Yes - where to start?
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78815
Printed Date: July 19 2025 at 00:22
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Topic: Yes - where to start?
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Subject: Yes - where to start?
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 01:39
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Hi everyone! Over the years I've come across Yes in very small doses, a song here, a song there, but haven't been sure where to start. I will of course, be checking the multitude of reviews here, but am interested to get some thoughts from you on the best albums/era to begin exploring. For instance, a few folks I know have suggested I start with 'Fragile'? I've recently gotten into RPI in a big way, but from the UK, I've been listening to greats like Gentle Giant for longer, and I love them. along with more 'pop'-progressive stuff like, say, Pink Floyd. I'm also a progressive metal fan, but know Yes won't be that heavy. Any thoughts would be much appreciated, and thank you for your time! ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Replies:
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 02:02
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Close To The Edge and Fragile are their highest rated albums and also the only albums to feature the classic line up of Wakeman,Anderson,Bruford,Squire and Howe. Going For The One is where I started and is a very good rounded album that displays what Yes were about and is perhaps a little easier to listen to with hit radio songs Wonderous Stories and the title track. Another highly rated album is Relayer.This was the only album with Patrick Moraz and appeals to those tastes more on the jazz fusion side of things. If you are very brave try Tales From Topographic Oceans!
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Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 02:04
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Fly From Here
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: Mushroom Sword
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 02:39
One of my favorites. |
stonebeard wrote:Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 02:47
| The Yes Album |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 03:18
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 03:25
| The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, in that order. |
Posted By: Alitare
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 03:31
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Why would ya wanna start, at all? I've dug through all their 1970's material and can't for the life of me remember it feeling good very often. But I'm not being too serious. Fragile and Close to the Edge are peaks, with the former being easier to digest and the latter being noticeable more 'monumental' in scope. Yes album has some band hits, but I never loved it. Relayer's nearly prog metal in scope, and Tales is there if you like your prog as pretentious and overblown as possible. I like the debut, but I have a habit of liking prog debuts (well, it depends. Nobody could pay me to listen to Rush's debut all the way through again). But hey, it's all in taste. Fragile (It's got 'Roundabout'.) Close to the Edge (it's got...erh...it's good, okay?) and that's my recommendation.
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Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 03:41
| The Yes Album - Fragile - Close to the Edge in that order. And though they have made a lot of other good material, that's the best Yes right there for you. |
Posted By: Bonnek
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 04:01
Exactly this, over the years I got me their entire discography but these albums are the ones I've always kept returning to. Yes Album is my favorite, a bit heavier and less baroque then later works. |
Posted By: Formentera Lady
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 04:13
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The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge and Relayer. Their best albums IMHO. ------------- http://theprogressiveweb.blogspot.de" rel="nofollow - Visit me in Second Life to talk about music. |
Posted By: Icarium
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 05:45
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Fragile is the BEST album to grasp the aesthetic dimension of the Yesseic music, from the fifth dimention of prog heaven. -------------  
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Posted By: akaBona
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 06:51
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I started with South Side Of The Sky from Fragile. It changed my life! As mentoined here before, take the route The Yes Album > Fragile > Close To The Edge > Relayer > Going For The One. Try to avoid Drama which is total crap. And after all this, you still have Tales From Topographic Oceans waiting for you. Do not believe what some miss guided persons are trying to tell you ... open your heart and enjoy this beautiful masterpiece, it won't let you down! |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 07:40
I suppose The Yes Album is the best album for someone new to Yes. I cheated and started with Yessongs though. 
------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 07:41
Terrible advice! 
