CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Robert Fripp was definitely wrong claiming that prog rock should dissolve after breakup of King Crimson in 74. Actually it should happen in 72, because after release of Close To The Edge nothing better or even similar was recorded by any rock band (Yes, Selling England By The Pound, Red and Dark Side Of The Moon including). Here Yes are exploring the spiritual heights which Genesis, King Crimson or Pink Floyd barely touched on their best efforts, and Yes only came close by recording Soon or Awaken... Only Genesis (Lamb), King Crimson, Floyd (The Wall) and first of all Van Der Graaf Generator explored the hell within a man at the same level Yes explored spiritual highness on this album. Rick Wakeman keyboards play beats Keith Emerson here (and he utilises moogs and mellotrons here, creating celestial mood), Steve Howe is overwhelming, Robert Fripp could play like that only in his wildest dreams, Chris Squire - well, I say only that forget Geddy Lee, Greg Lake and Les Claypool, Bill Bruford plays like he is going to ask who is Carl Palmer?? And Jon Anderson is at his peak, his voice of an innocent pilgrim blends with the music. The title track is perfect mixture of psychodelia (especially inspired by indian music) and symphonic/church music, constructed on a plan of sonata. From the panteist song of birds, through the indian chaos, to the harmonical choruses (vocal harmonies beats some works of Moody Blues and Gentle Giant, although they are less sophisticated) and church - like Hammonds in the climax of "I Get Up I Get Down". Yes, in fact in terms of spirituality we are only close to the edge and always go through hills and valleys. "And You And I" begins as simple folk song, although the great keyboards of Maestro Wakeman develops the tune to the spiritual heights, which reminds of the first track. Mellotron and moogs are crucial and please forget about Tangerine Dream or Jarre.. "Siberian Khatru" (which is not a race of dog) again is in completely different mood, this time it is a mixture of hard rock and jazz rock, which would be gem on any Soft Machine or Hatfield And The North Album. Sadly the album ends here. Definite masterpiece.