Tour Press Reviews

[Olias_01]

I am interested in the reviews the band receive. Please post them here along with any contact info on the writer so we can congratulate/criticise him/her personally.

Indebted to Tom on alt.music.yes for the following post.

>>>Here are a couple of reviews that appeared in today's press. The first is from the Metro, a free newspaper distributed on buses:

"Progressive rock has a history as long and complicated as the songs it spawned, with band members repeatedly leaving and re-joining or forming side projects and splinter groups. Arch-pioneers Yes are perhaps more guilty than most. Since emerging in the late 1960s, original drummer Bill Bruford and pivotal keyboardist Rick Wakeman have been replaced by many other
collaborators, none of whom have impeded the band's passage from progressive experimentalism to irrelevant and largely unlistenable nonsense. A Yes concert is a foreboding experience to the uninitiated, yet this European tour is a testament to their continued appeal. Still peddling dated space-rock guitar noodlings, amply demonstrated on forthcoming studio album
Magnification, they have chosen to take to the stage with an orchestra for the first time in almost 30 years. An air guitar and high boredom threshold remain essential." :fmad:

The second is from The Guardian, and I found a link to their site:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,3604,609286,00.html

Any others around?"

[1yesfan]

"Yes are utterly uncool, but it's hard to begrudge them their standing ovation. Prog with a smile, not a po face."

So true, with the general pub. but those of us that have stuick around get hell of a treat everytime they tour!

[Earl Grey]

If it had three chords, a fuzz-tone, and lyrics about crap, they'd be the darlings of the press. I'm going to try out some of the angry smilies here. That will fix them!!! :boom: :bs: :bash: :moose:

Nice smilies Tim!

[Trevor Walker]

Paul Taylor of Manchester Evening News reviewed Yes Concert @ Apollo, Manchester on 28 November 2001 as follows:

"Oui spot of Nostalgia"

"Trip down memory lane for rockers with style"

"During the fiendishly-complicated song Ritual, the choir boy-like innocent voice of Jon Anderson rang out "Nous sommes du soleil" (We are of the sun).

Strictly speaking, of course, he is from Accrington. But Anderson does not do literal.

The 57-year old singer stood wafting his arms with extravagantly prissy body language reminiscent of Edina from Absolutely Fabulous, intoning lyrics which seemed to combine the words of a self-improvement manual with the sermon of the latest Californian New Age guru.

He spoke of divine energy and magnifying the good all round you. In short, this was Pseuds' Corner stuff.

As for Yes's music, it remains perversely complex - a legacy of the early 70's when the more impenetrable it was, the more significant it seemed. Despite some fall-outs and personnel changes almost as complicated as one of their songs, guitarist Steve Howe's jazzy riffage, Chris Squire's solid bass and Anderson's cosmic poetry have for 30 years remained a major force in what we still laughingly describe as progressive rock.

Though perhaps Yes's progression has been a voyage ever further up their own fundament.

The diehard fans obviously got what they wanted - two hours of dizzying virtuosity from Yes and an orchestra to boot, with a sprinkling of stuff from the new album, but a healthy ration of old favourites.

For waverers such as me, the best moments were And You And I, whose exultant climax used the orchestra to best effect, and Starship Trooper.

But overall, Yes's music is like the smoke and mirrors of a magician.

It comes not from the heart or the groin, like the very best rock, but from the head.

All of the harmonic tapestry of Close To The Edge stacks up light against the earthy kerrang of a few simple chords from Keith Richards' telecaster"

In my opinion he could have written the review without even attending - his mind was made up before he went. The Evening News should review their policy on who to sent to gigs. They wouldn't send a 50 year old to an Oasis concert or a some punk kid to a Classical event - or would they ?

[1yesfan]

Folks, if these reviewers have email addies, POST THEM. This way we can give them a review of there review. :thumbdown

[yesindeed]

Yes.. give me links to obviously biased articles and I will gleefully tear any 'reviewer' a new one...

[1yesfan]

Short Blurb in the NY Post. Was good!
http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/35798.htm

[Original_Shifty]

You know, I'm really getting sick and tired of so called critics trashing Yes for the things that actually make them good. I mean what the hell is wrong with Steve's guitar work. "unnecesarily involved" What is that supposed to mean? He plays guitar, he plays it well, and does things that no one else can do or bothers to do. He's got talent up the wazzuu, and wants to share it with the rest of the world. Most people seem these days, to enjoy the crap that's out there.

And what's wrong with the line that is quoted in the article. This ignorant writer claims that "We are all prisoners of our own desires" has to be labelled "New Age". It's just basic creative writting/poetry. I would think new age might encompass spirituallity, and crystal healing and such. What this guy quoted is truth.

I think this a$$h--- is just taking more shots at a band that is an easy target. Everyone picks on Yes, so this should be an easy article to write.

