Short review of H&E from The Guardian

[p***@msn.com]

"The last men standing among the major 70s progressive rock bands are no longer the band they once were, with choirboy-on-acid singer Jon Anderson now replaced by Jon Davison. Despite the inevitable grumbling, Davison's been doing a good job on stage, and he captures Anderson's distinctive tones on record, too. Producer Roy Thomas Baker - best known for his work with Queen - gives the album a rich, 70s sound, and the material is solid enough, flavoured with Steve Howe's distinctive, rippling guitar and Geoff Downes' retro keyboard. What's missing is the ambitious scope of their heyday, and the vitality of the younger generation of progressive rock bands. At times, Heaven and Earth verges on the twee, and there's a distinct AOR flavour throughout, with only occasional flashes of the Yes of old. Only the closing mini-epic Subway Walls will excite fans of the original band, as Downes and Howe solo over a Chris Squire bass riff, building to a symphonic rock climax.' Three out of Five Stars

well, Subway Walls is the closest thing on the album to strong prog music. But on my fourth listen (and last for awhile if ever again) songs like IaWoOO just grate on my musical ear and harken back to the most vacuous parts of OYE.

Too bad, was hoping Davison would spark something in the others...

Jim

[p***@gmail.com]

Post by p***@msn.com
Producer Roy Thomas Baker - best known for his work with Queen - gives the album a rich, 70s sound, and the material is solid enough, flavoured with Steve Howe's distinctive, rippling guitar and Geoff Downes' retro keyboard.

'retro' = rudimentary. And just one.

Dan "mini-epic" X

[y***@hotmail.com]

What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily basis. If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve the album & not think about it again. Those who do enjoy H&E (which by the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their opinion changing & are mature enough to say so), are never going to be swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage, tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it & is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.

--

Paul

[p***@msn.com]

Post by y***@hotmail.com
What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily basis.

Paul, have you noticed that the whole point of amy is to post about YES.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve the album & not think about it again.

Bully for you, you are a good and righteous man.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Those who do enjoy H&E (which by the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their opinion changing & are mature enough to say so),

Oh, the truth comes out, the mature like the album or their opinion is changing and they are mature enough to say so...

Post by y***@hotmail.com
are never going to be swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?

Why? what pointless arrogant gibberish on your part...and lots of us don't like it and find it to be a big disappointment...but then, did you notice the review posted was rather on the fair to midlin variety? 3 stars?

Post by y***@hotmail.com
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage, tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it & is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.

Why do you think anyone would need to "talk themselves in to hating the band?" The new album is bland ... if the youtube videos are any indication, the band is with Downes and Davison is at best o.k. Glad you enjoy it. I wish I did. But have no need to put you down for your tastes.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Paul

I'll save my money for a band that earns the money for a ticket. Enjoy the show...

Jim

[y***@hotmail.com]

Post by p***@msn.com
Why do you think anyone would need to "talk themselves in to hating the band?" The new album is bland ... if the youtube videos are any indication, the band is with Downes and Davison is at best o.k. Glad you enjoy it. I wish I did. But have no need to put you down for your tastes.
Sounds like people are able to talk themselves in to liking something that when they >>listen to it, they don't really like.

Rather condescending and insulting to boot. Some might even call that a "put down", I don't talk myself into liking *anything*, if I did, I'd likely have liked Anderson's (who remains my favorite vocalist ever) mini-epic "Open" a lot more than I do, but it really does nothing for me, countless listens later, there's just no "talking myself into liking it".

--

Paul

[p***@msn.com]

Post by y***@hotmail.com

Post by p***@msn.com
Why do you think anyone would need to "talk themselves in to hating the band?" The new album is bland ... if the youtube videos are any indication, the band is with Downes and Davison is at best o.k. Glad you enjoy it. I wish I did. But have no need to put you down for your tastes.
Sounds like people are able to talk themselves in to liking something that when they >>listen to it, they don't really like.

Nice job quoting me without context. As you recall and know, I was responding directly to a review of the album and a comments that sound like just that someone talking themselves in to liking something when they listen to it they don't really like...describing what is disappointing and mediocre about it and talking oneself in to liking it anyway because it's YES.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Rather condescending and insulting to boot.

