Yes Box Rocks!

[rhammill]

OK, so we know that since we know the stuff anyway, but this has got to be one of the best packaged boxes I have seen. The unreleased stuff is OK, better sound quality thatn any of the boots.

I have not listened to 'Fist of Fire' or 'Last Train' yet. Of the other songs, 'Richard is my favorite. They have very little guitar, though. 'Crossfire' being the exception - it is just Steve, Chris and Alan from the pre-Drama sessions.

Essential, for the packaging a resounding Yes! For the music - well, you'll have most of it already, although it is a nice collection, the only real thing missing is 'Awaken.'

All I can say, is that I hope they have a nice companion set to this one when they release the live box set next year.

Randy

[gathernear]

How is the sound? How about the extended RSOG??

[JohnPaul]

Sorry to divert this thread, but I thought it important to point out..

In 1970, ALL GOOD PEOPLE filled my heart via Albany, NY's local progressive station, WRPI - Rennselear Polytechnic Institute's college station. Then came ROUNDABOUT - that made the charts on WPTR and WTRY!

As a guitarist of 13, having played 2 years, heartbroken over the Beatles breakup, I was playing Alman Bros, Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin - saw the Who later that year.. Pot was plentiful, LSD occassional..

We moved to the south to help extended family - Alexandria, LA. In the move, we didn't return the monthly record club card so they sent the record of that month - CLOSE TO THE EDGE!

Thank you fate!

It was all over at that point. Within 2 years, I was playing most of THE YES ALBUMN, FRAGILE and making good progress on CTTE.

Over the many years, the high points keep getting higher. Even though in recent years, Yes hasn't made such indelable marks as they did in the 70's from the studio, live, they've been fantastic! I suspect there's much more to come...

[JohnPaul]

Record clubs can be an effective way to get less accessible music to the masses...

<it's a short term memory bug>

[JohnPaul]

GRR... that's wierd.. sorry guys,

I posted this on How Did You Discover Yes.
It ended up on Yes Box Rocks! (ooppss!)..

[Moon Theme]

The box set is the nicest I have ever seen. The quality of the sound, packaging, booklet, etc is phenominal...

[rhammill]

The sound is fantastic. I was listening to Siberian Khatru, and I haven't listened to the studio version in a while, but I don't remember it being this clear. The vocals are unbelievable.

The Revealing Science of God sounds great too. The extended intro is some ambient noise (kind of like a waterfall) over which Steve plays an extension of the guitar line that you hear behind the opening chant. Some long keyboard notes come in, and after a minute-and-a-half the song begins as we know it. It is different from the keyboard intro that Rick often played on the Tales tour.

I do like it, it seems to lead in the song nicely, along the lines of the sound effects before Close to the Edge.

Last Train is just a jam between Jon, Chris and Alan. It is about the closest they get in structure to a blues jam - especially Jon. He pretty much keeps repeating the same lines. Stylistically, it is not all that different from the Tour Songs that they play periodically.

For those going to the Mansfield, MA show, I will bring it with me so you can check it out.

Randy

[Earl Grey]

Is there a LOT of new Roger Dean work in the package? Describe please! :) Thanx man!

Earl:yesbird:

[yesboy81]

Is it my ears, but it sounds like they have a different introduction at the beginning of Clap. Jon calls it Clap (instead of the Clap) and Steve calls it rubbish. Sounds like Steve changed the intro to get what he had always wanted: "Clap", and not the Clap.

[Dragonfly]

When I first heard that "The Clap" was a misnomer, I listened carefully to what Jon said in the intro on THE YES ALBUM. For those very familiar with Jon's vocal work, he has a tendency to "sing the consonants". What I mean is that when singing words that don't end on a vowel, let's say the word "called", he - in an effort to enunciate - will add a vowel sound after the consonant to allow him to sing it, making "called" sound like "call-dah" or “light” sound like “lie-tah” That's what it sounds like to me.

"This song's call-dah, "Clap"" which to most people, of course, sounds like, "This song's called "The Clap"". Does this make sense?

I'm pleased to hear about the "Revealing" opening (gee that sounds rather dirty ;) .) I was hoping it wasn't something lame like Rick's extended intro into "Children of Light" (which I thought was crap.)

