Close to the Edge turns 50!

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I'm a bit of a younger Yes fan than some so I didn't discover the band or this album when it was new. However, these days especially there's no getting around the importance and significance of this album. I think even those who aren't big prog fans recognize it as not just influential but a masterpiece in music. 

Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - September 09 2022 at 17:30

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AFlowerKingCrimson Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: October 02 2016 Location: Philly burbs Status: Offline Points: 16208	Post Options Post Reply Quote AFlowerKingCrimson Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 17:30
	I'm a bit of a younger Yes fan than some so I didn't discover the band or this album when it was new. However, these days especially there's no getting around the importance and significance of this album. I think even those who aren't big prog fans recognize it as not just influential but a masterpiece in music. Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - September 09 2022 at 17:30

Heart of the Matter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: September 01 2020 Location: Argentina Status: Offline Points: 3011	Post Options Post Reply Quote Heart of the Matter Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 14:05
	Not love at first sight for me, but a revelation given in time. A strong one.

Grumpyprogfan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: July 09 2019 Location: Kansas City Status: Offline Points: 10067	Post Options Post Reply Quote Grumpyprogfan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 13:32
	Happy birthday

Progosopher Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: May 12 2009 Location: Coolwood Status: Offline Points: 6393	Post Options Post Reply Quote Progosopher Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 13:03
	I first heard And You and I on the radio at some point after the album's release. It has remained one of my favorite Yes songs since. As to the entire album, I was more familiar with it through the Yessongs live performances, preferably so, since I did not like the original mix compared to the more vibrant live versions. Later remixes have made me appreciate the original more. It is very difficult to get me to a live show these days, so I doubt that I will see them on tour.
	The world of sound is certainly capable of infinite variety and, were our sense developed, of infinite extensions. -- George Santayana, "The Sense of Beauty"

fouad.ai.azar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Newbie Joined: July 05 2021 Location: Amman, Jordan Status: Offline Points: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote fouad.ai.azar Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 10:40
	Damn... I can't believe it's a 50 year old album. I was lucky to catch Yes performing in Bonn, Germany, where they played both Close to the Edge and Fragile albums live in 2018(?) It was an odd experience. I was in my late 20s then, and a friend and I decided to enhance the experience before we went to the concert. Upon entering, we were surprised to find the whole event was seated. Of all the audience members my friend and I were the youngest, which isn't bad, but the general mood was a bit staggered since it felt like we were about to be tucked into chairs and switch on our evening program. We lifted the mood by munching on some Oreos that we had snucked in and just laid back to enjoy the mastery. I was very impressed with Steve Howe and how he remained agile switching between guitars, sometimes even using his foot to wheel the slide guitar into place. The bassist who replaced Chris (RIP) did a great job sticking to the material. Rick Wakeman was absolutely stellar with his throne of equipment towering over him. Jon Anderson's replacement was okay. Once the concert ended, no one chanted encore, (the older generation of Germans are not so indulgent), and everyone stood up and left on queue. I took the time to go thank the Mixer who really brought everything to life in that hall. The whole experience was mixed. Their performance was outstanding, but the vibes in that room were so dull, that my friend and I felt isolated watching the whole thing. Anyways, happy birthday Close to the Edge.

JD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 07 2009 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 18372	Post Options Post Reply Quote JD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 10:38
	my best/strongest memory is the summer after it's release. Being raised at a home with a pool I spent many a summer day "lounging" by the pool with buddies...and buds . I played it to death with no regrets. now, every time I put it or any track from it on I'm immediately transported back to that summer livin' the life !
	Thank you for supporting independently produced music

Steve Wyzard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: March 30 2017 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 2056	Post Options Post Reply Quote Steve Wyzard Report Post Thanks(2) Quote Reply Posted: September 09 2022 at 10:16
	Earlier this year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of ELP's Trilogy album, so now it's time the celebrate the same anniversary for this site's ne plus ultra #1 album, Yes's Close to the Edge. As to the actual release date, that can be argued about, but all the sources I've seen show it to be in September 1972. For myself, Close to the Edge was not my first Yes album, but I was familiar with the material from having bought the live album Yessongs first. Then I bought The Yes Album and Fragile before finally buying Close to the Edge. This album left me in a state of awe-inspiring wonder for a good portion of my 16th-17th year, and to this day, it's my favorite of the albums that feature both Steve Howe and Bill Bruford. While this topic has probably been covered before, let's hear your stories about what this album has meant to you as we celebrate the golden anniversary!