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Yes — In a Word: Yes 1969-
(Elektra PRCD 400059, 2002, 5CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-02-01

In a Word: Yes 1969- Cover art

Yes gets another boxed set treatment, this time from Elektra/Rhino rather than Atlantic. This time there’s a lot more to be happy with, however. From the complete Roger Dean artwork through written critical endorsements and excellent selection of representative tracks, this five-disc career overview supercedes the 1993 package in every way. Credit must be given in part to the designation of Steve Howe as executive producer to help pick tracks that characterize each of the band’s line-ups (including the controversial ABWH and Union periods). There are also several more bonus tracks from the peek 70s era which have been circulating for years including “Richard” (recorded in Atlanta 1978) and “Never Done Before” (a trio piece from the Drama sessions). Most revealing is the inclusion of “Tango” from the disastrous Paris sessions from 1979 that led to the departure of both Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. Plus adding the short introduction onto “Revealing Science of God” shows this boxed set project was not rushed to meet an imposed deadline. Later bonus tracks included are a studio outtake of ABWH’s “Fist of Fire” which has a better guitar track and “Last Train” a country-ish groove outtake from The Ladder. Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard and director Cameron Crowe (who interviewed the band for Rolling Stone during the Yessongs tour) give reputable approval of a band that has yet to be recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Can we be certain that induction is too far off?

Filed under: Archives, Issue 26, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford / Earthworks, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Yes, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, Tony Kaye, Peter Banks, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, Patrick Moraz, Billy Sherwood, Geoff Downes

 

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