Listening to YES: YESSONGS - Part 2 

I got this album for my 16th birthday in 1973 and played it to death on my £10 Woolworths portable record player (Red). A couple of months later my godfather who was an acoustics engineer said he'd built a Hi-Fi sound system. Not knowing what he was talking about he said "bring a couple of your records round and I'll show you" . I walked into his living room and he had two 6' speakers connected to this amazing console that looked like something out of Star Trek. Yessongs was the first album I offered and Ziggy Stardust was the other. When he put Yessongs on I was nearly blown out of the room. I can't remember the spec's of the system after all these years but I've never seen a rig like it in all the intervening years. Keep up the good work Jim, you really are much appreciated. Best wishes

hearing this again after quite a long time reminds me of how genuine this live album is. Not sterilized and disinfected or overdubbed into studio quality. One of the best captures of a real performance of any live album.

Thank you Jim for reacting to what many people consider the best live album ever. Yes some people complain about the sound but I would tell them to shut up and enjoy.

This version of "Perpetual Change" is so ridiculously good. It simply mops the floor with the more timid studio version. I was super excited when they brought it back in 1999, only to be let down because someone (Steve Howe, I'm guessing) decided they needed to slavishly stick to the studio tempo and energy level. It becomes a completely different animal when given this kind of kick in the ass. And you can really understand how Yes fared better than all their prog contemporaries with American audiences in the early 70's, who ate this kind off thing up. Plus how cool that, even though he's only on three songs, it's Bill who gets a solo on Yessongs. Re: Yes' wealth of amazing songs, it's why for some people Yessongs is really the only album you need. It features the best of the "main cycle" albums (TYA, Fragile, and CTTE). For me, this recording of "And You And I" is important because it captures Steve Howe's first time on tour with the Gibson double-neck, an instrument he must not have liked too much because he put it behind him as soon as possible. More important was that this was the first tour with the Fender Duo pedal steel (he used a lap steel for the studio recording), an instrument he came to love by comparison.

Hi Jim! Agreed I think the sound quality is better than side 1. I think Perpetual Change does not get the credit it deserves. It's a phenomenal song.

Thx Jim! Bill Bruford plays drums on Perpetual Change…and you can tell! This is the best version of the song I’ve ever heard! Simply wonderful 🥁

Nothing but perfection of these Yes Classics !! Bruford really putting his mark on Perpetual Change, Bill the King of the "Rimshot Snare" and as always Howe's Soloing so much better Live !! 👍🎼🥁🎸🎶✌ ..... 💛💙 What I have always Loved about Yes over the years is that they love to "stretch their legs" Live and give the members a chance to shine and show their musicianship !! I That's what I Love about so many Top Classic Prog bands, the musicianship 👍 And I Love that Prog always bothered the "Simpletons at Rags like Rolling Stone mag that only could keep up with 4/4 time !!! 😆

Best. Band. Ever. Another great video. Thanks Jim!

Hi Jim; A great video, great side, fantastic band and all anyone can say is WOW. Now you know why so many yes fans say they have been to 15+ concerts. Yes live at that time were in orbit. Yes fans knew the songs extremely well. I always thought the band knew that so they had to put in place so many surprises and changes just to show the fans they were never static and would go that extra mile for them. This side showcases that and is the reason why you could never go to enough Yes concerts. At that time they were beyond musical geniuses. So we have this time capsule legacy of greatness for those who can never see classic Yes live. Jim enjoy the ride! We did.

Great reaction, I can't wait until you get to Yesshows, it's the same as this, but covering Tales, Relayer and Going For The One.

I sometimes feel sorry for those people who will never be able to see YES as they were. I know there were some very very good bands around, who were at the top, but YES were something else ….. and a shame we will never hear their like again. If you want to see Roger Dean’s art work in all it’s glory, then you will have to go down to Trading Boundaries, the home of Roger’s work, just past Forest Row on the Lewis road. Come on side 3. Great show Jim…again.

I first heard / saw this concert on BBC2 broadcast with a similtaneous stereo live broadcast on FM Radio 2, so you could watch and hear it in stereo hifi at the same time, known as 'Sight & Sound in concert'. My favourite Yes Album and this version of 'And You and I' made me a Yes fan. Steve Howe's solo on Yours is no Disgrace is probably the best guitar solo you will ever hear.

Awesome reaction! By the way that frantic section in the middle section of Perpetual Change was there on the studio version, but on Yessongs it’s much longer and Rick Wakeman adds his own flair to it.

