Yes' second (and least successful) album was a transitional effort; the group trying for a more produced and sophisticated sound through the use of an orchestra. Even so, the results weren't conventional, because the group didn't tone down or turn down its sound. Much of Time and a Word relies on bold, highly animated performances by Bill Bruford, Chris Squire, and Tony Kaye. Additionally, by this time the group was developing a much tauter ensemble than was evident on their first LP, so there's no lack of visceral excitement. "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" was a bold opening, a highly amplified, frenzied adaptation of the Richie Havens song, melded with Jerome Moross' title music from the movie The Big Country. Somewhat more successful musically is "Then," which keeps the orchestral accompaniment to a minimum and allows Kaye and Peter Banks to stretch out on organ and guitar. "Everydays" is highlighted by Jon Anderson's ethereal vocals and Kaye's dueting with the orchestra. A surprising amount of the material here seems rather tuneless, but the group was solidifying its sound and, in the process, forcing Banks out of the lineup, despite some beautiful moments for him (and Tony Kaye) on the prettiest parts of "The Prophet," a piece that also contains fragments of music that anticipate Yes' work right up through Tales from Topographic Oceans. The title "Astral Traveller" anticipates the themes of future group work, though they still don't have the dexterity to pull off the tempo changes they're trying for. By the time the record was completed, Banks was out of the band, which is why Steve Howe, his successor, ended up pictured on the cover of most editions. The 1997 remastering does make the orchestral accompaniments work better than they did on the original LP. [Note: In January of 2003, Rhino Records issued an expanded and remastered of Time and a Word, with notably crisper sound, new annotation by Mike Tiano, and a quartet of bonus tracks: "Dear Father" in its final version off of the single, with orchestra replacing Peter Banks' guitar, the alternate German-released mix of "Sweet Dreams," the somewhat rougher, original mix of "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed," and the single edit of "The Prophet"]. ~ Bruce Eder
2003 remastered reissue of 1970 album includes four bonus tracks, 'Dear Father', 'No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed' (Original Mix), 'Sweet Dreams' (Original Mix), & 'The Prophet' (Single Version). Elektra/Rhino.
Liner Note Authors: Kuni Takeuchi; Mike Tiano.
Recording information: Advision Studios, London, England (1969-1970).
Photographers: Lawrence Sackman; Peter Sanders; Barrie Wentzell; Barry Wentzell.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Jon Anderson; Peter Banks.
Personnel: Tony Kaye (keyboards); Bill Bruford (drums).
BOM PRA CARALHO! Very good , bom pra caralho, it is progressive rock! How good is listen to the Hammond organ, The bass of Squire, the vocal of J. Anderson. Nota 10!! Submitted by atlantico66 (Macapa, Brasil) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
In A Word, Timeless This is not roundabout! This is orchestrated rock that works! The jazzy overtones create a very soothing atmosphere one moment and then your blasting thru space with that signature Chris Squire bass sound the next. An excellent journey from start to finish! Submitted by a reviewer (columbia, SC, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
An interesting beginning for a great band Yes (the album), the first effort by the prog rock band, offers hints of the grand harmonies and arrangements which would soon follow their more popular works (Fragile, Close to the Edge).
The guitar and bass work are edgy, almost grunge-like on songs like "Beyond and Before" and "Every Little Thing", while more dated tunes such as "Survival" and "Sweetness" remind you that this is essentially a late sixties album with touches of brilliance, especially on "I See You".
Bruford's jazz drumming takes a front seat on most of the tunes, and Tony Kaye's Hammond organ licks are well-placed. It's too bad it wasn't produced as well as it could have been, but for a first album it's not all bad.
The bonus tracks on the remastered edition don't offer much, although "Something's Coming" is somewhat entertaining. Submitted by a reviewer (Lake Mary, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
YES! YES! YES! This was the album that made me a full on Yes addict!
I would put on my headphones, and be transported to another musical world!
Sweet Dreams and Astral Traveller took me where I wanted to go!!
The remastered C.D takes it up another few notches again!
One thing though.
Please, oh please get rid of the cover, and get Roger Dean to work his magic again!
The existing cover looks like it houses a Yoko Ono record!
Come on, get serious about getting some decent artwork for this exceptional music and musicians! Submitted by galaxy472 (SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Rethink the whole Yes sound. If you're new to Yes, you're in for something very different here. This 2nd album is early symphonic/progressive rock at its raw finest, heavy on organ and orchestra. Peter Banks' guitar is integral to this unique pre-classic Yes sound too, but his Time was up and he got the Word before the album was even released. Steve Howe didn't play on T&aW but you'll sometimes see him on the cover. This Yes music borders on a different genre, but it's amazing stuff. Buy this one and you'll rethink the whole Yes sound. Submitted by Blaiz (Chalotte, NC, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
BOM PRA CARALHO!
An interesting beginning for a great band
YES! YES! YES!
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