Favorite YES Period

[Ormando]

What YES period is your favorite and why?

[Ormando]

The present period seems the most exciting to me because they bring all the wisdom of the past to bear upon their muscianship. Like a fine wine, they get better with age. The earlier periods were exciting and energized but unless you have seen them play Ritual or Gates lately, you may not understand my meaning here.

The present is real good to my ears, Ormando. Being a Yes fan from waaaaay back though, I liked them a WHOLE LOT then too. I was just listening to a 1974 Tales live boot today and it blew me away. You just can't beat those guys.

By the way, Ormando, welcome to the site. Where are you from?

[RobAdams]

I would have taken a slightly different approach to the poll options here. For me, YES breaks down like this:

YES 1.....YES and TIME AND A WORD
YES 2.....YES ALBUM through TORMATO
YES 3.....DRAMA
YES 4.....90125 through TALK
YES 5.....KEYS 1 & 2
YES 6.....OPEN YOUR EYES through HOUSE OF BLUES
YES 7.....MAGNIFICATION

Then I would pick YES 2, with YES 7 ranking 2nd

With your rating scale, i-and-i, I would have to agree with your choice. Thanks for making your downloads bigger--for us poor folks with eyes gone somewhere inaccessible.

[Flo]

I've voted for the 1968-1974 period but I also like the present times as well as the 2nd one. As Yes men say in Chris Welsh's book, especially Bill Bruford, Yes were at their best during the first period. They were really innovative at that time. Today they are still great but not as innovative.

[Yes Oz]

Its the present for me (at the momnet). I have been a fan since around 1970 and I enjoy all periods of Yes at different times. Its hard to explain but I go through periods of playing the same Yes stuff then leave it alone. At the moment its Mag, before I got Mag I was constantly playing Relayer and Tales, before that it was HoB and so on and so forth.

The beauty of Yes music for me is the "rediscovering" of old favourites and for that reason the favourite Yes period changes as time goes by.

[RobAdams]

One time I was in here reading and posting for so long I had time to hear all 4 discs of YESYEARS. My eyes were pretty blurry by the time I got to the 1988 HEART OF THE SUNRISE recording.

[Ahkin]

Originally posted by yessiree
The present is real good to my ears, Ormando. Being a Yes fan from waaaaay back though, I liked them a WHOLE LOT then too. I was just listening to a 1974 Tales live boot today and it blew me away. You just can't beat those guys.

I'd love to hear live boots with songs from Tales and Relayer. Where have you picked yours?

Originally posted by Ahkin
I'd love to hear live boots with songs from Tales and Relayer. Where have you picked yours?

A little pearl offered me live Tales boot. I don't have a live Relayer boot but I do have the 2 live dvd's live at qpr which is the Relayer tour.

[Ormando]

Okay --- it's obvious that the very early period is the favorite. I saw them in '73 and that hooked me forever. Now, the question becomes rather academic to some degree. If that early period was so fantastic and so special and interesting, then what can Yes do to reflect that excitement and energy in their current efforts? I see in the current effort the energy and excitement. But, somehow I believe that they might take some steps to capture the early period better than they are. What would we all recommend that Yes do to buzz back to yesterdays format. Is this a realistic expectation? // O

Hey Ormando, can you be more specific? I think they are just simply wonderful right now. I can't think of anything I would want different than what they are now doing. I'm open to hearing your views though.

[Jackaranda]

My favorite period would have to be 75-78, because I discovered everything I'd missed before I became a fan, and also because they put out a really great album in 77.

The Talk period was also very special, because my kids LOVED that album. That's one reason I'm so partial to it.

[Ormando]

Yessiree:

I thoroughly enjoy the present Yes configuration too and believe that they are probably doing some of their best work right now. I even voted for the present even though I saw them in '73 for the first time. I loved them then and love them now. The new album is some of their best stuff.

However, when you consider that most respondents to this poll indicate that their favorite period is the early days -- up to and around the mid 70's, then simple marketing mehanics would beg the question, "What might Yes do now to ignite a similar reaction from the market place?"

