KEYS TO ASCENSION (DVD)

First off, the production of this DVD is terrible. The video and audio quality are decent, but half of the time Jon's vocals are out of sync, or you see Howe playing a magnificent solo but only hear basic structure lines. It's shameful of the band to release such a unrefined DVD like this.

On top of that, there is these god awful computer generated visuals,a lot of the time being shown at the best parts of songs. If I wanted to see calm dripping streams or phony computer graphics I would watch a PBS infomercial.

OK, besides those major downfalls this is actually not a bad DVD. It was filmed in 1996, at the San Luis Obispo concerts. This is where it all came together, the classic Yes reforming. Wakeman and Howe were back, Rabin nowhere to be found. The band are in good form, despite some hang ups here and there. Admittedly, Squire & Wakeman look ridiculous. You can tell Howe didn't lose his magic after all the time apart from the band, his playing is excellent. All the songs are from the classic period, and a particular treat for me was The Revealing Science of God. (Tales is my favourite Yes album, and tied with Ommadawn for all time #1!) The playing is usually pretty tame, but Howe goes on some energetic runs. No incompetence noted, that's for sure.

I would avoid this for the problems described in the first two paragraphs, though the more hardcore of fans would definitely enjoy it.