Excellent advice!  ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: jean-marie
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 07:44
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Posted By: Garden of Dreams
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 08:17
| I first started with Going For the One; more specifically Awaken. Its not their best album but Awaken is one of their best songs. |
Posted By: Serge Lenkoff
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 08:37
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Agree. Try Going for the One, Close to the Edge, Relayer. After that try their more light and commercial oriented albums - 90125, Union, Talk |
Posted By: Slaughternalia
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 09:39
This, but with Relayer tacked on to the end
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Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 10:03
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Well, I started with Going For The One, more as an accident of age as much as anything else, but it is a good place to start. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: TheLionOfPrague
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 10:23
Yeah...I agree. And continue with "Going For The One". ------------- I shook my head and smiled a whisper knowing all about the place |
Posted By: TheGazzardian
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 11:08
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My order: 90125->Relayer->Close to the Edge->Drama->Tales From Topographic Oceans->Live at Montreux 2003->Yes Album->Fragile it wasn't until Fragile that I got into them as much as I would ... that album dominated my mind and caused me to relisten to everything I'd heard before, buy everything I hadn't heard yet, and generally not listen to much of anything else for 6 months. So I recommend starting with Fragile.
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Posted By: notesworth
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 11:51
Then Relayer, Going for the One, and Tales from Topographic Oceans. Then explore the rest of the catalog.
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Posted By: Kallabow
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 12:01
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I started from the first one and I really enjoyed all of them. But the best are Close To The Edge, The Yes Album, Relayer... ------------- 
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Posted By: Conor Fynes
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 12:11
I agree with this.
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Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 12:16
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^^^ Yep, I'd start with The Yes album too.
Then Going for the One, Close to the edge, Fragile and TFTO in that order. Then maybe Drama and 90125.. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: Drew
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 12:17
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If I had started with Going for the One I would have become a bigger fan sooner. A nice blend of their older and newer sounds.
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Posted By: jean-marie
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 17:00
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Posted By: zravkapt
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 18:47
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Agree with those who recommend The Yes Album. If you don't like that, chances are you won't like any of their other '70s albums either. Proceed into the post-Close To The Edge albums with caution as they can be hit-or-miss depending on your tastes. |
Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: June 05 2011 at 20:49
------------- 
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Posted By: Mosis
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 02:02
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don't start with close to the edge. i didn't get into yes for years because that was the first one i heard. i also think it's vastly overrated and pretty silly at times. side a of the yes album is probably my favourite thing they've ever done. fragile is also really great, and relayer is worth it for 'gates of delirium,' which is probably their greatest track (i.e. my favourite) |
Posted By: b4usleep
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 07:53
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Fragile is the right starting point. Especially the opening and closing songs.
------------- Really don't mind if you sit this one out. My words but a whisper, your deafness a shout. |
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 19:10
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AWESOME! Thank you every one - I have a crystal clear idea of where to start now :) In regards to their first release, what's the general feeling there? ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: jean-marie
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 19:48
I've read a few bad reviews about the two first albums but i can't keep from liking them, kind of prop pop to me, still enjoy them very much 
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Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 19:51
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First album isn't bad but it's a completely different kettle of fish. Exactly the wrong place to start because Yes reinvents itself completely beginning with The Yes Album. -------------
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Posted By: Earendil
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 20:09
Yeah it isn't bad, but it's definitely not a good representation of them. It's a lot less symphonic and progressive. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: June 06 2011 at 20:33
I quite love the first release, "Yes," as it features Peter Banks (very under-appreciated) and introduced the world to many new concepts, including Squire's unique bass sound, Bruford's outstanding drumming etc. My evolution into Yes started with "The Yes Album," followed by "Fragile" and then "Close To The Edge." This is a very natural progression. "Time and a Word" is a very fine album, but their use of orchestration is somewhat jarring, and led to dissent within the band. However, it contains some Yes classics including "Astral Traveller" and the title track. Sounds like you have some good advice on PA! You can easily sample individual songs if you seek them out by song title on YouTube, there are tons of these songs (both uploaded from the CD as well as live versions). Enjoy your trip!!