I've heard about "Richard" for years but have never known anyone with a recording of it. I'm looking forward to this one. I'll just keep biding my time until I can afford the boxed set. My birthday's coming up in a couple of months. Maybe I'll beg for this one!

Dragonfly :yesbird:

[rhammill]

I haven't listened to Clap yet...

The package opens like a book. On the left hand side is a cardboard sleeve, open only at the top (with a half-circle cut out for your thumb). The book is in there, it won't fall out like other book-style box sets (unless you turn it upside down). The downside is that you have to be a little careful putting it back in to not fold or tear the book. The book is the heavy card like most boxsets. It is perfect bound, not stapled.

The right side opens like the page of a book, which has two clear CD trays. Then there is another page that opens with the remaining 3 clear CD trays.

Behind each tray is a Yes Logo - the original behind disc one, a green bubble logo behind disc two, the 90125 logo behind disc 3, the Ladder (Masterworks) behind disc 4 and (If I recall) the In A Word logo behind disc 5.

Where a 6th disc could go, there is a cardboard insert (permanently attached) that is about the thinkness of one of the CD trays. It has the entire picture that is featured on the cover.

Inside the same picture is split in parts across each page, the left side has one part, the right side (first page) has the next. The second page has the next portion, although with the first page open you can't see the other two parts.

Closeups of the picture are featred at the beginning of each chapter.

The essays are good, although nothing really new in the Chris Welch one if you have read his book. The second one is more of a review of the band in general and is written by the guy who wrote 'Yes Music' (sorry, I can't remember his name, although Bill Martin is what is coming to mind). It has basic information about the tracks, and in interestingly arranged discography with the production info, as well as pictures of all the albums (no pictures for most of the compilations).

Background artwork is reminiscent of the background in some of the tourbooks (ABHW is the one I am thinking of, maybe Union).

I would love to see the cover painting in person - the closeups really show you the depth and texture, and the color is so rich. I'm sure it really doesn't do justice to the original, though.

I hope that helps, it really is something you need to see to appreciate, but it's very cool.

Randy

[rhammill]

OK I listened to Clap. To the best of my recollection, it sounds like the same version. However, the intro is definitely different. I don't think the other version was shortened either, I think this is from a different date.

One of the reasons I think it is from the same night as well, is because I have never heard another performance from that period in which he did not insert Classical Gas into the middle. Of course, there aren't that many boots from '71, but it is interesting.

Randy

[gathernear]

Randy,
You're trying to sell me this box, I know it.

[nightliner]

It does sound like a nice box, too bad the song selection isn't as good. I haven't decided if I will spend the cash for it or not, but I went out yesterday looking for it, and none of the 5 stores I went to knew anything about it.

Another example of good marketing.

[gathernear]

Yes, there are only about 5 songs I would really need. I am curious about the sound quality. The packaging sounds very nice.
What I really want is another re-issue of the back catalog. Rhino is good at those. I think I'll start another thread. They did a good job with Deep Purple, but they're slow moving.

Larry

[Ytsorf]

For overall graphic presentation and look the new Box set gets two thumbs up as allways.

For practicality... the lack of individual removable jewel boxes for each cd is a BIG downfall. It looks more like a set of DVD movies. I for one prefer full graphics for each disc in it's own jewel box - like the first box set. So I have a "complete mini package" to carry with in the car, etc. I would gladly have paid extra cash for this.

Does anyone have access to quality scans of the box art (front, back and spine) and the five different logos backing the cd's? I'll have to make some custom jewel boxes albeit a bit primative hodge podge.

[rhammill]

Hmmm. I didn't notice this before - no 'And You and I.' Yep, it definitely should have been 6 CDs.

I have always liked the individual jewel cases as well. Although I always wanted them to reduce the number by putting them in slimline double CD cases.

Check Yeshoo! for good computer resources. Of course, there are tons of sites with artwork in their designs. I have not seen a whole lot from the box set, though.

Another thing on the jewel cases, though - for my boots I hate having a 2 CD case + that extra CD in a 3 CD show. So instead I make a paper sleeve (open at the top) that fits where the booklet goes in a standard CD case. I put it together with double sided tape because glue makes paper get wavy. So if you are going to put this set into jewel cases, you can fit it in 2 slimline double CD cases.