Obviously, a number one hit would go a long way. So, how do you get a number one hit to happen? Is a talent like a Rick Wakeman or Trevor Rabin the essential ingredient? What about producing a YES Documentary that might play in theaters or get on prime time or on Public Television that shows how this band of eclectics grew and developed into an extraordinary musical force. After all, what other rock group do you know that includes a full blown orchestra in their world tour. Hooking up with the awesome Cirque du Soliel (sp) for a couple of years would get a gazillion people talking, too. Celine Dionne (sp) is setting up something like this as we speak in Vegas -- with Cirque. Get ready for sparks to fly for her.

Of course, I'm sure that the Yes management has thought about all the angles. (Maybe not.) And, a lot has to do with the motivation of Jon, Chris, Steve and Alan. The energy has got to be more moderate some 30 years later for these exhausted international traveling veterans. Is that why they are satisfied with only 50,000 followers? (Read Close to the Edge.)

It's funny but I've never seen anyone walk away from a Yes concert who wasn't absolutely stunned and inspiried at the same time. Like after watching Michael Jordan play basket ball or watching Border Collies catch frisbee's. Sheer genius at work/play.

In the beginning Yes stunned the world. How can Yes "stun" the rest of the world today is all I'm asking? Like they did at their beginning. Any ideas? Shall we start a thread / poll on YES Marketing 101? // O

Originally posted by Ormando
What about producing a YES Documentary that might play in theaters or get on prime time or on Public Television that shows how this band of eclectics grew and developed into an extraordinary musical force. After all, what other rock group do you know that includes a full blown orchestra in their world tour. Hooking up with the awesome Cirque du Soliel (sp) for a couple of years would get a gazillion people talking, too.

Of course, I'm sure that the Yes management has thought about all the angles. (Maybe not.) Is that why they are satisfied with only 50,000 followers? (Read Close to the Edge.)

In the beginning Yes stunned the world. How can Yes "stun" the rest of the world today is all I'm asking? Like they did at their beginning. Any ideas? Shall we start a thread / poll on YES Marketing 101? // O

Great thoughts Ormando! I had not even thought of the documentary idea. I would bet that we have a filmmaker on this very site who would be thrilled to follow the band around on this tour and create such a thing. I could easily see their music with Cirque du Soliel too.

And I don't think Yes management is doing much of anything. Can you tell me more about the 50,000 fan thing? I read that book some time ago and no longer have it.

You're right, Yes stunned the world. Yes needs thinkers like you to see beyond their current boundaries and I think a poll/thread to initiate ideas would be a good one.

Thanks Ormando!

[Jackaranda]

New ideas!! What a concept!! I totally agree. What is not agreed upon on this site is exactly how to do that.

I loved the times when I could say that my band had a hit out , whether it was a single or an AOR song.

I hope they can do it one more time. Jack.....

[Ormando]

Yessiree:

I'm pretty sure that 50,000 was the market share given toward the end of the book, Close to the Edge. I'll check when I get home tonight and report back if different. That's a lot of folks and nothing to be ashamed of either.

But, there was a time when Yes filled stadiums with thousands of people. There's a photo in the new book that's out, Perpetual Change, that stands the hair straight up on my neck. It shows a stadium literally filled to capacity for a Yes concert in the 70's I believe. That's awesome. What a thrill that must of been for everyone.

Okay, anyone capable of producing an Academy Award "Oscar" winning documentary about the life and times of the world's greatest rock band? We need a tentative title of the documentary? -- "YES" or "Close to the Edge" "Sound Chaser" etc?

Any takers? // O

Tales from Topographic Wonders; the 8th Wonder of the World---YES!

[Jackaranda]

The 8th wonder of the world? Do you need to be a patient instead of a nurse? Has your work caused you to lose it? You've elevated it from the best album ever to the best piece of art ever to now the 8th wonder of the world!!! What's next, did Moses carry the four sides down the mountain instead of the 10 commandments?