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Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: June 07 2011 at 12:50
Absolutely not the place to start, but to get after all the "classic" releases to get a feel of where a young, naive, band were in the heady late 60's of London. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: colorofmoney91
Date Posted: June 07 2011 at 15:56
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I started with Tales from Topographic Oceans, because I'm obviously insane. I thought it was a good enough introduction though, and also explains my developed love for symphonic epics. I soon after purchased Relayer and Close to the Edge, which also are great albums. Probably, the best place to start would be Fragile. ------------- http://hanashukketsu.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow - Hanashukketsu |
Posted By: jean-marie
Date Posted: June 07 2011 at 17:03
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: June 08 2011 at 22:30
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I believe I started with Fragile, if I remember well, and that was a good starting point, it took a while to sink in, but it was enough to get my interest and keep listening until I really got into it. Also, Close to the Edge is a really great album, both albums are my favourite Yes albums and I think it's a good place to start. Going for the One has some really good songs too (specially Awaken and Turn of the Century), and Relayer has "Gates of Delirium", which is also great, though certainly not a very good place to start.
However, perhaps the very best to start would be a live album, like Symphonic Live (available as a CD or DVD), which has many of the bands best songs, superbly played, and orchestrated in a very fine fashion. Another great live album to start for me would be Keys to Ascension, however this has the problem that the CD version comes split in two double albums with live and new studio recordings included (however, some of the new songs are good, so it may be good enough anyway), and the DVD version has some not so great video quality (though it's not terrible at all); still, this album has some of my favourite versions of many of their classic songs, so it may still be a good place to start... pehaps you could get the pair on DVD. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: June 08 2011 at 22:46
This interview with Pete Banks is a wonderful glimpse into that early, primitive world of prog! http://www.themarqueeclub.net/interview-peter-banks-yes" rel="nofollow - http://www.themarqueeclub.net/interview-peter-banks-yes
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Posted By: Prog_Traveller
Date Posted: June 08 2011 at 23:36
| Close to the Edge, Fragile, Relayer and the Yes Album to start with. You really can't go wrong with any of those. Relayer is a pretty wild album though, and probably my favorite, so that might not be the best place to start but you will want to get it pretty soon. Close to the edge is the no brainer answer though. If you like that then get the ones right before it next. Their first two albums are good but I would save them for way later. If you get into Yes in a big way then you will want to get those. Stick with their first ten years before getting into the later stuff. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: June 09 2011 at 00:13
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Rick Wakeman interview on Yes, quite hilarious! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1045969/Yes-original-Spinal-Tap-says-Rick-Wakeman-Seventies-prog-rock-supergroup.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1045969/Yes-original-Spinal-Tap-says-Rick-Wakeman-Seventies-prog-rock-supergroup.html More than a band, an adventure!
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Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: June 09 2011 at 06:54
Thank you! Yeah, awesome advice here, absolutely. I'll definitely end up going for 'Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge' progression (as they come up time & time again, in everyone's recommendations) then move from there. Probably to 'Relayer' and others, before coming back to the earliest. I guess my only problem is, as I've just ordered those 3 together, they'll arrive at the same time and I'll have to choose which to actually listen to first. :) ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: dennismoore
Date Posted: June 09 2011 at 15:26
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Hi DreadPirateRoberts, From the music you already listen to I doubt you will really go for 90125 or later as much as YES prior to that.
No single place to start as YES is simply magic in recorded music form, get and listen to in no particular order:
The Yes Album
Fragile
Close To The Edge
Yessongs
Tales From Topographic Oceans
Relayer
Going For The One
Tormato
Drama
Yesterdays
I think you will enjoy all of the above, without a doubt.
Cheers!
DennisMoore
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Posted By: Andy Webb
Date Posted: June 09 2011 at 16:29
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Fragile. If you want a world view, you can get the box set In a Word - pretty much has everything. ------------- http://ow.ly/8ymqg" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: Diego I
Date Posted: June 12 2011 at 17:12
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I suggest Fragile and close to the edge, in that order, these albums are have the highest qualifications, these are the betters, besides, this albums are the only with the original (/and better) agrupation... ------------- It´s dark, too dark to see... |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: June 12 2011 at 17:19
...may all of your conflicts in life be so delicious!! In the US, we go "eenie-meenie-meinie-moe...." You are starting onto a wonderful pathway of discovery, have fun & write back with your impressions.
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Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: June 13 2011 at 14:25
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The post-Rabin era is not a complete wash. Keystudio is definitely worth your time, and The Ladder is nearly as good. For that matter, Talk from the Rabin era is acceptable if not great.
