yesspeak

[maxwell]

Yesspeak, missed opportunity or what! Or maybe my expectation level was too high after the staggering piece of work that was Yessymphonic.In some ways it seems like a hybrid of DREAMTIME and a truncated version of YESYEARS with very little to hold the attention of the hard core fan base which is probably the point . YES know that the ones logging on to the fan sites , trading and going to several gigs(at great expense) on any given tour will always be there. But they want to chase all the "lost" fans , ie, presumably the ones , 60000 and counting , who bought the latest greatest hits cd. So in that sense it could be seen as a canny marketing ploy to tie in with that and hopefully raise them to their glory days of stadium band status before the inevitable last hurrah! But still a great shame! Such a significant and successful tour and yet no proper documentation ?! Remember Philly 79, c,mon guys !

[Simon B]

Maxwell

I agree to a point. I am currently listening to the Audio concert content and I still maintain it is a superb mix.

I may not ever watch the Rockumentary again, but since purchasing on release day (yes, I am that committed) i can't stop listening to it - AND I already had a MD version made at the NIA Birmingham that is almost worn out I've played it so much!!

Total Mass

[JFM]

Missed opportunity?

I often wonder if people actually bother to read what is on these websites at all.

Not only do you have the official announcements on Yesworld, but also the many threads on this forum that have been detailing the content of this DVD for some months now.

I would hardly describe myself as a hard core fan, but I check the sites regularly and keep myself updated with all the latest developments. Even if you just log on every couple of days or so, you can keep abreast of current events.

But I have seen a few posts like this one, and on other sites regarding the DVD, where people seem to be under the impression they are getting a live concert DVD. And a lot of these posts are from people who have not even seen it.

Where the hell was that ever stated?

I knew exactly what to expect, and that's what I got. A documentary interspersed with live clips.

Now whether you like the DVD or not is a seperate issue. I have other issues with the sound mix that I have already posted, and as a documentary I don't think it's as good as Yesyears.

But to critiscise the DVD based on something you were mistakenly expecting it to be is churlish.

I guess a lot of these types of posts illustrate the difference between the casual fans who dip into the site every now and again to see what the band are up to, the genuinely interested (which would be me) and the hard core fans.

[upbgirl]

i agree-preconceived notions are not a good thing-in any way shape or form..
i was faced with a decision in detroit at a barnes & noble bookstore.. [the have cd and dvd's as well as books]
i could buy the two first lp's they put out OR the new gig that they just put out here in the USA.. i decided to buy the yes and time and a word discs instead because i didnt have them.. and it also allowed me to afford tulls new christmas cd which came highly recommended by ron drummond..LOVE it, ron!! thanx!
it was $70 for the box set, and i got three new discs i'd never heard instead, so i felt i made the right decision. would LOVE to have the set, tho.. just used my brain and decided to go a different route...[and christmas IS coming soon..lol!]
now, if i were a rich man [lol! how the hell is it going over there ron??] i'd have bought the box set..
i dont mind buying stuff even if it is somewhat redundant because i dont mind supporting this band-whatever lp or style they decide to send out to us..
i am not a 'fair-weather' fan in the least..
i even buy the stuff i dont like..just because i want them to feel they can keep offering us more and more..
disappointment is hard to deal with, so i read the labels.. hehe! ;)
if yesspeak had been available here in the USA, i'd have bought THAT instead..

[Dr Yes]

I agree with JFM in that the movie was never presented as being anything other than what it is.

I agree too that there are many faults with the delivery.

Now all I need is for the Yes marketing machine to get their act in gear and realise the potential of a live DVD of the Full Circle tour and I'll buy that too.

Would be a shame not to release such good footage for us.

And with tongue in cheek a bit. Can't imagine they'd fail from a marketing point of view as most Yes fans would buy a turd if it had their logo on it - 'scuse the phrase - I mean I've got Union for starters.

[yessongs72]

INow all I need is for the Yes marketing machine to get their act in gear and realise the potential of a live DVD of the Full Circle tour and I'll buy that too.

Would be a shame not to release such good footage for us.

And with tongue in cheek a bit. Can't imagine they'd fail from a marketing point of view as most Yes fans would buy a turd if it had their logo on it - 'scuse the phrase - I mean I've got Union for starters.

