Fave song poll [Archive] - Yesfans.com: Founded 4/01

deus ex Machina

02-08-2002, 07:51 PM

What an amazing amazing album.

Close to the Edge- My fav on this album and a song that I will never get sick of. The first time I heard this song, I hated it. There was all of this dischord right at the beginning where the instruments kind of bounced off each other in this ugly chaotic manner. And the "I get up, I get down" part annoyed the hell out of me. I kept waiting for Jon to be like "I get uuuup" and the background singers from kiss would throw in "everybodies gonna move their feet", Jon "I get dowwwwn" Kiss singers "everybodies gonna leave their seat." What a stupid lyric! I turned it off when Wakeman came in with the church organ solo. What a big annoying pile of crap. But then, over the next few days, I drew up enough strength to listen all the way through. By the time it got done with the final "seasons" part, it all made sense, and it was good. It made perfect sense! And since then, it has been something of a masterpiece to me.
Here we have this opening chaotic part where you could picture either someone cracking up mentally -which would follow close to the lyrics, or a spaceship going crashing through the atmosphere of a new planet and landing in some strange Roger Dean forest. Anyways I could go on with this whole mental video that would be as epic as the song. But I think ill let you think that one through.

And you and I- A really really great sounding song. It's the kind of song that doesn't have to grow on a person because it seems to attract instantaneously with listeners. Gives the feeling of being bathed in a warm light in a place of serenity. Once again, please excuse my patience tonight, it lacks some dicipline.

Siberian Khatru- Stravinsky inspired. Gives the impression of being in a state of flight. Has some really wonderful riffs that are catchy in that star wars cantina band kinda way. I seriously would have liked to have seen them cultivate the song a little bit more. I like the song alot, but especially towards the end, you just wanna skip to the next track without letting it play out. The problem for me is that Khatru just becomes too musically predictable, and ceases to keep my attention all the way through. But that's just me.

RobAdams

02-19-2002, 02:37 AM

The album runs in the order of my favorite to least favorite.
CLOSE TO THE EDGE, AND YOU AND I and then SIBERIAN KHATRU.
Still I love them all. Another YES album that goes in my favorite to least favorite order is RELAYER. But my least favorites on these two great albums are still two of my favorite Yes tracks.

mrgone3

03-18-2002, 10:16 AM

I know CTTE is the epic piece on the perfect album.Rick's keyboard work ranges from gentle to ferocious!And Steve , Chris and Bill just seemed to meld together as one to create the sound in The Solid Time of Change.But I always go back to And You and I.The musicians are prominent,but not overwhelming.Classical music for the rock generation. Punctuated by Jon's energized lyrics.He punches with the constant barrage of lyrics and images.Not just lyrics...absolute poetry.If I choose one song that would secure entry into the hall of fame it would be And You and I.The centerpiece of the album.You old timer get out the vinyl version and look at the art work.Check out the innersleeve for the calligraphy on the lyrics.Nothing comes CLOSE. JOE

Roger

04-13-2002, 10:49 PM

Oh...CTTE without a doubt...my all time favorite yessong!!!!

sychophant

04-22-2002, 09:16 PM

And You and I is without a doubt the most gorgeous piece of Art of any form I have ever experienced. People start religions over less moving things than this unbelievable masterpiece. If this song never existed I would be saying the same thing about CTTE. The fact that they are on the same album, even that they were recorded by the same band or even in the same era boggles this boys mind. Those guys were definitely not ####ing around on this one.

gt76yesman

05-12-2002, 05:31 PM

Had to vote for all three.

Siberian Khatru is a great opener, And You andI is an amazing song, and Close to the Edge is just plain, Close to the Edge of cosmic existance!

Nautilus

05-20-2002, 09:39 PM

Close to The Edge -- specifically, Total Mass Retain.

While there aren't many choices of songs numerically, the decision between each is tough... They're all three so good.

porcupinetreeguy

05-20-2002, 10:02 PM

Live its Ritual
recorded its Sound Chaser

RobAdams

06-13-2002, 03:01 AM

If I put my CLOSE TO THE EDGE cd in my player on repeat mode, I notice that each track is better than the one before, and the one before is better than the next. This album works well on "repeat ad-infinitum".

