listing 1) Yours is No Disgrace (9:36) 2) The Clap (3:07) 3) Starship Trooper (9:23) a. Life Seeker b. Disillusion c. Worm 4) I've Seen All Good People (6:47) a. Your Move b. All Good People 5) A Venture (3:13) 6) Perpetual Change (8:50) Bonus Tracks 7) Your Move-single version 8) Starship Trooper: Life Seeker-single version 9) The Clap-previously unissued studio version Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com