Yes it is a shame they didn't release atleast a show from the Full Circle Tour,in addition to the documentary.I also agree with you about the turd,phrase.....you are so right.

[SallyKhatru]

Well I just watched it and there are some things, that are really stupid. How can people who call theirselves filmmakers, do stuff like playing yessongs and showing photographs that change every minute, while there has been such a great tour they could have shown??? And hwy Roger daltrey??? And why no english subtitles. I use the Germans ones, but I really feel sorry for all those who only speak english, you´ll all understand half of it.
But there have been also things I love. Rick beeing silly always makes me love and fills me with joy and affection. It´s just great. I love the story about Atlantic and A M Records where YEs arrive at the airport with all the cheerleaders and the brass section and then they hold up this poster- AM records welcomes Rick Wakeman. I laughed my head off. Love it

[stevie]

I've just watched the DVD too and I have to agree about the sound problems. I don't know whether to listen to the music or the commentary because they are about the same level. I try listening to the music but then think I missed something in the commentary.
Having said that I did enjoy much of it. I haven't listened to the audio-only cconcert yet. But on the documentary there is a brilliant version of Awaken. I think it's the best that's been captured on DVD better than the KTA or HOB's. Unfortunately it keeps cutting away from it. Please release this as a full concert DVD.
There were other parts of the DVD I enjoyed too. I'd heard quite a few of the stories of the bands history but there were some new ones that I hadn't heard before.

[brismike]

I've watched this DVD twice now. I got it from amazon.co.uk as an import into Australia because its not released here yet. It's region free and PAL so plays ok on my aussie DVD player.

I agree about the sound. It very frustrating trying to hear what the narrator or band members are saying while music is playing. How dumb was this idea! whoever thought it up should be sacked. And yes .. English subtitles should have been included to help decipher the sometimes inaudible mumblings of certain people.

If you are going to put out 2 Discs why not simply put the full live concert on one of them and the doco stuff and other extras on the other? How simple is that?

And another thing .. the "FREE" Poster. It costs £7.50 to send it to Australia which is AU$18.00!! Jesus . . it only cost £3.00 (AU$7.00) to send the 2DVD set here from the UK. So much for FREE? . . no thanks keep the poster. Why wasn't it included with the DVD?

At the same time I got this Yesspeak DVD from Amazon.co.uk I also got the new "Transatlantic Live in Europe" 2DVD. Now this one is magnificent and shows the full concert from start to end on one disc . .and has bonus tracks and interviews on the second disc.

I like Marillion but after watching this show now realise just how good a Bass Player Pete Trevavas is. With Transatlantic he just seems to be let off his leash and he is superb. Some of the best Bass playing i've seen in a long time!

ok . .end of my rant .. :)

Happy New Year to Everyone

Mike

[yessongs72]

After watching Yes Speak it is a well put together except for Roger Daultry,ha talks to us like we are in the first grade.Now the question is howmany times do you sit down and watch a documentary? I may watch it every six months now,or once a year.I still think they had a bad day at the studio when they decided in this DVD.
Then to add insult to injury they have some on the songs on the DVD,they left off Revealing Science of God and YIND,duh.Then they have still frames changing every minute or so.My question is.Why?Why? WHY didn't they do a docomentary,with a full video of a show.
Now will I buy it,yes I will for the DTS of the songs and to watch the documentary every year. Yes, look at what the Stones did,three shows and a documentary and only $29.99.No I didn't buy the Stones and not a real fan but they just kicked butt and took names.
Lets just hope that the thirty-fifth anniversary tour will give us a new DVD of their show, a cd to go with it and afterwards a new album.It has been two years since you gave us one.

[BlueEagle]

If there is justice, there will be a DVD of the Hawaii concert wit da orchestra- truly a historic event- quite possibly the defining concert of their career. Mahalo

[stevie]

Having now listened to the Audio Concert, I now think this DVD is worth the price for Awaken alone. I think the whole concert recording is great.
But, in the past I've being slightly dissapointed in CD/DVD recordings of Awaken. But this just blew me away. It's superb all the way through but as the song reaches its climax crescendo I literally punched the air. This moment for me has never being truely captured before on any other live recordings I've heard. But on this it's majestic, it soars, it's bloody brilliant.