Well, we are tossing opinions around are we not...

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Some might even call that a "put down", I don't talk myself into liking *anything*, if I did,

Good for you, it's a bad idea to talk yourself in to liking something you don't like.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
I'd likely have liked Anderson's (who remains my favorite vocalist ever) mini-epic "Open" a lot more than I do, but it really does nothing for me, countless listens later, there's just no "talking myself into liking it".

Open was a rather feckless meandering bit of Anderson music, a few good moments but not worth many listens recently. I liked Survival and Other Stories a lot more.
So you know Paul, if you felt put down, I'd suggest getting over it. You like it, I don't. I don't hate it. you didn't talk yourself in to liking it...and, the music for me is still as bland as bland can be. I don't hate it. I hated almost all of OYE...this is more like apathy.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
--
Paul

[p***@msn.com]

Post by p***@msn.com
Why do you think anyone would need to "talk themselves in to hating the band?"

Paul, now if you were paying attention and I assume you were, you would see this:

"but I can see why some of the fans like it...it's longer. There are solos. It at least seems likes they are trying in parts of the tune. But it just doesn't take off for me.

If this music showed up on the Prog CD and I'd never heard of YES, I don't think I could give it more than a couple of listens.

But, I will say after listening to the music again, they do seem to be trying. And that is the saddest part. Davison did not bring enough of a muse, enough song-writing chops, a soaring or interesting voice, to make up for the lack of song-writing from Chris or Steve. Downes is at best filler. Alan is getting old for a drummer and it shows. He's not even forward in the mix.

The muddled mess is not the worst thing ever. But honestly, if YES did not have a history, a fan base, would anyone in the music world buy this?"

that's some pretty feckless hating if you ask me...

Jim

[Adam]

Post by y***@hotmail.com
What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it
necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily
basis. If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve
the album & not think about it again. Those who do enjoy H&E (which by
the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their
opinion changing & are mature enough to say so), are never going to be
swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to
post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from
today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage,
tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the
few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it &
is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a
good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating
the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.
--
Paul

I don't think you're allowed to post here unless you actively and
vehemently hate the current version of Yes. At least, not without taking a
lot of grief for it.

Personally I saw them in 2012, and liked it well enough, although I have to
admit that they had lost a step or two. (I'd seen them with JA multiple
times previously.) Shows where a band plays (a) whole album(s) leave me
cold, so I skipped the last tour and the current one. I haven't heard much
from the new album and don't do torrents, but I'll buy it when it comes out
next week. Unlike most here, I liked FFH a lot. Like many here, I'd
rather they were playing with JA again, but that seems highly unlikely to
happen.

[p***@msn.com]

Post by Adam
I don't think you're allowed to post here unless you actively and
vehemently hate the current version of Yes.

I don't vehemently hate the current version of YES...I think the new album is bland at best and annoying at worst. Wished Davison had brought some better writing chops and got the old timers fired up. And he's better than Benoit...

I think you post here and post anything you like about YES.

Post by Adam
At least, not without taking a
lot of grief for it.

Or take grief for supposedly not being "mature" enough to like H&E and the current lineup

Post by Adam
Like many here, I'd
rather they were playing with JA again, but that seems highly unlikely to
happen.

Personally, I think Jon's doing fine and doing what he's most capable of doing right now. His solo show and an occasional appearance with an orchestra, school of rock, etc.

I no longer wish for reunion.

I'd like the band to retire.

Jim

[Adam]

Post by p***@msn.com

Post by Adam
I don't think you're allowed to post here unless you actively and
vehemently hate the current version of Yes.

I don't vehemently hate the current version of YES...I think the new
album is bland at best and annoying at worst. Wished Davison had brought
some better writing chops and got the old timers fired up. And he's better than Benoit...
I think you post here and post anything you like about YES.

Post by Adam
At least, not without taking a
lot of grief for it.

Or take grief for supposedly not being "mature" enough to like H&E and the current lineup

Post by Adam
Like many here, I'd
rather they were playing with JA again, but that seems highly unlikely to
happen.