HighTheMemory

06-14-2002, 02:26 AM

This one of the first yes albums I heard entirely (the other was the yes Album). I first heard it about 10 years ago, and it still amazes me. I have been playing drums for about 11 years now, and I have been studying brufords playing on the title track about that long, and I still cant figure out how he did it. Every note, every beat, every guitar riff , and everything still gives me chills to this day. I hold a great fondness for Close To The Edge.

Earl Grey

06-20-2002, 06:19 AM

SilentlyFallingFish

06-24-2002, 10:43 PM

Close to the Edge: At first hearing, I was obliterated and reorganized. :bonghitte Okay, maybe I wasn't smoking then, but it was definately the same effect. This song goes beyond songwriting as such; it's the whole journey.

And you and I:Reminds me of the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. Expansive and magestic!

Siberian Khatru: Everyone is at their best in this one. They MUST play this live again!:keyboard:

Kingfish

07-24-2002, 10:48 PM

A no brainer (hardly :D ) for me. CTTE is the winner!

Earl Grey

07-25-2002, 03:54 AM

Ah! And yet Another Squire Fan! Great taste compadre! As with YOU, oh SilentlyFallingFish!

Close to the Edge seems to be the desert isle album so far.
I think RELAYER would be my next choice... But back to topic:
Your favorite song off of Close To The Edge would be???

Earl:yesbird:

yarstruly

08-01-2002, 06:53 PM

This is about as Close to Perfection as you can get....I can't chose! This is definitely my fav Yes album, all three tracks are amazing!

taper1

09-13-2002, 07:10 PM

"And You And I" is my favorite. Tough choice , must be that acoustic guitar.

maninawhitecar

09-13-2002, 07:33 PM

Once again I'm in the minority....but I don't care! Siberian Khatru does it for me. Yes you are amazing!

Earl Grey

09-18-2002, 03:28 AM

Why not.

I think it's my favorite as well, maninawhitecar.

For me, it's Steve Howe's best vehicle for stretching out during a show... all those cool octave riffs he pulls out of his hat. A big hat there: he never seems to run out of new variations at the end of the song!

Siberian Khatru is an amazing thing. My favorite song from my favorite album? Wow. Never thought about it, but that might just make Siberian Khatru my all time favorite Yessong.

But then there's Heart Of the Sunrise from Fragile... so hard to pick!!!! :) Guess I don't have to!
Siberian Khatru IS quite a moment.

Earl:yesbird:

Sheerah

09-25-2002, 03:53 PM

CTTE is my freakin favorite by far.
Followed very, very closely by AYAI.

BrianD

09-26-2002, 07:28 AM

My first Yes album and still the best. Bought the day after seeing them for the first time in 1973. While I nominated CTTE as the best track, they are all brilliant. I'll never tire of this album. A couple of nights ago I saw the Yessymphonic version of AYAI - what an amazing performance.

To me this is the pinnacle of prog rock

yes_angel

09-26-2002, 08:08 AM

Siberian Khatru is the one I will stick by.A song that I did alot of cruising with! CTTE rocks also of course,what can I say.Love them all!!!!! LOL

arrel

10-08-2002, 10:40 AM

I was going to vote for all three. But, much as I love "Siberian Khatru", the ending disappoints me just a little. I've heard the version on "YesSongs", the live performance, is different. Is the ending more effective? I'd love to hear this with a more dramatic ending. That would put it at the top for me.

That leaves "Close to the Edge" and "And You And I". Almost too close to call. Before I saw the "Symphonic Yes" DVD, I would have given the nod to "CttE". But, much as I loved it on the DVD, too, AYAI just stood out above anything else in that concert, in my opinion. (Edit, to clarify...it may not be fair to use a different performance to make a judgment on this, it's just that when I listen to the original now, I find myself still being influenced by the emotions of the concert performance, if that makes any sense.)

