Worst Yes Album

[Aragorn]

Since the last poll was lost in the crash, here it is again. Maybe the results will turn out differently this time! What do you consider to be the worst Yes album, or least agreeable to you?

Keystudio will represent the new material from the KTA albums.

[luckyseven]

I had voted for OYE last time, but Union gets it this time. One problem being that studio musicians were used. I find that irritating. If they do another Union tour again, I hope they do not feel the need to do another album unless it is more organized.

[Original_Shifty]

I'm still unable to stand Time and A Word. The orchestral arrangements are so hokey. They sound like an afterthought instead of being part of the actual songs.

Sounds like with Magnification, they got it right this time. Took them just over 30 years. Better late then never I suppose.

[1yesfan]

Since I HAD to pick one I would have to go with Drama, while it has some GREAT moments musically, I jsut have never been able to take Horns voice. "I am a camera" WHAT THE?:nono:

[Aragorn]

I decided not to give the option 'Everything Yes does rules' this time. Have to choose one! :gok:

I can see your point about Drama. It is strange having a Yes album with no Jon. Machine Messiah is a Great song though. Usually if I pick this album up it is to listen to that one. The Camera song goes on entirely too long (enough with the cam-er-a, cam-er-a, cam-er-a, cam-er-a's please). :not:

[1yesfan]

I AM A CAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRAAAAAAA
Now I wont be able to fall asleep tonight. It will keep running thru my head!

[Aragorn]

:sleeping: Sorry man! :crazy:

[1yesfan]

I wonder what KIND of camera he was??? 35mm?? Video? Today that song would be "I am a Digital Camera" ;)

[ronw]

Without Jon its not YES. Drama the big winner here.

[Roman]

Maybe I am a curiosity but I don't think Drama is the worst Yes album. It was one of the first Yes albums I listened to (the first was 90125 and, maybe, Drama was the second) and I liked it. I even liked the "I am a Camera" song! And then there was a long time I didn't notice there isn't Jon Anderson on it. I think the prejudice plays a big role here - I disagree it isn't Yes without Jon!
Roman

[Dragonfly]

I almost voted for KEYSTUDIO. Without the live tracks of KEYS TO ASCENSION I and II, it's just that new stuff (which leaves me a bit flat.) I had to pick DRAMA.

DRAMA actually has one of my all-time favorite YesTunes: "Tempus Fugit". (If only Jon would agree to performing this one!) And I like "Does it Really Happen?", but "Into the Lens" is crrap "Run Through the Light" is too. ("I asked my love to give me she-e-e-e-el-ter". Please.) "Man in a White Car" isn't bad but adds no substance to the album.

As for the unreleased tracks, "Go Through This" is O.K. but only on par with "Run Through the Light" (with out the an-o-o-o-o-o-ying lyrics). "We Can Fly from Here"'s O.K.

Getting back to KEYSTUDIO, the songs don't do much to inspire me but at least they're not anoying. I actually like "Children of Light" - the original version, not the one on KEYSTUDIO. Too bad that Rick's (rather lame) keyboard ("orchestral") intro meant rearranging the song. I also like "Footprints", in particular, the ending sequence with Chris on harmonica and Steve's country pickin'.

Dragonfly:yesbird:

[chrisloeb]

On Union it's obvious that you have two different bands, probably disliking the other, both digging out fair material and putting it together even when it doesn't fit. The Album has more of a contest between two bands than a union. In my opinion, this concept didn't work, and I would have prefered two seperate Albums - a second one by ABWH and something like Talk - instead.
At last the Union Tour prooved to be a different pair of shoes, and I really enjoyed that!

[Jallan]

I put Union on the list. I have really wanted to like it and you would think with all the talent this should have been great.
However everytime I go back and listen to it I put it back away and put on just about anything else.

[Yes Oz]

Did a collation of results from another fan forum (Yescapade) the other day. The bottom three in your poll is,
Drama
OYE
Union

In the Yescapade poll the bottom three were,
HOB
OYE
Big Generator

Drama came in 9th in the Yescapade out of the 23 albums people mentioned.

[bjm0rwo]

I know this is going to upset some of you but here goes:Tormato.This alblum left me flat when I first listened to it.There are some good tracks on it (what Yes alblum is totally unlistenable?) But I was expecting so much more after the previous one GFTO.I actually didn't listen to them so much after Tormato.A close second is Union for the reasons stated already.

[Aragorn]

That's not a bad way to look at it Genevive. I can see your point there.

[Yesspaz]

"Into the Lens" is the best song on DRAMA ( with "Tempus Fugit" a tight second), and as evidence that the majority here don't know jack squat about that album, the title is not "I Am A Camera."

Big Generator is the worst, barely edging out OYE, although "Shoot High, Aim Low," and "Holy Lamb" are excellent.

[Yesspaz]

1yesfan thinks it's "I Am A Camera" for sure. see above post about digital camera, and notice what he calls it in comparison to Holy Lamb. But yeah, for the most part, they were referring to the lyric.

http://www.yesfans.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=749

[Robert Shupe]

I will stick with my original decision on this one. Union gets my vote. I literally bought it the day it came out and was ever so disappointed. It was a great idea in theory but a faulty reality. I am of course only talking about the album as the tour was utterly fantastic.

In addition to the blessed Union of eight, there were 13 extra musicians on this thing. (They were JC JE AL JB AS RB GB SF BF CF RK SP JH according to the liner notes. This does not even include the additional back up vocalists.) This was a true example of a management rush and over involvement. Onion indeed Rick.

It still receives a yearly listen, I mean it is still Yes or at least Yes plus.

Robert Shupe

[ronw]

God, (no pun intended) who voted for Relayer. Show your face now so we may lock you up and play it till you love it.

[seyyes 2]

As of now I think Mag is worst..How come all the bad vibes on Drama cut "I am a Camera"..great intro (used thruout),and a powerful ending

[ronw]

Seyyes 2, I think everyone gets the picture you don't like MAG. its posted on just about every thread here. I don't think your swaying anyone towards your opinion yet.

[brismike]

It's really hard to pick a worst Yes Album. I voted for "Yes" the first album, not because I don't like it. But because if i had to leave one behind if my house ever caught on fire or something, that would be the one I would sacrifice. :))

I see that OYE is getting slammed ... pity cos i would definitly make sure i took that one with me lol ..

Mike

[RobAdams]

I am guilty of not liking OPEN YOUR EYES....I bought it on cassette when it first came out... I played it and it just didn't grab me at any point, unusual for a Yes album. Even BIG GENERATOR and UNION were interesting enough for me to want to play them over and over. I played OYE 3 or 4 times...Nothing but the thought
'this must be their tribute to elevator music'. I will however make a point of buying OYE on CD very soon. I love Yes enough to give it another chance. So far it is the first Yes album that didn't make me say " That song is awesome. I must hear it again." I need to get YES, TIME & A WORD, FRAGILE, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS, DRAMA, 9012LIVE, KEYS TO ASCENSION 2, OPEN YOUR EYES, KEY STUDIO , The MAG bonus disc with RITUAL and the MAG bonus disc with CLOSE TO THE EDGE to have everything official on CD. I'm catching up though, because two years ago I had only CLASSIC YES on disc. Since OYE is getting such a trashing, perhaps I should get it before it goes OOP. I hope I like it better this time around.

[Flo]

I confess I had voted for Talk some weeks ago. In the meantime I had another go at it (actually I had never explored it more than twice as long as I remember) and now I'm just wondering why I had left it aside. There are some very good songs on it. I think the Rabin influence had put me off a little and I had found some guitar parts a bit heavy. Listening to it again the other day, I was able to appreciate the guitar playing and Jon's vocals.

[grasshopper]

As much as I hate to say it, I have to vote on Drama. No Jon, no YES.
Tempus fugit is awsome though I. I do think the album helped in exploring new musical directions which ended in what we enjoy today. It also gave Squire and Howe more room to make their presence known.
Trevor Horns voice just doesn't make the cut nor do the Buggles come close to the anything YES ever sounded like.
"Into The Lens" may have been my subconscious reason for smashing my "camera, camera."

[Pawnheart]

OYE: Overproduced with very few hilights. I toyed with Big Generator but maybe I am the only person who really appreciates "I'm Running":

Union was very dull and repitious.

How could anyone vote for the Tales and Relayer???? I've got some tar...who's got the feathers.

[RobAdams]

Okay, it's not the worst album by far, but here I offer some criticism of YESSHOWS.

Positives of YESSHOWS:

It makes a good companion to YESSONGS
It has GATES and RITUAL, can't hate that.
Good DEAN cover
CD reissue fixes the RITUAL problem


Negatives of YESSHOWS:

PARALLELS sounds like it's in MONO
TIME AND A WORD is obviously from the TEN TRUE SUMMERS MEDLEY, and is unnaturally segued straight into GOING FOR THE ONE. That transition is unpleasant to my ears.
DON'T KILL THE WHALE should not have been included. I would have prefered MADRIGAL into SILENT WINGS or CIRCUS OF HEAVEN and FUTURE TIMES / REJOICE.
AWAKEN should have been on this album, as it was one of the highlights of 1977-1979 YES concerts.
RITUAL is great, but the original vinyl version of YESSHOWS had the song interrupted just after "at all, at all, at all", and it fades so it can be continued on side 4. They could have fit 29 minutes on an LP side. Thank God for CDs.

[Earl Grey]

It was such a disappointment when it came out!

The tour was great though, so go figure.

I was waiting for the thing (OYE) as if it were the grail, and it was the most lacklustre thing...

From A Balcony & Nine Voices were pretty good: perfect for burning onto a CD of GREAT tracks, so as not to waste time with the filler.

My second choice would have to be The Ladder: I LOVED 'Homeworld' but it was the only YESISH track on the CD for me...
I like the chorus to 'Like A River'... was fun to sing along with in concert, but again, the CD was a disappointment at the time...

The House Of Blues concert in LA was such a better show than the one released...

YESSHOWS I actually like, though I must admit that I have better bootlegs. Now if I could just get some of my boots mastered decently...

Well, I'm not too original on this one, but I can't feel much joy in dissing the guys...

I was relieved when MAG came out: now THAT is more like it!

E.G.

Originally posted by Earl Grey
[From A Balcony & Nine Voices were pretty good: perfect for burning onto a CD of GREAT tracks, so as not to waste time with the filler.Well, I'm not too original on this one, but I can't feel much joy in dissing the guys...
I was relieved when MAG came out: now THAT is more like it!


Well Earl, you must have liked one other track on The Ladder as 9 Voices was on it. So I guess you are really saying that there is only one good song on OYE. You're being more generous than I am but I too feel the same as you regarding dissing the guys. I just don't have my heart in it.

I too was very relieved when Magnification came out. Relieved and thrilled and happy and so very grateful.

[Joedude]

You know, I may be going against the trend but I could never get myself to really enjoy "Tales". I've really liked what I've heard live but the studio album seemed to be a bit dry for my taste.

Joedude, I'm a clinician. My recommendation would be, more drugs please. Either that or serious embarking on meditation. Tales is a wonder to behold. Don't let that wonder get away from you. You are on the threshold of seeing like you never have before. It's true. I'm not kidding. Listen some more.

[Earl Grey]

So I'm not suprized at my confusion as to which came first.

Thank Goddess that MAGNIFICATION was of the essence!
Dreamtime indeed!

Earl

[ronw]

4 votes for TFTO, that blows my mind.