Personally, I think Jon's doing fine and doing what he's most capable of
doing right now. His solo show and an occasional appearance with an
orchestra, school of rock, etc.

I haven't caught his solo show (had tix for the last tour but got the flu
and missed it), but I saw his tour with Wakeman and really enjoyed it.

[JJ (UK)]

wrote in message news:6afbd1d5-60ae-4410-a1fd-***@googlegroups.com...

I no longer wish for reunion.

I'd like the band to retire.

Jim
----------
Same here. Actually I get the feeling that the band members would probably
quite like to retire too...but don't feel they can afford to.

JJ (UK)

[y***@hotmail.com]

wrote in message news:6afbd1d5-60ae-4410-a1fd-***@googlegroups.com...

I no longer wish for reunion.

I'd like the band to retire.

Jim
----------
Same here. Actually I get the feeling that the band members would probably
quite like to retire too...but don't feel they can afford to.

JJ (UK)
-----


Serious question: Why? You don't like the current lineup, or what they're doing, or the new album, I get that, that's fine. But why would you wish to deny those of us that still enjoy their live & studio stuff? Why not just _not_ go, _not_ buy the album(s), & just enjoy the old stuff that you still like? Why would it matter to you if they retired or not?

--

Paul

[p***@msn.com]

Post by p***@msn.com
I no longer wish for reunion.
I'd like the band to retire.
Jim
----------
Same here. Actually I get the feeling that the band members would probably
quite like to retire too...but don't feel they can afford to.
JJ (UK)
-----
Serious question: Why? You don't like the current lineup, or what they're doing, or the new album, I get that, that's fine. But why would you wish to deny those of us that still enjoy their live & studio stuff? Why not just _not_ go, _not_ buy the album(s), & just enjoy the old stuff that you still like? Why would it matter to you if they retired or not?
--
Paul

Paul, because I think the new music is to YES what Love Beach was to ELP. So, my personal wish is they retire.

That's all...but you have some issue with me now, clearly, since JJ said the same thing and your not preaching to him.

Glad you like the new music. To me, a once glorious band ran the fans through the muck a couple times too many with Benoit, FFH and now H&E. Did hope Davison would bring something to the table, but he did not.

But you see, Paul, this is all aesthetics and taste. And it's a newsgroup about YES. and my opinion, yours, they are just that, opinions about our own subjective opinions.

Now, Ponty and Anderson, hmmm...I have interest in that. And will spend my money to go see them in Aspen and...if someone else wishes they didn't perform, why would I care?

Jim

[y***@hotmail.com]

I have no issue with you whatsoever dude, you'll note I quoted both of you, I was asking both of you because you share the same sentiment. We're clearly on opposite sides of the fence regarding the band & their new work, but that's fine too, keeps things interesting hehe ;)
I confess, I bought Love Beach when it came out lol, I probably bought 5 or more albums every week back then (when I moved to California I sold them all--turns out I had over 1200 LPs), I can't remember a single song from it, obviously I shelved it early on.
I can't compare it in any way to H&E though. I'm not fond of one of the songs, the rest I like to varying degrees, but the ones I like the most I like very much indeed. See, I'm more into *beauty* in music these days, melodies, harmonies, & H&E has both in spades, a song like To Ascend is gorgeous to me, I don't care if it doesn't rock like Release Release, I won't compare the new stuff to what came before, I take it on its own terms and maybe that's why I like it so much.
As to dragging the fans through the muck, it started long, long before Benoit. I'd say it began with Peter, then Tony........etc.

Monday night I saw a band clearly enjoying themselves, and other than the opening SK (which was a bit slow--for years now they've needed a while to warm up) the tempos were good, in fact CttE fairly galloped along, at least compared to versions from the last 10-15 years, and at one point near the start Howe was windmilling his arm to the rest, signifying he wanted them to pick it up even more, they were tight, lots of energy, sound was good, all in all a band in good musical shape so why on earth would they consider packing it in? The audience was hugely responsive, genuine standing ovations all night long, clearly I'm not the only person who enjoys them live these days.

As to APB, I'm glad they hit their total, I'm a backer myself, and I really hope the music ends up being more than JA just singing over top of pre-written material, hope there's some genuine collaboration in the writing department. Time will tell.