[Simon B]

Having now listened to the Audio Concert, I now think this DVD is worth the price for Awaken alone. I think the whole concert recording is great.
But, in the past I've being slightly dissapointed in CD/DVD recordings of Awaken. But this just blew me away. It's superb all the way through but as the song reaches its climax crescendo I literally punched the air. This moment for me has never being truely captured before on any other live recordings I've heard. But on this it's majestic, it soars, it's bloody brilliant.

stevie

Amen to that! A positive reflection of what, in my opinion, is a nicely priced piece of Yes memrobelia...

Just one note of caution (and hate to spoil your air punching there) but if Awaken was taken from the Birmingham show, then it has a certain amount of over dubbing on Chris's 3 knecked bass parts. The monserous bass fell horrendously out of tune during the 'musical' interlude with harp part of Awaken.

TM

[Mr. Holland]

Then to add insult to injury they have some on the songs on the DVD,they left off Revealing Science of God and YIND,duh.

Don, this is because the dvd is a documentary about the Full Circle tour 2003, the European tour and they didn't play RSOG on that tour and only did YIND about 3 or 4 times as an "extra" encore..........

[BredYes]

I watched the DVD Yesspeak for the first time and I think it is great. It is meant as a documentary (not as a concert DVD) and it achieves this object. I love the personel spots on each member, which is an addition to their Video/DVD catalogue. It gives a more personal view, and although all members are all very different individuals, it is nice to see the respect they have for eachother. It gives more insight in the current situation of this band.
The musical fragments sounds great. It is remarkable that it sounds better on the DVD than on the audio CD. It is to be hoped that they will release this in the future. I think the next DVD will be a concert DVD, which gives Yesspeak a good place in between Yessymphonic and the future live DVD.
I had no problems to understand everything (mix of the voice of Roger Daltrey and the music playing), although at the end Roger repeats himself too much in praising the band. This was somewhat overdone.
All in all: a great addition to the Yes history. It will have historical value in the (far) future.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Gotta agree about the Daltrey narration! Ever Yes member "was recognsied as" or "voted the best xyz in the world....." in their own section of the documentary - you get the feeling you're being spoken to like 4 year old :(

OK, but don't lay it on with a brush! The folks who bought the DVD kinda knew that or they wouldn't have bought the darn thing!

[yessongs72]

Don, this is because the dvd is a documentary about the Full Circle tour 2003, the European tour and they didn't play RSOG on that tour and only did YIND about 3 or 4 times as an "extra" encore..........

Thanks for the info.I still stand by my stand on this wonderful DVD,it stinks.Granted it's fun to watch once a year,so that makes it a total rippoff.At least with Keys,HOB,and Symphonic you can watch over and over.But for those of you who like doco's go for it.

[bdyescall]

Come on here!!

Maybe this should be on the spoiler thread.
Only going to see 75 minutes of this and a 45 minute show.
It can suck all night if that's meant to be, but, seeing and being with, and meeting some YESfans won't!!!!!!!!!!!!----YES!!!!

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Thanks Mr. Holland for clarying the Full Circle. Was truly hoping some of it would have been shot in the states because I heard reports of cameras and so forth.

I am expecting this next tour to be huge. They come out with two items at the same time and it's getting so much hype...SO MUCH hype, radio, tv, live appearances at record stores doing autograph sessions...shall I go on?? I said this before when things REALLY picked up, by the time they were doing U.S. late night talk shows I felt there was going to be a change in the wind. I think I said a "resurgence".

Remember how we read the reviews from the shows in the U.K. and my GOSH..remember that one fellow, the music critic...I forget his name but he just hacked the show to pieces. I deliberately am forgetting his name..nothing kind to say. Talking about weight gains and aging...as if he had nothing better to say, no actual critique of the music in depth. It would reason that they would land on soil that would be more receptive. I for one LOVE the what I have heard thus far. The acoustic cuts are marvelous. I love a remake of a great song when it makes it different and still great ( like Layla).

Bring it home to me boys. We love you here.

[nightliner]

Has anyone listened to the audio only portion of this disc? How does it sound?