Yes to ronw, Yes to Earl

[bjm0rwo]

Joedude,go to Yessiree and get your thought processes staightened out and take 2 Tales and call me in the morning.That might do the trick!I still hold onto my vote as worst alblum as being:You say potato and I say Portato,You say tomato and I say Tormato! Peace.

Sound medical/musical advice if ever I heard it, Brian. Are you listening Joedude? We love you anyway.

[Earl Grey]

Before taking two TALES, a bit of medicinal herbiage is called for!
Have to slow down, relax and fall under the spell...

:bonghitte
Earl Grey

[Joedude]

As I thought, I'm one of the (very) few. I tend to agree with Rick Wakeman on this one: some really nice parts with alot of padding. Live, however, I've quite enjoyed it. "Revealing..." on KTA in my opinion was very good.
And friendly medical or meditation advice is always welcome.

Rick was so full of curry and beer he did not know what end was up. Not to mention his repulsion to all things not christian. I don't think he is a reliable source to go to for an educated opinion on Tales.

But, Joedude, I'm glad you're up for medication/meditation advice. Ok, now first find a quiet place and begin to watch the rising falling of your breathing where ever it is most evident. Begin to watch the thoughts as they appear to you while trying to remain steadfast and not chase them. When you find yourself lost in thought, bring your attention back to your breath. Do this practice every day for one hour, minimum, for the rest of your life.

Or

Call some knowing kid and get some lsd.

[Joedude]

I have nothing if not an open mind. You'd be surprised as to where I pick up things.

The basic meditation exercise you describe, yessiree, is something that I do quite often but not every day or for an hour. I started doing this after I read Phil Jackson's book "Sacred Hoops" and found it to be quite refreshing. But that's for another thread, another time....

I think this weekend it's time to put the album on the stereo and listen to it again, see if I form a new opinion. There's got to be a reason why I find the live performances stimulating and not the studio version.

Hey, cool, Joedude! I've heard that book you mentioned is very good. I heard him interviewed on NPR on day and found him to be a very interesting person.

The meditation technique I mentioned is a form of Buddhist meditation--and if I'm not mistaken, so is the kind of meditation that Phil Jackson spoke of. This particular technique I mentioned is called Insight Meditation or by its Pali name, Vipassana Meditation. One particular book that I would recommend is by an author, Joseph Goldstein and the title is: The Experience of Insight, a Natural Unfolding. It will take you step by step into such an awakening of your own mind that you will not believe it. Literally, when I first began the practice doing the techniques in that book, I saw the arising and the falling away of my own consciousness...and I was not using any drug. It was pretty amazing. It's not easy but...well you know.

I would be very interested in your developing experience with Tales. Do keep us posted. (Meditation too, if you choose). It's really nice to talk with someone who listens and takes to heart what is being said. Thanks Joedude!

[Joedude]

Shall do. We're expecting about 12 inches of snow tomorrow, so after shovelling I expect to have plenty of time to re-evaluate.

[mrgone3]

I bought OYE when it came out.I tried to listen in the car on the stereo and I just didn't get it.What was Steve doing?I think this was Billy pushing the buttons.No YES input.Just horrible.And cheers to whomever said take two Tales and call me in the morning.The guys tried here.Rick balked a little.He didn't like it 'cause he knew he could have done better.On the top three list I say.OYE last and least.YUCK!JOE

[Jackaranda]

It's close, but I have to go with the Ladder, just beating out Tormato. Union and OYE also are cellar dwellars.

[Awakened]

Tormato for me i'm afraid.
It was such a let down following on as it did from a run of classics albums.
Brought me down to earth with such a jolt. Liked 'Release Release' though.
Not played it in years. Should revisit I suppose.

[RobAdams]

In contrast to the expansive sound of GOING FOR THE ONE, the TORMATO album was a more condensed approach, sounding more like an album of outtakes. In my opinion, TORMATO has aged well. If I were to make a homemade compilation of Yes, I'd want to include FUTURE TIMES / REJOICE, ON THE SILENT WINGS OF FREEDOM, MADRIGAL, ONWARD and CIRCUS OF HEAVEN. In my mind these are minor Yes classics that fit in well in between some of their major classics.

Worst Yes album is still OPEN YOUR EYES for me. I once had it on cassette, which I could barely stomache listening to the first time around. I waited for the music to explode into something great, and by the end I felt like a guy who couldn't get any on his honeymoon. I thought for SURE I was gonna get some good Yes that night! Thought it was guaranteed!

I see by the poll that I'm not alone!

[RobAdams]

Since my last post in this thread I have acquired a copy of OPEN YOUR EYES. I put in on my CD player....And I stood up, and I looked around and I said...."I can't see......I can't see......Oh, woe is me....I can't see". From now on OPEN YOUR EYES shall be called SHUT YOUR EARS. God I hate saying this about one of my favorite bands. There are more exciting moments on Pete Townshends THE IRON MAN cd...

[BrianD]

I voted for OYE. It is a reasonable Pop album, but a terrible Yes album. Parts of it would sound OK on a Jon Anderson solo album. Other albums that are less than brilliant are Yes, Time and a Word and Talk.

[Ahkin]

I really can't understand how Tales and Relayer get so much votes... If this was a music journalist poll, it wouldn't be that surprising... But among Yes fans?! Or maybe someone wants to have some fun with us afficionados.

[bataisflow]

Wooofa - I love the first two albums with all that Jazz influenced unrefined Yes sound - lot's of energy - songs like Looking around -Then - Survival -Sweet Dreams are all awesome.

Now OYE that is just a Sh*t sandwich!

[Roger]

I've got to say without a doubt that 90125 is the worst album. I've been a loyal fan since '72, but of course this is only MHO.

[Joedude]

...but my opinion of Tales from Topographic Oceans still hasn't changed. Sorry about that. It contains some very dynamic and beautiful sections, but I can't get past the padding on it. Maybe I need to listen to it on CD rather than the record player.

[RobAdams]

More fitting titles for OPEN YOUR EYES:

FAR FROM THE EDGE
LA LA LA
THE WORST OF YES
RECYCLER
WHO IS THIS REALLY?
WHAT WERE WE THINKING?
OPEN YOUR BARF BAG
AT LEAST YOU CAN USE IT FOR A COASTER

Of course all of our thoughts on music are ALL opinions:

OPEN YOUR EYES better than 90125, TORMATO or RELAYER?????
TALES is padded? I don't think so. OPEN YOUR EYES is nothing but padding. Would have been handy right under Clinton's desk.
I think EVERYTHING that Yes has done beats the snot out of OPEN YOUR EYES. It actually pains me to hear this. It's like sitting through a boring movie with no way out. This one made me say "Oh, man. Now even YES has become lame." Thankfully THE LADDER and MAGNIFICATION prove otherwise.


OPEN YOUR EYES = LOVE BEACH


And Batasflow? If we ever meet for lunch, I'LL make the sandwiches! :)

[20yrYH]

I'm gonna tie KEYSTUDIO with OYE, as these were my least favorite YES albums. Perhaps I'm being more diplomatic than need be, but I'm hard pressed to call them their WORST albums. The songs on both of these were quite dull and I was really disappointed with them, after being initially thrilled to find out YES had new albums out (and their releases took me by surprise as I was out of the loop on YES news at the time and stumbled upon them by accident!)

I recall BG, UNION and TALK as not being received well-and at times totally panned-but I liked all three of these, and honestly, The UNION Tour shows I went to were my favorite of the 7 times I've seen them. (esp. being able to see Rick!
And while some of UNION is kinda....ehh...,"The More We Live (Let Go)"
is probably one of my all-time fave YesSongs.

[20yrYH]

Originally posted by i-and-i
More fitting titles for OPEN YOUR EYES:

FAR FROM THE EDGE
WHO IS THIS REALLY?
WHAT WERE WE THINKING?
OPEN YOUR BARF BAG

This one made
me say "Oh, man. Now even YES has become lame." Thankfully THE LADDER and MAGNIFICATION prove otherwise.


OPEN YOUR EYES = LOVE BEACH


ROTFLMAO!!! Thanks for the best laugh I've had yet today!! I think I said the same thing after hearing OYE for the first couple times (maybe after the first time I couldn'tbelieve how lame the songs were,so I tried again, hoping it would get better!)

After OYE and KOA (zzzzzzz) , THE LADDER was SO refreshing!! I just finished listening to it again; I REALLY like that album!

HAHAHA...LOVE BEACH? ITA, a horrid album!! Did the sun bake ELP's brains before writing that one?

Originally posted by i-and-i
TALES is padded? I don't think so.

Thank you i-and-i. You know I agree with you.

Joedude, you need to listen some more and become enlightened by the power and glory that is Tales. Our manna from heaven. No offense to you Joedude, I'm just in love with Tales.

[YesNY]

Open Your Eyes has its problems, no doubt. Still it has some good tunes like Universal Garden and Wonderworld. But even those tunes are marred by a tendency on that album to go about two minute's too long on so many of the songs. It's as if they were trying to make time for Howe solos--problem was his solos were second rate on that disc.

Netherless, I voted for (or is it against?) Tales from Topographic Oceans. Not that it is neccessarily my least favorite album, but I think it is the most overrated. I considered voting to give the distinction of "worst album" to either Union, Talk, or even Open Your Eyes, but that would be like beating up on something already well enough trampled on this board.

I'll give my support for the most UNFAIRLY scorned album to Big Generator. After I skip the first three tracks, I find the abum very interesting, and it is getting a lot more play on my stereo than 90125. Admittedly, part of the reason, for this ascension of Big Generator over 90125 in my book, is because the later is the one (and only) Yes album that actually was played enough on the radio to make it a little stale. Big Generator is solid enough, and for my tastes I'm Running was the perfect melding of the 80's sound with the Yes tradition of varied textures and tempos in one song.

I also like Drama and Tormato. Are those records Yes at its best? Not even close. But those records do have some great songs, and that is what Yes is all about.

[20yrYH]

Originally posted by Pawnheart
maybe I am the only person who really appreciates "I'm Running"
How could anyone vote for the Tales and Relayer???? I've got some tar...who's got the feathers.

Not so, Pawnheart..."I'm Running" is my 2nd most fave on BG, right behind "Shoot High..."

I'll supply the feathers...Tales may very well be my fave YES album of all time. I always used to put it this way...who else but YES would have the balls to put out a double album with only 4 songs on it? (ELP may have been a close 2nd)

Originally posted by 20yrYH
Tales may very well be my fave YES album of all time. I always used to put it this way...who else but YES would have the balls to put out a double album with only 4 songs on it?

20yrYH, a Yes fan after my own heart! Tales rules!

[Jackaranda]

Originally posted by yessiree


20yrYH, a Yes fan after my own heart! Tales rules!

I'm jealous!!

[20yrYH]

Jealous of what, jack gowen?

[gunsfornuns]

magnification.

Originally posted by 20yrYH
Jealous of what, jack gowen?

I'll tell you what he's jealous of. He's jealous that he is not able to partake in the wonderous splendor of Tales like you and I can. He's jealous of missing the party that is The Ancient. The good part is, he does not have to be jealous. Yes made Tales for all of us and Jack is very welcome at any time to be part of this fabulous party. He just has to---turn off his mind, relax and float downstream, it is not dying, it is not dying.... As another famous John has said in the past. Come on Jack, we're all waiting for you!

And gunsfornuns, though I love your YesFan name, I cannot understand your dislike for the lovely, the talent filled, the genius work that is Magnification. I hope you will join that party as well. You will be happier, I guarantee!

