CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Bill Bruford left yes after this album citing Chris Squire's irrating tendency to lateness and the thought that where do we go from here.Bruford explained that he did not want to do "son of Close to the Edge". And while Yes did manage son of Close to the edge twice more in Gates of Delirium from Relayer and Awaken from Going for the one this album and title track are a pinnacle of yes' achievements. The Rhino reissues are also slightly better to listen to than the original. Yes usually start live shows with Siberian Khatru one of three tracks on the album and it is a great jaunty ride through Howes warm guitar Squires funky bass and one of Brufords more rock like efforts on the drums. Wakeman provides a simple counterpoint on the keys which almost sound like a backward recording whilst Andersons lyrics and voice are suitably ethereal. This is a crowd favourite thirty years later. And You and I is a folksy anderson/Howe tune which has been given epic colourings from its extended composition which allows Howes guitar work to paint many hues whether acoustic or Steel. This song is usually outstanding live, and was given a 5 minute standing ovation in Madison square last year. Unfortunately or fortunately the song had not finished much to the perfectionist Howe's irratation but showed the love of this song. AYAI can bring a tear to your eye at the best of times but Live ...well, it is special never more so than on Yessymphonic. Close to the Edge is a killer anthem of this genre.Pieced together by Eddie offord from bitsof tape it sounded like a nightmare to make but what glory in its sound no one could imagine that it is anything other than an inspiration from the Soul of the Earth.The best version live is from ABWH where Bruford adds colour with his drumming which is not on the album. The symphonic version is different, warmer and detailed but seemingly slightly slower. The abwh version seems to rip along. oh and 5 stars what else.