KEYS TO ASCENSION 2

Excellent live album, on par with yessongs in terms of overall satisfaction. While the musicians are not young anymore and some of the improvisational nature of the past is gone, they still know how to put a good show here. The sound quality is excellent and the songs are carefully played to excellence.

The second disc of this live album is on part with the first one. The re-interpretation of "Time and a Word" is very good. It's changed from beatlesque pop to a classical-oriented happy tune. The melancholic "Turn of the Century" is without a doubt better than the studio version. The guitar playing is beautiful, Jon sounds at his best, the percussion takes a bigger presence, and the instrumental section is irresistible: a work of unquestioned genius. "And You and I" and "Close to the Edge", while they are present in various live albums, they are still an outstanding listen just because the compositions are masterpieces. "I've Seen All Good People" is as good as ever, though you probably heard it a million times if you are a yes fan or listen to classic rock stations. "Going for the One" has better arrangements, making it sound less messy, though I never really liked that tune to be honest.

The studio tracks are again exciting in that period of time due to the beloved musicians being together again and making new music, though they are not spectacular. Also, the way they are arranged does not make much sense. "Sign Language" should be in the middle as it is an elegant mellow instrumental that should not be left as an afterthought to the dreamy outro of "Children of Light" which would make sense as a climax. "Bring me to the Power" is weak and leaves no lasting impression. "Mind Drive" has an excellent first several minutes, starting in a similar manner to "That, That is" and developing into a powerful rocker driven by a simple one-note riff that alternates time signatures of 8/8 and 6/8. Unfortunately, it later features a repugnant verse-chorus section, unimpressive instrumental sections and a noisy and disappointing finish. The best tracks are the upbeat rocker "Foot Prints" with the bass loud in the mix, and "Children of Light".