Hence, my somewhat reluctant choice..

Earl Grey

10-10-2002, 04:56 AM

Trying to decide is a 'Sophie's Choice'. I'm glad I don't really have to... All of these songs are my favorite, depending on the particular mood I'm in.

Welcome to our ongoing Yesparty! The doors never close, the wine flows... and there's always the best of company! Intercontinental, even!

:ele:

headrott

10-18-2002, 05:53 PM

This is a no brainer! CTTE is the best rock song ever recorded! (I know a lot of you are going to say Awaken but.....)

raz

11-10-2002, 01:33 AM

Well, I prefer Sound Chaser (at the moment)....
I'm bound to change my mind sooner or later ....
(CTTE used to be my fave for a while, and Awaken before that...)

Earl Grey

11-10-2002, 07:02 AM

I swear... I was going to post this post BEFORE I read your post...

I've been leaning towards Awaken lately. I didn't think it would ever happen, but it has...

But I don't think the best version is the 'sanctioned' recorded version.

I tend to love the Union tour version of the song as the quintessential YES recording...

But Close To The Edge is so close that they are inseperatable.

So different too...

What an amazing thing Yesmusic is. Who can really pick one favorite child over the next?

:yesbird:

headrott

11-12-2002, 05:41 AM

Originally posted by Earl Grey
I swear... I was going to post this post BEFORE I read your post...

I've been leaning towards Awaken lately. I didn't think it would ever happen, but it has...

But I don't think the best version is the 'sanctioned' recorded version.

I tend to love the Union tour version of the song as the quintessential YES recording...

But Close To The Edge is so close that they are inseperatable.

So different too...

What an amazing thing Yesmusic is. Who can really pick one favorite child over the next?

:yesbird:

Is there a certain performance you think is the best from the Union tour? I don't own very many Union tour shows, so I'd be interested in any input here. Thanks much.

Greg

Dances w/PURPLE

11-16-2002, 12:18 AM

AYAI has a wonderful memory attached to it so...

Nautilus

11-16-2002, 07:21 AM

Recently I've started to like And You & I almost as much as CttE. Before it was probably my least favorite song on the album; I just didn't get it.
But now I do, and in fact I think And You & I is now my second favorite song (then Gates, then HotS).

So I'd vote for CttE/AY&I now.

Sheerah

11-21-2002, 07:45 PM

I was driving home from work the other day sitting in major traffic. The ride took me nearly twice as long as normally. I had CTTE playing. I was in Zoneville, almost hypnotized by the traffic and the music.

Suddenly, I was struck by the lyrics of CTTE. They took on a sexual connotation. Am I nuts? Was it just my mood? Has anyone else noticed this?

"Close to the edge"
"Not right away"
"Seasoned witch?????"

Nautilus

11-21-2002, 08:02 PM

I think it was probably your mood, but then I have pet theories about hidden meanings than span several decades in Jon's lyrics so you're not alone. :D

Earl Grey

11-22-2002, 08:41 PM

Headrot:

I only have one full recording from the tour: I actually won it on a Yesfans contest: and it doesn't say where the show is from! I should ask Tim if he knows...
And I have another recording of 'Awaken' from a collection I won on the same contest... And it doesn't say where it was recorded from... darn it!

Itr seems to me though that the versions of 'Awaken' from that particular tour were the most spirited... as though everyone in the band were egging each other on to higher hights.
Which is SOMETHING when speaking of musicians of such caliber.

Earl:yesbird:

Mr. Holland

11-24-2002, 09:42 AM

Not much to add to all that's been said here. CTTE indeed is as close as it comes to perfection.....

Faceintheplace

12-08-2002, 10:53 PM

Close to the Edge is just an amazing, stunning, solid album.
I voted for "Close to the Edge." The whole album is great, but "Close to the Edge" is far and away one of THE best things Yes ever did. When I was a kid, "Fragile" made me curious about Yes. "Close to the Edge" made me a fan in a big way.