[Gustavo]

I have tried again and again to like this album. Nada! The title song is uplifting, but it belongs in a Hanson album. Shouldn’t Don’t Go be on this album?

Onion is proof that more can be less. I do love The More We Live.

I never bought Big Generator. Should I?

Drama. Listen without prejudice. I think it rocks! Being a photographer I don’t have a problem with the camera lyrics. We are all cameras.

Tormato. I don’t really remember.

I can’t believe Keystudio has not gotten a vote and Relayer, Tales, 90125, Talk, and The Ladder have. Different strokes for different folks.

[nightliner]

I voted for Open Your Eyes the first time, and I did it the secod time.

And Yes Gustavo, you should get Big Generator. Its not a solid album, but there are several very good tracks on it. In particular Shoot High, Aim Low, I'm Running and Final Eyes. In fact, I think I'll listen to it now.

[grasshopper]

I'm goint to do the same. Shoot High, Aim Low!

[Jackaranda]

Probably the next one, if they even bother...

[Q]

... but I sure hope not!

Maybe the "classic" line-up can muster an effort that goes where Keystudio didn't ...

Q

[Koko]

Firstly...BBBBOOOOIIINNNGGGGG!!! I just love that ickle icon of the green thingy goin' up an down....anyway...I guess it is understandable why a number of Yes Fans might not 'entirely' like the Drama album.....I remember reading in the NME that Jon and Rick had jumped ship......then I read on and it got worse... Buggles had joined...you can't imagine the grief given to me by (HUH! SO CALLED Friends !!! and a few relatives..)all the yeggles and yuggles remarks...anyway...I would love Yes to re-visit three songs from that album, but now with Jon and Rick...doing Machine Messiah, Into The Lens and Tempus Fugit....now they would make a nice addition to the up and coming Rhino Box set.....
Oh ! Yes...and thanks Tim for a most excellent Website...as we in Wales says.....it's got HOIL.......which is VERY Complimentry...

Ps; CLOSE TO THE EDGE IS THE GREATEST PIECE OF MUSIC IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE....(I should know I live here!)

Cherish Yesterday......Live Today....Dream Tomorrow



Cherish Yesterday........Live Today.........Dream Tomorrow.

Originally posted by jack gowen
Probably the next one, if they even bother...


JACK!!!! You are going to get a lecture from me! These are our guys you are dissing! AND MY JON! You know you're not getting by with that!!!!

Picture your arm twisted behind your back until you say "uncle"! hahaha!

I know you were disappointed by The Ladder but I'll tell you what, Magnification is Magnificent. You know I would not lie to you. You will just have to wait and see for yourself.....

I'm dying to hear your review.

[Nautilus]

Having not listened to all of their albums I'd have to say The Yes Album. It's aged horribly, and the songs are probably great live, but it shows a Yes more suited to rocking than to writing good pieces of music (I do love Fragile). And there were many of those sorts of Yes throughout the years, including the original two albums, and I like pretty much all of that stuff that I've heard (including most Rabin but no talk, Keys or OYE) better than the Yes Album as a studio recording.

Maybe when I get their 90s stuff I'll react differently.

[S.praematurus]

I *had* to vote for Relayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I am *not* ashamed!!! I almost *never* play it. Waaa-aaa-aaay to heavy on the Jazz influence for me, not being a Jazz head by *any* stretch of the imagination!!! Strange for a Yes fan, but true. I prefer to pop in one of the "Best Of" CDs and just listen to the single edit of Soon, which, by the way, gives me the chills every time I listen to it. It is, in and of itself, a perfect song. I love the lyrics in Relayer, the musical style just isn't to my taste.

On the other hand, this I have said before and will (always) say again, Drama is one great album in its own right! After all, do we think it's not Yes when Howe isn't playing lead guitar, or when Wakeman isn't at the keyboards? I know Jon plays the most easily recognizable instrument in the band, but someone here said that Horn was punished not for who he was, but for who he wasn't. Sad, but true.

[Veratis]

No! Don't talk! Write! It just sounds like they taped musical phrases to the wall and started throwing darts. I always wonder what was going on when this thing was being put together. Were they fighting?

[YesNY]

Thjis is all so subjective, but I will give my two bits any way. Even the worst Yes albums (most of them good records by any other standard) have top notch songs which make a purchase worthwhile. The songs saving otherwise not great records are: The Calling from TALK; That Is, That Is from KEYSSTUDIO; the four Yeswest songs from UNION; the title track, Wonderlove and Universal Garden from OPEN YOUR EYES.

[RobAdams]

I withdraw my claim of OPEN YOUR EYES being the worst YES album. I am really starting to like OPEN YOUR EYES. The worst YES album? I really dislike TIME AND A WORD. Wish the orchestra wasn't recorded so intrusively on that album. It ruins it.

[Dale Cleary]

All I can say after reading the above is that it must be hard being in Yes.
Personally there are a couple of albums that aren't my favourite but when there is such a large catalogue that is to be expected.
I still think that if you take any Yes record and compare it to what else was being released at that time you will find it is of a very high standard.
Talk is one that I have not really gotten into mainly because I got it on tape and the sound wasn't crash hot.
Tales.... well I can listen to one track at a time and that is fine.
Tormato wasn't the best but it does have 2 beauties on it.
90125 was spectacular, I don't care what anybody says. If you don't like that type of song just listen to the high quality of the individual performances. They are great, Allan did his best work on that record I think.
The only problem for B G was its timing. And the political furore that seems to surround this band at times.
I also like OYE and feel that if you listen to it without the silly expectation that you'll get CTTE (something you already got 30 years ago !!) you might be surprised. I mean hey, Jon Anderson sings on it !!
I really love The Ladder. I feel it was the best in that vein since GFTO and had all the things I'd come to expect from Yes.
Magnification is even better ! People who say they don't like Don't go ? Perhaps they are under the impression that there is more integrity in a piece that is 20 min's long. It doesn't matter how good the music is, it's the length right ? Rubbish, Don't go is a very cool tune. I haven't heard another single as good in the past 2 years that is for sure. Compare it to Britney !!
My advice to Yes would be to screw everyond and just do their own thing. That is what made them great in the first place.
The fans have reversed their roles, or so it would seem.
Conformity Yes that is what is needed. You must conform to our expectations or else !!!
What a load of bull&^$$ !
IMHO :D

[YYY]

I am having technical problems. I can't get my vote in these days? Does anyone know why my voting privileges have been taken away?

Anyway, I had to vote for 'Open Yo Eyes'. My god! At least I can attempt to listen to other albums that don't care for but OYE is simply too painful.

[Friesbeck]

I can't seem to vote either, but if I could, I would vote for 90125. BTW, OYE is the only Yes album that I have not heard. I first listened to 90125 before I became a real prog fan and I knew a few songs from it. And IMHO even if you like some of the songs on it, the album as a whole sucks. Now I care for even less of the album. I mean, can it get much worse than Hold On?

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Magnification makes me dizzy in a riding-in-car-at-high-altitudes kind of way.

[yarstruly]

I really can't pick a worst Yes album....there aren't any that I don't like...I really mean that. I like some better than others....but there are none that I don't like at all...

[yessongs72]

Originally posted by 1yesfan
I wonder what KIND of camera he was??? 35mm?? Video? Today that song would be "I am a Digital Camera" ;)

He was a disposable!!!!

[yes_angel]

Open Your Eyes and Drama just dont do it for me,thats only my honest opinion, sorry

[Faceintheplace]

I chose Open Your Eyes. I like the title cut, "Universal Garden, "Fortune Seller" and "The Solution" but the rest of the album falls flat for me. I don't like the 1-800 ending to "Fortune Seller" very tacky, very 80's so I used a sound editor to make a version that cuts out at the end of Steve's closing solo and it becomes a much better song.

I had a hard time with this one because there are Yes albums I prefer over others, but even the ones I like the least have a few songs I like. Yes, Yes are that good a band to me.

Drama is an album I actually really like. And "I Am A Camera" is a great song in my opinon. My favorite on the album! Lots of people say the "I Am A Camera" lyric is weird. To me its no weider than Trevor's "With your imperial behaviour" or Jon's "Our music's total retain..." I like all of Yes' lyrics because I get to try and wrap my head around them. Its not like all that "Oh baby I love you, I kiss you" pop and modern R&B (Urban) crap on the radio these days.

[Earl Grey]

Originally posted by yessongs72


He was a disposable!!!!

Oh gawd! I'm dying here! :D

[Martin Riley]

Originally posted by yarstruly
I really can't pick a worst Yes album....there aren't any that I don't like...I really mean that. I like some better than others....but there are none that I don't like at all...


Ditto

[Earl Grey]

Originally posted by yarstruly
I really can't pick a worst Yes album....there aren't any that I don't like...I really mean that. I like some better than others....but there are none that I don't like at all...

I even love Union, truth be told. 'I Could Have Waited Forever' and 'Shock To The System' are two of my favorite Yessongs!

I love them all: even the lesser lights.

:yesbird:

[Nautilus]

(Keep in mind that my favorite album is CttE.)
I've changed my opinion.
In my mind the worst Yes album is not The Yes Album which I picked before, it's Going for the One.

What really annoys me about this album is that I see no merit in what people say is good about it. Wakeman's playing here, well, sucks compared to his potential. I actually think he did a much better performance on Tormato; there was no echo there to obscure the fact that his playing isn't all that interesting, because on Tormato at least it was interesting. His semi-minimalistic approach on Fragile/CttE is long gone, and, let's face it, it's hard to find a piano or organ interesting when it's been done in many places better before.
Steve is as floaty here as he was on Tales and on Relayer (not what I like very much), but with none of the energy left. So his solos are mostly just light jazz type solos. That's not what I happen to be interested in.
I used to think Parallels was cool, but then I realized it's just because the rest of the songs on the album have boring bass parts. Not a good distinction by any means. This album reeks of especially heavy-handed Jon influence, which usually means Chris's work suffers.
Awaken is founded on a musical gimmick they stole from Moraz; it's entirely boring after a couple of months.
Turn of the Century would be good if Howe and Wakeman could put some actual feeling into their playing. I didn't come away feeling that they did. And before you say it's supposed to be romantic, I'll point my girlfriend doesn't like Yes all that much anyway. So there is no way I'd ever find out -- or choose to find out, frankly.

[Earl Grey]

Blasphemy! (Yesphemy?) :D

Hey, I LOVE Going For The One, but it had to grow on me: it has it's subtleties... and it IS different from the albums which precede it. I eventually fell in love with it: the first time I heard it, I wasn't completely thrilled: a couple of weeks after I first heard it I was thrilled...

Awaken is one of my very favorite Yessongs: it was the jewel in the crown, this last tour...

But everyone has their tastes, and perhaps GFTO is simply not your cuppa. I couldn't live without it though...

Earl:ele:

[Kevin Still]

Union. The only reason I choose that was THE WAY it was done. Had it been done the way we hoped it would have been a spectacular release.

Have guys ever tried to figure out all the credits on this thing? Very confusing, which goes to show what happens when the suits control the creative process.

[Psycho fan]

It sounds like yes was selling out when they made this album. Instead of writing songs from the sole they were trying to write just hit singles to sell. That to me is selling out when you are just writing songs for the money and not for you enjoyment.

[Earl Grey]

I agree about 'OYE' (Some of us call it the 'Oye Vey!' of yes albums!)...

But still still...

Give the title track another listen to. And 'From A Balcony'. And 'Universal Garden'... And listen to the purity of Steve's blues riffs and Chris's vocals... and and...

Hell, I can't use the word 'worst' in the YES context. There's always something there of worth. Even on Onion and OYE.