[timw]

Has anyone listened to the audio only portion of this disc? How does it sound?

Also, If i may add....Can someone post a tracklist of the Audio Only portion??? Much appreciated!

[stevie]

Also, If i may add....Can someone post a tracklist of the Audio Only portion??? Much appreciated!

The tracklisting is:

Siberian Khatru
Magnification
Don't Kill The Whale
In The Presence Of
We Have Heaven
South Side Of The Sky (which I'm listening to right now)
And You And I
To Be Over/Clap (Steve)
Show Me (Jon)
Rick solo
Heart Of The Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround
The Fish
Awaken
I've Seen All Good People
Roundabout

I love the audio part of this DVD. Occassionally it's a bit ropey but a lot of it is outstanding. This is the best live recording of Awaken I've heard.

[BredYes]

The strange thing is that the sound quality of the music in the documentary is higher than on de audio part of the DVD. So this could be better. I don't know the reason why they did this.

[Dr Yes]

The strange thing is that the sound quality of the music in the documentary is higher than on de audio part of the DVD. So this could be better. I don't know the reason why they did this.

So true.

The sound quality on the documentary is superb - as are the visuals - but the audio only sounds thin, weedy and poorly mixed by comparision.

Hence why I'd love to see the release of an enhanced Yesspeak DVD with the option to play the full concert.

Let's hope someone's listening.

[CybrKhatru]

Managed to find a copy of this yesterday. I love my favorite indie record store!

We watched it last night, and found it to be an enjoyable documentary. Nothing really new in it, but still nice to watch. I'm looking forward to making a CD copy of the audio portion, so I can further check it out in the stereo/car and see how it sounds...we don't have the $$$ to do the full-blown surround sound/DVD system yet!

---Matt

[deelovesyes]

I went to Best Buy tonight after work to buy my Yesspeak and Ultimate Yes Cd, well it figures we fought with a terrible snowstorm to get there and they didn't have Yesspeak. I did get the Ultimate and am listening to disc 3 now, but I am very disappointed that Yesspeak wasn't there, well, I guess on Thurday I will have to go to Gallery of Sound for it.

Dee

[nightliner]

I saw two copies of the dvd at Circuit City...$17.99.

[Balrog]

I have not listened to the entire dvd yet but I have been somewhat underwhelmed by the audio-only portion. Like Dr_Yes commented it is a bit thin sounding. Part of the problem could be that it is Dolby-Digital only, IMHO dts sounds better.

[AwakeMan]

I got the YesSpeak DVD as a Christmas present and I’m very pleased to have it.

I think the audio performance of ‘Awaken’ is one of the best since the original studio recording. There are extra touches on percussion and keyboard which enhance it, and the vocal harmonies can all be heard. ‘In the Presence Of’ is very good too, with lovely liquid guitar by Steve, and Rick does a great job filling in the string parts – well worth listening to. Rick’s own solo suite is stunning. ‘Show Me’ is a typical gentle song by Jon Anderson with sensitive accompaniment in the second half by the band. I think his voice, however, sounds weaker than a few years ago – perhaps he was tired, or it could be the recording.

As regards the sound issue, to my ears the lower volume of the audio concert is what is causing disappointment rather than the clarity. I copied selected tracks to a chrome cassette tape for use around the house. It sounds very acceptable to me if you turn it up a bit (I set the audio on my DVD player to 2-Channel PCM Download before making the tape). Nevertheless I admit it is not up to current audio standards – possibly it was a rushed release just as a filler, but still very welcome.

I was surprised and a bit saddened to see how much the guys had aged since the YesYears documentary, particularly Jon and Rick. But that’s twelve years ago now, and I suppose we’ve all aged since then. Their spirit is still young though, and the plans for the 2004 arena tour are very exciting.

[Faceintheplace]

Well, Walmart was having a big DVD sale toady and I just came into some money so I decided to check out Yesspeak after all and I have to say I wasn't dissapointed. The three hour documentary is very thurough. I'm already well versed in Yes History but I got some new insight into Yes' personalities and what life is like on the road for Yes these days. I actually liked Roger's narrarion (but I agree that the narration and music could have been better mixed.) Compared to a Genesis history video I have where the narrator has a thick Scottish accent and not enough enthusiasm, Daltrey's comentary was in my mind pretty listenable by comparrison. I walked away from my first viewing tonight feeling like I'd just read an autobiography by the Classic Yes lineup.