Back to Yes, and to flip your final comment, why should you care if they carry on?

--

Paul

[p***@msn.com]

Post by y***@hotmail.com
I have no issue with you whatsoever dude, you'll note I quoted both of you, I was asking both of you because you share the same sentiment. We're clearly on opposite sides of the fence regarding the band & their new work, but that's fine too, keeps things interesting hehe ;)

You like the current lineup; others don't...so?

Post by y***@hotmail.com
I confess, I bought Love Beach when it came out lol, I probably bought 5 or more albums every week back then (when I moved to California I sold them all--turns out I had over 1200 LPs), I can't remember a single song from it, obviously I shelved it early on.

That you bought Love Beach with that cover...well that explains the gullibility part. hehe ;)

Post by y***@hotmail.com
I can't compare it in any way to H&E though. I'm not fond of one of the songs, the rest I like to varying degrees, but the ones I like the most I like very much indeed.

What, did you get a bit of Howe speak or Anderson spacy there lad?

Post by y***@hotmail.com
See, I'm more into *beauty* in music these days, melodies, harmonies,

Well, hmmm, I like melodies and harmonies quite a bit, in YES music and elsewhere.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
& H&E has both in spades,

A spade would be good for burying your copy of the CD. I find the melodies lacking and the harmonies bland to the core.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
a song like To Ascend is gorgeous to me, I don't care if it doesn't rock like Release Release, I won't compare the new stuff to what came before, I take it on its own terms and maybe that's why I like it so much.

To Ascend, it's o.k. I guess. Just not much happening, a bit like a song written by someone who just learned to play a few cords. So the song structure doesn't over much. The lyrics...o.k. And really, it's the best they could do at this point. So as a fan for 42 years now, yes, my opinion is shut it down, retire.

It's not about comparison. I didn't compare Magnification to the old stuff when listening. And I found plenty to like. Lots to like for me on the Ladder too. Not so much on OYE or KTA I. I take it on it's own terms too and find it lacking, droll, dull, cloying, see...I don't like, you do. So what?

Post by y***@hotmail.com
As to dragging the fans through the muck, it started long, long before Benoit. I'd say it began with Peter, then Tony........etc.

How did the fans get dragged through the muck, we lost Peter to gain Steve. We lost Tony and got Rick...along with some excellent high quality music?

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Monday night I saw a band clearly enjoying themselves, and other than the opening SK (which was a bit slow--for years now they've needed a while to warm up) the tempos were good, in fact CttE fairly galloped along, at least compared to versions from the last 10-15 years,

The old guys got CTTE up to speed after 10 years of playing it like snails. Wow, let's through a party? really...look, glad you enjoyed it. It's not up to snuff for me. Hey, at least Anderson and Ponty are rearranging some classic tunes. YES could have done so much in the last few years, took some chances, they haven't.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
and at one point near the start Howe was windmilling his arm to the rest, signifying he wanted them to pick it up even more, they were tight, lots of energy, sound was good, all in all a band in good musical shape so why on earth would they consider packing it in? The audience was hugely responsive, genuine standing ovations all night long, clearly I'm not the only person who enjoys them live these days.

I'm glad for all of you that enjoy it. Seriously, I would never begrudge someone their enjoyment of music.

See, I think you fall to grasp the concept of a music newsgroup. It is just opinions. And you jump on me, tell me I'm negative, and question why I'm posting negative thoughts. And now, it's I have an issue with you or something when I just give you a bit of s--t back in jest.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
As to APB, I'm glad they hit their total, I'm a backer myself, and I really hope the music ends up being more than JA just singing over top of pre-written material, hope there's some genuine collaboration in the writing department. Time will tell.

I thoroughly enjoyed Survival and Other Stories and think it has more energy than H&E and FFH combined. and who cares how they music came about?

Open, didn't like so much.

Yes, I hope Anderson Ponty Band hits a musical homerun, time will tell.

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Back to Yes, and to flip your final comment, why should you care if they carry on?

Because I think they are an embarrassment ...

Post by y***@hotmail.com
Paul

why should you care that I care?

do you see the irony of you going on about my opinion that the band ought to retire?