You should explore these before you go for the pre- Howe stuff or the bombs from the classic era like Tormato. -------------
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: June 13 2011 at 19:05
| Endless Dream, from Talk, is a really great song. |
Posted By: ProgressiveAttic
Date Posted: June 13 2011 at 19:32
I actually started with Tales From Topographic Oceans... and it didn't scare me away! It became my all-time favorite album by any band ------------- Michael's Sonic Kaleidoscope Mondays 5:00pm EST(re-runs Thursdays 3:00pm) @ Delicious Agony Progressive Rock Radio(http://www.deliciousagony.com) 
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Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: June 13 2011 at 20:23
The Yes Album & Yessongs, to get a good studio and live introduction. Though if you are bothered by subpar sound, skip Yessongs and move onto Fragile or CTTE, and Topographic Oceans. Topographic is my personal favorite and along with Relayer are the most expansive, adventurous, some would say pretentious, but to me that's good Avoid everything after Drama like the plague, just my opinion of course. Good luck! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sQD8uhpWXCw" rel="nofollow - It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...Road Rage Edition |
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: June 14 2011 at 14:17
Quite right about the sub par sound, Jim. That's why I would go to Yesshows or House of Blues for the live introduction. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: June 15 2011 at 06:05
Thanks! I was going to flip a coin if two shipped separately, but looks like they'll arrive together, so I might have to use the 'eenie' trick! And thanks to everyone who's taken the time to help me out, appreciate it. I'll be looking out for the best place to go re: Live sooner or later, and so I've already noted 'Symphonic Live' & 'Yessongs' & 'Yesshows' & 'House of Blues' from the recommendations for instance. 'Topographic Oceans' is interesting to me as it seems to create a bit of discussion, which is great. Though I feel like I'll be slipping 'Fragile' into the player first, when it arrives with 'Yes Ablum' and 'Close to the Edge' in a couple of weeks. And thanks for the note dennis (& others), re: steering away from the later stuff, I think you're right there, I might not like it by the samples I've heard. Will definitely come back with impressions. damn waiting! ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: esky
Date Posted: June 15 2011 at 16:56
| You know Yes won't be heavy. Then you're obviously a know-it-all. Just follow the lead of the others you mentioned and give Fragile a spin already. |
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: June 15 2011 at 17:37
Huh? Chill out. I don't appreaciate the personal attack, which is poor form by the way - and I most certainly do not 'know it all', hence my seeking help here.
If you'd read my posts, you'd note that I actually ordered 'Fragile' 'Yes Album' and ' Close to the Edge' last week and will certainly be giving them a spin when they arrive, since I've already invested in them.
------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: June 15 2011 at 18:54
Sorry to insist, but when you choose to start digging live Yes, don't discard keys to ascension. That one's got some of my favourite versions from some of my favourite songs, particularly Starship Trooper (you'll hear it on The Yes Album), Awaken, and Time and a Word. It's got many other of their better songs too, but they don't add so much as this ones... and only Close to the Edge I find less satisfying to the original (but the version on Symphonic is a killer, so if you get that live album too you won't miss CttE so much in a live context). |
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: June 15 2011 at 19:20
Have now noted 'keys' too! Thanks, Dellinger  ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: esky
Date Posted: June 16 2011 at 10:31
Sorry.
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Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: June 16 2011 at 13:01
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: June 16 2011 at 13:11
You can now get both parts, plus the DVD and the studio tracks in one convenient package: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keys-Ascension-4CD-DVD-Yes/dp/B003Q6BSTW" rel="nofollow - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keys-Ascension-4CD-DVD-Yes/dp/B003Q6BSTW ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: June 16 2011 at 16:47
Yessongs, it has the best versions of pre-Tales albums.  It was my entrance to Prog. Iván ------------- 
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Posted By: TheLastBaron
Date Posted: June 16 2011 at 20:09
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I'd say if you want to start with their best than its close to the edge. If you want to have the music grow on you and evolve your understanding at the same rate the band was evolving before they screwed up, start with the yes album followed by fragile, close to the edge, tales from topagrpahic oceans and end with relayer. Some say going for the one is good too, I still need to listen to it myself but what I've listened to from what comes after is just horrid. ------------- " Men are not prisoners of fate, but prisoners of their own minds." - FDR |
Posted By: vicprog
Date Posted: June 17 2011 at 19:42
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I definitevely recommend Fragile to start with. Those of us who are of that era, also love Topographic Oceans, which is a little complex, but very recommendable, too.