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines.

[Ormando]

Oh, yeah! I like that. Excellent Title and Subtitle. Very "Oscar" worthy. // O

Thank you Ormando. It's clear that Jack does not see the light. And by the way I think Moses had a cassette in his pocket of all 4 sides!

hahaha!

I really do believe that they are the 8th wonder and that Tales is the greatest piece of art in all of humankind though.

Regarding quitting amphetamines, I'd say it's a good idea. Might be a good time for some mushrooms though...

[Jackaranda]

Looks like I also picked the wrong week to quit cigarettes.

Never the wrong time for that Jack. We want you around for a loooooong time.

[Ormando]

UPDATE of market share from above.

On page 257 of Close to the Edge by Chris Welch, Sound man Roy Clair is quoted as saying, "For business to increase in the future, they [YES] are going to have to come out with some new songs that the kids can identify with and that's hard to do these days. I think they'll maintain their core audience of around 55,000 people. It won't get bigger unles they come out with some music that's different or Wakeman comes back. . . . who knows what kids want these days? If I were a producer and knew that, I'd be a successful guy."

// O

[Jackaranda]

yessiree, did you ever see Airplane? Lloyd Bridges was giving up everything the same week. So there's the joke. Your mushroom suggestion sounded pretty good, though....Jack....

Originally posted by Ormando
UPDATE of market share from above.

On page 257 of Close to the Edge by Chris Welch, Sound man Roy Clair is quoted as saying, "For business to increase in the future, they [YES] are going to have to come out with some new songs that the kids can identify with and that's hard to do these days. I think they'll maintain their core audience of around 55,000 people. It won't get bigger unles they come out with some music that's different or Wakeman comes back. . . . who knows what kids want these days? If I were a producer and knew that, I'd be a successful guy."// O

I do remember that now Ormando. So now I see your point--that they are happy with that small number because they refuse to sell out. I get it now. Thanks!

Originally posted by jack gowen
yessiree, did you ever see Airplane? Lloyd Bridges was giving up everything the same week. So there's the joke. Your mushroom suggestion sounded pretty good, though....Jack....

It has been sooo many years, I would have never remembered the reference. Thanks for reminding me Jack. I get it now. Some mushrooms and some Tales...now that's a winning combination!

[Jackaranda]

yessiree, you gotta see it again. It's the funniest, wittiest, most brilliant comedey ever made. A lot of hollywood people must have thought so also. The cast is awesome.

Hope your day is going well. I'm just here with the kiddies!!!Jack...

Hey Jack, I'm off today so you know I'm having a good day! Glad you are too.

[ycantibu]

I picked 90125 to Union, although I would amend that to 90125 through Talk. I was a Yes fan before Rabin, but became a huge fan with 90125.

Have you gotten Magnification yet? Just wondering because you mentioned a little while ago that you had not yet gotten your copy. I'd recommend it if you have not--so you are ready for the tour.

[ycantibu]

No, I have not. I am on the hold list from the library, but there are 13 holds ahead of me! Needless to say, I won't be hearing it anytime soon. As coolness as I think Rick Wakeman is, I probably won't be going to see any Yes concerts anyway, so I have time.

Originally posted by yessiree
Have you gotten Magnification yet? Just wondering because you mentioned a little while ago that you had not yet gotten your copy. I'd recommend it if you have not--so you are ready for the tour.

Originally posted by ycantibu
No, I have not. I am on the hold list from the library, but there are 13 holds ahead of me! Needless to say, I won't be hearing it anytime soon. As coolness as I think Rick Wakeman is, I probably won't be going to see any Yes concerts anyway, so I have time.



ycantibu, what gives? No show? No Magnification? I'm puzzled. I can't even imagine being put on hold at the library for something as important as Magnfication. I admit, I'm crazed and had the good fortune to get a copy before it came out, but, my goodness....it was released in December! I guarantee you will not feel you have been cheated if you go out to Best Buy today and buy yourself a copy.