Yeah, you had to be there! Yes live we’re why I loved them so much. Studio albums were great obviously, but their live performances were a different level ♥️

This would drop just before I'm about to go to bed! Loving the commentary.

Perpetual change is one of my all time favorite songs, not just by YES but for any music anywhere! Bill shows his pure genius along with Chris on this total masterpiece!And You And I is one of the greatest love songs , universally of all time. I close my eyes in a dark room and a smile comes to my face. Pure joy!

Perpetual Change was a definitely the major highlight of Yes' later shows with Bill in the early 70's. My personal favourite one is from the Yale Bowl '71, you can find it on the expanded Blu Ray audio version of Steven Wilson's remix of The Yes Album or bootlegs. There is another great live version on bootleg with the same lineup as captured on YesSongs from San Bernardino '72 where they add a funk jam after Bill's drum solo. The sound quality is rough but the performance is a real blinder.

Your right Jim, And You And I has Always been a incredible Emotional Masterpiece that just washes over you and effect your soul also I think !! ☺🎼🎶 The later Live version of this on Song From Tsongas in May, 2004' in Lowell, MA. a concert I was at just 35 miles from were I live during their 35th Anniversary tour with the Classic lineup and a Roger Dean stage was just Bloody Amazing !!! Subtle changes, great Fender Steel guitar work from Howe and a nice Harmonica part from Squire that fits nicely that was done on Bass earlier, here's a link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1sArhKK7lss.html .... Enjoy ✌ Amazing lights and stage shot during the climax of the song, very moving !! Sadly weeks after this tour was over is when Jon found out he had serious trout health issues, Cancer and then the surgery that save his life but never singing for Yes again 😔

I think one of the reasons I like your reactions above others is that they always seem very honest and from the heart. This album was my starting point with Yes, and showed me that music could go to places that I didn’t even know existed. Looking forward to the rest of the album!

Hey Jim! Back to my Fav band! As I have said I’m a huge fan and had the pleasure of seeing them Live 48+ times. I’ve been here for a lot of your reactions of Yes albums…but hearing them live here has me feeling what it’s like to see these songs played live! Picture the huge venue, energy is really high- you can feel it from other Yes fans! Music is loud and they’re spot on - with awesome vibes being sent out from them -they’re playing their asses off! Woooot! ❤ You feel the vibrations of the music in your body and you are high on it! Jon’s voice is amazing! You feel it for a couple days after concert! I’ve also had the crazy memories of front row many times! Have you ever had your Fav bassist or guitarist play For you? Literally stand in front of you make eye contact, smile and play there to you!! 😊😂 Talk about an experience! Chris has played in front of me and I’ve got cool photos of him and Steve! You’ve brought back those memories tonight!😊 Great to watch and listen along with You!

Fantastic reaction, Jim! Would I mislead you? When I said some, if not all, of these classic tracks were elevated on this album, I was dead serious. I'm so glad you're enjoying!

What you said during "And You And I," about it being "orgasmic..." This is true, it presents several climactic moments, it expresses tension and release in such a dramatic way.

Glad you like it, Jim. Yes took Perpetual Change and You and I to a brand new level with these performances. Perpetual Change is much expanded and more fully developed here. Takes you to a new plane. In ny opinion the songs on this album are the gold standard definitive versions of the songs appearing on the album. Incredible that it's all live.

The first time I saw Yes was on the Close to the Edge tour at the Spectrum in Philly. I was 15 at the time. Afterward I said to my friend who I went there with, "That was like a two hour orgasm!"

IMAGINE THIS! in 1971 at 15 years old going to my Skating Rink but venue is booked for concert with YES opening for Jethro Tull. Without knowing these bands by name we went in and YES were already performing "Perpetual Change" with Bruford on a small stage! The section 4/5th to drum solo are not on the studio version In a Word, LIFECHANGING. They've written the BEST SONG EVER. time and time again so seeing them Live they was pure transcendence beyond belief. I'll say it; They were spiritually ORGASMIC!

The pinnacle live albums in my life are Yessongs, The Song Remains the Same and ELP's WBMFTTSTNE. 👍 I'm old. 😂

I feel somehow "aligned" with the band, the Universe and everyone who listens to Yes. And then I feel clever.

Greatest Live Album of All Time!