Hope to help, greetings!!
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Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Date Posted: June 19 2011 at 00:25
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I actually started off with a compilation album called Classic Yes which was originally released back in 1981. It doesn't have Close To The Edge or Perpetual Change but it does have their most celebrated tracks right there like And You And I, Starship Trooper and a live version of Roundabout from 77 (which in my opinion is better than the studio version). I think Classic Yes is an excellent album to start with but if you want an actual LP then Close To The Edge, no doubt about it. ------------- 
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Posted By: leadsynt
Date Posted: June 22 2011 at 08:00
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A very good start could be (as already suggested by others) the YESSONGS live album, you get a full idea of the music and of their performance skills as a band, in their classic line-up Anderson/Squire/Howe/Wakeman/White (Bruford left the band during the Close To The Edge tour, he appears in the album in one or two songs only). I consider all albums from The Yes album to Drama (included), a whole decade 1970-80, as classic Yes Music, with highs and lows but classic Yes. The first two albums and everything released after Drama stand, in my opinion, on a lower level (exception made for various CDs and DVDs containing live concerts which are generally much better than many studio albums). I personally love that the current line-up has rediscovered music from Drama, for too long ignored by the band since Jon Anderson (and probably Rick Wakeman too) didn't like it ... "Fly from here" sounds exciting, I look forward to listening how they have revisited this old Drama ghost track (it was the first song the Buggles brought with them into the Yes realm but never released at last). bye  |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: June 22 2011 at 09:00
I started with
 but RECOMMEND AS DEFINITIVE YES the following:
 then got
 then decided to simply get a box set I lov3d them so much
 after that I grabbed
 then got all the more recent albums one by one.
Newest track from newest album is here!
------------- 
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Posted By: dasa
Date Posted: June 27 2011 at 09:51
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I started to listen Yes from first album till Tormato and think that you can listen Yes from first album, ofcourse Fragile - Close to the edge - Tales is band best era but you can start listen Yes from first album because Yes had natural developmnet and there are not so much different in albums ,all first eight albums are very good or perfect. Thats not case with Pink Floyd because era with Syd Barret is totally different from golden era Dark side - Wish you were here - Animals - Wall, and also Atom heart mother and Medlle wich are somehow intruduction to golden era of Pink Floyd and somehow show how band grew up and start real prog rock. ------------- "I am not frightened of dying. Any time will do: I don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There's no reason for it — you've got to go sometime" |
Posted By: esky
Date Posted: June 27 2011 at 11:37
| The Wall IMHO can't be considered within the realm of "golden era" Floyd. A mish-mash of an album that, thank Jesus my Lord and Savior, was salvaged and enhanced by an even better live version years later. I think a couple of albums before Dark Side' could have been included on your golden era-list, and ix-nay on The Wall. |
Posted By: dasa
Date Posted: June 27 2011 at 11:51
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Thats your personal thinking but mostly people view this four albums as golden era of Pink Floyd. I am hardcore fan of Pink Floyd and my favoruite albums are Medlle and Atom Heart Mother but defenitly they are not golden era of Pink Floyd. I think that problem with Wall is in calling it prog that's why many people don't like this album. But in terms of history of rock this is masterpiece, i will call it rock opera better and if you look from this point of view album is master piece. Because it's not just a album it's interesting story composed in music songs, something that many bands aren't able to do. And at the end it all make sense. ------------- "I am not frightened of dying. Any time will do: I don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There's no reason for it — you've got to go sometime" |
Posted By: avantgrind
Date Posted: June 29 2011 at 15:59
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either Fragile or Close To The Edge.