It's just simply amazing that with as much talent that all these guys have, they continuously get lambasted for their work. Meanwhile, those so called pop stars and rap musicians get accolaides. I mean really, how diffucult would it be to setup your computer, and make noises, and start going, yo yo yo, i'm mc #%!&*#%!&*#%!&*#%!&*head, and i'm going to kill you sucka cause i got a gun in my hand,,,,blah blah blah. Oh but that's good stuff isn't it.

Sorry, for the rant. Had to get that off my chest. I'm sure I'll have more to say later. Just ignore me if you want.

[1yesfan]

Ha ha ha. Could have not said it better myself.

[Yes Oz]

Fortunately or "unfortunately" the only reviews I get are from 'the Converted" (Yes fans). but having read these threads I could'nt agree more. The sort of things I am saying to my kids is what is said here. Yes are "REAL' musicians not computerised clones. Jon has an excellent voice, lets here some of the #%!&*#%!&*#%!&*#%!&* around today try and reproduce it live on stage (no chance!!).

But unfortunately we are in the minority. We appreciate Yes for what they really are. In the 70's that was enough. Today the critics want more and unfortunately what they say seems to dictate what the general music public think of Yes. How do we change that. F*** knows!!! but I am working on my kids, are you???, because they are the next generation of Yes fans, lets try and by-pass the so call critics and lets provide our own education. While I am typing this I am listening to the harp/organ section of Awaken from HOB video. This is heavenly music and I challenge any "Music" lover not to endorse this passage of music as something very very special!!!!!!!!

[bjm0rwo]

As far as my household I am a dictator when it comes to the music played.The little ones have no choice in the matter.So far anyway.

[Olias_01]

Here is the review of Magnification on www.amazon.com

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com

Who'd have thought it? Magnification is the strongest, freshest set of new Yes material in a long time. Having thoroughly exhausted the world's supply of classically inclined rock keyboard players, the four remaining members of Yes have dispensed with that perennially bothersome ivory-tickling slot altogether. And so Messrs Jon Anderson, Alan White, Chris Squire, and Steve Howe have enlisted the temporary services of soundtrack composer Larry Groupe, whose cinematic orchestrations lend a thoroughly modern aura to the band's sonic palette. Anyone expecting smugly complacent, stagnant, stuck-in-the-1970s prog rock will be thoroughly disappointed by the emotionally engaging ambition, revised logic, and sensibly channeled material. "We Agree," "Dreamtime," and, particularly, the melodic "Give Love Each Day" are standout tracks on an album that--as the title suggests--really does hold up well to close scrutiny. --Kevin Maidment


Not bad huh!!:D

[Trevor Walker]

That's Better !!

But I suppose they are trying to get folks to buy the album !

As much as we dislike the views of so-called critics (what's the saying - "Those that can't do - become critics !"), we still love Yes and ALL their music.

These small minded bigots shouldn't get us angry - 'cos we are only reacting to some idiot's opinion who we don't respect anyway !

The real feeling of anger, I suppose, is that anyone with an open mind looking for something different from the usual mundane rubbish may be put off by a bad review.

The Amazon review just might bring back some old fans or maybe even attract some interest from the casual Amazon surfer.

Let's hope so ! At least it redresses the balance a little.

Trev

[Olias_01]

hmmm maybe, although according to amazon Magnification is at position 384??? whereas cdnow lists Mag. at #33

I wonder how they compile the charts?

[Trevor Walker]

I think that maybe Amazon's own chart based on there own sales.

Anyway - should be higher !

I'm out of here

TRev

[Olias_01]

Heres one from the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch

Magnification, Yes (Beyond/Yes):

Yes is a rock reviewer's dream come true, affording on every disc the
opportunity to use words such as arpeggio, glissando and doppleschlag.
Impressed?
Dreamtime is 10 minutes and 45 seconds long. In the Presence Of is 10 minutes and 24 seconds long. In the Presence Of consists of four "movements'' and is a cyclic piece with forms consisting of several contrasting compositions strung together as one longer composition.

Some pieces on Magnification are shorter in duration than 10 minutes. Give Love Each Day is only 7 minutes and 43 seconds long and includes a pastoral introduction, on flute, reminiscent of Peter an the Wolf. Memorable lyrics include: "If we were flowers / we would worship the sun'' and "Take me up into that freedom place and justify / electrify the senses sharpen than the soul intensify.'' As Steve Martin would say, "Some people have a way with words and other people not have
way.''

-- Bill Eichenberger

Here is the guys e-mail address: beichenberger@dispatch.com

Here is my reply:

Hi Bill

After the first sentance I thought 'this could be interesting' but you failed to take the opportunity to use such words as 'arpeggio, glissando and doppleschlag', shame!

I wonder why you bothered to mention the track lengths as these can be read on the cd without even hearing the music, as can the lyrics. Perhaps you prefer lyrics such as 'Doo wop a doo wop' or 'I am gonna take my gun and f****** kill everybody' or perhaps 'Are you ready, are you ready, are you really really really really ready' Surely these lyrics are closer to your intellectual level perhaps?