Having said that, 'OYE' is probably my least favorite. But I'm glad it's there.

Earl:yesbird:

[Joedude]

Originally posted by Psycho fan
Instead of writing songs from the sole they were trying to write just hit singles to sell.

I forget who said it (I believe it was Jon but I've been known to be wrong before) but one of the band members said something along the lines of that there's no harm in writing a song for hit potential. I don't think that a majority of tracks on this CD were written for that intent, but remember this was not originally a Yes project. OYE VEY!!

And just as a note, does anyone think the poll should be updated to include Magnification and In A Word?

And is anyone surprised that, as of now, there are no votes for The Yes Album, Fragile and Close To The Edge?

[Earl Grey]

No, I'm not suprised...

Fragile is probably the weakest of the three though... :ignore:

I never felt comfortable going into the museum and picking up one great sculpture and hefting it against another two strong contenders in the attempt to find out which was the strongest work of the three...

You wind-up wrecking EVERYTHING, and then you go to jail!

Haha!

Not my idea of a good time!

Fragile is an amazing album. Could you imagine life without it?

Not I!

Still, there is a bit of 'filler' there.

And I LOVE 'Cans And Brahms'!

never mind. I'm totally insane!

Earlie:ele:

[Gato]

Unlike some previous posters here, I like Drama, although Into the Lens is my least favourite tune from that album.

To me Big Generator and Open your Eyes are two albums that should have never happened as YES albums. There's no way I can like them, no matter how hard I try.
I can't enjoy a single song on BG. On the other hand, a tune like Open your eyes (the song) sounds better (it's quite right with me, at least) in its original, non-"yessified" form (found in Conspiracy).

[yes_angel]

i'm not touching on this again LOL

[gathernear]

No Jon, no Yes. Sorry. Too bad we could only vote for one, but that's all I'll say about that.

Larry

[Ron Drummond]

. . . though for listenability I like Big Generator even less (but I love "Shoot High Aim Low").

Anyway, I'm starting to like Talk a bit, but I chose it as the worst Yes album because it's the LEAST collaborative album ever made by Yes -- it really is a Trevor Rabin solo album with Yes as back-up band and a co-writing spot or two with Jon. And as Trevor Rabin solo albums go, Talk is not as good as Can't Look Away.

So in that sense of collaboration, Talk is the least in the spirit of what Yes is all about -- which is a great meeting of musical minds. There's only one mind behind Talk, and that's Trevor's -- the rest of the band was on vacation.

[Fastguido]

Hello who the hell picks Going for the one as worst Yes cd

I repect any choice but GFTO wow !!!!!!!!!!!!

I can not believe it !!!

Reallyy

[yessongs72]

Ok, now it's time o upset some people. Here's a list of the worst Yes albums.
1. Trauma
2. Big Generator
3. Union
4. Talk
5. Keys Studio
6. Open Your Eyes

Now the album that saved Yes, 90125!
And now the best album since Tales, it is
Magnification!

[Ron Drummond]

Dang, yet another vote deepening the landslide choice of OYE as the worst Yes album ever.

But wait! It's only a landslide plurality!

Over seventy percent of Yes fans agree -- the worst Yes album is NOT Open Your Eyes!

Vindication!

Now, as for yessongs72's "Time O'Upset" (Tom O'Bedlam's younger brother, right?) -- well, five out of six are understandable choices, given the prevailing intransigency of Yes fans everywhere, their hard-heartedness and their righteous indignation when faced with Yes albums that violate their sense of just what sort of gilded cage their Yes songbirds should be housed in. But Keystudio? The man has not unstoppered 'is ears in lo these many a cows-o'er-the-moons, now, has he?

Though ye just might be trite about Magnification. 'Tis indewed the best since Gong for the One if not Regarding Layer.

But anyhoo, thunk the good lard that it's nut a con-test, and we can enjoy whot albums we will.

[RobAdams]

I truly hated the DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO album. It was awful. Of course that was recorded during a time when Jon, Steve & Rick were absent. On guitar - former child star Butch Patrick (Eddie from The Munsters). Weird Al Yankovick played the keyboards - actually just an accordian, and Yoko Ono took Jon's place as lead vocalist and primary lyricist. The album was recorded at Digital Decay Studios in the Bronx NY in 1996. Released only on Swirrling Yak Records in Antarctica, DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO was not well received by the music critics at the South Pole. The album sessions started with Gary Burghoff producing, but he was difficult to work with and Chris locked him out of the studio where he was robbed by crackheads. Yoko Ono brought in former major league pitcher and author of 'Ball Four' Jim Bouton to produce the remaining sessions. The final album cover was designed by Yoko Ono's attorneys. It was a photo of a single ice cube in a wooden table top. Here's a brief sample of the lyrics to the songs on this album.

EMPTY BAG (11:33)
Nothing seen / No contents / Only paper/ Your Soul / On fire / giving love to the bees

RANDOM LANGUAGE UNDAUNTED (8:41)
Folded tree to me / not for you / too bad, so sad / rock me / stones and screaming sticks of light

KNITTING A STAR (21:56)
(This is an instrumental which musically resembles CROSSFIRE, but features Yoko screaming the words 'blood' and 'stars' in between howls and other assorted typical Yoko sounds.)

DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO (14:02)
Will you dance / or not / who cares / it's better if you don't / I'm not watching

With the exception of this horrible album I have to say that I've learned to love every Yes album. Some are not as wonderful as others, yet I find wonderful music in each one.

[zibman]

WOW!! How can anyone vote for Tales or Relayer as the worst Yes album when there is Union, Talk, Open Your Eyes, etc.? I'm floored!!!:fmad:

[gathernear]

Maybe it's defenders of the west. Hey, nice avatar! Mine's kind of blurry.


Larry

[leqin]

Originally posted by zibman
WOW!! How can anyone vote for Tales or Relayer as the worst Yes album when there is Union, Talk, Open Your Eyes, etc.? I'm floored!!!:fmad:

OMG - three incredible albums and especially OYE which is a joy and especially the twinkly subliminal bit at the end... god I just love those minutes of silence waiting for that gorgeous trilling and twittering to raise itself out of the ground... COSMIC.

This is a silly poll and I refuse point blank to take any part in it and Ron... shame on you... you need to be taken aside and given a good spanking :bash:- WHOT!!! - you want some nubile lady with big boobies wearing leather and latex with ankle braces and various whips to do it... okay just making the call and she should be around in a few minutes :D

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AND WILL NEVER BE SUCH A THING AS A BAD YES ALBUM

okay where was I - 078467581928 - brrrrrp brrrrp brrrp - Hi - one of my friends is interested in your services and I thought... yes he wants the leather and latex... whips also... yep and he wants the manacles and ankle braces... KY Jelly?.... hmm good question.... just a sec... Ron - do you want KY Jelly with this order - DAMN - new I should have put this phone on recharge - okay well I will phone back later and get it all fixed up for you

:ele:

[Dale Cleary]

I am glad to see that the later releases have been treated kindly.

[Mr. Holland]

I voted for OYE. There are only two songs I really like from that labum, and I have listened to it quit a lot, to make sure that I wouldn't say anything I didn't mean. By the way, I have t agree with Joedude, I think TFTO is a very overated album by fans in general. I do not think it is their worst album, not by far, but it certainly isn't their best album either. RSOG and Ritual are great tracks, but the other two tracks......I don't know they just don't do it for me and I've really been giving them a chance lately. But then again, that is what is so great about Yes, they got something for everybody's taste!

[Ron Drummond]

Now wait just a minute there, leqin -- you can't be treating me to the ministrations of such a lassy withoot yer tellin' me whot I've done to deserve it. And also I won't have her wailin' on me with no whups er chins 'less I can dictate which port o' me body she gets to wail on! Tis only far, after oil. But again, you must tell me what I did that's callin' for a spunking, what was it aboot me earlier poost that pestered ye?

I think yer jes daft, and miss under stood me. I'm won of this here webpage's biggest boosters of OYE and duh Ladder and Mugfornication I mean Magnification that yer ever likely to find here. Love all three of them thar Al bums.

[Oleksus]

It was difficult to decide what's Yes worst album. Honestly I don't like the band's Rabin period or rather I like them much less than others. Except Union. I definitely love this work.
I voted for Talk because as for me this album is worst among 90125, Big Generator and Talk.
Also I revised results and some posts here and was surprised that a lot of Yesfans marked Open Your Eyes as worst band's album. I agree that OYE isn't CTTE but some songs are great there. The title song, Fortune Seller, Universal Garden, Man in the Moon .. super!

[ranyart]

Originally posted by RobAdams
I truly hated the DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO album. It was awful. Of course that was recorded during a time when Jon, Steve & Rick were absent. On guitar - former child star Butch Patrick (Eddie from The Munsters). Weird Al Yankovick played the keyboards - actually just an accordian, and Yoko Ono took Jon's place as lead vocalist and primary lyricist. The album was recorded at Digital Decay Studios in the Bronx NY in 1996. Released only on Swirrling Yak Records in Antarctica, DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO was not well received by the music critics at the South Pole. The album sessions started with Gary Burghoff producing, but he was difficult to work with and Chris locked him out of the studio where he was robbed by crackheads. Yoko Ono brought in former major league pitcher and author of 'Ball Four' Jim Bouton to produce the remaining sessions. The final album cover was designed by Yoko Ono's attorneys. It was a photo of a single ice cube in a wooden table top. Here's a brief sample of the lyrics to the songs on this album.

EMPTY BAG (11:33)
Nothing seen / No contents / Only paper/ Your Soul / On fire / giving love to the bees

RANDOM LANGUAGE UNDAUNTED (8:41)
Folded tree to me / not for you / too bad, so sad / rock me / stones and screaming sticks of light

KNITTING A STAR (21:56)
(This is an instrumental which musically resembles CROSSFIRE, but features Yoko screaming the words 'blood' and 'stars' in between howls and other assorted typical Yoko sounds.)

DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO (14:02)
Will you dance / or not / who cares / it's better if you don't / I'm not watching

With the exception of this horrible album I have to say that I've learned to love every Yes album. Some are not as wonderful as others, yet I find wonderful music in each one.

Ha Ha Ha I LOL big time on that one Rob thanks I would have to agree with you "DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO" has to be Yes' worst album to date. there is that one part where the chick that played "Tootie" from the "Freaks of Life" I mean the "Facts of Life" does that bass solo on Knitting a star that is to die for I know it had to make Squire squirm around abit, and worry about his future with the band.

Hey Rob whatever happened to the tour in support of DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO? did it ever get off the ground?

[leqin]

All of them

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Originally posted by 1yesfan
I AM A CAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRAAAAAAA
Now I wont be able to fall asleep tonight. It will keep running thru my head!

has to be the worst song next to The Night Chicago Died.

What kind of camera? A 110 to be sure.

[yessongs72]

Originally posted by dancesw/purple
Magnification makes me dizzy in a riding-in-car-at-high-altitudes kind of way.

Thats because it's just to advanced for your big generater mind,lol!Mag is the best Yes album since Tales.The worst Yes albums are all beginning with Trauma through Open Your Eyes and the Yes did opem their eyes and recorded The Ladder and Magnification!

[Rabin105]

I love all the albums

[1yesfan]

I agree. I can find something cool about all the albums. So many to listen too and get into based on my mood of the time.

[SonicDeath10]

union. easily. this is the only yes album i cannot listen to ever.

consequently i find it strange some people voted for Yes. that album's great!