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Posted By: Purple Wolfhound
Date Posted: June 30 2011 at 05:45
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You can't really go wrong with the classic run from The Yes Album through to Going For The One.
Tales From Topographic Oceans, although the controversial one, is a wonderful work, in my opinion. It may be slightly flawed in places, but taken a a whole it is superb. Only Yes could have made this music. If you stick with it, it endlessly rewards you. I think it gets a lot of flack as it requires attention and patience, and what's wrong with that. Yes took Progressive Rock to the other side of the cosmos with Tales.
Avoid Drama and their 80s/90s output.
I'm very happily envious of someone getting into Yes for the first time !
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Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: June 30 2011 at 10:56
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Drama is half bad/ half good. I wouldn't say avoid it, but get the all good stuff first. Consider it when you are thinking about exploring the first two albums (or Tales) Same for 90125 or Talk. And you have better grabbed something from the post-Rabin era first. (excepting Open Your Eyes first, of course.) -------------
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Posted By: Moonstone
Date Posted: July 01 2011 at 14:45
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I would start with "Fragile" and "Close to the edge"
Two very essensial albums in the Yes cataloge.. |
Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 01:16
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All right, after many moons waiting for Yes Album, Fragile & Close to the Edge to arrive in the mail, I have finally had a chance to do some listening over the last week or so, and wanted to share some initial thoughts, and to thank everyone once again for their recommendations. First up, really enjoying them all. I like Anderson's voice and Steve is a fantastic guitarist who probably deserves even more credit, but perhaps what stands out most in the band, for me as a new listener, is Squires' bass. On these three albums, at least, it's got a distinctive tone, is almost too busy, but remains effective. So he's clearly an integral part of the Yes sound (along with songwriting duties etc). I couldn't imagine, say, 'Roundabout' without him. I listened to the cds as they hit my mailbox, Yes Album,Fragile and Close to the Edge' (which suited me fine, chronological is best). In brief, I think Fragile is my least favourite (in that, I liked the others more and didn't dislike Fragile) with several standouts and the interludes not being as memorable for me. With the Yes Album I almost find myself preferring Kaye's style to Wakeman's. 'Yours is No Disgrace' and 'A Venture' were my favourite moments, but it was all pretty great. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, I found Close to the Edge to be a work of art almost - the title track has great passage after great passage and the remaining songs are superb too. I think 'Siberian Khatru' is actually my favouriote 'Yes' piece so far - been thrashing that song a bit, actually. Anyway, there's my early thoughts - and thanks again for the help! Looking at everyone's Live recommendations next. dpr ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: jacob s cracker
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 04:05
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I haven't been able to wade through this entire thread, so sorry if this repeast others advice, but I'd start you off with Yessongs. It's where I started, aftera single hearing of CTTE. It has all the classic mid-period tracks and is probably the best live album I've ever heard.
Also, don't overlook TFTO. OK, it's overblown in concept and has a few ponderous moments but they are topped by passages of great beauty and power.
Enjoy! ------------- I wasn't there when I did it |
Posted By: mikeyisthedevil
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 12:34
Hey, someone else started with Going For the One. Strangely enough it remains my favorite, but I also frequently listen to Yessongs, Tales, and Close to the Edge. For me though, Awaken is hard to beat...along with Wondrous Stories.
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Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 13:58
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I started with Fragile, which warmed me up for Close to the Edge when I eventually got it. Fragile always has a special place in my heart.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm 
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Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: August 01 2011 at 14:07
Good to hear that! I really can't think of listening Yes for the first time! Gees, good times. Keep listening to them, if you're interested in more, I'd say give a try to Tales From Topographic Oceans. The other definite classic of the 70s Prog, although it has controversy. Relayer, on the other hand, is excellent but some can consider it less cohesive. It's probably their most adventurous work, with very slight jazz influences due to keyboard player, Patrick Moraz. If you like Kaye, which I also do like his playing, Yes' first two albums are not bad at all. Although maybe that's stretching things for someone who just started liking them. Take this advise: if you ever see Time and a Word or the debut cheap, don't doubt in getting them, they're fun and show the Yes' evolution, as well as Kaye's great potential.