But seriously, glad you like the music. As I've said, I wish I did too.

Jim

[y***@hotmail.com]

Post by JJ (UK)
I'm surprised you've not come across the saying before, if you're English

(I'd expect a non-Brit to not have heard of it). Maybe it's a bit old
fashioned, or a regional thing...I'll have to look it up! :)

Lancashire has it's own particular (and peculiar) regional slang as well. Can't you just say what it means without looking it up?

--

Paul

[r***@gmail.com]

Post by JJ (UK)

Post by JJ (UK)
I'm surprised you've not come across the saying before, if you're English

(I'd expect a non-Brit to not have heard of it). Maybe it's a bit old
fashioned, or a regional thing...I'll have to look it up! :)
Lancashire has it's own particular (and peculiar) regional slang as well. Can't you just say what it means without looking it up?
--
Paul

I have been reading this interesting thread in the elbow room with rapt attention. This is the room where we have installed the new OLED telly. Whilst I am no fan of Yes, or of any rock star act, I daresay the new Yes album is positively smashing, and has had a singularly refreshing impact upon our friends and family.

And Bob's your uncle, as we say.

[p***@msn.com]

Post by r***@gmail.com
I have been reading this interesting thread in the elbow room with rapt attention. This is the room where we have installed the new OLED telly.

How's the OLED telly, as smashing as they say?

Post by r***@gmail.com
Whilst I am no fan of Yes, or of any rock star act, I daresay the new Yes album is positively smashing, and has had a singularly refreshing impact upon our friends and family.

Jolly good...

Jim

[JJ (UK)]

Serious question: Why? You don't like the current lineup, or what they're
doing, or the new album, I get that, that's fine. But why would you wish to
deny those of us that still enjoy their live & studio stuff? Why not just
_not_ go, _not_ buy the album(s), & just enjoy the old stuff that you still
like? Why would it matter to you if they retired or not?

--

Paul

-----------
I don't wish to deny you anything. I'm glad you're enjoying what they're
doing, it's just that to me they're a mere shadow of their former selves.

I should check out some more recent videos of their live performances, I
suppose - after all sometimes things change for the better - but the last
stuff I saw was not only slow (and I acknowledge your point that their
tempos are better now) but Steve Howe's guitar tone was also weedy and weak.

I listened to Fly From Here a few weeks ago and while I found it to be not
as bad as I was expecting, it nonetheless was uninspiring and bereft of the
originality that I felt always made Yes music stand out not just from the
crowd, but from each of their own other albums.

(I also think the way that they treated Jon Anderson was beyond reasonable
behaviour, and they way they treated Oliver Wakeman and Benoit David wasn't
much better)

So should they retire just because of my points above? Of course not.

I'll say again though, I'm glad you're still enjoying them. More strength to
your elbow. :)

JJ (UK)

[y***@hotmail.com]

My elbow?? I'm from Blackburn originally, but I still have no idea what that means JJ.

--

Paul

[JJ (UK)]

I'm surprised you've not come across the saying before, if you're English
(I'd expect a non-Brit to not have heard of it). Maybe it's a bit old
fashioned, or a regional thing...I'll have to look it up! :)

JJ (UK)

[Michel Forest]

Post by y***@hotmail.com
What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily basis. If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve the album & not think about it again. Those who do enjoy H&E (which by the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their opinion changing & are mature enough to say so), are never going to be swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage, tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it & is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.

All valid points. I have not posted here in an eternity, but as a Yes fan, I must say I have lost all interest in the band, for many reasons. The replacement of Jon was a hard pill to swallow, Fly from Here was average at best, and even if Jon Davison is an improvement over Benoit David, I'm still turned off by the recent live recordings I've heard. And the "complete album" concept of the last tours is a major turnoff. I can't imagine a more boring way of putting together a setlist.

Simply put, this is a group

[Michel Forest]

Post by Michel Forest

Post by y***@hotmail.com
What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily basis. If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve the album & not think about it again. Those who do enjoy H&E (which by the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their opinion changing & are mature enough to say so), are never going to be swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage, tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it & is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.