Hearing "Close to the Edge" with Rick on the keys, will to me, always be a major highlight in my life. I have a recording of this song from Paris '77 and its just phenomenal.

bender

06-16-2003, 06:11 AM

Close to the edge (the album) has to be the most perfect complete piece of music ever recorded.

It never ceases to amaze me that CTTE came out in 1972. The rest of the world still hasnt caught up!

delerium27

06-21-2003, 03:38 PM

Wow, a trip back in time for me. I think it was 1972, (I was 20 at the time) Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, ELP, so many great bands around, all at or near their peaks. I liked Yes, but had not bought any of their albums, friends had them and it was enough to hear them at their places (money being very tight, freshly married, new baby, etc.). Until that year at the Milwaukee show...

Milwaukee arena held around 10,000 or 12,000 seats, maybe a bit larger. It was the perfect venue for that tour. Yes had the sound and lights to literally blow me into what seemed to be another realm of consciousness. From the instant the Firebird merged into Siberian Khatru until the final encore, I was in nirvana!!!

The high point for me was most definitely CTTE. I was totally blown away by the fact that they could perform such complex music so perfectly and with such energy. Aah, to have such talent all pulled together into one group. Yes instantly vaulted to the top of my all time favorite group list and has remained there to this day.

I had cassette tapes that I had recorded from my friends and I wore a couple out waiting for Yessongs to come out. To this day I never did go out and actually purchase the CTTE album. The version of CTTE on Yessongs has always been my favorite, the boys were very hot, the live versions seem to have more soul and energy to me, and imo Steve played the opening 4 or 5 minutes of CTTE so cleanly and intricately, it is just one of those moments in time you wish you could capture and put in a bottle.

If I had to pick one album out as the perfect album, CTTE would be it, each piece is totally wondrous in its' own way, not a single weak moment to my ears. I love all 3 of the songs, all on one album, bot too shabby. CTTE being an absolute masterpiece and my favorite of the 3 songs! But then they came out with Tales and Relayer, hmm.

Well, better run, later all.

Third

07-05-2003, 08:19 PM

I went with Close To The Edge. Great epic.

TrevorHowe

08-06-2003, 11:41 PM

I like CTTE hands down no thinking required. Close to the edge just has some of the coolest playing i've ever heard in my life and it just sucks me in every time I listen to it. I think this is one of the only songs in the world that goes by too fast and you have to listen to it one more time. I just wish everyone in the world knew how cool this song was but most people think a five minute song is too long, bunch of sisies.

headrott

08-07-2003, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by TrevorHowe
I think this is one of the only songs in the world that goes by too fast and you have to listen to it one more time.

I know what you mean TrevorHowe. This song seems to finish in about 8 or 9 minutes, not 18 minutes. Even after 1000 plus listenings to it I can say this. There are not too many songs you can say that about. It's THE BEST!

Greg

SonicDeath10

09-03-2003, 01:56 AM

hard, but for me it's not that hard. didn't make much sense?

well, close to the edge is perfect. enough said.

but and you and i is complete beauty.

and siberian khartu is a funk rocker that lenny kravitz only wishes he could write.

i love this album. :)

Ryan

12-17-2003, 07:51 PM

It was pretty easy for me to decide. Defenintly Close to the edge. It is an extremely long song, but yet it goes by so quickly. When listening I am always sad when its over, but then and you and I gets me feeling better. Another great thing about this album is that the more you listen to it, the better you like it. I can't say that about to many other albums.

Marco78

12-25-2003, 04:58 PM

"Close To The Edge" is not only the best Yes record to date, but also one of the greatest rock albums of all time. From "The Yes Album" to "Going For The One" they released six Masterpieces.
My second favourite band is Rush.

Scooty

01-21-2004, 11:51 PM

" Seasons will pass you by ...." Definitely CTTE

moonchild

01-21-2004, 11:56 PM

I voted for AYAI...its been my favorite Yes song of all time forever. It was the only song I wanted to learn to play on the guitar...and as a drummer thats saying alot. However, I forgot how a long time ago...and now the only thing I can still remember to play on the guitar is "Smoke on the Water"...how sad is that?! :lady:

Scooty

01-21-2004, 11:57 PM

Its not that hard Moonchild..remind me sometime and I will show you how...real easy actually :)

moonchild

01-22-2004, 12:03 AM

You got it, Scoot...however, I don't think I've even picked up a guitar in more than 4 years...

