Live music is better than studio

[Spinbreath]

I think that Yes' music captured live is always more preferable than the studio versions. This is why I find it hard to understand why 'Yesshows' is not more highly rated amongst people who come on this site. It was the first Yes album I bought and has always remained my favourite. The version of 'Gates of Delirium' is the greatest piece of music ever recorded, yet I cannot listen to the version on Relayer. Perhaps one reason for this is that it lacks the power, but I think the main reason is that Jon Anderson sings on studio tracks with a pronounced Lancashire accent. I live less than fifty miles from Lancashire, and most of the people around here talk like that, so when I hear the Relayer version all I can here is the accent.
Keys to Ascension was wonderful, although the version of Awaken was not as good as the one on Going for the One, possibly because it must be hard to capture the effect of a cathedral organ and a real choir on a synthesiser. Other than that live music is definatley the best.

[yesskater]

I concur wholeheartedly, Spinbreath. Over the years, I have found myself putting on Yessongs or Yesshows as much as their studio counterparts. The fact that Yes can pull these immensely complex compositions off live is amazing in itself, but when they feel like jamming with some improvisations, that adds an entire new element of brilliance.
Although I can never single out one particular Yes piece of music as my favorite, I would have to say that my favorite LIVE Yessong is "Starship Trooper," particularly the Jon/Steve/Chris/Rick/Alan performances. When Steve, Chris and Alan hit the acclerator at the end of "Wurm", that is pure musical paradise.

Originally posted by Spinbreath
but I think the main reason is that Jon Anderson sings on studio tracks with a pronounced Lancashire accent. I live less than fifty miles from Lancashire, and most of the people around here talk like that, so when I hear the Relayer version all I can here is the accent.

That is so funny Spinbreath! You hear his accent, huh? I'm going to have to listen to it again for that. I would not know what that should sound like so it will be interesting for me. Too bad that bums you out. I love everything about his voice--enunciations included. Do you hear it as clearly on his other recordings? How about solo recordings?

As far as the live versions, I'm on the other side. I'm wondering about this--I wonder if a live album was your first exposure to Yes and that was when you fell in love with Yes--that you prefer the live versions over the studio versions. I think that would be an interesting poll. Now if I only knew how to set that up! I'm going to see if I can. I fell in love at Fragile and prefer the "perfect" sound of everything on the studio versions. I have heard others though that say that Yessongs was their first and they prefer the live versions.

And of course seeing Yes live is always better than anything in life.

[WhiteKnight]

I agree with yesiree: I like studio version better (especially so wrt the most recent live releases, e.g., HOB). The main exceptions being the Yes Album tracks and their versions on Yessongs, and Don't Kill the Whale (Yesshows).

Among live recordings (and given that they are usually worse than studio), I tend to prefer those that are notably different/extended, eg, "Onward" on KTA, and the classics on "An Evening of Yes Music Plus". But I think that's another thread (which is your fav live version of this or that)?

WK

[ronw]

I actually prefer live myself, although I think that is the minority on this board.

[yesindeed]

I cut my teeth on Yessongs.... Compare yind on yessongs with the studio cut. To me the studio cut actually plods along while the live version rocks... I like the live ctte better also.

jmho

[Dragonfly]

First, I never list live albums or compilations in lists of favorites. It doesn't make sense to group them with the studio releases; apples and oranges. If you were only rating favorite live albums, then it would make sense.

Why bands like Yes (and Pink Floyd, for that matter) don't release more archival live material is beyond me. Thankfully the UNION tour video was finally released. That's, far and away, the best version of "Awaken" ever (that tour's version, not necessarily that show's.)

The one thing that always suffers in the live context is the vocals. I happen to find the intricate vocal harmonies culled in the studio to be far superior to any add-libbing on stage. If there were only a way for the live vocals to match the studio work, I'd be in heaven.

Certainly the lead work by guitars and keyboards (and, in this band, the bass and drums) are better live.

One thing that may count against YESSONGS is the sound mix - very poor. YESSHOWS, however, sounds better (though not as clear as, say, HOUSE OF YES.) We need videos of both of those album's eras that have clearer sound.

What ever happened to the QPR tapes they though they'd found? When is that video going to be released (released)?

Dragonfly:yesbird:

Originally posted by yesindeed
I cut my teeth on Yessongs.... Compare yind on yessongs with the studio cut. To me the studio cut actually plods along while the live version rocks... I like the live ctte better also.

jmho

Yesindeed, please cast your vote on my poll for this in the poll selection. Everybody else too. I'd really like to see how the numbers turn out.

And Dragonfly, tell me about the QPR tapes. Would that be different than the Live at QPR 1975 releases?