And missing the show? You may never have another opportunity to see the guys. They are no longer spring chickens, even though they still sound like it. They put on the best shows in life.

I cannot encourage you more strongly to act before it's too late. You have the opportunity to get some real wonders in your life and in such an easy and fun way. Our guys have really provided some lovely gems for us. Take advantage of their generosity and their genius by participating in the party.

[ycantibu]

Well, I am extremely short on cash and will not buy the CD without knowing if I will like it. So far I have heard two songs and don't care for them, so I need to hear more to see if it's worth the money. As for the possibility of seeing Yes in concert, I haven't really listened to new Yes material [although I have heard bits & pieces] or seen Yes in concert since Talk. I must admit, I am tempted - after all, it would probably be the last time I ever get to see Rick Wakeman [the only other time being the Union tour]. In the end, it all comes down to money. :)

It's really worth the money. Check your pm box for more details.

[mrgone3]

I'm not sure what the original subject was.But I'm sorry,wait for a copy of The Ladder at the library.Magnification!Buy it! Keep it.Love it!I'll lend you my copy.Hell I'll get another one.And make your own library.Get Fragile,CTTE,Tales From Topographic Oceans,Relayer,GFTO and ABWH in that order. JOE

Originally posted by mrgone3
Magnification!Buy it! Keep it.Love it!

That's what I've been trying to tell her! What's it going to take ycantibu? 2 free offers and no takers?!

[PeterCologne]

Originally posted by yessiree
I don't have a live Relayer boot.

Life is so strange sometimes, I got loads of Relayer-Time-Boots, but nothing from the Tales-Times and only one from Drama. If I managed it to get this "Greatest-Video"-Video - remember? - I put all of this in my rucksack, swim across the ocean, and walk or ride - just have to learn it - to St.Louis. And then we exchange the music - at the first light of dawn, on a bridge, very classical.

Greetings
Peter

[ycantibu]

The offers are very kind but I would never ask anyone to send me their copy. Maybe I will download it off the net though.

Originally posted by PeterCologne
Life is so strange sometimes, I got loads of Relayer-Time-Boots, but nothing from the Tales-Times and only one from Drama. If I managed it to get this "Greatest-Video"-Video - remember? - I put all of this in my rucksack, swim across the ocean, and walk or ride - just have to learn it - to St.Louis. And then we exchange the music - at the first light of dawn, on a bridge, very classical.

Sounds like a plan. I am waiting....

Originally posted by ycantibu
The offers are very kind but I would never ask anyone to send me their copy. Maybe I will download it off the net though.

We want to help ycantibu! Let us do our good deed for the day! You'll be happy and we'll be happy. It's easy!

[gt76yesman]

I would pick the Relayer to Tormato era. GftO but it is tough to not vote CttE as number one whichever era it falls in.

KTA 1&2 were good, Magnification great.

Drama was a good album but LIVE it was pretty poor. Vocals just weren't there, lots of off key singing.

[TWINTER]

YES have a hit record now?
What kind of music becomes hits now? Britney crap.
I don't want YES to be in that company.
They don't need a hit record. As long as they keep playing for us old or new. With this new tour and old line up, it would be wonderful if they can go off the road and hit the studio. I'm hoping the feeling they are getting from playing together on this tour will inspire them to write something new for us. Hit or no hit.

[Earl Grey]

There are no charts.

There are no punctuation marks in the history of taste.

There is always something of worth, if you are willing to look.

YES is. As they have been, over 30 true summers long.

And there are other luminaries as well.

Britney who? Huh? What?! Haha... Oh. THAT.

Never noticed her...

:ele:

[SallyKhatru]

I think yesmusic always changed. In a good way, no changes would maybe have made it boring.
I think that The Ladder is very different from TFTO, but that´s good, so i can depending on my mood listen to the album that fits to me in this very moment.
Without change there maybe would not be so mayn fans here.
I don´t know if I had listemed to TFTO at first I maybe wouldn´´t have become a yesfan, cause it´s not easy to understand that piece of music. But with the ladder first it´s easy to listen to TFTO afterwards.
That sounds very confusing now.
Well, I hope you know what I wanted to say

Have a nice day

[Mr. Holland]

I honestly can't choose. I have something that I love in ever period mentioned, no let me correct myself, I alsmost love everything form every period mentioned and also in almost every perios there is something I like less, so I'm just gratefull for 35 years of Yesmusic, no period excluded!