As for the concert, I was happy enough with the live audio on disc two without the video. That being said I really hope this years' tour will be proffesionaly filmed (hopefully by the Camp Chaos team of Bob Cesca and Tim Panella who brought us the great Yessymphonic.) for us to enjoy. I think it will, Yes most likely want to document Roger Dean's new stage set and the rarely performed songs being added to the set list. But I think I'll watch this from time to time. I think having this along with Yesyears make for a more entertaining and engrossing Yes bio than Chris Welchs' dismal tome.

[MrCalling1]

After waiting in line for almost 20 minutes at Best Buy (geeezzz) I bought YesSpeak on DVD, I really enjoyed the more depth of the band comparied to yesyears. You really get to know more of the personalities of the band especially Chris and his whole family, letting more of their lives behind the scenes and behind the stage makes a really interesting DVD. Roger Daltry did a pretty good job of narrating and wasn't too overwhelming with his raspy voice.
Overall a very DVD of my favorite band in the world Yes!!!!!!! :mmm:

[Grover]

I found the narration annoying, not just that we were being talked down to, but that it was too full of praise and superlatives, some of which are either not true, or are debatable.

They never changed their sound? What about 90125/Big Generator. I like them, but there was an obvious change in sound and an attempt at more pop success.

I like Bill and Alan, but it was stated over and over that this is the classic and definitive lineup. Based on the message boards over the years, I think the Fragile & Close to the Edge lineup would get more votes, and Steve even stated about 3 years ago that he sees that as his favourite lineup.

It was stated over and over that they were playing everywhere to sell-out audiances. This was not true at the shows that I saw.

It was stated or implied that they are as popular as ever. This is so far from true that it is laughable.

I liked the focus on each member, but I will not watch this DVD very often. Over the past 12 years, I've watched YesYears a couple of times a year, but this one will rarely be played again. I still have to check out the audio-only part.

[stevepenn]

I am listening to Awaken right now from the DVD live audio set. Holy Hannah. This is stunningly brilliant. The best I've ever heard. I'm playing it through a Denon 3803 with Paradigm Phantoms and the rest of my Paradigm 5.1 system. The floor is moving like an earthquake. Chills. Brrrrrrr.

Wow. But why there are just stills and not full concert film is beyond me. But gawd, the audio is superb. Bravo!!!!!

[Byroan]

Yeah, that's what I want to know too- whats on the audio portion first of all- and hows it sound?

[bataisflow]

You know, I have read alot of negative reviews on this DVD and I must wholeheartedly disagree.

The DVD (which I got yesterday), I found to be completely entertaining ,and opposite of what has been stated previously, audible. It's a documentary that I thought was very humorous and enlightening as to their current state of mind towards the band. The are reticent to the fact that they are not Pink Floyd or The WHO, but they are the best at what they do. I could go on and on, but I thought it was done very well! Just this man's opinion.

[bataisflow]

I found the narration annoying, not just that we were being talked down to, but that it was too full of praise and superlatives, some of which are either not true, or are debatable.

They never changed their sound? What about 90125/Big Generator. I like them, but there was an obvious change in sound and an attempt at more pop success.

I like Bill and Alan, but it was stated over and over that this is the classic and definitive lineup. Based on the message boards over the years, I think the Fragile & Close to the Edge lineup would get more votes, and Steve even stated about 3 years ago that he sees that as his favourite lineup.

It was stated over and over that they were playing everywhere to sell-out audiances. This was not true at the shows that I saw.

It was stated or implied that they are as popular as ever. This is so far from true that it is laughable.


I liked the focus on each member, but I will not watch this DVD very often. Over the past 12 years, I've watched YesYears a couple of times a year, but this one will rarely be played again. I still have to check out the audio-only part.


Some of your points are very accurate. I see the DVD as more of a press kit though, designed to inform would be fans of who Yes is, and to lure old fans back into the fold. I thought it was pretty cool.

