What a VERY Pleasant Surprise!

[Full Tilt Boogie]

After the norz-up that 'Igor-the-Russkie' made of the classic Yes-track keyboard parts (although I'm realibly informed, on these pages, that he did a more than passable rendition of 'Gates of Delirium' on one of his last tours with the band) on the 'House of Blues' album, I was VERY impressed with the whole ensemble effort and results of 'The Ladder'! By comparison, Lord knows what happened to the band on the 'Open Your Eyes' offering!

The Ladder has varierty, cadence, depth and sheer enjoyment. Far and away better than anything from the Rabin-era attempts. Glad I bought it!

[R'tanys]

I heartily agree, Bren. I listened to The Ladder for nearly three years and consistently found new things to enjoy about the various tracks. I would highly recommend this one to anyone who is on the fence. By all means, take the plunge. You'll be glad you did.
Welcome to the Ladderphile club, Bren! ;)

[Dragonfly]

It was created using the old-fashioned methods.

Their producer, Bruce Fairbairn (who died, sadly, toward the end of the production process on this album), made certain demands on the band. "No complete songs!", was one of his most important ones in that it forced the guys to work with bits and pieces of each other’s work instead of going off alone to develop an entire song.

One of the ways Bruce made the album feel more "live" was to use early, rough tracks as final takes. Igor, during an interview, told how he had played a rough performance during a rehearsal and then, later, put together a more polished sequence to be used in the final mix. When he came back the next day, Bruce wouldn't let him touch the track. It was already set. Igor tried to persuade him, but Bruce said “I like it just as it is.” Frustrating as that was, Igor eventually agreed with him on the use of these methods.

Though it's not my favorite of that era, I happen to like OPEN YOUR EYES a lot, THE LADDER has some genuine "Classic Yes" moments. "New Language" is fine example of a shorter YesEpic (in the same vein as “Heart of the Sunrise” and “Parallels”.) And while I'd like to mention Igor's very good work in adding his style to Yes, I can't help but point out that certain "Wakemanesque" sound of some of the more spectacular keyboard leads in this song - KEYS TO ASCENSION style - that really turns on a lot of fans. It would be nice to hear this one live alongside tracks like "Mind Drive".

Dragonfly :fly:

[Genevive]

I have often thought parts of the Ladder had a real cheese factor going on, but that is just my feeling. Some of Igor's sequences seem to have that trait. He did do an amazing job live!

There are some shining moments on this album. Thank you for reminding me of it, I can't remember the last time I gave it a listen!

[Thoughtbecontact]

Dragonfly has some very good points in his post and I agree withthem for the most part, particularly about comparing New Language as a mini-epic similar to HOTS and Parallels. However, it took the Ladde a while to grow on me, so don't discoujnt the CDs you don't care for as much, Bren. You're digesting an incredible amount of new material at the moment. Give them all time, yes, even OYE. It is a weaker work, but there are some wonderful moments on it.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Sage advise indeed! :D I'll give OYE another few blasts then.

[Gabriel]

I was very pleased I purchased this album, since I enjoyed it very well indeed. I didnt really have any doubt for it since I have loved every single Yes album I have heard so far and I think its probably one of the strongest albums they have done. Better than Open Your Eyes I think.

[upbgirl]

it is my husbands favorite yes album-hands down-he says it is positive and uplifting throughout, and he likes that!
i am still trying to figure out that piccolo part at the very beginning, tho-been years.. LOL!!
somebody-give me the 'key' so i can be ready to play that tune!! HAHA!
[DAMN KEY SIGNATURES-MY WORST THING]
i never forget howe mighty this earth-that is why i live HERE!! that tune has saved my sanity and MADE me go out to the woods to find peace.. we all need THAT once in a while, i think.
i like the hemp yadda parts too.. hehe..
used to not like gates at all-that tune scared me-but now, i dig it-these albums saved,stashed and re-visited at another time really DO come thru..
it's funny how different lp's grab us and bring us 'in' at different times of our lives, isnt it?
people and thier tastes change-always good to give second chances and listen again..

[Timmo]

Saw "The Ladder" yesterday for $4.99 at FYE, so I bought it.

So far, so good!

TIM
Venice, CA

[YesfanAndy]

Favorite random lyrics from this album that pop into my mind: "In this life, in your heart of hearts."

"When The Sun came up they sang, as the perfect calendar says"

"only weakness can stop me from hearing New Languages"

"We see that hate destroys the soul and anyone who tries to teach it"