All valid points. I have not posted here in an eternity, but as a Yes fan, I must say I have lost all interest in the band, for many reasons. The replacement of Jon was a hard pill to swallow, Fly from Here was average at best, and even if Jon Davison is an improvement over Benoit David, I'm still turned off by the recent live recordings I've heard. And the "complete album" concept of the last tours is a major turnoff. I can't imagine a more boring way of putting together a setlist.
Simply put, this is a group

Sorry, I need to complete my last sentence: Simply put, this is a group way past its expiration date and even if it can draw a couple thousand faithfuls at its performances, it is a sad end to what used to be an incredible group.

[p***@msn.com]

Post by Michel Forest

Post by Michel Forest

Post by y***@hotmail.com
What I find interesting is those who dislike the album seem to find it necessary to continue to post about their dislike on a pretty much daily basis. If I dislike an album, I might post that dislike once, then shelve the album & not think about it again. Those who do enjoy H&E (which by the way there are plenty who do, or who initially did not but find their opinion changing & are mature enough to say so), are never going to be swayed by those who do not, seems like a waste of time to continue to post day after day after day that dislike. You don't like it. We get that. Time to move on?
For me I'm very much looking forward to seeing the band a month from today, they're playing well, seem to be getting on & having fun onstage, tempos are fine, new songs translating well to the stage, hell even the few times they've played 'OoaLH' Howe has seemingly finally embraced it & is playing the solo very much like Rabin, harmonizer and all. Gonna be a good night out, too bad all those who have talked themselves into hating the current band won't be there, they're going to miss a good show.

All valid points. I have not posted here in an eternity, but as a Yes fan, I must say I have lost all interest in the band, for many reasons. The replacement of Jon was a hard pill to swallow, Fly from Here was average at best, and even if Jon Davison is an improvement over Benoit David, I'm still turned off by the recent live recordings I've heard. And the "complete album" concept of the last tours is a major turnoff. I can't imagine a more boring way of putting together a setlist.
Simply put, this is a group

Sorry, I need to complete my last sentence: Simply put, this is a group way past its expiration date and even if it can draw a couple thousand faithfuls at its performances, it is a sad end to what used to be an incredible group.

Agreed, expired about the end of the 2004 tour. but hey if those faithful are digging it, more power to them.

Jim

[Adam]

Post by p***@msn.com
"The last men standing among the major 70s progressive rock bands are no
longer the band they once were, with choirboy-on-acid singer Jon Anderson
now replaced by Jon Davison. Despite the inevitable grumbling, Davison's
been doing a good job on stage, and he captures Anderson's distinctive
tones on record, too. Producer Roy Thomas Baker - best known for his work
with Queen - gives the album a rich, 70s sound, and the material is solid
enough, flavoured with Steve Howe's distinctive, rippling guitar and
Geoff Downes' retro keyboard. What's missing is the ambitious scope of
their heyday, and the vitality of the younger generation of progressive
rock bands. At times, Heaven and Earth verges on the twee, and there's a
distinct AOR flavour throughout, with only occasional flashes of the Yes
of old. Only the closing mini-epic Subway Walls will excite fans of the
original band, as Downes and Howe solo over a Chris Squire bass riff,
building to a symphonic rock climax.' Three out of Five Stars
well, Subway Walls is the closest thing on the album to strong prog
music. But on my fourth listen (and last for awhile if ever again) songs
like IaWoOO just grate on my musical ear and harken back to the most
vacuous parts of OYE.
Too bad, was hoping Davison would spark something in the others...
Jim

Got the album yesterday and have given it about 3 plays so far. I'm
enjoying it, although I can understand why some fans aren't. It's
definitely a very mellow and relaxed album....but that's okay with me, and
I find it a very pleasant listen. Davison sounds good, Howe is playing
tastefully, and unlike many here I enjoy Downes' keys, both in Yes and in
Asia. White actually sounds a bit like Bruford on this one, at least to my
ears. He's not hitting the drums very hard, and does more in the way of
adding accents and colors to the overall sound rather than propelling the
songs forward. Not necessarily a bad choice given the overall lightness of
the music here. I suppose some may argue that this lightness is the
effect, rather than the cause, of his playing style here. However IMO his
playing does fit the material well.