[doctor_how]

Awww, come on, it's obvious that the most sucessful and productive era was the first one. It's my favorite just because that's the vintage Yes I've come to know and love. And you can get all the albums on LP. Vinyl rules!

[Mr. Holland]

I have to say I allready see the era's a bit different and again all era's have things I like and don't like to them.......

1968 - 1974 (Early Yes to Tales From Topographical Oceans):
I'm not that keen on Yes's debut album, allthough all Yes albums have some great tracks on them and a "not that good" Yes album, is always 20 times better then your average rock album. TYA, Fragile and CTTE are, no doubt highlights in the career of Yes. Tales however again not one of my favorite albums, I really love RSOG and Ritual, but don't care to much for the other two tracks. Most productive and succesful era?? Productive Yes, succesfull, that depends on what is meant by succesful, is that in terms of sales, sold out tour(s), commercial succes?? Well, then probably 1983-1985/6 was the most succesful era for Yes.

1974 - 1980 (Relayer to Drama)
Relayer, great album, as is GFTO. Tormato is good, but has some of moments. The fact that this is the period, that the band started falling apart is probably my least favortite thing about this era.

1983 - 1994 (90125 to Talk)
Yes came back like a phoenix rising from it's ashes! Great album, 90125, great tour, than BG, a couple of good tracks, but it took way to long to record and release this album. Union, album not that good, tour probably the best they've ever done. Talk, the best album the 90125 line-up has done and not only that, but in my top 5 of best Yes albums ever!

1995 - 2002 (Keys to Magnification)
Keys, the studio tracks, very underated pieces of music, Yes was realy back on form there. OYE, my least favorite Yes album, tour was good though and made Igor a fulltime bandmember. The Ladder, a good, good album, with a very fresh sound to it, witch I still think has got a lot to do with the input of Igor and Billy, who get far to less credit for that. Masterworks tour, wish I could have seen that! Magnification, the best album Yes had done since Talk and an magnificant Symphonic tour.

2002 - 2004 (North American tour to 35th Anniversary tour):
Rick, my favorite Yes keyboardplayer back in the line-up. The North American tour and the Full Circle tour. Great playing, very enthousiastic bandmembers on stage, could have done with a bit more original set list. 35th anniversary cd out in the U.K., makes the top 10, commericals and everything, a new dvd rockumentary planned, a tour planned that plays stadiums, so Yes seem to get back in the picture again.

For all I know, the greatest era maybe yet to come!!!

[SallyKhatru]

WOW,
that was defintily huge Mr Holland, but you ahve my respect. that´s fair and you said what I thought. So there´s not much for me to add, just a few things I really agree with.
I could write that all again ( maybe not that good:-) but hey taht´s a lot of stuff to read, so here´s just my aprreciation.
Go on like this

[Mr. Holland]

Jeee, Sallykathru, you're making me blush......

[SallyKhatru]

It was a pleasure for me:-)
Really that was so good:-)

I like your signature as well:-)

[Mr. Holland]

Well, about my signature.....I Read this interview with Rick and when I read that line, it cracked me up for about half an hour. The man is damn funny. So I thought, hey let's do something with it...........

[Rabin105]

I love tony kaye right now he's my favorite keyboardest he wasn't to much in the foreground as other keyboardest have been in the past So deffinantly the periods with him now are myu favoite (and i lent out the yes album to my keyboardest friend to give her and idea of what my band is going to do and i want to hear a venture)

[SallyKhatru]

Yeah he´s definitly funny. I love him.
He´s been very friendly to me when I met him, and he threw his towel to me 3 months ago. I love his humor and the way he´s dealing with his keyboards.
I´m a happier person since the concerts in July. They helped me a lot.
I´m looking forward to next year:-)
So to come back to the poll. I think the current period will become my favourite.