Gabriel

05-13-2004, 07:31 AM

And you and I gets my vote. The other songs are very interesting but this one moves me the most and its simply beautiful!

King Crimson

06-01-2004, 05:55 PM

All three are incredible, but tittle track - .... No coments!

SonicDeath10

06-02-2004, 12:30 AM

close to the edge is one of the perfect prog songs. that and something like thick as a brick or 21st century schizoid man is what got me into prog any ways. supper's ready too.

Scooty

06-26-2004, 05:57 AM

CTTE~title track..without a shadow of a doubt..

Scoot

jeremy

06-27-2004, 12:55 PM

as they produce the movement. a profound track.

ndselwood

06-27-2004, 01:19 PM

AYAI gets it for me but what a choice ! The best Yes album IMHO and not a weak track in sight. Asking to choose which is the best is like asking whether you should breathe or not !

I'll hold my breath a while !!

Amy

07-22-2004, 11:30 PM

CTTE

Mario1970

08-01-2004, 12:54 AM

"AYAI". I could hear it ever and ever.

weebl

08-01-2004, 12:23 PM

I'd say SK. That's my favourite one on the album. However, AYAI is THE best song live EVER. Still to hear CTTE live...

JimBob

08-01-2004, 01:08 PM

And You And I is my fave but this album is such a masterpiece that it's a shame to have to put a song like CTTE as a second choice. Siberian Khatru is a great song as well. It is almost impossible for anyone to make an album as outstanding as this.

tali

08-01-2004, 01:21 PM

I love this album.

The first not-so-few times I listened to Close to the Edge (the song), I could not do anything but gape. Honestly that's all I could do! It had such a huge effect on me that I changed my holiday plans so I could see Yes live.
(Er... in another country). It's like all the things I ever wanted to express
all revealed in one song. A true masterpiece and probably my favorite Yes song. I want to hear it now! :valintine

slazman

08-07-2004, 06:52 PM

Close to the Edge every time and I want to see it performed LIVE

cinderella

09-03-2004, 03:52 AM

Close To The Edge.

Oh and Peter - your avatar is making me dizzy!http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/kao/msroom/m-guru.gif

Gabriel

09-03-2004, 11:31 AM

However, AYAI is THE best song live EVER. Still to hear CTTE live...

I concur mate; what performance it was at Wembley eh? Simply stunning. I for one hope that I get to hear CTTE live. And SK, for that matter since I missed the Full Circle Tour!

Timmo

09-24-2004, 12:51 AM

They're all good.

It's like asking me to pick my favorite child.

jimtim45

11-26-2004, 07:33 AM

I picked CTTE but all 3 tracks are brilliant.I remember hearing CTTE on the day it was released,we all awaited this album in anticipation.I was still at school at the time & my older sister managed to bring her friend back to our house as her friend had managed to scrape together the cash to buy the album.On its first hearing the track CTTE was totally different from anything I had ever heard or experienced before.After 2/3 hearings the track was soon appreciated as a masterpiece.Yesterday, I bought the Rhino version and 32 years later the album still sounds fresh and is classic YES music.

QBall

12-05-2004, 01:24 PM

Close To The Edge

I remember listening to it for the first time... I went through the intro and this WAS some experience! All this 'chaotic' introduction, and the moment the 'regular' guitar part comes in - it's like a dream... This suite has everything that matters in music.
I think the keyboard solo here is better than that from Roundabout.

SonicDeath10

12-05-2004, 01:37 PM

i heard this album decades after it was first released. I was driving in the car with my parents, coming back from my aunt and uncles cabin to go back to my college town: they were visiting for the weekend. I listened to it on crappy headphones, and missed most of the music. only later did I grasp how great it was.