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Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: October 29 2011 at 00:11
It was pretty amazing actually - after having so many other prog and 70s rock giants in my collection for decades but having overlooked Yes for some reason, it was like discovering a big heap of gold in my backyard. I'd known about them for so long, yet never really look! I reckon I will go for Tales next - and have Relayer in the mail. Cool, I will definitely add the first two albums to the list - thanks for the recommendation. Part of me will definitely one day feel compelled to buy the rest of the 70s catalogue too, as I tend to try and complete a decade of a band before taking stock and investigating the next. ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: Proggernaut
Date Posted: November 10 2011 at 18:50
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As a long time fan of Yes, I'm keen to hear how you are going with your exploration of their work. I was pleased to hear you immediately loved 'Yours is no Disgrace' - one of the truly awesome songs of the era, considering the instruments and recording technology.
I would also like to recommend some exploration of earlier albums as it really gives you a greater understanding of what the different musicians brought to the table with the various line-up changes throughout the bands career.
And now a question, have you listened to any Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe? I personally loved their first album and think if you are loving Yes then you may just enjoy that too!
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Posted By: The Doctor
Date Posted: November 10 2011 at 19:05
Big Generator...movin to the left....Big Generator...movin to the right...Big Generator...movin through the night.  No really, don't start there. But I did start with the current album out at the time, 90125. ------------- I can understand your anger at me, but what did the horse I rode in on ever do to you? |
Posted By: omphaloskepsis
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 15:13
| ABWH I feel is the best album Yes has recorded since Going for the One. ABWH is in a three way tie for my girlfriend's favorite Yes disc, with Close to the Edge and The Yes Album. Om |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 17:48
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Big Generator, I think, everything will be up hill from there.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: progistoomainstream
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 19:52
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Start off with "Fragile" it may be a little comercial and mainstream but it is a good starting point. When you have come to love it, move into "Close to the Edge" (generally considered to be thee best prog album) or "The Yes Album." By the sound of your musical tastes you probably would not like "90125" It is very pop and they moved completely out of the prog genre when they decided to do this song. Although by 'Little bits of yes over the years' you probably know owner of a lonley heart. The final test is if you can like "Tales from topographic oceans" (generally considered to be thee worst prog album). But "Fragile" was their most comercially sucessful so it's a good place to start. ------------- 
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Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 22:35
Not sure I'd have liked Yes much if I'd started with that one
Hahah! Interesting album that one (90125) - had it leant to me, and it's pretty slick and I'm not a fan of the production, though some of the songs are certainly catchy pop tracks - like 'Owner...' of course. It's a bit 'arena rock' for me overall - though 'Hearts' has some interesting moments
Will check it out one day, thank you! Loved Yes Album & CTTE, definitely
Yeah, stellar track! I've actaully not long ago been given A,B,W&H - and despite the production which I find a little dated, I'm checking it out with some interest - 'Themes...' I liked and found 'Order of the Universe' has some great passages. Guitar is not as prominent as I like though I will definitely be getting the first 2 'Yes' albums as well, I've heard a track or do and I reckon I'd like them
Got a few albums a few months ago and this is what I liked Found 90125 a little too pop, a bit too clean production-wise too (yeah, definitely heard 'Owner...' great pop song there' - and I will check out 'Tales' for sure - the amount of hate it can get makes me very interested hahahaI listened to the cds as they hit my mailbox, Yes Album, Fragile and Close to the Edge (which suited me fine, chronological is best). In brief, I think Fragile is my least favourite (in that, I liked the others more and didn't dislike Fragile) with several standouts and the interludes not being as memorable for me. With the Yes Album I almost find myself preferring Kaye's style to Wakeman's. 'Yours is No Disgrace' and 'A Venture' were my favourite moments, but it was all pretty great. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, I found Close to the Edge to be a work of art almost - the title track has great passage after great passage and the remaining songs are superb too. I think 'Siberian Khatru' is actually my favouriote 'Yes' piece so far - been thrashing that song a bit, actually. ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: The Miracle