And yes, I hope this set does sell well, because Rhino is a good company and they will release other stuff if it is selling well. What I'd really like to see them do is start getting their hands on the old radio broadcasts and release some shows in their entirety.

Randy

[bataisflow]

I went to buy it today after I saw it listed for $39.99 on the Virgin Megastore website. I went to the store in Times Square (they have tons of them BTW) and it was listing for $69.99. I told the manager and he checked and said I could only get it at that price via. the web site. My reaction - What the ffffff?

[Moon Theme]

Actually I am glad that the discs are attached within the box itself. It is like having a book in your hand with all that material to be absorbed. Much easier to carry with you and also easier to store at home..

[Khatruman]

Another thing I noticed about the box was that IWHWF, which to me was the strongest track on that weak Union effort, has an extended ending. Where the original fades out after Howe comes back in with the guitar riff, then Levin joins, and Bruford restarts the beat, on this one, it goes until the band stops playing.. I like that much better, though it amounts to only about 30 seconds.

[Earl Grey]

On account of all you guys have said... I will certainly buy the box-set... after the tour. I need the tie-dye YES2002 jersey... The new program... will they have coffee mugs and key-chains again this year???

I need my $ for the tour-swag...

The box-set will have to wait...

:ele:

[David Momberg]

just have had it 3 or 4 days, but already well worth it. "Richard" and "Tango" are okay for unreleased songs, but definitely not good enough for regular release, love the mix on "Fist of Fire"-lots more Howe in the mix. The sound is great,esp. on the older stuff. The booklet and art work are all great-well worth the $49.99 I paid at Best Buy!!!!!

[Robert Shupe]

I first must thank the folks here at Yesfans for the heads up on the Best Buy deal. I went and they had at least four here in Lubbock, Texas. Am I the only Yes fan in Lubbock? I might bet on this one.

Anyway, I did enjoy the set and it is a nice compliment to the Yessyears boxset. The new set has made a good rotation here at the house, in the car, and at work.

I know boxsets can be a mixed bag but thinkl of the difficulty in making one. We got all of The Yes Album except for A venture, all of Close To The Edge but And You And I, and all of Relayer except Sound Chaser. I guess is my point is that a company still wants you to go out and buy the original album.

Randy is so right in regards to Siberian Khatru. It is mixed so clearly on this set that you immediately notice. The into to RSOG is just a beautiful compliment. It adds to it and does not distract in my opinion. Khatruman is also right in that the extended ending to I Would Have Waited Forever is a benefit and very enjoyable and you can tell even if you have not listened to this song in awhile.

Earl you asked about the Roger Dean artwork in the set. There is really only one piece of artwork and that is the cover painting. Closeup sections of the main piece are found in the box and in the booklet. The logo history is nice under the CD's but I think they should have included the Peter Max logo somewhere. The actual CD's have pictures of individual band members playing their instruments without showing their faces. Disc # 1 is Jon Anderson's arm with a microphone. Disc # 2 - Chris Squire playing the trumpet err I mean the bass. Disc # 3 - Steve Howe rocking out. Disc # 4 - I think it is Alan White but it is truthfully hard to tell. I think it is Alan as he is the current drummer. You can only see the kit with one hand/arm/shoulder visible. It is an odd angle picture. (What do you all think?) Disc # 5 - Rick's left hand playing the top keyboard of two stacked boards.

I always enjoy getting bonus tracks even if they are not always the greatest. I look at them as puzzle pieces that contribute to the complete picture. I enjoyed Richard the best in regards to the bonus tracks. It seems like the most completed piece.

The booklet is very nice and a good read with some great pictures like the Yes album cover billboards, young Tony Kaye with a beard, and past stage setups. ( Bill Martin is a tough read when tired.)

There is still so more left to be put out: Live Cuts from the Union tour, ABWH's Vultures, It Can Happen Live (Live) {a b-side}, and the Drama era song that was only played live.

Robert Shupe

[gathernear]

You guys are gonna make me buy that box yet! Robert, are you coming to the Dallas show?

Larry

[Moon Theme]

The quality of this " box " set is far superior to any other box set that I have ever seen, period!!!!