[Spinbreath]

Interesting replies. I feel that live music is better because of the shere energy displayed. It is probably due to the fact that in the studio the musicians are playing music they are not totally familiar with, yet when they have played it every night for a few months, and could perform it in their sleep, it loosens up the muscles and allows for a more flowing approach. Also the advances in technology have helped no end, they can do things now they could of only dreamed of years ago, which is particularly noticable in the ambitious music Yes have always produced.
Check out the drumming on Heart of the Sunrise from An evening of Yes music, it's so utterly powerful. I have friends who listen to death metal who think that by simply making lots of noise their favourite bands come across as powerful, yet here we have a thundering beat, combined with delicate and emotional playing. No other band have ever achieved such a mix.
Live music is a skill which many modern bands seem unable to master, but I think it is the most important part of their duties; to not only put on a good show, but to show off their skills, to make your jaw drop and think 'wow, I wish I could do that.'

[1yesfan]

I must say I prefer live Yes. :thumbup: :thumbup:'s up for live Yes!

Well, you guys--go and put your preferences on the poll for this. Please!

[Keith Perks]

Live against studio will always be down to peronal choice. I for one have always liked live recordings, they sort of remind me of the shows that i have seen.

While YES have released several live recordings over the years, they have i feel been just a collection of songs recorded live with no format of a beginning, middle and end that allows you to relive a YES show.

I am sure that with todays modern technology, YES could release a recording from a recent tour in a better format.

[YYY]

Shamefully I must divulge that I don't own 'Yesshows'. Please let me maintain my fan membership. I'll have to take care of this problem right away. I do own 'Keys 1' and the elaborated versions of 'Siberian Khatru' and 'Starship Trooper' are just fantastic. When I play them I don't want them to end. It seems it always depends on what album you heard first that determines your preference.

By the way - Have you noticed in the last several years 'CTTE' in concert has been sounding really slowed down and bland, especially in the beginning. It been sounding very methodical rather than radical

Also I'm very curious - What should I listen for in 'Gates' in order to hear Jon's Lancashire accent? And why doesn't he use it on the Live version? hmmm

[Spinbreath]

If you listen to Jon Anderson talk while he is onstage his accent tends to retreat as he gets more excited. Eg listen to 'An Evening of YesMusic', before 'And You And I' comes on he says something about 'It's Saturday night....' This is not a Lancashire accent.
However, on the same album, before 'Heart of the Sunrise', when he has calmed down a bit, he says something about 'When we were putting the show together...' Now he is back at his Accrington best.
I don't know if Americans can tell the difference between British accents without being fully exposed to them, as similarly I cannot distinguish between different areas of the US (Apart from the deep South). But in the UK the accent changes every twenty miles, from the cockneys and the cornish, through the brummies and the midlanders, the scousers, the mancs, the lancastrians, the yorkshirefolk, on up to the geordies and the Scots, not forgetting the Welsh of course (north, south and mid).
I could have this completely wrong, but it seems to be that everyone outside of Britain thinks we all talk like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, and he sounds about as English as Sadam Hussein.

[Tanbar]

i must say that as far as recordings go, especially for the earlier years, i prefur the studio versions over the live recordings, and most especially over bootlegs(:thumbdown to bootlegs and the practice, i personally don't believe in it and think that it actually takes away from the concert expirience)

but you know, nothing can beat the incredible high of seeing, feeling, hearing, and being part of a Yes concert. and that's all i have to say about that.

sooner,
*tink*

[luckyseven]

I like to hear songs played live at least a few times, purely out of curiosity to see how the band pulls off a song live, and to see if there are any differences. Otherwise, I usually just listen to the studio albums. I don't find myself pulling out Yessongs very often.

[YYY]

A little bit off the subject, but....

Spinbreath! Have u seen the movie 'Snatch' - a Guy Ritchie film with Brad Pitt playing this guy with a very funny acsent who lives in a trailer. If you've seen it - 'What acsent is he speaking' Its extremely funny

[Squireaholic]

In my young arrogant days, I used to look forward to the live version just to see if they could 'pull it off' (i.e., "this too studio brilliant; they CAN'T do this live!?")
These days, I try to 'accept' the face value of the studio tracks, because that's what was desired at that moment. However, some of my favorite YES music comes as the result of seeing/hearing it live ("Hearts" for example, does not bear it's soul of existence until you see it live; then, I dare you not to weep at the beauty of the music). Just mho of course.

[bjm0rwo]

Most live music from various groups or individuals I honestly don't care for.It falls within that category of "You had to be there."I much prefer the studio versions of songs although there are a few live recordings I think are good for the most part and that includes Yessongs. I know I'm going to catch some flak here for this but the live version of the Fish tends to be a little over-indulgent and is an example of the You had to be there complex.I've seen Yes numerous times starting in the 70's and have witnessed this song live and enjoyed it but listening to it on record it just doesn't translate well to me.Over the top and played for that particular audience for that particular night.

You know Brian, I'm with you on that one. I continue to wonder though if you would feel that way if say, Yessongs was your first album. And maybe it was but I don't know that. Everybody keeps posting their opinons here--which is a good thing--but I think it would add a whole other dimension of understanding and interest if people would put their preferences on the poll for this topic in the polling site. (It's already set up) It would organize our preferences and might help us to see how it is that someone might more prefer one over the other--then again, maybe not, but I think it would be fun in the meantime. I guess I'm alone on that.