[SonicDeath10]

Originally posted by RobAdams
I truly hated the DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO album. It was awful. Of course that was recorded during a time when Jon, Steve & Rick were absent. On guitar - former child star Butch Patrick (Eddie from The Munsters). Weird Al Yankovick played the keyboards - actually just an accordian, and Yoko Ono took Jon's place as lead vocalist and primary lyricist. The album was recorded at Digital Decay Studios in the Bronx NY in 1996. Released only on Swirrling Yak Records in Antarctica, DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO was not well received by the music critics at the South Pole. The album sessions started with Gary Burghoff producing, but he was difficult to work with and Chris locked him out of the studio where he was robbed by crackheads. Yoko Ono brought in former major league pitcher and author of 'Ball Four' Jim Bouton to produce the remaining sessions. The final album cover was designed by Yoko Ono's attorneys. It was a photo of a single ice cube in a wooden table top. Here's a brief sample of the lyrics to the songs on this album.

EMPTY BAG (11:33)
Nothing seen / No contents / Only paper/ Your Soul / On fire / giving love to the bees

RANDOM LANGUAGE UNDAUNTED (8:41)
Folded tree to me / not for you / too bad, so sad / rock me / stones and screaming sticks of light

KNITTING A STAR (21:56)
(This is an instrumental which musically resembles CROSSFIRE, but features Yoko screaming the words 'blood' and 'stars' in between howls and other assorted typical Yoko sounds.)

DISCO FREAKS FROM INVISIBLE PLUTO (14:02)
Will you dance / or not / who cares / it's better if you don't / I'm not watching

With the exception of this horrible album I have to say that I've learned to love every Yes album. Some are not as wonderful as others, yet I find wonderful music in each one. actually i bet thsi would rule.

[Emops]

Union.

I hate to see so many votes for Drama...it's my third favorite behind Relayer and Close To The Edge.

[Rabin105]

Union had some problem granted but live it is amazing especially shock to the system which is a rock and roll power house with trevor and steve soloing at the end truely amazing

[rob1960]

I don't know very much about post-Big Generator YES, hence guys I can't follow your comments on further albums. Anyway, Big Generator is the worst lagecy we have, albeit Shoot High, Aim Low is a nice song. I can't really put up with Rabin's guitar. I read many people can't even think of YES without Jon (I can see their point), well same with me with Steve Howe. YES sole and only guitar is Master Steve, hence albeit I enjoyed 90125 I couldn't really think of the band as YES, rather a different group happening to feature some YES lads. Albeit 90125 is a good job, Big Generator sounds really like crap to meet MTV requirements, bearing in mind The Rythm of Love. It sounds like Rabin had too much go in this one.

[Simon B]

I voted Tormato, although I quite like some of the tracks now, I hated it when it was released as it was so different from what went before. It made me disregard any Yes output for a number of albums after.

Oh how age makes you more appreciative of experimentation.....

Total Mass

[Rabin105]

Originally posted by rob1960
I don't know very much about post-Big Generator YES, hence guys I can't follow your comments on further albums. Anyway, Big Generator is the worst lagecy we have, albeit Shoot High, Aim Low is a nice song. I can't really put up with Rabin's guitar. I read many people can't even think of YES without Jon (I can see their point), well same with me with Steve Howe. YES sole and only guitar is Master Steve, hence albeit I enjoyed 90125 I couldn't really think of the band as YES, rather a different group happening to feature some YES lads. Albeit 90125 is a good job, Big Generator sounds really like crap to meet MTV requirements, bearing in mind The Rythm of Love. It sounds like Rabin had too much go in this one.
And peter banks is what then

[rob1960]

And peter banks is what then

Well, Peter Banks is somebody who played in first 2 albums. The moment you listen 2 Yes Album its hardly suprising he got the sack. Bear in mind that YES initialy looked at Robert Fripp as replacement, thus it means they weren't that happy with Mr. Banks talent, indeed Steve Howe didn't become a YES man by chance. Chris and Jon were looking for someone really talented.
Peter Bank, with all my respect for the man himself, wasn't. I'm sure you'll agree

[Rabin105]

Originally posted by rob1960
And peter banks is what then

Well, Peter Banks is somebody who played in first 2 albums. The moment you listen 2 Yes Album its hardly suprising he got the sack. Bear in mind that YES initialy looked at Robert Fripp as replacement, thus it means they weren't that happy with Mr. Banks talent, indeed Steve Howe didn't become a YES man by chance. Chris and Jon were looking for someone really talented.
Peter Bank, with all my respect for the man himself, wasn't. I'm sure you'll agree
No not really and neither would steve. In fact during the first few months steve was asked to play everything including the solo's exactly as it is on the album. and when he came back once again they wanted him to play owner exactly like it is on the album except for the end obviously. SO the question if yes put's steve in the regard you claim they do why ask him to play part as they appear on the album. oh and peter was out because of the manager and chris. The rest of the band liked Peter as they like Trevor and Billy. This not belittling steve but just explaining all 4 guitarest were right for the band during that time. I would love to see peter rejoin to hear him on roudabout (he wrote the riff to that) starship trooper and other yes trooper and yeswest tracks. (Peter on owner cool :guitar:) Billy I think is better and more prefered on keyboard over guitar. Love to see him back as keyboardest :keyboard:
have a great day

[SuperTrooper]

Easy choice. Drama.

The Buggles just don't mesh with Yes. I'm a Camera is the worst Yes song ever.

[Rabin105]

Originally posted by SuperTrooper
Easy choice. Drama.

The Buggles just don't mesh with Yes. I'm a Camera is the worst Yes song ever.
I thought Trevor horn did a fine job on the tour and album so did geoff

[Faceintheplace]

I like it more than 90125. I think Trevor and Geoff are great on it. I've liked all the Buggles material I've heard as well.

[TrevorHowe]

hmmm i'd have to say 90125 even tho i love that album and its probly one of yes's best today i am just soooooo sick of it. But if your talking worst music wise i'd have to say OYE

[Rabin105]

I love oye

[yarstruly]

Rabin 105....what is your statement that Banks wrote the riff to "Roundabout" based on? Cite your source. You make statements like that all the time, without any basis that I have ever seen. If its true, I'll be surprised.

[Rabin105]

Originally posted by yarstruly
Rabin 105....what is your statement that Banks wrote the riff to "Roundabout" based on? Cite your source. You make statements like that all the time, without any basis that I have ever seen. If its true, I'll be surprised.
IN 1994 they came out with a book called Yes in there own word. Peter banks was interviewed and here is what he said
"The Main Riff for Roundabout (Em, F#m, G) I certantly wrote. We were messing around with that years before fragile was released and when I heard that come out I was a little sick about it. I understand that people keep these things in reserve, but I think the person who wrote it should be credited for it, it's as simple as that. Often before we would work out a song we would jam. Somebody would start something, I would or tony would start a riff, and later it would find it's way into a song. With "Roundabout," I know that is something I specifically came up with."
So there you have it proof the peter cowrote roundabout next week Tony Kaye on Heart of the surise it's partially true.

[yarstruly]

I stand corrected....has there been any other verification of this?

[Rabin105]

Originally posted by yarstruly
I stand corrected....has there been any other verification of this?
Banks has stated this in a few other interviews

[bender]

I must be capable of no independant opinion as my least favorite Yes albums are the same as those heading the poll :)

[R'tanys]

I believe my vote stayed the same IIRC. Onion.

[SonicDeath10]

Banks has stated this in a few other interviews
but just cuz he says he came up with it doesn't mean he neccesarily did.

[SilverDragonWing]

ugh .. Drama .. no Jon what is the point ??

[yarstruly]

Oh you know I've caught you singing along to Tempus Fugit!

[Mr. Holland]

ugh .. Drama .. no Jon what is the point ??

So, basicly Jon's upcoming solo tour is a Yes tour, because Jon=Yes and not the other members?

[Rabin105]

ugh .. Drama .. no Jon what is the point ??
I agree with Mr. holland Yes is still Yes without Jon and without White or Wakeman or dare I say it the Master Howe. Yes has not only survived but have created beautiful album's without these "key" members Even Squire has not been on every album (though abwh is not ofically yes it has the yes spirit) ABWH has some very beutiful tracks on it. I'm just saying listen to Drama again with in open mind. It's what my signature is all about every memeber has something unique about there style that they put into the albums (or in Brislins case concert) don't say "there not Steve or there not Jon" Yeah they also not the olsen twins but do you here me complaining. Trevor Horn is not Jon but neither is a lot of people heck only Jon Anderson is Jon Anderson.
Mac

[Emops]

Who on Earth voted for Relayer?

[Rabin105]

who voted going for the one or 90125 both are great albums

[SonicDeath10]

i'm surprised less people voted for onion than open your eyes. union is one of the worst albums of all time.

[SonicDeath10]

who voted going for the one or 90125 both are great albums i like your signature. when people say something like "oooh rabin is so much worse than howe howe plays classical stuff" i like to point out that unlike howe rabin was classically trained.

however i do prefer howe to rabin. i do greatly enjoy the rabin albums though.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

i'm surprised less people voted for onion than open your eyes. union is one of the worst albums of all time.


Neither heard nor own Union - and the mixed reports I'm getting on here might mean it stays that way.

That said, I'm currently listening to 'Open Your Eyes' (my first listening) - never thought I'd hear Jon Anderson reduced the role of mere backing-singer (Man in the Moon)! And I can also tell when the guitar parts are not being played by Howe - and I'm no guitarist! There are parts of this album, with respect, where, frankly I could be listening to anyone and not Yes. Indeed, in parts it's reminiscent of 'The Police' (Wonderlove).....

On current evidence, the words anodyne and saccharine are at the forefront of my palate - both apply equally to the words and music here.

Sorry but, there ya have it folks.

[Post Scriptum]: I'm now listening to the track 'Somehow.....Someday' and it can't seem to make it's mind up whether it's a slowed down version of something off Big Jenny - probably the title track of that album - or a staccato and less sotto voce interpretation of parts of And You and I. What's going on??

[Rabin105]

The solution Is a good track and I like union Live album wise it's not that good. as far a my signature Every argument with a trooper at a concert they always say He's not steve howe. No duh when did anyone tell you Trevor was really Steve howe in disguise. I love them both the are both great and it depends on my mood same goes with Tony kay and Rick Wakeman. in my mind there is no Best guitarest or best keyboardest or best vocalist or best song. It's all yes music and it's all great. Though I do not like the production on some albums. (If you don't like Jon doing just backing vocals than don't listen to can you imagine.) The title track on that album is probably the strongest with the solution coming in second

[Trouserpress]

who else but YES would have the balls to put out a double album with only 4 songs on it?

Soft Machine.

There's probably others, but I can't think of any at present.

I'm agog at the amount of people here who think that Tales isn't even sliiightly padded. Because it blatantly is. However, it is nowhere near the worst Yes album. Nor is Drama. For me, it's The Ladder. I was so pleased when I bought that album and stuck it on. Homeworld is a truly superb track. I was grinning intensely. However, as the album progressed I began to think "hmm... hasn't reached those initial heights again has it?" By Can I? I was thinking "Oh dear... this really isn't going so well" and as the last notes of the album washed away I was curled up in a foetal position sobbing and saying "don't do this to me, guys!"

Keystudio had a similar effect.

Fortunately, I've never had the inclination to subject myself to "Open Your Eyes" but I'm sure I'd hate it just as much.

[Rabin105]

I like the songs on the ladder but the production was all wrong. Bruce tryed to turn yes itno an amercan rock band.