👍👍👍👍👍👍………….😉 Best half hour, I’ve spent today……thanks Jim

Such mastery right across the whole album Jim😀 enjoyed your reaction so much. You are listening to Yes songs at the correct juncture. Having listened & knowing the studio tracks well. Very much looking forward to the rest of the album 10/10 orgasmic factor lol 🤣

Wonderful reaction Jim! So excited for the rest of the record!

Yes live was always tremendous. Like you said, "next level." Then I would see another good band and think, "yeah, but..." Really no comparison. Plus, the crowds were always so rowdy. And my favorite "And You and I" story: in 2004, at the 35th anniversary tour, a few minutes before the end, all of a sudden, the crowd of 15,000 collectively rose at the same time. I called it a "whoosh moment." Something compelled everyone up, including me, and they stayed cheering until the end. You should listen/watch more Yes live.

Yay, a new Jim member after me!

I've played that album so many times I could close my eyes and play it in my head just remembering right now.👍😎

Yes !!! Chris Squire's "Rickenbacker 4001" Fantastic sound !! 👍🎶🎼

For a live record to capture the hitherto unknown wallop of this band in such a way that it moves us who bought it when it was new as powerfully as we can see it smacking you - that's why live records were so popular in the mid 70s. Nothing can prepare you for its impact. So, so fun to relive the musical carnage with you.

I'd seen Yes several times in the 70s. They had this INCREDIBLE light & stage show that, although a separate production, went with the music in a near surreal experience.

Yes in concert.. great great performers. I remember that album with 3 lps. Fantastic

Love this album. As far as Yes being a musical orgasm , all I can say is multiple. I don't mean it in a crude way either. Yes music feeds the soul, it flows through the body in such a refreshing uplifting way. With Yes music being so long, my musical soul is given a long wonderful ride when listening to Yes. I never thought about it, but your analogy fits. Cheers.

Jim..im 62..this album was my christmas gift..many years ago...i still have it

YES! 😊 Perpetual Change was absolutely amazing live on this album!

Ahhhhhh... Brings me back!

Back in the day I actually didn't go to any Yes concerts because it was the studio Yes I liked and doubted that they could reproduce it on stage. In fact when Yessongs came out it confirmed my thoughts at the time. Finally in the mid eighties I went simply because they were still around and discovered that I was right, but that the live music was a great experience because it was different, maybe not always better, but great because it was another opportunity to enjoy Yes. It was a spiritual experience. More recently I've seen them (both versions of the touring band) four times and it's still great. Thanks for reminding me of this album. I have a new appreciation for it.

Great reaction Jim!

The tracks with Bill Bruford were recorded on the Fragile tour, and the bulk of the album on the Close to the Edge tour. Seven shows from the CttE tour that were recorded and formed the bulk of the album were released as a 14-disc box set called Progeny with extensive liner notes detailing the issues with the original tapes and a faulty noise reduction, and how they improved it. I don’t believe those issues affected the Fragile tour recordings, which is why they sound different on Yessongs.

That right there Jim is why YES is the greatest band ever!🤩

What a great side! Even this early into the 70s, they had quite the discography built up. And You And I is my personal favourite.

mesmerizing Jim, i have three of this album, i love listening to this album, in total darkness, with headphones my all-time fav live album, amazing reaction again Jim.

You should check out the YesSongs concert video. See them at their very best

Steve howe solo on perpetual...fantastic

Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth 🙏🍁

Best ever version of Perpetual Change, Steve showcase and Jon sounds wonderful

Wonderful, wonderful reaction to a wonderful, wonderful side of music, Jim. Thank you.

I once commented to a friend, about the take of PCh, that "Bill Bruford is drumming like a young god here". He was 22 when the three songs with him on this album were recorded - absolutely amazing! :)

Absolutely fantastic to hear this album again

Goosebumps... pure and true, not unlike the first time i saw yessongs on TV. Mesmerizing. Amazing. Exhilarating. There is and will never again be a band like Yes.

Great slbum. Great live performers

yes jim its all on the original album track

I just checked back on Perpetual Change. It's 9 minutes long on The YesAlbum and 14 minutes here. Did I say that less is more? What was I thinking?

Absolutely phenomenal bass playing by Chris Squire on Perpetual Change, especially the instrumental bit. God Bless Chris, still the greatest bass player ever.

I bought the Japanese 'Vinyl' CD edition of this album a few years ago. The attention to detail is great. A fantastic album too! Haven't heard this for a while, so thanks for reminding me!

I just got done doing some of the artwork from this album! I am giving it to my brother who went to a YES concert with me!!!❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

It’s good to see u again Jim!!