[Siberian Sunrise]

I bought this DVD last week and I am very impressed. My 6.1 system is new (11/03) so I am doing alot of learning, lately. I watched the documentary first and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I grew up wearing out a copy of yessongs and had the album permanently postered on my bedroom wall. I actually met (briefly...) Steve Howe with Carl Palmer after the Asia concert at the Royal Oak Music Theater near Detroit. (Chased them down woodward ave. to their hotel. There bouncer/driver almost beat us up until Carl Palmer saved the day!)
I also noticed the sound difference in the audio only concert but like someone mentioned above: turn it up and adjust the bass a little and your in 5.1 heaven!


I have one question I hope someone will answer: The track listings state "Yours is No Disgrace" and then "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" as the last 2 tracks. My audio only concert ends with "Roundabout". Whats up with that?

[HAPPY]

I have yet to buy Yesspeak. The Symphonic Yes DVD , the one done in Amsterdam..is the best thing so far from YES...As a musician , you get to SEE it happening.
HAPPY

[Byroan]

I just saw the first disk last night- here's my critique....

1) What's wrong with Birmingham? Rick is silly- still he gave me a chuckle trying to milk that bit.

2) Roger Daltrey should stick to voice overs for cartoons. The narration is annoying beyond belief. What were they thinking.

3) I enjoyed the sit down sessions with each memeber. It gave a nice insight to each guy. I never knew much about Jane- it was kinda neat to "meet" her. The interview stuff isn't very probing- especially in terms of musical insight. It was as if Oprah was doing the interview. Touchy-feelie.

4) The voice over during the live performances kills me. Really- kills me. The live stuff is so cool- it left me wanting more. The quality is excellent. So know we know that its out there- who can rest knowing that somewhere there's footage just laying around?

Conclusion- Missed opportunity is right. Its fun to see the interview stuff once, but not worth owning it. My hope is this...the footage is out there, there is a live box set in the making, any chance that a DVD could be added ? Here's another idea- maybe they are saving up for a release on DVD of next year's mega tour. In any case- I'll agree with most of the responses above- one disk of interviews and one concert DVD would have been perferable- there it is.

[jwoods_2020]

I have one question I hope someone will answer: The track listings state "Yours is No Disgrace" and then "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" as the last 2 tracks. My audio only concert ends with "Roundabout". Whats up with that?

You beat me to the punch. I just finished listening to this, and found the same conclusion. Maybe they dropped the tracks sometime between cover art approval and actual DVD production. No worries though, still a great DVD.

As I'm typing this, I am watching Yessongs (just for contrast).

I've got to hand to the boys, there are not many musicians (at their age) that can still play as well as Yes does. While their fingers may be a little slower, and Jon's range minimally reduced (and I do mean minimally) they sound fantastic!!!

[Mr. Holland]

I have one question I hope someone will answer: The track listings state "Yours is No Disgrace" and then "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" as the last 2 tracks. My audio only concert ends with "Roundabout". Whats up with that?

The tracklisting is not only that of the audio part, but also from the songs used in the documentary. In the beginning when they talk shortly of how the band started, you see and hear bits of "No Opportunity..." and when they talk about how the Yes Album came to be, bits and pieces of YIND are shown....that's why the songs are mentioned.....

[Dale Cleary]

I've got to hand to the boys, there are not many musicians (at their age) that can still play as well as Yes does. While their fingers may be a little slower, and Jon's range minimally reduced (and I do mean minimally) they sound fantastic!!!


I would like to point out that there are many musicians playing brilliantly at this age, and older.

[Guy]

Well, I did read the descriptions of the DVD and knew what I was getting and I was still disappointed. The documentary is pretty boring really. Just sort of mianders around. Not worth a second watch.

I have only listened to the audio part very briefly because my lifestyle doesn't allow me time to sit in front of the TV/stereo and listen to music for any extended time. I still hope to get some time to, but....

Anyway, it could have been OK if the entire concert was shown in video. Then, like Yes Symphonic and House of Yes, it would have been worth watching more than once.

And as far as a marketing device to bring in long lost, or new fans, I doubt it. I don't think any one who isn't a fan already is going to be interested in Alan talking about his boat or Rick's stories about teatime back stage.

Guy