[deus ex Machina]

I thought they had commentary in the album from a bunch of artists who were influenced by the band. Like Tool, Primus's Les Claypool, Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard, and Geddy Lee. Is that in the boxed set? What do they say?

[Robert Shupe]

I keep noticing things about the remixes:

Today I noticed that the drum part in Leave It is exceptionally clear. One of the down beats literally caused the car's sound system to vibrate. I went "that has never happened with this song".

To hotratslll - I guess you know I made it to the Dallas 2002 show. It was great to meet you and what a ride. 'Til we meet again.

deus ex Machina - There are some good albeit small quotes from the folks you mentioned. Cameron Crowe reported that in an Interview with Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard that Stone said he hoped Pearl Jam would be able to sometime release their equivalent to Tales From Topographic Oceans. I'll have to report back on the others.

Robert Shupe

[Silent Wing]

In reading about the box set on this site then seeing it in the store, I have to say, I'm going to pass.

When I buy a box set, I want more than a giant greatest hits ensemble with some oddities thrown in.

Checkout Stevie Ray Vaughn Box Set for how one should be assembled. New Live versions, Alt takes, old rarities, with the regulars.

The group, The Band, reissued their whole catalog of work, with lots of alternate takes and mixes as well as demos and rare bits. Their Live cd Rock of Ages, truly one of the great live rock albums of all-time, has a whole new cd with all the other songs played that night plus a 4 song Bob Dylan set from when he came out on stage. A milestone achievement. Check out their second album, The Band, all sorts of remixes and alt takes as well as B-sides to singles never released on albums, an absolute treasure trove of goodies. Then their the latest release of The Last Waltz, all the songs from the concert (well just about, I have the boot, so their were a couple that couldn't be re-released no matter how hard they remixed) as well as the rehersals and even a few scratch track sessions of what would become a song. Great Stuff

Sorry, but looking at this set, I have all the stuff I want to listen too, they didn't entice me to drop 45 bucks on this outing.., a waterfall sound with a bit Steve part doesn't cut it.

[BlackAdder97]

I must admit I did not rush out and buy this box set (being the proud owner of YesYears), but fortunately my birthday was just coming up and my lovely wife bought it as a present for me.

I decided to keep it, based on the fact that most of my Yes music prior to Union was on vinyl or cassette, and Steve did a decent job not duplicating too much from YesYears.

Being a total Yeshead, I compared the two box sets for content (and for what was missed). I was stil able to come up with the following material (just among my absolute favorites), for another CD - and I know that there were live versions of "And You And I" and "Changes" on YesYears.


Another Yes CD - Out of the Box(es)

1. The Prophet (6:32)
2. A Venture (3:13)
3. We Have Heaven (1:30)
4. And You And I (10:49)
5. Parallels (6:52)
6. Future Times / Rejoice (6:45)
7. Changes (6:16)
8. Big Generator (4:31)
9. Shock To The System (5:09)
10. State of Play (4:58)
11. Children of Light (6:02)
12. Nine Voices (Longwalker) (3:20)
13. Magnification (7:15)

Play these tracks back-to-back and you can see how we are spoiled - can't wait for the live box set next.

[XH2Oskier]

I apologize for bringing an old thread, especially as it is my first post on this board, but I had a questions regarding this box set. Was I the only person who received two disc fours and no disc five? I heard there were some problems with disc five, but nothing about leaving it out altogether or substituting it for an extra disc four. I got it through amazon.com, so I'm probably SOL when it comes to getting this fixed with little effort on my part, huh? BTW, how was disc five compared to the rest?

Jim

[ANTIOCH]

I picked up "In a word - YES" at CD Warehouse for $30.00 (used) as they are going out of business, selling product at 20 to 40 % off; and the sound quality is unbelievable ! Yeah, alot of the material is repeat, but man; the sound !!!
And it's alway's nice to have the unreleased material as well. I'm one lucky S.O.B.

[Dale Cleary]

I play my copy of In a word all the time. At first I was a little disappointed with there not being much unreleased material but that didn't last long. It is a great set and I can't wait for the "live" box. Ooh yeah baby ooh Yesssssssssss.
:band::running::keyboard:

[Earl Grey]

...Listening to Yesyears tonight.

The new box is truly sonically better.