[spedblavio]

For me, it's The Ladder. I was so pleased when I bought that album and stuck it on. Homeworld is a truly superb track...

I like Homeworld ok, but I think of it as less than prime Yes music. I like It'll Be a Good Day quite a bit, not really a tremendous Yes song but just a sweet song with a real heart-warming vibe and nice hooks. The rest of the album just hasn't connected with me.

[SonicDeath10]

the ladder was the first yes album i got. i didn't like it at first, but listenign to it again i really do. it is for me their best mixture of pop and prog.

[soulsearcher]

thank you to whoever said that "into the lens" is the correct title of what some seem to think is " i am a camera"...
furthermore, i just saw jon last nite.... and he is an inspiration; a wonder; a national treasure and my personal hero...yet: DON'T BE TALKING BAD ABOUT DRAMA!....it is an entity unto itself,..the fine melding of unspeakable talent and a melange of sounds that had yet to be put on vinyl. there was nothing like it out there. jon wasn't there...it wasn't "that" yes...( albeit my favorite yes is with jon, no doubt,) but that album possesses something special and different for those who will just listen.

or maybe it was just great to me because i was insanely high. i don't know.

[SonicDeath10]

drama has GREAT keyboard work: maybe the best they had (i dunno, it's hard to say: downes work is so different from wakeman or moraz's) plus a strangely metallic sound to it. it's unique.

[Rabin105]

Steve was very hard rocking just listen to Tempus fugit Howe sounds amazing as does Squire :guitar:plus it is very and a great album (which the current lineup should try a song from that album)

[soulsearcher]

yeah! i think it would be pretty cool to here the current line up do something from "drama".
i mean, who else is gonna do it?

[SonicDeath10]

yeah but do you really think jon would want to? i mean yeah he's cool and hippie like bu tlike any human being he has pride.

[Rabin105]

The most likely drama tune run through the light why because less word for jon too remeber that is the problem with tempus fugit

[SonicDeath10]

plus jon could never sing as well as trevor. ;)

[Scooty]

ok..Im gonna step on a couple of toes here (softly I Promise)...My absolute most hated, despised YES album would have to be Big Generator...lemme 'splain. I waited four years after 90125 for this album to arrive...the first single, Love Will Find a Way broke my heart, almost as much as Invisible Touch the same year...it was rough. Then Ryth Of Love...peeewwwwww, along with Almost Like Love, Title track, and Song for harmonic Convergence (sorry Jon) I was so so so sad...Im Runninh..I can stomach, Shoot High AimLow..ok..doesnt go anywhere, Final Eyes has some lovely moments..But overall By and far this album is the least listened to in my YES catalogue. Union I enjoyed more (slightly) Open Your Eyes more (slighter)..and I thought The Ladder was really really fine. A couple of losers on there..but overall HAS TO BE better than Big generator..Anyway enough of that...:)

[moonchild]

Geez, you know Scoot...I think I'm starting to love you. I thought Big Generator was the worst. So horrible in fact, I thought that all that came afterwards must be better...i was wrong about that too, but those that voted for Tormato, I highly disagree...that was a wonderful album!

[soulsearcher]

tormato is a great album..i agree!
also, the trevor years let me down a bit, but you have to consider how high i was on the previous yes line up, hense the trevor/howe debates.
and maybe jon would want to sing some rama tunes...but i'd sure like to see his take on them!

[Rabin105]

ok..Im gonna step on a couple of toes here (softly I Promise)...My absolute most hated, despised YES album would have to be Big Generator...lemme 'splain. I waited four years after 90125 for this album to arrive...the first single, Love Will Find a Way broke my heart, almost as much as Invisible Touch the same year...it was rough. Then Ryth Of Love...peeewwwwww, along with Almost Like Love, Title track, and Song for harmonic Convergence (sorry Jon) I was so so so sad...Im Runninh..I can stomach, Shoot High AimLow..ok..doesnt go anywhere, Final Eyes has some lovely moments..But overall By and far this album is the least listened to in my YES catalogue. Union I enjoyed more (slightly) Open Your Eyes more (slighter)..and I thought The Ladder was really really fine. A couple of losers on there..but overall HAS TO BE better than Big generator..Anyway enough of that...:)
Ow I think My toes are broken after you tap dance on them.Thhree things 1. Big generator would of been better if two thing had been different 1 yes produced the album by themselves (trevor horn can't work well with Tony Kaye and look at the credits He has a lot of them on the album. I feel Horn massacared this album along with Paul de Villers. moving from Italy to L.a. was taxing on the band both producers puled it in different directions and Trevor tried his best to create a good yes album though it sounds like he was trying to be like eddie offord which he was not.) the 2nd probelm is it was realesd a year after it was supposed too and 2 it has two songs that should not have been on the album Harmonic song and almost like love. funny that you don't like big generator since Shoot high aim low is the second rabin tune most fans want to see the curent lineup to do. with Squire singing the part usual sung by Trevor Rabin. I love the album and feel the songs have true beuty. But to each is own. After all maybe i'm one of those crazy fans that likes all of the Yess albums.


Mac
P.S. as someone once said the worst yes album Is a million times better than the pop crap that is coming out and I for One agree.

[Mr. Holland]

funny that you don't like big generator since Shoot high aim low is the second rabin tune most fans want to see the curent lineup to do. with Squire singing the part usual sung by Trevor Rabin.

Sorry, have to correct you here. In the pole that is going on about this, Hearts and Endless Dream are tied up in the lead, It Can Happen and Cinema are tied up in second place and Shoot High Aim Low is in third place......

[Rabin105]

Sorry, have to correct you here. In the pole that is going on about this, Hearts and Endless Dream are tied up in the lead, It Can Happen and Cinema are tied up in second place and Shoot High Aim Low is in third place......
everyone i talked too put it second some even in first didn't know there was a pole. I stand corrected. I'm Happy if yes plays something from the rabin era.

[Ronboy]

Please to see that the voting almost matched my thoughts. Open Your Eyes and Union are on a par with OYE just that much worse. I too at times put these albums on only to be disappointed again, then I quickly revert to better ones. Interesting to see that 3 of the early albums were considered to be the best, much to my agreement. I do love Keystudio though, some great songs.
Mind you YES are so great still, can't wait for the tour this year, just wish that Jon would bring his solo tour to the U.K.

[davray]

I think, Im Running and Holy Lamb are the only reasons I didn't choose Big Generator. OYE is just so uneventful in my opinion. :1svader:

[Rabin105]

the title track for Oye and the solution are pretty good

[fragile34]

union maybe

[Ronboy]

I think, Im Running and Holy Lamb are the only reasons I didn't choose Big Generator. OYE is just so uneventful in my opinion. :1svader:
Davray, I totally agree with you. OYE to me is a nothing cd seemingly put together without too much thought. When you consider some of the other albums in particular OYE seems so UnYESlike, I have yet to read of a Yes fan that actually likes OYE, is there one?? They are still the best band by a mile though and I never ever tire of them or their music.

So give peace a chance, de the, de the, de the, de the, de the, de the de the de the!!
Ronboy

[Mr. Holland]

I have yet to read of a Yes fan that actually likes OYE, is there one??

Well, there a couple of them on this site. I know Petercologne does like the album, but he also likes Conspiaracy very much and is a huge Billy Sherwood fan an OYE was ment to be a Conspiracy (Squire/Sherwood) album at first, but due to circumstances developped into a Yes album.

This is what Steve had to say about it in an interview back in August 1999:

"I tell you very encapsulated, very briefly why we did such a fundamental stylistic change. When we finished the "Keys To Ascension 2“ project, we discovered that Rick really wasn’t going to come on tour with us ever possibly. We felt that was disappointing. So we were looking for a new keyboard player. We found Igor Khoroshev, who toured with us and hardly performed on "Open Your Eyes“. So we came to the stage where we had to rebuild the group. Chris raised the idea of Billy Sherwood as another writer. So Jon and I said, "Well, as long as we get Igor playing the keyboards...“ Then something came up. We saw the touring plan and got a new management called Left Bank. They said to us, "How about getting out some current material?“ We said, "We’ve got the tour booked. We’ve got Keys To Ascension 2 coming out. Don’t you think that’s enough?“ And they said, "No!“ Chris has been recording with Billy and basically building up some tracks for a Chris Squire/Billy Sherwood album. What they said was, "We’ve got all this material.“ I said, "Yes, but it’s not YES material!“ And they said, "Yes, but it’s material to work on“ The management got very keen, because this was current material. So we went into that almost like a group blind-folded, because we started doing this. I kept saying, "No, it doesn’t sound like YES.“ People said, "Yes, but we have to get it on radio!“ I replied, "No, it’s going to lose our fans!“ So I was basically right. In fact, it’s likely that only twenty per cent of all YES fans own a copy of "Open Your Eyes“. If twenty per cent of all the YES fans like "Open Your Eyes“, it is not a very satisfying result. That album isn’t satisfying. It’s a disaster. "Open Your Eyes“ was written off, after we got out on tour and tried to put some of these songs on stage. They wouldn’t work, and the group started falling apart, because we were playing that material. I said, "No, no! We play that material that YES with Rick Wakeman had planned to do.“ So Billy’s and Chris' material had to fall down. I can pretty much assure you that the only song that we ever play from this album again would be "Open Your Eyes“. It’s the only song that we actually collaborated on. On the other songs, Jon and I were squeezed, pushed, undermixed and not allowed to develop and change that music due to the time pressure. I knew that it was wrong - and Jon knew it was wrong. Supposingly, other people didn’t... So we’ve learned our lesson. We can’t make any YES records ever again that aren’t fully collaborated. The record we have just finished will be coming out in September. It’s so opposite from "Open Your Eyes“ that it is almost insane that we were able to do it. We went back to the original idea of not wanting to play anybody’s songs. You bring a song in, we won’t play it. We are not going to play your song, we are not going to play my song. We will play our song. So we pushed ideas in that were not complete songs. YES can work on that much better. So there is no excuse for "Open Your Eyes“, which was not a true YES record. It was a hotspot for ideas that Chris and Billy put together."

So, that basicly sums up what OYE and making that album was all about.
I personally think there are still a couple of good tracks on it. Mainly the New State of Mind, Open Your Eyes and Fortune Teller, but that's about it.

[SonicDeath10]

i like open your eyes quite a bit. it's just good guitar pop yeah and doesn't sound too Yes-like. i mean comparing it to Fragile is futile: they're two different styles of music.

[Rabin105]

Well, there a couple of them on this site. I know Petercologne does like the album, but he also likes Conspiaracy very much and is a huge Billy Sherwood fan an OYE was ment to be a Conspiracy (Squire/Sherwood) album at first, but due to circumstances developped into a Yes album.