SonicDeath10

12-05-2004, 01:39 PM

hey close to the edge is based on siddharta right? i've heard that, and I'd wonder if anybody here who has read it could comment on that.

Timmo

12-07-2004, 06:26 PM

I get in moods where I MUST hear Close to the Edge.

Nothing else will do.

I remember the first time I heard it, shortly after the album was released. I think I was about 11. I put it on my brother's stereo in his room (he'd moved out and I'd appropriated the stereo) and as soon as I heard the birds, I knew I had to turn the lights out and listen to it in the dark.

I flipped the album over and listened to the other side.

I flipped it back over to Close to the Edge and played it repeatedly, for hours.

30 years later, it still sounds fresh. Close to the Edge is simply timeless.

It is not my favorite Yes record (that nod goes to Relayer with a very slight edge) but I think their greatest record. Most timeless, most classic.

The Whale

12-29-2004, 09:30 AM

AYAI its so moving and for me I herd this song at the right time and at the right place where it just hit home. then I realized it wasn't the time or place it was the song. People say you can't define love. ah but you can define what love is like and what it makes you do and this song does just that for every one I have ever loved! Heck this song could even be a bout You ( yes music) and I (your self). wow love this song.

sourgrapexxx

12-29-2004, 09:42 AM

I read somewhere (or maybe I heard it at a concert?) that Jon Anderson said that AYAI gets more powerful every time you hear it, as if it is always in memento. There's something very truthful about that... I can listen to it again and again. There's not a lot else that does that, and as Gabriel said, the last performance at Wembley was something else. Wow.

TempusRoundabout

01-13-2005, 06:34 PM

Wow, that's a really tough choice. I think Close to the Edge takes the cake though. I even let my metalhead friend listen to it and he thought that the song was put together very well. He told me he enjoyed listening to it.

Siberian Khatru is also a masterpiece. The guitar part during the verse is one of my favorite Yes guitar licks.

And You and I is 3rd though, but by no means the worst. It's certainly a good song to kick back and relax to.

MoonGateClimber

01-13-2005, 07:33 PM

My choice is definetly CTTE. There is nothing I would change on it. Plus, CTTE was my first Yes album, & I listened to nothing but that one album for about a month.
By the way, I don't see how choosing one as a favorite would be difficult. However, ranking them from favorite to least favorite would be extremely difficult. I couldn't really rank them from favorite to least favorite because 2nd & 3rd (CTTE always stays at number 1) change depending on my mood for a day.;)

SilenceoftheValley

01-14-2005, 11:25 PM

Close to the Edge absolutly, the other two are great but CTTE is absolutly perfect... or better

SonicDeath10

01-15-2005, 01:31 AM

and you and i agree... except man and you and i is some sort of beautiful isn't it?

SilenceoftheValley

01-16-2005, 09:09 PM

Absolutly Close to the Edge, tahts the easiest poll ive taken yet. The other 2 are great but...Close to the edge....wow

SonicDeath10

01-17-2005, 10:10 AM

yeah i'd actually agree with you on that. it's like close to the edge is the main course, and the other two are the desert. sure, the last two taste great, and are a nice addition to your meal, but the main course gives you all you need.

Hill St.

01-22-2005, 03:47 AM

CTTE.No need to go further.

TakeItEasy221

02-27-2005, 01:46 PM

And You And I. This album is a masterpiece, and the album itself, let alone the song, will never cease to amaze me. However, I can't put words together describing the beauty in And You And I. I get goosebumps every time I hear it.

SonicDeath10

02-27-2005, 04:00 PM

the song took awhile for me to "get" it, but man... it's like having an orgasm in slow motion.

TakeItEasy221

03-16-2005, 10:29 PM

Originally I chose AYAI, as a young Yes fan I had yet to fully appreciate CTTE-now I realize its a true musical masterpiece.

SoundChaser72

03-17-2005, 07:13 PM

I almost went with CTTE but I had to chose AYAI simply because its, I dont know, it flows better? There is a fluidity to it, and its more easily digestable. If that makes sense. But CTTE is a very close 2nd.

