YES (CLASSIC ARTISTS)

This is a nice supplement to other better Yes DVDs such as 'Tsongas', 'Symphonic Yes' and 'Live at Montreaux'. Instead of a lavish concert experience, Yes (Classic Artists) is an interview DVD with all, or most, involved in the Yes history. It is pleasant to hear from the likes of Roger Dean, and Bill Bruford in particular who are so integral to Yes and have some good things to say. We learn about why Bruford left for the King Crimson years straight from the man himself. Chris Welch is the host and has a strong delivery throughout retelling the history of Yes.

Parts of the DVD are relating bitter experiences but for the most part it is a walk down memory lane of all that was great about the band. We learn about how hard it was for Yes in the early years, particularly from Squire who is very vocal about it all. Anderson provides a great insight too on the lyrics of 'Topographic' among other albums. The DVD is presented in chronological history moving from one album to the next in order of release so it is excellent if you want inside information about the albums.

Some interviews are conducted with Peter Banks, Geoff Downes, Eddie Offord and Jack Barrie. It is a bit draining watching this from start to end as its all talk talk talk apart from a brief clip or a song here and there, but there are not enough songs or clips to break the constant talking. So I believe it is better to watch this in parts and watch some clips of Yes from other DVDs or it can be a draining experience.

There are special features including lengthy outtakes of interviews. One in particular features Squire just driving around London and chatting about the band. He takes us on a tour of his home stretch, showing us rehearsal places and houses of interest. He has a lot to say as he was the one member of the band who stayed woth them from start to end. The promo videos are available elsewhere and as such a bit of a waste if you own other Yes DVDs. eg: 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' is here again!

The second DVD has some interesting features including a rather lengthy rehearsal where Anderson is exposed as the control freak he was, admittedly too was Wakeman. Its great to see this footage and you feel like a guest just sitting and watching them in full action launch into one classic song after another.

So grab this for some inside info on the great Yes. But you are unlikely to watch the interview disk as much as the concert DVDs as it is after all just information, and once you know it, there is not much call for hearing it again and agian. Therefore the longevity of the DVD is quite limited after the initial viewing.