[TNyesfan]

Would have to be Relayer to Drama(1974-1980). This was my period of discovery.

[JaneEyre]

I'm going to vote "other" and say 90215 to Talk.

Wipe that look of shock off your face.

[pauli]

My favourite YES period is still CTTE through to GFTO...
So I didn't vote...

[Mike Watkins]

Easy question - The Yes Album thru CTTE. After that came the slow march down the hill.

[Snarly]

Welcome to the site Mike!

With that opinion you should find yourself right at home here.
Remember, the opinions expressed here are not nessicarily those of anyone but those that expressed them.

Yes, love, Peace and Computers...

[sissywoods]

I voted for 68-74 but I'm just as inclined to listen to newer albums. Each one is special in it's own way.. has it's own flavor or dimension.

[cinderella]

I'll have to think really hard on this one!

The Rabin years of course. :valintine

1984 - 1992 (90125 to Union) :D

Actually up to the Talk album but that wasn't a choice.

[brotherofmine]

The periods chosen are a bit broad for me I can choose three very exciting periods:
1. YA,F,CTTE. An amazing creative period.
2. ABWH, Union. An increadible couple of albums, my joint best albums and An Evening of Yes Music Plus Video those guys were cooking, I've never seen all the band at their peak at the same time. Fantastic stuff.
3. LADDER, MAGNIFICATION : Another period of very creative, inventive music.
These three periods for me are Yes at their very best not that they weren't good at other times.

[Gabriel]

Relayer - Drama for me. I really couldnt decide nearly and was really hoping that TYA - Drama would be a vote since I love that period. I think since Going for the One includes the area I voted for, it just has the edge over the previous. If it wasnt for that album, I would have voted for the other.

[Stever]

1972 - 1974 the CTTE/TFTO/Relayer song cycle.

Your choices have a break between TFTO and Relayer, so I couldn't vote. I look at these three albums as a trilogy (Quadrilogy since there are 4 actual disks involved)? and a particular period in and of themselves. This unidentifiable cycle of material (for me) starts on CTTE and Ends on Relayer. I love Yes's whole history to be honest, but these three albums and these three years was a magical summit for me.

[Timmo]

1972 - 1974 the CTTE/TFTO/Relayer song cycle.

Your choices have a break between TFTO and Relayer, so I couldn't vote. I look at these three albums as a trilogy (Quadrilogy since there are 4 actual disks involved)? and a particular period in and of themselves. This unidentifiable cycle of material (for me) starts on CTTE and Ends on Relayer. I love Yes's whole history to be honest, but these three albums and these three years was a magical summit for me.I'm with Stever, but I'd include "Going for the One," or at least "Awaken," in that grouping.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Braniff92]

It's so hard to pick a favorite period expecially since I feel Relayer and Tales should be in the same Progressive period. The fact is, I love every Yes album. There simply is not a period of time from their beginning I don't love. Al.

[mattquarterstein]

The first category, (1968-1974) though there's a few eras in it.

I'd personally divide it up like this

*1968-1970
-Yes
-Time and a Word

*1971-1972
-Yes Album
-Fragile

*1972-1974
-Close to the Edge
-Tales From Topographical Oceans
-Relayer

*1977-1979
-Going for the One
-Tormato

*1980
-Drama

*1983-1987
-90125
-Big Generator

*1989-1991
-ABWH
-Union

*1994
-Talk

*1995-1996
-Keys to Ascension 1
-Keys to Ascension 2

*1997-1999
-Open Your Eyes
-The Ladder

*2001
-Magnification

[michael]

The 2 mins. preceeding a YES show. Period!!

[rahtreelimbs]

Without a doubt the '72 lineup doing The Yes Album, Fragile and Close To The Edge are my favorites!!!

