FISH OUT OF WATER

Having the story of this album as a distinguished product of the "year out of band" taken by Yes' members been told enough, we should direct our attention straight to its proper musical content.

I think the critical point at issue here is: Does the whole orchestration thing, arranged & conducted by Squire's friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, really worth our while and their effort?

I think it does, indeed, but not for the obvious reason that it suits perfectly to the songs and Chris' vocal & instrumental style. That may be true too, but it's not the main reason that makes this record so appealing to me. Since so many songs exist that have a "orchestral track" attached to them, just because some producer can order it to the proper studio, and the label can afford it, it's a sweet relief to find these ones, where orchestra, band and soloist just form a solid unit, constructed as a result of genuine musical interplay. It's possible that each move made by the various conductors isn't perfect, but is however possessed with the same sheer energy that flows through the whole thing. That is priceless (pun unintended), and that is what makes this a masterpiece.

P.S: BrufordFreak said about the track 4, Lucky Seven: "Could almost be a King Crimson song". I say, should it be on a playlist following next to, let's say, "Ladies of the Road", one surely would perceive them both as belonging together in the same (beautiful & imaginary) album.