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 23:25
I started with that one and it took me 2 years to appreciate. Fragile on the other hand clicked almost instantly. And I'm still waiting for Relayer to click... Just sayin'. Try a couple different ones if one doesn't work. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/ocellatedgod" rel="nofollow - last.fm |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 12 2011 at 23:55
I had to make that joke because I haven't ever listened to it but I'm fairly sure if it had been my first it might have been my last. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: dreadpirateroberts
Date Posted: November 13 2011 at 01:00
Hahaha! Nice one, I know what you mean. I checked it out when I was first seeking advice here and I think part of what steered me away, was how it sounded less vital than earlier stuff and less accomplished than its immediate predecessor (though I don't like a whole heap on 90125 either). ------------- We are men of action. Lies do not become us. http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - JazzMusicArchives. |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: November 13 2011 at 05:49
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I began with 90125, then listened to proper Yes with The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge -------------
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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: November 13 2011 at 05:51
Tales from Topographic Oceans is NOT the worst prog album........... -------------
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Posted By: The Miracle
Date Posted: November 13 2011 at 15:25
It's one of the all time finest. It's something that Neal Morse and TFK have been trying to replicate for years, to no avail. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/ocellatedgod" rel="nofollow - last.fm |
Posted By: MillsLayne
Date Posted: November 13 2011 at 21:26
Agreed! I LOVE this album. Actually, I've recently come to greatly appreciate Relayer, Tales and Going For The One after having all for almost a year (newer Yes fan), but not really getting into them a whole lot. Probably just glad to hear some different Yes after numerous listens through Yes Album, Fragile and Close To The Edge. I've been on the look out for some more 'prog' Yes to try out. Is The Ladder any good, or even the first two albums? ------------- http://gamercards.exophase.com/xbox/user/MillsLayne/" rel="nofollow">  ht |
Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: November 14 2011 at 15:11
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If you are a prog beginner definitely start with Yes Album and Fragile.
CTTE and Relayer are better IMHO but less accessible and might put some people off if their ears are not a bit trained into complex 70's prog.
Or if you prefer starting by these their best albums be aware of this fact and allow them time to grow.
Don't start by TFTO for the same reason although I love it too.
YesSongs is a great "the best of the first era, live" but personally I think it's better to start by some studio albums, they play great live but the fine sound quality is always better in studio.
Some modern DVDs such as Symphonic or Tsongas can also be a great start, they sound great and you see them playing in front of your own eyes which is always a plus!
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Posted By: Aspidistra
Date Posted: November 14 2011 at 17:55
| The Yes Album, Fragile and Close to the Edge first. If you enjoyed it, move on to Relayer, Going for the One and Drama. Then try Tales from Topographic Oceans. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 14 2011 at 20:51
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My first new release experience was Tormato. I liked it then and still do. By that time I had heard all or most of the older ones.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: November 16 2011 at 19:14
| If you haven't heard it yet, just don't overlook the song Awaken. Whether you would like to get the album Going for the One, or as far as I'm concerned, Keys to Ascension better (I like much better the version on Keys than the original, but then I don't know what you think of live songs). Also from Going for the One, Turn of the Century is excellent. |
Posted By: Big Ears
Date Posted: November 18 2011 at 05:45
| I first heard the single version of Roundabout on the radio, so it would be difficult to replicate that now. When I got the album, I liked the long tracks, but the solo tracks were relatively poor and seemed to reflect the lack of cohesiveness in the band. Close to the Edge (which is consistent) and Tales From Topographic Oceans are great, but they are all long tracks and take a bit of 'getting into'. 90125 and Drama are perhaps the most accessible, but not entirely representative. I have not heard a Yes compilation, but they might be the best place to start, if they contain the single version of Roundabout, along with Yours is No Disgrace and Soon (edit from Relayer). |
Posted By: Big Ears
Date Posted: November 18 2011 at 05:57
| I've checked the tracklists on Wiki and they don't, but Yesyears and Yesstory are close and also include America. The remastered Fragile also has America. |