TIME AND A WORD

I have to say that the first thing that caught my eye was the surprisingly provocative cover of the Yes album Time And A Word. It was 1970 and this definitely was not a normal album cover for that time. It was a far cry from the science fiction covers that Roger Dean would create. In 2003, a cover like this would not make 10-year-old bat an eyelash, sad but true.

What I also find amazing about this album is that it was only the band's second effort. Rather than stay with the same successful formula (musically, not related to actual album sales) of the first release they dipped their toes into unknown waters by adding an orchestra to their compositions. This album is daring to say the least for a band that was trying to become established. This kind of courage would mark the beginning of many transitions for a band unafraid to step out and try something new. In the future change would become their ally. The next time they would record and tour in this design would be on Magnification (which is an excellent album), released thirty-one years later in 2001. To say that this particular album is a landmark, is putting it mildly. In retrospect, how many bands have done the same thing in progressive rock since? It really does boggle the mind the sheer importance of Yes and their recorded history.

Once again, the bonus tracks are generous (four) and interesting liner notes make your overall experience more enriching. The always-terrific sound gives the original recording a new lease on life. I have found listening to all of these remasters a fascinating trip, particularly this one because it was so different. Listening to a band's profuse expansion and change in their musical range, sometimes dramatically, is a rewarding experience indeed.

It's funny; I was looking at the black and white photo of the band in the CD tray and noticed how Peter Banks looked a lot like Joe Perry of Aerosmith. That has nothing to do with the music but it struck me that there can be so much commonality found in music yet so many differences.but then in same token people can look so much alike. I guess it is just another paradox of life, another page out of the novel written by the group Yes.