Should this be called a Yes album? Eh, they've made albums under the name
before without some classic-lineup members and even without Anderson. I
wonder....if they called the band something else, would some of you be more
inclined to like the album, or more willing to accept something not up to
the standards of Yes' peak years? Or is it just not to your taste no
matter what banner it's under? Not trying to be a ***@ss, I'm actually
curious.

My one significant criticism would be the same one I've seen posted
elsewhere here, which is that the lyrics sometimes sound as if they were
written without much thought as to how they would sound when sung. On some
verses the lyrics seem like they don't quite fit, as if they have too many
syllables for the measure they're being squeezed into, or perhaps the
melody for them wasn't quite fully developed. It's not a deal breaker but
it's noticeable at times.

[p***@msn.com]

Post by Adam
Got the album yesterday and have given it about 3 plays so far. I'm
enjoying it, although I can understand why some fans aren't. It's
definitely a very mellow and relaxed album....but that's okay with me, and
I find it a very pleasant listen. Davison sounds good,

He sounds o.k. in parts...but rather bland.

Post by Adam
Howe is playing tastefully,

What you experience or hear as tasteful, I hear restrained and recycled...

Post by Adam
and unlike many here I enjoy Downes' keys, both in Yes and in
Asia.

Not down with Downes keyboards here or when he plays older Yes

Post by Adam
White actually sounds a bit like Bruford on this one, at least to my
ears.

White has a few moments when things start going, but then it fizzles with the rest of the band in to that sort of 80's pop-prog thing...

Post by Adam
He's not hitting the drums very hard, and does more in the way of
adding accents and colors to the overall sound rather than propelling the
songs forward. Not necessarily a bad choice given the overall lightness of
the music here. I suppose some may argue that this lightness is the
effect, rather than the cause, of his playing style here. However IMO his
playing does fit the material well.
Should this be called a Yes album?

Yes, Squire owns the rights to the name...and the band has put out mediocre music before.

Post by Adam
Eh, they've made albums under the name
before without some classic-lineup members and even without Anderson. I
wonder....if they called the band something else, would some of you be more
inclined to like the album, or more willing to accept something not up to
the standards of Yes' peak years? Or is it just not to your taste no
curious.

I think the music is a bit vacuous. There is just not much there. And I'm not in search of rock light. When Anderson goes to these softer places, I sometimes connect with his spacey lyrics and not nuanced mysticism. I enjoy that. This reminds me of OYE in the musical ideas themselves lacking depth.

Post by Adam
My one significant criticism would be the same one I've seen posted
elsewhere here, which is that the lyrics sometimes sound as if they were
written without much thought as to how they would sound when sung.

I think all of the music is how you describe the lyrics.

Post by Adam
On some
verses the lyrics seem like they don't quite fit, as if they have too many
syllables for the measure they're being squeezed into, or perhaps the
melody for them wasn't quite fully developed. It's not a deal breaker but
it's noticeable at times.

I'm glad for you that your are enjoying. I wish I was. Would be great to have a new YES CD to jam too that I liked.

Jim

[Stephen Shores]

Hi everyone, new here, hopefully my two cents are welcome...

Pretty fair review, glad they weren't mean.

Personally, I've listened to H&E quite a few times and I don't *hate* it, but I don't find myself getting as excited with it as I do some fresh new prog (Cheeto's Magazine, for example, is a blast!). H&E sounds like Yes, not horrible, but it doesn't really get my blood pumping.

About the live album concept being boring--I missed their most recent appearance here in Atlanta, but I've listened to a bootleg or two from the tour and while the reproductions are faithful, I keep asking myself, 'why?' It seems to me like this would be a fun gimmick to do for a show or two, then get back to a more logical show--more tracks from the latest album (if you're not ashamed of it, which they don't seem to be), throw in a bunch of greatest hits, do some long soloing, throw in some surprises like an unexpected cover or a song they've never done live before, end on a high note, and call it a night.

It reminds me of a recent review of a live show that I read where they said that the concept might be pleasing to old fans, but probably wouldn't draw new ones in, and that's another concern...