[prem895]

1969-2004 and beyond

[Original_Shifty]

1969-2004 and beyond

Now that, sir, is a great post.

[CARLO VAJAO]

until now i don´t complait!ALL!

[Hill St.]

'68-'74 obviously their most creative.I think the poll should've been broken up into decades.Add the 60's into the 70's.

[raz]

I chose 68 to 74, but if i could do it, i would have chosen 68 to 80.

[Mr Kite]

The best Yes period for me is the Yessongs era, 1972-1973.
Yes hasn't hit that plateau since. They peaked then.

[yarstruly]

I don't nescessarily agree with where the eras are divided, but, voted for the 1st choice....

[Rogo]

Hmmm.. this thread is ancient but short, and I noticed I hadn't voted before!

With the unfortunate division right through the middle of my favourite period (TFTO through Tormato) I had to plump for # 2. GFTO for Awaken, Tormato for being the only real thing, in my Yesiverse.

[flep]

I chose 68 to 74, but if i could do it, i would have chosen 68 to 80.

My thoughts exactly.

But hopefully there might be a new selection soon.


2005!!!!!!!!!!

:yess:

[Amy]

I saw this thread a long time ago....and I still can't vote.
For me it will always be 1968-1980. I can't split that up.

[Alex]

I saw this thread a long time ago....and I still can't vote.
For me it will always be 1968-1980. I can't split that up.
YEA,I WOULD AGREE WITH AMY.

[Rogo]

YEA,I WOULD AGREE WITH AMY.

What he said.

[MoonGateClimber]

Voted for '68 - '74, but really wanted to vote for '68 - '80. 70s Yes was very energetic, & they produced many epic works in this time (Ctte, Tales, & Relayer). I'd have to say that the 70s was Yes's high point.

[kevycanavan]

Yes (1st album) - Relayer = Genius.
I also like the following later albums- 90125, Big Generator, Magnification, ABWH
Gong for the one is okay, but not a patch on the releases that came before. Drama is okay too.

[Warhorse]

This question is pretty skewed - lumping the first six albums in one period.
Should have divided into
1968-1970 Beginings
1971-1972 Glory years
1973-1976 Adventurous years
1977-1980 Drifting years
1983-1991 Pop years
1994-1998 Turbulant years
1999-2001 Return to form years

[MrZuLu]

none of the above...
The Twenty-First Century by far is the most important era and needless statement on this thread. :1loudspkr :hippy: :bonghitte :friday:

[Ktrek]

Although I like all periods of YES I am sure I'm with the majority by saying 68 - 74.

Kevin

[Charles Matejic]

Relayer should be included with the early years category then my vote would be more representative of my feelings

[Mostly Harmless]

I voted "early years", but my favorite stuff is from what I call "the big six", (TYA-GFTO).

[cjreyes]

74 - 80 for me, without a doubt. I bet we'd get a lot more in that category if people were to vote now.

[yes_angel]

All of them for me ; )

[zoran]

First period:
In this time Yes was make a biggest number of masterworks albums.

[SadPreacher]

Relayer should have been included in the Tales group....

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Every period with the classical Jon, Steve, Chris, Alan (or Bill) and Rick line-up

[Ian B]

I voted "early years", but my favorite stuff is from what I call "the big six", (TYA-GFTO).

What Marge said!

[Stever]

Since Relayer, Going for the One, and Drama are my favorite albums, I had to go with this odd time period. Your runaway winner will of course be the first one with Fragile, TYA, CTTE etc. I would have chosen both, but you're only allowed one choice. I might suggest that at least Relayer belongs before your first era break. That would have swayed me into era one. Yes was at their absolute peak of musicianship on Relayer, GFTO and Drama, imho, even though Fragile, CTTE, and TFTO are every bit as deep and creative. Maybe even deeper in some ways, (lyrically).

