Yesstory CD

Digitally remastered by Joe Gastwirt (1991, Ocean View Digital, West Los Angeles, California).

YESSTORY does a good job of charting the progress of a group that both epitomized the epic quality of progressive rock in the 70s, and lived to tell the tale. Reemerging in the 80s with a less grandiose approach (no more album-length compositions), Yes maintained its ability to move legions of fans as well as score a couple of monster radio hits.

It may not be hip to marvel at Yes's high level of musical invention, but there is something undeniably impressive and singular about some of these songs, familiar as they may be. The three-part "Close to the Edge" captures the sheer drama of the group's best work: the lurching, complex tempo and tongue-twisting lyrics of the first section, the celestial, meditative middle, and finally, the glorious finish, which sounds like the finale of a modern opera. This inclusive set includes early tracks like the single version of "America"--the Simon & Garfunkel classic that Yes turned inside-out to great effect--and "Every Little Thing," a Beatles cover from their first record. Most of the essentials from the classic LPs FRAGILE and CLOSE TO THE EDGE are here, too, along with later hits from the group's streamlined '80s incarnation.

Reissue producer: Yves Beauvais.

Engineers include: Eddie Offord, Gerald Chevin, John Timperley.

Personnel: Bill Bruford (drums).

Recording information: Advision Studios, London, England; AIR Recording Studios, London, England; Lark Studios, Carmati, Italy; Morgan Studios, North London, England; Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland; Sarm East And West Recording Studios, London, England; Sarm Studios, London, England; Southcombe Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA.

Photographer: David Gahr.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Chris Squire; Jon Anderson; Alan White ; Patrick Moraz; Peter Banks; Rick Wakeman; Steve Howe; Tony Kaye.

Arranger: Tony Cox.

Yes: Jon Anderson, Peter Banks, Bill Bruford, Steve Howe, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, Patrick Moraz, Trevor Rabin.

Producers include: Eddie Offord, Paul Clay, Yes, Tony Colton, Trevor Horn, Trevor Rabin.