This is what Steve had to say about it in an interview back in August 1999:

"I tell you very encapsulated, very briefly why we did such a fundamental stylistic change. When we finished the "Keys To Ascension 2“ project, we discovered that Rick really wasn’t going to come on tour with us ever possibly. We felt that was disappointing. So we were looking for a new keyboard player. We found Igor Khoroshev, who toured with us and hardly performed on "Open Your Eyes“. So we came to the stage where we had to rebuild the group. Chris raised the idea of Billy Sherwood as another writer. So Jon and I said, "Well, as long as we get Igor playing the keyboards...“ Then something came up. We saw the touring plan and got a new management called Left Bank. They said to us, "How about getting out some current material?“ We said, "We’ve got the tour booked. We’ve got Keys To Ascension 2 coming out. Don’t you think that’s enough?“ And they said, "No!“ Chris has been recording with Billy and basically building up some tracks for a Chris Squire/Billy Sherwood album. What they said was, "We’ve got all this material.“ I said, "Yes, but it’s not YES material!“ And they said, "Yes, but it’s material to work on“ The management got very keen, because this was current material. So we went into that almost like a group blind-folded, because we started doing this. I kept saying, "No, it doesn’t sound like YES.“ People said, "Yes, but we have to get it on radio!“ I replied, "No, it’s going to lose our fans!“ So I was basically right. In fact, it’s likely that only twenty per cent of all YES fans own a copy of "Open Your Eyes“. If twenty per cent of all the YES fans like "Open Your Eyes“, it is not a very satisfying result. That album isn’t satisfying. It’s a disaster. "Open Your Eyes“ was written off, after we got out on tour and tried to put some of these songs on stage. They wouldn’t work, and the group started falling apart, because we were playing that material. I said, "No, no! We play that material that YES with Rick Wakeman had planned to do.“ So Billy’s and Chris' material had to fall down. I can pretty much assure you that the only song that we ever play from this album again would be "Open Your Eyes“. It’s the only song that we actually collaborated on. On the other songs, Jon and I were squeezed, pushed, undermixed and not allowed to develop and change that music due to the time pressure. I knew that it was wrong - and Jon knew it was wrong. Supposingly, other people didn’t... So we’ve learned our lesson. We can’t make any YES records ever again that aren’t fully collaborated. The record we have just finished will be coming out in September. It’s so opposite from "Open Your Eyes“ that it is almost insane that we were able to do it. We went back to the original idea of not wanting to play anybody’s songs. You bring a song in, we won’t play it. We are not going to play your song, we are not going to play my song. We will play our song. So we pushed ideas in that were not complete songs. YES can work on that much better. So there is no excuse for "Open Your Eyes“, which was not a true YES record. It was a hotspot for ideas that Chris and Billy put together."

So, that basicly sums up what OYE and making that album was all about.
I personally think there are still a couple of good tracks on it. Mainly the New State of Mind, Open Your Eyes and Fortune Teller, but that's about it.
Wowo I though Billy came first then Igor not the other way around (and Igor was brought in simply so that Billy could handle the Rabin material since steve wanted nothing to do with it.)Wowo it is amazing what you learn I still think Billy on keys would be interesting since he has that in the backround but still important thing that Tony kaye has. I'm happy about Open Your eyes being a possibility since that is probably the best song on the album. oh and back on union listening to Miracle of life with eddie offord made me think 1. Eddie should have produce this line up more often the song and the production sound great. and the second thing that comes to mind is they should play this song live.

[ranyart]

Their worst to date has got to be dat gangsta-rap album they did a few years back.
"Bustin A Cap Close To The Edge Of Your Ass!"

[BlueEagle]

Yeah- I especially liked "AND YOU AND YO' MAMA" and "SIBERIAN KRACKHO"

[C0ops]

Hey ronw im completly with you they must be nuts haha...we shall convert them

[prem895]

oye is just a big dissapointment. everytime i try to get into it i just have to turn it off. am i missing something or what.

[Rabin105]

oye is just a big dissapointment. everytime i try to get into it i just have to turn it off. am i missing something or what.
Not nmesacarly though the title track is a great song

[Timmo]

God, (no pun intended) who voted for Relayer. Show your face now so we may lock you up and play it till you love it.

REALLY!!!!

If that doesn't work, we'll put you on the rack and minister the Chinese Water Torture!

TIM
Venice, CA

[ricknsquire]

Union. What an awful record. Great tour but awful record. I do really like Miracle of life though. Every bad Yes Record has at least 1 or 2 great songs, like OTSWOF from Tormato.

Scott

[Scooty]

I cant' specify what YES album could be considered their "worst". I think its more a varying degree of dissapointments. I have never been more dissapointed in a YES album than I was with Big Generator, i was devistated waiting 4 years for it...and what I heard coming form my speakers was just depressing the hell out of me. That said, I find many redeeming qualities about it now, I have been listening to a lot of Im Running, Shoot High and Final eyes lately. Open Your Eyes wasn't as much as a dissapointment to me but it is the album I listen to the least, that also said I really like the title track, The solution and yes I know..im sure i could get booted or banned for life for saying this but I have a guilty pleasure spot for Loveshine..don't ask why I don't even know..its very bippy, energetic and Chris sounds like he's having a ball :)...

[SonicDeath10]

i can't more people didn't vote for union...

[Timmo]

i can't more people didn't vote for union...

I actually voted for Big Generator, because I had to choose one.

But really everything between (and including) "Drama" and "Open Your Eyes" pretty much ties for me as completely uninteresting.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

i like all of Yes's albums but union!. :sephiroth

[Timmo]

i like all of Yes's albums but union!. :sephiroth


Jeez...even "Big Generator," "Drama," "90125" and "Open Your Eyes?"

[SonicDeath10]

yes to some degree. my enjoyment of those albums go as follow.

1. Drama
2. 90125
3. Open Your Eyes
4. Big Generator

i realize none of them are the best Yes albums ever recorded but i can't see why they can't at least be attempted to be enjoyed. :) and i really like drama a lot, consider it something of a peak after the let down of tormato. jon doesn't sing, which is a bit of a let down but only slightly.

90125 has great elements of hard rock, mixed with trevor's great sense with a simple melody, and with some slightly arty twists (sitars, the vocal arrangements are insane on this album also).

open your eyes is thrown together and it shows, but to me it's charming. some of the songs are weak, but billy sherwood knows how to write a good song in general. and the guitar interplay on the album is interesting: you don't hear anything else like it on a Yes album.

big generator is 90125 part two but simultaneously more commercial and more arty. i don't know how it's possible but it is. it's one of the lesser yes albums, but i like the songs in general.

:1svader:

[Timmo]

yes to some degree. my enjoyment of those albums go as follow.

1. Drama
2. 90125
3. Open Your Eyes
4. Big Generator

i realize none of them are the best Yes albums ever recorded but i can't see why they can't at least be attempted to be enjoyed. :) and i really like drama a lot, consider it something of a peak after the let down of tormato....-Snip-

Yep, most of "Tormato" was a letdown, but "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" made up for it.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

i've always thought that song was the weakest link of the album (well, after circus of heaven) to each his own.

[Timmo]

i've always thought that song was the weakest link of the album (well, after circus of heaven) to each his own.

DUUUUUUUUDE! How can you say that?

The bass intro ALONE is worth the price of admission!

Ah well, you're right, to each his own.

TIM
Venice, CA

PS: The ending IS a bit weak.

[SonicDeath10]

it's not the worst piece of music i've ever heard, but its' definitely one of the lesser mid length Yes epics, at least to my ears. i think a big problem is that the bass tone grates on me and so much of the song is resting on the bass.

i do admit, when jon starts singing it's very dramatic but the song has never gelled to me. out of 10 stars i'd give it a 5 which isn't bad.

[Timmo]

it's not the worst piece of music i've ever heard, but its' definitely one of the lesser mid length Yes epics, at least to my ears. i think a big problem is that the bass tone grates on me and so much of the song is resting on the bass.

i do admit, when jon starts singing it's very dramatic but the song has never gelled to me. out of 10 stars i'd give it a 5 which isn't bad.

You either love the bass or you hate it.

I used to know a lot of bass players back in the day. The ones that used flat-wound strings, which sound very "bass-only," HATED it.

The ones that used the other strings, which have a lot of higher, twangy harmonics, LOVED it.

I'm in the latter category. Squire as a lead bassist slays me.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

chris's bass playing is great on the track. it's really totally the tone that ruins it for me, and i hate being THAT guy who complains about tone.

[Timmo]

chris's bass playing is great on the track. it's really totally the tone that ruins it for me, and i hate being THAT guy who complains about tone.

Hahaha..the tone is EXACTLY what I was talking about, not the playing. It's 'twangy' with lots of treble harmonics....definitely NOT a "purist" bass tone. You either love it or you hate it...I love it, you hate it.

Kinda like some of Tony Levin's stick work for KC and PG.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

oops. :)

[jscottwagner]

Drama? While I admit it's not YES at there best, certainly not their worst. UNION is an absolute joke, BIG GENERATOR and most of the Trevor era as well. I think the big problem with DRAMA is in the overall mix. I personally like all of the album (except "RUN THROUGH THE LIGHT"). The rest is pretty good in my opinion. Thats not to trash all of Trevor's work with the band, there are moments on TALK that I like and on the 902whatever. But Yes is not about moments on albums in my opinion. It's about a collective feel from a complete YES album experience.

[Rabin105]

Union always sounded better live

[BlueEagle]

Quote RABIN105
'Union always sounded better live"
Well of course- It was the only place they all played together! (without studio hacks)

[Rabin105]

Quote RABIN105
'Union always sounded better live"
Well of course- It was the only place they all played together! (without studio hacks)
true Shock to the system is a real rocker live

[jimmygtr]

"Take heart. I could never let you go...I am a camera"

[SonicDeath10]

hey ho lets go

they're forming in a straight line
they're going through a tight wind
the kids are all losing their minds
blitzkrieg bop

they're piling in the back seats
they're generating steam heat
pulsating to the back beat
the blitzkrieg bop

hey ho let's go
shoot em in the back now
what they want, i don't know
they're all reved up and ready to go.

[Rabin105]

"Take heart. I could never let you go...I am a camera"
great song great album would be awesome live

[Jackaranda]

I always said OYE was one of the worst, but for the life of me that album has been going thru my head constantly lately.

[SonicDeath10]

that's cuz it's so good. :)

[Jackaranda]

Union always sounded better live

Exactly.

[pauli]

It's going to be a lot of work reading through 200 posts, but I want to know who voted for CTTE, Tales, Relayer, and GFTO !

[OLias56]

thats a hard one Talk or The Ladder Your choice

[Timmo]

thats a hard one Talk or The Ladder Your choice

Basically, for me, it's anything between Drama and The Ladder, inclusive.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Scooty]

Basically, for me, it's anything between Drama and The Ladder, inclusive.

TIM
Venice, CA


Tim,Pal,Friend

Brother,
Come on MAN!!..You really really really need to give a good listen to Drama, Keys I and II, and The Ladder... i swear it won't bite you...you might even find something you like..unless of course Im totally not realizing that you have listened to these then my point is moot..LOL...but Tim, my firend, the guy I bought a CD for so he could graciously attend the meet and greet in Sherman Oaks (no..not a guilt trip..oh not at all..;))..at least a shot give these, now I sound like Yoda....sorry to pipe up..but its my birthday Im drinkin..and so what..I swear among the nebulous..'ya find a couple of stars that catch your eyes and ears....i promise...don't be such a pompous bast**d..LOL!!..there is music of merit from 80-99...honestly..trust Uncle Scotty

Scott

[Timmo]

Tim,Pal,Friend

Brother,
Come on MAN!!..You really really really need to give a good listen to Drama, Keys I and II, and The Ladder... i swear it won't bite you...you might even find something you like..unless of course Im totally not realizing that you have listened to these then my point is moot..LOL...but Tim, my firend, the guy I bought a CD for so he could graciously attend the meet and greet in Sherman Oaks (no..not a guilt trip..oh not at all..;))..at least a shot give these, now I sound like Yoda....sorry to pipe up..but its my birthday Im drinkin..and so what..I swear among the nebulous..'ya find a couple of stars that catch your eyes and ears....i promise...don't be such a pompous bast**d..LOL!!..there is music of merit from 80-99...honestly..trust Uncle Scotty

Scott
I didn't include "Keys" in that...I actually just ordered KeyStudio from Amazon.