03-17-2005, 07:49 PM

I voted CTTE, but I think the entire album rules, and each piece is wonderful.

This reminds me, when I was 16 the neighbors called the cops because I was playing AYAI too loud for their liking.

IDOLIZEYES

03-17-2005, 08:03 PM

Certainly CTTE HOWEver, and there is always a HOWEver in YES music!!....like some of you said, the whole album is great, like one big song. Just like TFTO, or MAG even !

KPatrick

03-17-2005, 10:52 PM

I'm really surprised that (1) "CTTE" was such an overwhelming favorite, and (2) so many people said the choice was so easy. No mistake, it's a brilliant brillliant song, but these are three Masterworks. I picked "And You And I." I should explain myself now, I guess... Can't. It just pulls my strings. I could hear it 100 times straight and probably cry, like, 7 of those times. I've never heard a performance of it that didn't move me strongly in one direction or another. It's so BIG, like church music, but with country sounds, funky sounds... covers a lot of ground in 10 minutes, and you follow it like a story that you want to read the next page of. I've heard a lot of Yes songs a lot of times, but this one just makes me deliriously happy every time I sit and listen to it.

bassist73

04-10-2005, 07:52 PM

In my opinion, all the songs on CTTE rock.But I would have to choose CTTE as my favorite on the album.

yesscl

04-14-2005, 12:14 PM

Close To The Edge ... is amazing... is lovely... is everything... is beautiful...

I really love it.

I mean the song and the album.

SonicDeath10

04-14-2005, 08:15 PM

:D Close To The Hedge Down By Rick James House!

RABARKS

04-15-2005, 05:07 PM

They're all equal. I compare them to a medieval painting, with one centrepiece (CTTE) which also is the name for the whole painting. And two side panels (AYAI and SK).
I'm a bit of a nitpicker so I will find flaws in many a Yes album (even Fragile), but this one's just perfect. End of discussion.

TimeBetweenTheNotes

04-21-2005, 04:06 PM

I voted for CTTE. I was already playing blues rock/psychadelic and folk guitar in high school when Fragile came out. I was so fascinated by the musicianship and creativity. When I heard Yes had a new album out, I ran to buy it. I still had not heard The Yes Album or it's predecessors.

CTTE was everything I had hoped for and about million times more. I definitely knew they were on to something on Fragile. I expected more of the same. But what a huge leap Yes took with CTTE. I could hardly believe my ears, asking myself, "How in the hell did they come up with this?" I knew at that moment that I was going to spend hundreds and hundreds of hours imbibing in the green leafy substance, listening, and studying the masterpiece alone and with musician friends.

Well, I don't imbibe any more but I am still listening and studying. I still sometimes hear things in CTTE that I don't remember ever hearing before.

Years ago a friend of mine suggested to me that CTTE was like a long drawn out version of Roundabout. Has anyone else ever thought of it that way? I think he had a point, with the fading in and out at the beginning and end, the dreamy, spacey middle part, with the "In her white lace . . . ." mirroring "In and around the lake . . . .," only every thing is extended and built upon. Weird?

sirlespaul

09-25-2006, 09:37 PM

I love everyone of them. They're all awesome but i picked CTTE:harp: :rcking:

flep

12-22-2006, 07:44 AM

CTTE

After RSOG there can be only one other Yes track.

PT Fan

12-30-2006, 11:54 AM

Santa managed to to have the reissue and expanded Close to the Edge CD under the Christmas Tree last week for my 14 year old son and I. What a musical masterpiece! I voted for AYAI as my favorite. I also really like the bands take on America.

Kevin:headset:

Starless

01-08-2007, 07:19 AM

How many more times ?
It's too easy to choose CTTE forever !

Shadoshi

02-28-2007, 09:10 PM

Close To The Edge, the song, speaks for itself as being the greatest achievement in Progressive Rock music, imo.

Wild Westie

02-28-2007, 11:32 PM

CTTE. This the first Yes song I heard and thus I became more interested in this band that played with such virtuosity.

