Discussion:
New here and freshly back into Yes...someone catch me up?
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Stephen Shores
2014-09-23 14:58:31 UTC
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Hi all,

So after being away from prog rock for a while, I decided to come back around for a fresh listen to Yes and was surprised to see the new album out--it's not bad, not great, looks like it has fans polarized, as it's hovering around three stars on Amazon with many passionate reviews for and against. Looks like there's quite a bit of lively discussion here as well, which is entertaining to read.

For some context, I became a Yes fan back in 1998 or so and it's been off and on since then. Haven't seen them tour yet, but I generally don't enjoy concerts.

So, on Jon Anderson, what's the status as of today? The last official word I see is something along the lines of 'they're not averse to working with him again', which sounds like a polite way of saying 'no comment'. I saw something about him wanting $1M for the last tour? Looks like he's touring with one other person right now and I saw mention of a Kickstarter?

More remasters, sheesh...worth the triple- or quadruple-dip?

Anything else I should know that's not in the official channels?
p***@msn.com
2014-09-23 19:28:07 UTC
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Post by Stephen Shores
Hi all,
welcome back
Post by Stephen Shores
So after being away from prog rock for a while, I decided to come back around for a fresh listen to Yes and was surprised to see the new album out--it's not bad, not great, looks like it has fans polarized, as it's hovering around three stars on Amazon with many passionate reviews for and against. Looks like there's quite a bit of lively discussion here as well, which is entertaining to read.
I'm in the 2.5 to 3.0 range on the new album. And it being YES in name, it drops down to a 1.5 to 2.0. It's just sort of bland, o.k. at times.
Post by Stephen Shores
For some context, I became a Yes fan back in 1998 or so and it's been off and on since then. Haven't seen them tour yet, but I generally don't enjoy concerts.
Several people at the Anderson Ponty show last Saturday raved about the recent YES tour. Some folks really like it.
Post by Stephen Shores
So, on Jon Anderson, what's the status as of today?
He's gone on to other projects. He's toured solo for several years now. I've seen that show twice and enjoyed it. But it's not YES, it's just Jon and his guitar and a few chords. But as a big Jon A fan, I loved it. He's done several gigs with youth orchestras and you can catch one on DVD and on cable sometimes with Cleveland Youth Orchestra, that was good. Toured with Rick and they put out a cd. I'm a fan of Jon's Survival and Other Stories from several years back...
Post by Stephen Shores
The last official word I see is something along the lines of 'they're not averse to working with him again', which sounds like a polite way of saying 'no comment'. I saw something about him wanting $1M for the last tour?
Jon seems to have left the band behind. He's made a few more snarky comments of late and I think that ship has sailed. Barring the Rock n Roll HoF thing happening, it's unlikely that Squire, Howe and Anderson are ever on the same stage again.
Post by Stephen Shores
Looks like he's touring with one other person right now and I saw mention of a Kickstarter?
Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty got together, with 4 other talented musicians, and they spent a bit over 3 weeks holed up in the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen starting Labor Day weekend. Recording new album, reworking some old YES tunes and some Ponty tunes, and rehearsing for a show.

That happened Saturday night. It was fantastic. After the 1st 3 songs, a guy sitting next to me said, "Damn, Anderson just slapped Howe, Squire and White down! There's more energy and creativity here than those boys have shown in the past 5 years combined."
Post by Stephen Shores
More remasters, sheesh...worth the triple- or quadruple-dip?
I am not a re-master purchaser...if I need the CD I'll buy the re-master
Post by Stephen Shores
Anything else I should know that's not in the official channels?
Bruford is still bitter.