One wonders whether you actually played the cd as you make no mention of the music at all.

Personally i think you missed a great opportunity, after all you failed to mention that YES once included Rick Wakeman but not now and that Jon lives with the fairies at the bottom of the garden. No self respecting music review of anything 'YES' misses these important facts.

Here's a suggestion for you. Why not ask a few of the half a million plus people that will have paid over £40.00 to see Yes on their current tour why they did so. If you can't be bothered, just visit www.yesfans.com and read some of the reviews of the album from people who have listened to it.

Regards

David Lazarus


Feel free to follow this up people!!!

[yesindeed]

I'm way too tired to blast this twit right now... later today.

Here's a link to the page:

http://libpub.dispatch.com/cgi-bin/documentv1?DBLIST=cd01&DOCNUM=54483&TERMV=78210:13:83606:13:

Like Olias says; let the 'reviewer' know what you think of his skills folks.

[Yes Oz]

Olias_01

F***ing brilliant, love to hear if you get a response from this moron.

[Olias_01]

Here is the reply to my e-mail posted above:

Dear David:

You wrote: "I wonder why you bothered to mention the track lengths as these can be read on the cd without even hearing the music..." This is not so. At least on my CD, no times were listed. I provide them to the consumer as a service, since the world seems divided unevenly between people who don't mind listening to 10-minute Yes songs and those that do.

I will take 'Doo wop a doo wop' EVERY single time if the alternative is "If we were flowers / we'd worship the sun."

I will take your suggestion and drop by yesfans.com sometime. Sounds like a hoot.

Sincerely, Bill Eichenberger, Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio, USA


Methinks this is about the time that Yesindeed steps in........He is obviously up for it. At least he gave us the courtesty of a reply.
Lets see if we can't get him onto our site (forgive the royal 'our' 1yesfan but it feels like home to me:D ) and get a mention for yesfans.com in the press;)

[Original_Shifty]

I must admit, the track times are not listed on mine either, but at least I don't really care.

As for his Do Wop comment, that definitly shows the level of his mentality with regards to the art of lyric writing and poetry.

[yesindeed]

In response to the Bill Eichenberger review posted by Olias: http://libpub.dispatch.com/cgi-bin/documentv1?DBLIST=cd01&DOCNUM=54483&TERMV=78210:13:83606:13:

I sent this to Bill and his editors. You have to read the review to see why I used this particular style of writing. Suggest everyone let the editors know that we don't appreciate shallow reviewers.

Dear Sir/Madame,

Bill Eichenberger is a music fans nightmare; affording on
most occasions the opportunity to use words such as
shallow, specious and thoughtless. His review of Yes' new
Cd "Magnification" was, (according to my wordprocessor),
one hundred and fifty five words long, contained eight
sentences and two paragraphs. The longest sentence in
Bills review is over 40 words long. It consists of
thoughts poorly expressed, is strung together with various
punctuation marks and is not worth the energy it takes to
move your eyes across the page.

Some of the sentences in Bills review are shorter than
fifteen words. The first sentence in the second paragraph
is only eleven words long and contains information that
stylistically reminds one of a traffic report. Bills
thoughts on this new Yes CD are totally devoid of insight
and depth. As Bertrand Russell once said, "Many people
would sooner die than think; In fact, they do so."

[Aragorn]

Maybe if the man visits this site as he indicated he would, he will find all of the comments about him a 'hoot'. I know I certainly do. His review belongs in the :toilet: ; not only because of his sophomoric review, but his poor writing skills.

[slamsound]

I nominate YESindeed for US president in 2004.

Way to go!

[upbgirl]

That was a great reply to a shallow review! I, too, hold up the mirror on alot of occasions. When people see/hear what they sound/look like in the mirror, it becomes a whole new game. But only if they have the cajones to admit they need to think a bit more! Hard pill for mr rock writer to swallow, I bet! I, too, get defensive when people pick on my band. I am not blind by any means, and know they are humans [gasp] but I chose to accept or decline their stuff for MYSELF. And who is Bertrand Russell? I'd sure like to meet him! I like his way of thinking!

[yesindeed]

Thanks for the encouragment.

upbgirl- re: b. russell: http://www.mcmaster.ca/russdocs/russell.htm

[Flo]

I think it would be great if we could gather all the press articles released on Yes, whatever the language and the content. I know there are not so many of them issued (personally I haven't seen any in France) but we would create a bank of articles to be stored somewhere on Yesnet. Could not this be submitted to the Yesworld administrators ?

I would like to read articles from US, UK press, and other countries as I can't afford to buy too many foreign magazines. Last time, I bought the British "Classic Rock" which cost me a lot since crossing the boarder between UK and France (though only three hours by train between London and Paris) seems to rise the prices awfully.

[Aragorn]

I think the new site 'Yesservices' has a section dedicated to Yes press. Yeshoo might have one as well. They are all in English though.