"The Ladder" I can give another listen to.

"Drama" blows. Sorry!

TIM
Venice, CA

[Rabin105]

Drama Is awesome sorry but it is

[Ryan]

I'm wondering who voted for CTTE. and you call yourself a yesfan


I'm just kidding. Its okay if you dont like it. You should give it amother chance though whoever you are.

[SonicDeath10]

yeah that seems odd. unless they like "endless dream" the bestest!

[soulsearcher]

Drama Is awesome sorry but it is

drama is definitley awesome!

[Amy]

Basically, for me, it's anything between Drama and The Ladder, inclusive.

TIM
Venice, CA

I think the first 6 tracks of "Open Your Eyes" are pretty good. It was definitely worth purchasing.

Other than that, from the 30 sec. clips I heard on Amazon from the other albums during this time period, I didn't think it would be worth it.

I did get Keystudio and Magnification, both of which I like, but of course, that is irrelevant since they're not in that time period!

I do have a question. Is On The Silent Wings of Freedom only on the Best of Yes album from 2000? I can't seem to find it anywhere else. If it's that good, there goes another album for me to get!

[Scooty]

I think the first 6 tracks of "Open Your Eyes" are pretty good. It was definitely worth purchasing.

Other than that, from the 30 sec. clips I heard on Amazon from the other albums during this time period, I didn't think it would be worth it.

I did get Keystudio and Magnification, both of which I like, but of course, that is irrelevant since they're not in that time period!

I do have a question. Is On The Silent Wings of Freedom only on the Best of Yes album from 2000? I can't seem to find it anywhere else. If it's that good, there goes another album for me to get!


Amy,
On The Silent Wings of Freedom is available on Tormato..its been remastered and has tons of binus tracks..really reasonable to on amazon..I think 10.99
Scott

[Amy]

Amy,
On The Silent Wings of Freedom is available on Tormato..its been remastered and has tons of binus tracks..really reasonable to on amazon..I think 10.99
Scott

OK, so now I have to buy Fox Trot and Tormato remastered.
Thank you kindly.

[yesmarkm]

I Think Tormato Was The Worse Very Whimpy And That Damn Circus Of Heaven No Clowns Thank You

[Timmo]

Amy,
On The Silent Wings of Freedom is available on Tormato..its been remastered and has tons of binus tracks..really reasonable to on amazon..I think 10.99
ScottTormato has two AMAZING tunes, "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" and "Release, Release," which is a real rocker.

The bonus material on the Rhino "Tormato" reissue is amazing, especially "Some Are Born," "Abilene" and "Money." Better than some of the songs that actually made the album!

Get it. The bonus tracks are real blues-based music with a Yes twist.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Timmo]

I Think Tormato Was The Worse Very Whimpy And That Damn Circus Of Heaven No Clowns Thank You"Tormato" was MILES ahead of anything from "Drama" to "Talk."

TIM
Venice, CA

[Rabin105]

"Tormato" was MILES ahead of anything from "Drama" to "Talk."

TIM
Venice, CA
uhm talk was one of the first albums produced on computers you realize that right.
Ofh by the way I think 90125 union and Big generator and drma are ahead of it's time as well.

[SonicDeath10]

actually i agree with rabin. i think tormato isn't as good as those three.

[Rabin105]

actually i agree with rabin. i think tormato isn't as good as those three.
Yeah and tormoto get a bit too synth happy for me

[SonicDeath10]

it's not the fact that it's synths that bother me. it's the ridiculous tones. i mean sure they were brand new at the time but they sure do sound stupid now.

[Timmo]

uhm talk was one of the first albums produced on computers you realize that right.

And your point is...?

Computers or no computers, all the Rabin stuff to me is dreck. There is MUCH better "popular music with hooks" than Rabin-era Yes.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

i think this is going to have to be an agree to disagree thing. sure there is better music than rabin era yes. but to me and to rabin and lots of other people, it's really good. so it's a taste thing.

[Rabin105]

And your point is...?

Computers or no computers, all the Rabin stuff to me is dreck. There is MUCH better "popular music with hooks" than Rabin-era Yes.

TIM
Venice, CA
My point is it is ahead of it's time in technology alot of artists were still yusiong tape when talk came out. Yes decided hey this recording on computer thing is the next big thing let jump on it before other people do. Though I guess it is an agree to disagree thing though I would say do give these albums a second listen to without thinking there is no yes without Jon or Steve.
Oh and that is kind of what i meant about SDynthazers sonic. love rick don't get me wrong but on that album especially there were to many synths with very cheesy sounds.

[steelydude]

I actually think Drama was excellant live!

Going For The One" is about all I can take...

[Koko]

worst yes album = Talk (no contest)

[Rabin105]

worst yes album = Talk (no contest)
Did Trevor Rabin Beat you up seriouslyu what do you have against the guy :lol:
Talk a realy great yes album

[Timmo]

Did Trevor Rabin Beat you up seriouslyu what do you have against the guy :lol:
Talk a realy great yes albumNah, he just has good taste!

TIM
Venice, CA

[Rabin105]

Nah, he just has good taste!

TIM
Venice, CA
Talk 90125 and Generator are better than union on that even Steve Howe will agree

[The Whale]

Rabin105 you are really streching it you'v got to lett go.... And those 11 of you that picked Tales from the Topp as the worst need to stope talking to Rabin105..What ever is the worst is an opinion thing but every one has to agree that DRAMA is the most forgoton I love it. It is the best Yes with out Jon or Waky.

P.S. I am a camara!

[Rabin105]

Rabin105 you are really streching it you'v got to lett go.... And those 11 of you that picked Tales from the Topp as the worst need to stope talking to Rabin105..What ever is the worst is an opinion thing but every one has to agree that DRAMA is the most forgoton I love it. It is the best Yes with out Jon or Waky.

P.S. I am a camara!
I love Tales from a topograpic Ocean I'm listening to ritual right now. plus I love playing the tales melody Steve played on not nescary acoustic.

[Timmo]

I love Tales from a topograpic Ocean I'm listening to ritual right now. plus I love playing the tales melody Steve played on not nescary acoustic.Wait until you see them doing "Ritual" live with Rick!

My friend is a newbie, and he said it was one of his favorite parts of the show.

TIM
Venice, CA

[The Whale]

hay rabin105 I know you love it we all do i was just playing around. going to any shows? I would rather heir owner than R.O.L. what about you?

[Rabin105]

hay rabin105 I know you love it we all do i was just playing around. going to any shows? I would rather heir owner than R.O.L. what about you?
Steve on any rabin tune I'm happy with (I Think it would be funny if his next solo album is "Not Necessarily Rabin" in which Steve covers a bunch of rabin tracks from 90125 to talk playing the peices in his own style but at the same time still doing justic to the orignals) Though Owner would be a fun peice especially with Rick flying on the synth at the end. also It can Happen Hearts and City of love would be cool Shoot high aim low Hold On Miralce of life andI am waiting plus The calling and Big generator would all be awesome But I like Rhythm of love as well Am loking foward to Foxwoods theatre :)

[Koko]

Did Trevor Rabin Beat you up seriouslyu what do you have against the guy :lol:
Talk a realy great yes album
Talk should be renamed Tack.............the bestwork rabin has ever done is within the fold of YES...everything else is PAP!

:dog:

[Mr. Holland]

Talk should be renamed Tack.............the bestwork rabin has ever done is within the fold of YES...everything else is PAP!

:dog:

Don't worry Koko, I know you're a Yesfan from the beginning, so that probably means you're quit old and it is very normal that older people are not that opend minded as the younger ones, hence the fact that you don't like Rabin..... :D ;)

[Timmo]

Don't worry Koko, I know you're a Yesfan from the beginning, so that probably means you're quit old and it is very normal that older people are not that opend minded as the younger ones, hence the fact that you don't like Rabin..... :D ;)No, it's that we had to live through our beloved band going to crap with Rabin!

GGGRRRR!

TIM
Venice, CA

[Rabin105]

but every Yes tropper would love it if steve's next solo album was "Not Necessarily Rabin" in which Steve covers a bunch of rabin tracks from 90125 to talk playing the peices in his own style but at the same time still doing justice to the orignals.

[Timmo]

but every Yes tropper would love it if steve's next solo album was "Not Necessarily Rabin" in which Steve covers a bunch of rabin tracks from 90125 to talk playing the peices in his own style but at the same time still doing justice to the orignals.Um, not really.

The songs themselves aren't that interesting.

TIM
Venice, CA

[bataisflow]

Um, not really.

The songs themselves aren't that interesting.

TIM
Venice, CA

No, really. Actually, the Yeswest stuff is kinda cool. It's Yes rock & roll style (almost like they started out - but without the jazz). Although, understandably the current lineup is Yes (in my opinion). How are we all gonna feel when they are gone??????

[rabinmovies]

I don't suppose there is a worse yes album as they are all great but if had to choose a least favourite i would have to go for the magnification album.

[Rabin105]

No, really. Actually, the Yeswest stuff is kinda cool. It's Yes rock & roll style (almost like they started out - but without the jazz). Although, understandably the current lineup is Yes (in my opinion). How are we all gonna feel when they are gone??????
Yeswest stuff is interesting.
yes is yes it will continue with out the current lineup for a long time

[BlueEagle]

Imm getnig a migranei form alll tthee crapppyy speleling inn thiis thurdd

[fovman]

Banks has stated this in a few other interviews


Peter Banks claims the "roundabout lick' in his book:
Beyond & Before: The fomative years of Yes

He also came up with the band name YES.

[Rabin105]

Peter Banks claims the "roundabout lick' in his book:
Beyond & Before: The fomative years of Yes

He also came up with the band name YES.
Very true very true

[SonicDeath10]

Yeswest stuff is interesting.
yes is yes it will continue with out the current lineup for a long time yeah those three albums that rabin did with the band are very good. i especially like talk, the way it mixes old yes with new yes.

90125 and big generator are great in the way they mix those great vocal harmonies with hard rock. but it's hard rock with creative arrangments. one of the few bands in the 80's that were great.

prince is probably the best of the 80's though.

[John Khatru]

For me... it's Open Your Eyes ...hands down!!

I just couldn't get into it... everything about it seemed stilted and forced. The keyboards were pretty much non existant, and Jon's vocals sounded like they were recorded in a cardboard box. It's the ONLY Yes disc I've traded in.... it was either that or use it for a coaster. :shrug:

On the other hand, The tour for the album was fantastic!!

[Soundchaser_413]

I like everything Yes has ever done so this is a hard question to answer but I'd have to say it's a toss up between Yes(the first album)and Open your eyes. Popular opinion suggests that OPen your eyes is their worst album with Union being a close second and Talk is up there too. For me I guess I would have to say Yes only because the band chose cover versions for half the songs and the group hadn't developed their sound yet. It's still a good album though. I suppose you could say some of the same things about Time and a Word but it seems they were trying to be much more adventurous on that one and to me the band is a bit tighter.

[leqin]

that would be the very first copy of 90125 I bought on LP... I'm not a picky customer, but it helps if there's a hole in the middle.

Not as bad as the copy of King Crimsons 'Absent Lovers' I got on CD though... pops CD with Bob n Bill n Adrian n Tony in draw and presses play and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggg ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

45 Disco Greats burst out the speakers - it twas a terrible experience

[SonicDeath10]

for me it's easily union. talk and open your eyes have good music on them. union does not.