YES FT. ARW: LIVE AT THE APOLLO

This album is pretty much what I thought it would be. As mostly Yes's popular 80s and some 70s tracks (and "Life Me Up" from 1991's "Union"), it's a great summary of 50 years of spectacular music. While 70s yes is my favorite period for ANY band in ANY genre, this album gave me an appreciation for their 80s output.

Wakeman and Rabin represent different eras in Yes's history. Wakeman adjusts well and shines in the 80s tracks that Rabin and Anderson wrote. However, Rabin just doesn't sound natural playing some of the seventies tracks. "And You and I", "Awaken", and "Roundabout" just don't sound the same without Howe's technical prowess and wailing riffs. Rabin has some pretty big shoes to fill for the 70s tracks and it's apparent that he doesn't (especially on "Roundabout" and "I've Seen All Good People"). And Anderson's voice sounds as good as ever, if not better than ever!

One of the biggest complaints for this album from others is the "canned" applause and cheering. This doesn't really get in the way of the music in my opinion but it seems a bit strange to add (essentially) white noise to a music record. Otherwise, the sound quality/production is great.

The problems I have with this is that some of the tracks just don't have the energy that they should. "Eclipse", the second part of "And You and I" and "The Fish" are supposed to be grandiose and filled with energy but both sound uninspiring on this release. "Roundabout" is the exception, though. This track sound is more energetic than the studio version and Anderson sings harmonies which sound spectacular.

That being said, "Awaken" sounds amazing! They took a 15 and a half minute track and stretched it to more than 22 minutes and it worked very well. It sounds different that the studio recording on Going for the One but is still just as beautiful. Just in a different way.

After all of the criticism, I still say that this is a must-buy for any Yes fan of both the 70s and the 80s.