Relayer - This is my favorite album of all time. Not just by Yes, but by anyone, (save for the Beatles). It is the greatest band in the history of progressive rock at their highest calibur of writing and playing from the first note of their pinnacle masterwork, Gates of Delerium, to the last strains of their breathtaking ultimate closer, To Be Over, this was a band filled to bursting with passion, power, and majestic beauty. The fulfillment of what they were hinting at with Close to the Edge and Tales. The summitt of progressive rock as a music form and an experience. Untouched to this day, by anyone. Though Yes would go on to have many more absolutely spectacular albums, in some slight sense, the rest of it was chasing the dragon. I'll never feel this rush again. I have so many memories of so many days and nights in the company of so many different people with this album cranked to infinity, and whatever crowd I was in sitting in absolute stunned awe with our mouths hanging open.

Going for the One - I had no idea if they'd even attempt to follow up Relayer, and they didn't for 3 LONG years. When this first came out, I tiptoed in, like going into a cold pool. I didn't want to dismiss it, and keep comparing it to Relayer. After a few listens I came to deeply appreciate this album, and find it to be one of their very best. This was definitely the most straightforward album they had done, at least since the Yes Album. Still.....no lack of creativity or depth. There were moments in Awaken and Turn of the Century that captured their past depth, and it was all blended with an accessability that would allow them to gather an even larger following of fans without really selling out. Everything on here is a masterpiece and it's still one of my most frequent listens from the Yes canon. This was Rick's greatest showpiece, imho, next to CTTE. Great stuff.

Tormato - I still listen to a few tracks periodically. It was an exciting and fun tour. Not one of their greatest albums, I don't think. I really expected a LOT more after GFTO. Still great fun. Some good memories from then.

Drama - Talk about your proverbial balls......wow.... Before my tears had even dried from the demise of Yes, here came this album from out of left field. Remember folks. No internet back then, and Rolling Stone hated talking about Yes, so I didn't know a thing! So I'm sitting in my apartment, listening to the radio with my wife, and Tempus Fugit comes on. I'm sorry. I know how different everybody says Trevor is, but I knew immediately that it was new Yes, and until I went to the record store the next week, when the album was released, I didn't even know that Jon had been replaced. I just thought he sounded a little different. :-) No kidding! So they replaced Jon Anderson??? Oh my! But when I put the album on the turntable and started listening I was blown away. Machine Messiah, Does it Really Happen, Into the Lens, and Tempus Fugit were as good as anything this band has ever done. This album is an absolute gem. It's got that edgy rock feel from Relayer. The accessability, yet depth of Going for the One, and next to Relayer, this was a Steve Howe and Chris Squire tour de force. Man, did those two lay down some licks on this album. They were back burning it up together again, and for me that sold it. I LOVE Yes's guitar and bass interplay. It is my favorite part of their music. Relayer and Drama have it in spades. So does 90125. I love Jon as much as the next Yes fan, and his involvement would have been just fine probably, but he wasn't into it right then, and this album HAD to be made. This was good of stuff to stick away on some dusty shelf. This was the real deal. Yes......back in my life front and center.

Then another Yes funeral.....so quickly after just getting their mojo back again. Ah, such is life.

I'd be similarly surprised and blown away again when I heard Owner of a Lonely Heart on the radio, a few years later. This time, of course, not knowing that Howe was gone. Just thought we was experimenting with a fresher style. Then I went and bought the single, and it had the personnel listed on the single sleeve. Trevor Rabin???? Who's that? Oh well....90125 rocked solid as well, and brought on another fun chapter of Yes for me.

They've all been great but for me, The Yes Album through 90125 is one era. And I think it was a doozy. Never to be matched again by any other band.

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Unable to vote on this one as there was no option for my favourite Yes era which was.....
TYA thru to Tormato inclusive.

[Vevey]

Ooh this is quite hard to choose for me... I want to say Relayer to Drama, Early Yes, 90125 AND Magnification... but I'm going to go with the 90125 era as that was the first album I heard.

[Buglunch]

I picked 1 but my custom era is Fragile through Going for the One.

[miar]

1968 - 1974 :)

[90125yes]

68 to 74 and relayer to drama

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