Yes — Songs from Tsongas
(Warner Bros 5050467-5073-2-6, 2004, 2DVD)
by Jeff Melton,
Published 2007-03-01

Yes' management has done a pretty good job documenting the various
incarnations of the group since the botched
Keys to Ascension reunion
shows from 1996. Ensuring the classic line-up was intact was of topmost
importance as well, with Rick Wakeman back in the keyboard chair to play
rarities and little performed pieces. This well-edited
Soundstage PBS
concert from the end of an 18 city tour shows the well-oiled touring machine
playing a balanced top notch set of pieces from the 70s such as "Going for
the One," "Ritual," and "South Side of the Sky." Leading off the concert
with a kick ass rock tune was a smart choice as Howe's pedal steel playing
sets the tone for the entire show. New pieces in the set included the
fan-requested "Mind Drive," which works well on the live stage with its
unison riff leading into one of the better pieces written by the band in
mid 90s. Re-arranged versions of pieces include a Chicago blues styled
"Roundabout" and "The Meeting Room/The Meeting" the latter track pulled
from the ABWH self titled recording. Flat out surprise songs include
"Sweet Dreams" introduced by an Alan White drum fill, "Turn of the
Century" and the first encore of the Beatles "Every Little Thing"
which likely had not been played since the first band first formed.
Overall it's the best video and sound quality for a complete Yes show
available on DVD.
Filed under: New releases, Issue 34, 2004 releases
Related artist(s): Yes