MrCalling06

02-28-2007, 11:41 PM

Wild Westie

02-28-2007, 11:49 PM

no brainer for me either CTTE was the first song by them I ever heard - my brother introduced me to Yessongs on Album back in the 70's - I first thought what is this - then I was like - this is amazing music...Loved them ever since!!:BassPostIcon:

I was sitting by the radio with my jaw dropping. I'd never heard anything like it before ~ my first introduction to prog. And Yes have remained my favorite band since age 13.

MrCalling06

03-01-2007, 12:01 AM

I was sitting by the radio with my jaw dropping. I'd never heard anything like it before ~ my first introduction to prog. And Yes have remained my favorite band since age 13.

Wow! I don't remember hearing CTTE on the radio around here back then...of course I was born and raised in Alabama - we had all kinds of other rock on radio but not that particular song....I do remember hearing Roundabout allot back then though...after I heard CTTE I picked up on that pretty fast. And Yes they have been my fav band since the age of 12 or 13 as well....

SadPreacher

03-01-2007, 01:37 AM

this was actually very easy for me....CTTE by a landslide....

yesyadda

03-01-2007, 01:48 AM

Hey Tim, you need a copy of CTTE? ;)

YYY

04-20-2007, 05:45 PM

Close To The Edge is sheer perfection. It was the album I'd always test new stereos out on: before Dark Side Of The Moon mind you. Before Sgt. Pepper.

The clarity of CTTE, the emotional content. And the way the words mean everything, and yet seem to scatter like a dandylion when you try and touch them. There is a strong spiritual element to this album: greater for me than on TFTO.
The fact that And You And I could be a love song to a lover OR to God. The mysterious Luther in time Suntower dancing...

There are fugal moments on the album: just as complex as the end of Perpetual Change... but not as obvious. Nothing is really obvious on CTTE... it is it's own world with it's own inner laws.

And gravity may cause you to float UP!

If I could only have one CD it would be this one. That's how much I love Close To The Edge. It's my favorite music in the world.

Earl:yesbird:

Earl says it all. I just viewed the live CTTE with orchestra on Youtube and it was so tight even without Wakey. 'Magical' as Jon would say. It reminded me again what I've known since the first time I heard it, that this is probably the most exhilarating Rock composition ever written. It's brilliant. Yet I refuse to rate each song. The whole album is sheer PERFECTION. "You & I" lyrics remind me of great Sufi music. where love of God and a Lover are the same . "Siberian Khatru" is just pure joyous YES at their best.

crackedactor

05-31-2007, 12:10 PM

loved the album in 1980 and love it still now.....especially the title track

Wakey's #1 Fan

06-07-2007, 08:33 AM

I love all, but my fave is Siberian Khatru...

Iowa Yes Fan

06-07-2007, 08:35 AM

Of the 3 I went with And you and I. The song speaks to me. They are all great to listen too though.

Bob Barker.

06-16-2007, 10:04 PM

You can't make me choose. Close to the edge is the greatest album ever.

I agree with the results

MirokuLuvstheGirls

07-22-2007, 11:30 PM

Siberian Khatru, with Close to the Edge coming in second.

TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART

12-02-2008, 09:26 AM

Voted for them all.
However,preferences are....

1. CTTE
2. AYAI
3. SK

bob_32_116

02-27-2009, 10:39 AM

SonicDeath10

02-27-2009, 12:06 PM

My preferences, in order, are the same order they appear on the album. CTTE is my favourite, mainly because of the bit where Rick goes mad with the organ.
Siberian Khatru soinds almost more like a jam than a composition, but is enjoyable nonetheless.

That's a good way of putting it. CTTE is, essentially, one of the most dazzling prog cuts ever. The instrumentation is varied, quick paced, surprising, and the sections flow smoothly and are well integrated into a whole. And You And I, while a bit more simple, is almost heartbreakingly beautiful in part. Siberian Khartu seems more like a "jam" I guess, but it also seems like a place to show how hard Yes can rock. I always thought they rocked the hardest (when they wanted to) amongst the original proggers.