YESSONGS

A truly awesome first live album by the boys. It has my favorite live rendition of most of their classics. The oft-played "Roundabout" sounds fresh and lively, "Heart Of The Sunrise", (my 2nd fav of the band after "Close To The Edge") is powerful, but it's "Long Distance Runaround" followed by "The Fish" that for me is the highlight. Chris Squire's thundering bass and Howe's overpowering guitar just sounds so grungy, it's mindblowing! Especially when the band kicks in at the tail end of 'The Fish" Stunning! The album has some very good versions also, like "Close To The Edge" with Wakeman's wonderful keys and a super and rare version of "Perpetual Change", (not a fav of mine, btw). My only gripe is towards the end of disc 2, it's definately a different concert. "Yours Is No Disgrace" and "Starship Trooper" have an almost bootleg sound, sort of echoey and distant especially Wakeman's keys, Howe though shines. Overall, I think this album is stellar and a must have, especially for YES fans for a rendition of the band at their peak. 4.5 stars!