Best band ever...my all-time favorite! I've seen them 5 times. The album artwork is by Roger Dean, also my favorite. He did the album art for Asia also.

Pure genius.

Looks like some is conducting this life performance..it is perfect!!!

Most modern bands would struggle to create music like this in the studio with unlimited digital tracks, modern studio techniques and unlimited retakes and yet these lunatics went out and performed them live. Insane. Gates of Delirium off Yesshows still blows my mind. How can you play that live?? Spoiler: they did.

Wakeman was'nt on The Yes Album so this is his take on Perpetual Change. The Yes Album is also one of the only albums in Yes long history which have Howe and Kaye playing.

That guitar solo remains these minutes of glory. Steve Howe and C Squire take that song to a higher level. Especially the breakdown, and rise-up, with Wakeman on the chords behind. I know every note of the solo. And that is IMo the best part about it: aside from the chops, and the sound, you can sing that whole solo. It is not mindless running up and down of scales.

Bill knows yes, he is bass.

my favorite version of And You and I

My older sister saw them 3 times in the 70's. I was too young. I am now still too jealous after all these years. 😂

Hey Jim! Side 2! Love it! You will too!👍😎

I saw the classic lineup 12 to 15 times. Including firts concert cellebrating 30 years in ..in seatle

The key to listening to this album is that you've got to TURN IT UP!!

I had this on 8 track and then wore out the cassette. When I got to CD'S it was a God send

Yes Jim, it's Amazing !!! ?:^) I've had to go buy the improved CD version after listening to this! _...like the Elvis hairstyle? Ah, back when I had hair!_

I love how Bruford's drum solo sounds like he's falling down, but somehow manages to keep playing the drums... while he's falling down... 😎

Funny anecdote Steve Howe talking about Bill Bruford. He said Bill would say to him before a show, "I'm going to play all new fills tonight." Steve would beg, "Please don't do that!" And Bruford would do it anyway! LOL So this performance may be one of a kind! Who the heck knows what Bruford played at the next show!

Heard this record so many times in almost fifty years. Nowadays, if I want to listen to Yes playing live, I play the blu-ray Live in Montreux. I have other live concerts too but they are on dvd. And you and I is my most favorite song. 😄Dutch in general have less problems with using terms like orgasm. We just say it in whatever context.

Wait till you hear Jethro Tull drum solos (e.g. on their live album 'Bursting Out).

Also..i remember a tour in latam.. saw the in brazil and 2 weks later in mexico city

I mean, how good is Steve Howe!! Perpetual Change - so amazing.

50 years old in 2023

I bought this when first released, still got it and still love it. Would you agree this version of You and I is better than the original studio version.

And You And I sounds a lot muddier than Perpetual Change -- different venues, different material, obviously. It occurs to me that when I first bought this at 15, my much-loved but crappy stereo wouldn't show up the distinction -- it all sounded muddy.

Don't forget the magical Wakeman factor. He was only brought into the studio during the early FRAGILE work as a paid session man, and they just about stong-armed him into the group against his will. Rick had all this music smarts from his studies at the Royal College, and the track AND YOU AND I shows his music theory chops especially well. The group that were together for THE YES ALBUM couldn't have done that. Wakeman was the afterburner to the Yes turbojet. His music theory understading was far abovehis mere keyboard chops.

Yes at their best was not a "rock" band... They took it to another place and transcended rock. To call them "rock" is an insult. The crafting of these compositions with their song writing skills and creativity paired with their prowess with their instruments made them special. Each member had a unique sound of their own and instead of these different styles, influences and egos clashing, they created something magical. It really was amazing artistry.

Yesshows is just as good.Please review this when you can.

I think you were going for Eargasm :)

I always thought that Alan White overdid his fills. You can hear it on all the close to the edge songs

Excellence

Love Rodger dean Anand Eddie of Ford , art work and producing members 6&7

except for the extended ending that is

When Bruford left Yes their sound changed dramatically and not necessarily for the better. White was a much looser rock type of drummer while Bruford was intricate and precise.

I'm guessing if they made that triple album today, that they'd have to sell it for $100 to make any kind of profit on it. Just a guess : )

Roger dean...cover

There is a music video of this album. a very long video.

♥🎼🎹🎸🥁🎶🎶

It's a great album which I thoroughly enjoy and I love the perspective in these videos, but let's not kid ourselves. Yessongs was a studio effort not unlike Kiss Alive. The live material in Yessongs is minimal. But it still sounds awesome.