[Awaken82]

What do you think about the live versions of awaken that has been released? I believe the KTA version is probably the best I have heard besides the studio version but it has its flaws. The thing I find most annoying about this version is that Jon doesn't reach the high notes when he sings and he just kind of trails off and starts the next lyric. on the HOB version, you can't hear the keyboards AT ALL. the whole section right before it gets real quiet is totally ruined because you can't hear the church organ keyboards at all! does anyone else agree with me?

[Spinbreath]

In the movie 'Snatch', Brad Pitt is playing a Tinker, which is kind of like a Romany Gypsy. It is mainly an Irish Accent, mixed up with all kinds of other things.
You can never understand a word these people say, and I think Mr Pitt ( an extremely under-rated actor) carried it off brilliantly.
I have been trying to think of other famous Lancastrians to illustrate my points, but so far the only one I can come up with is George Formby, who had prominent teeth and played the ukelele. Then again I don't think he's that famous. Does anyone know the song 'When I'm cleaning windows?'.

[Plastic Man]

live music is only good after you know the studio versions.

[1yesfan]

Man do I agree. Hearing a Live tune that I have not heard before is hard for me to like it. When they did the two new tunes on the recent tour it was hard for me to get into the song caus I was not familar w/them at all. ITPO was ok though. It struck me as THIS ONE has potential once I have heard it from a studio track. Boy did it!

[Plastic Man]

yeah, and hearing a live version can completely renew a song...for example, ive ruined close the edge pretty much, but if i ever heard a live version i would proably really like it. but yeah, when i hear live versions of songs that ive never even heard before it just sounds not all that gr8.

[nightliner]

I can't really say whether I prefer studio or live. It all depends on the song and sound quality of the live version in question.

The one good thing about live recordings is that it shows what a band can do on their own without a lot of studio tricks. The simple fact that some live Yes material is preferred over the studio is a testiment to their abilities.

This reminds me of a Talk show I attended. Someone behind me made the comment "they can't do that live" when Jon introduced Endless Dream. They not only did it, but that is one live version I do prefer over the studio.

[1yesfan]

Rabins solo on Endless Dream to me has much more feel (and is longer) to it then the studio cut.

[Original_Shifty]

I loved the LIVE Symphonic version of And You And I. That version took me to a higher plain then it could before.

GOD has been smokin' in the live versions of Masterworks and Symphonic.

[Rogo]

I prefer the Yessongs versions of Perpetual Change, Yours Is No Disgrace, and Starship Trooper. The live version of Gates in Oslo was magnificent, one of the best things I've heard them do ever. I can't wait to hear how it comes over on the DVD from Amsterdam...? Other than that, I tend to prefer studio versions. Comparing Awaken in the studio and SLO versions, I think the studio verson is better because of a more rounded keyboard sound. And Rick plays the intro so differently live, I find it a bit disappointing.

If you can bear to listen to Trevor Horn on Drama, he has at least one moment where he comes across as pure Geordie (the accent of Newcastle upon Tyne). In the song "Man in a white car" he sings "muuv lake a gorst on the skyline... tek aal yur dreems and he'll thray them ah whaae"... Excuse the spelling, but try listening close and you'll get my drift...

Do you agree spinbreath...

That's so funny Rogo. When I can bear to hear it, I'll surely listen for that. Thanks.

[Earl Grey]

..and I have a YES-STORY to share! (So 'trite' sounding! Oh wel!).

Many MANY moons ago ( before you were born Tanbar *tink*)...
I was on a hilltop, in southern Californica... In my first car [a '65 Rambler with a bad muffler..!).

KMET (The Mighty MET of Los Angeles) was playing the recent TORMATO concert (Which I happily attended at the FORUM. Another thread, mind you!).

I was recording the broadcast on my JVC Biphonic tape-deck in the car, on top of the hill, as that was the best place to elude the horiffic 'white-noise' of those white-noise-disco-days).

A cop pulled up right around the broadcast of Starship Trooper.
...sauntered up to my questionable vehicle....

"What are you doing, son?"

"I'm recording a radio-broadcast of a YES concert that I went to! (paranoid-shivver!)."

"YES?!" I saw them before! Wow! What station is it on (As if he'd turn off the police-radio and listen to Jon singing his top-ten hit, "Don't Kill The Whale" Hyuck Hyuck!)?".

94.7 'Little bit of heaven, KMET: Deedle-dee!"

"Alright. I wont make you move your vehicle, but be sure to go when you've finished recording the thing. OK? Carry-on."

This is the diametric opposite of Rodney King's thing.
Well. He wasn't listening to YES. His problem, not mine.

I had that tape for many years, and it served me well. And there's some LA cop out there bobbing his head to YES.
No small thing.

That's all.

Cary on, Son ( Daughter)!!
:ele:

[Silent_wings]

I love hearing Yes songs live
Maybe that why I have so many live shows

Songs like DKTW improve dramatically when preformed live
Hearing Minddrive last year was fantastic