Jim
Stephen Shores
2014-09-24 14:39:49 UTC
Permalink
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Hi all,
welcome back
Thanks!
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
So after being away from prog rock for a while, I decided to come back around for a fresh listen to Yes and was surprised to see the new album out...
I'm in the 2.5 to 3.0 range on the new album. And it being YES in name, it drops down to a 1.5 to 2.0. It's just sort of bland, o.k. at times.
I've tried really hard to like it, but the fact is, it's really not that interesting. If I want to listen to Yes, I'll listen to the good albums. There is a lot of newer prog out there that is very good. Might as well expand my sonic horizons rather than keep trying to enjoy something I don't.
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
For some context, I became a Yes fan back in 1998 or so and it's been off and on since then. Haven't seen them tour yet, but I generally don't enjoy concerts.
Several people at the Anderson Ponty show last Saturday raved about the recent YES tour. Some folks really like it.
From listening to bootlegs, the tour seems to have some good energy to it, but it honestly sounds like a really accurate Yes cover band, just not the same. Alas, I wish I could have seen the Atlanta show while they were around, so I could judge for myself...
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
So, on Jon Anderson, what's the status as of today?
He's gone on to other projects. He's toured solo for several years now. I've seen that show twice and enjoyed it. But it's not YES, it's just Jon and his guitar and a few chords. But as a big Jon A fan, I loved it. He's done several gigs with youth orchestras and you can catch one on DVD and on cable sometimes with Cleveland Youth Orchestra, that was good. Toured with Rick and they put out a cd. I'm a fan of Jon's Survival and Other Stories from several years back...
Thanks, looking into his back catalog is something I need to do sometime. I gather from hearsay that his numerous projects are rather inconsistent when compared to each other, but again, that's hearsay. Any recommendations besides 'Survival and Other Stories'? I always hear 'Olias of Sunhillow' mentioned...
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
The last official word I see is something along the lines of 'they're not averse to working with him again', which sounds like a polite way of saying 'no comment'. I saw something about him wanting $1M for the last tour?
Jon seems to have left the band behind. He's made a few more snarky comments of late and I think that ship has sailed. Barring the Rock n Roll HoF thing happening, it's unlikely that Squire, Howe and Anderson are ever on the same stage again.
Yep. A shame, but I guess everything runs its course. Barring any major lineup/writing changes, the current incarnation of Yes is sort of a 'dead band walking'. I guess we'll have to watch and see.
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Looks like he's touring with one other person right now and I saw mention of a Kickstarter?
Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty got together, with 4 other talented musicians, and they spent a bit over 3 weeks holed up in the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen starting Labor Day weekend. Recording new album, reworking some old YES tunes and some Ponty tunes, and rehearsing for a show.
Reading about that now...wow, looks like it was good, I wish I hadn't missed that Kickstarter.
Post by p***@msn.com
That happened Saturday night. It was fantastic. After the 1st 3 songs, a guy sitting next to me said, "Damn, Anderson just slapped Howe, Squire and White down! There's more energy and creativity here than those boys have shown in the past 5 years combined."
Wow, quite the compliment! If I could only have been there...
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
More remasters, sheesh...worth the triple- or quadruple-dip?
I am not a re-master purchaser...if I need the CD I'll buy the re-master
I'm more of an MP3 guy myself, but I wouldn't mind a big vinyl album or two that I could display on the walls...
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Anything else I should know that's not in the official channels?
Bruford is still bitter.
Still as much as he was after 'Union', or due to more recent events?
Post by p***@msn.com
Jim
Thanks much for the update. As a new guy here, I was hoping for more than 'Google it' or 'search the archives you f'ing newbie', and your answers were polite and more than sufficient. Much appreciated.
p***@msn.com
2014-09-24 21:46:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Stephen Shores
I've tried really hard to like it, but the fact is, it's really not that interesting. If I want to listen to Yes, I'll listen to the good albums. There is a lot of newer prog out there that is very good. Might as well expand my sonic horizons rather than keep trying to enjoy something I don't.
Stephen, I agree, not that interesting...not terrible, not YES quality...
Post by Stephen Shores
From listening to bootlegs, the tour seems to have some good energy to it, but it honestly sounds like a really accurate Yes cover band, just not the same. Alas, I wish I could have seen the Atlanta show while they were around, so I could judge for myself...
A faithful reproduction of the album for folks to enjoy, I'm just not interested.
Post by Stephen Shores
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
So, on Jon Anderson, what's the status as of today?
He's gone on to other projects. He's toured solo for several years now. I've seen that show twice and enjoyed it. But it's not YES, it's just Jon and his guitar and a few chords. But as a big Jon A fan, I loved it. He's done several gigs with youth orchestras and you can catch one on DVD and on cable sometimes with Cleveland Youth Orchestra, that was good. Toured with Rick and they put out a cd. I'm a fan of Jon's Survival and Other Stories from several years back...
Thanks, looking into his back catalog is something I need to do sometime. I gather from hearsay that his numerous projects are rather inconsistent when compared to each other, but again, that's hearsay. Any recommendations besides 'Survival and Other Stories'? I always hear 'Olias of Sunhillow' mentioned...
Song of Seven, I really liked it. Animation is pretty good too. And his Cd with the London philharmonic is very good...can't recall the title off hand
Post by Stephen Shores
Yep. A shame, but I guess everything runs its course. Barring any major lineup/writing changes, the current incarnation of Yes is sort of a 'dead band walking'. I guess we'll have to watch and see.
Yes, Dead Band Walking, that fits.
Post by Stephen Shores
Post by p***@msn.com
That happened Saturday night. It was fantastic. After the 1st 3 songs, a guy sitting next to me said, "Damn, Anderson just slapped Howe, Squire and White down! There's more energy and creativity here than those boys have shown in the past 5 years combined."
Wow, quite the compliment! If I could only have been there...
People came from all over U.S., Canada, even met a couple folks from England who came. It was fun to get to be there from the start...helped heal the pain of not even knowing about the San Luis O shows for Keys to Ascension version of the band
Post by Stephen Shores
I'm more of an MP3 guy myself, but I wouldn't mind a big vinyl album or two that I could display on the walls...
I can get you a couple from Twist and Shout here in Denver likely, maybe a Close to Edge and a Fragile for the man cave!
Post by Stephen Shores
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Anything else I should know that's not in the official channels?
Bruford is still bitter.
Still as much as he was after 'Union', or due to more recent events?
Opps, sorry and old stale joke from back when AMY was a bit more active...turns out Bill's not bitter at all, though he is a bit of a crank! ;-)
Post by Stephen Shores
Post by p***@msn.com
Jim
Thanks much for the update. As a new guy here, I was hoping for more than 'Google it' or 'search the archives you f'ing newbie', and your answers were polite and more than sufficient. Much appreciated.
Enjoy talking about the band, updates, history and their music.

Jim
Stephen Shores
2014-09-29 14:18:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
From listening to bootlegs, the tour seems to have some good energy to it, but it honestly sounds like a really accurate Yes cover band, just not the same. Alas, I wish I could have seen the Atlanta show while they were around, so I could judge for myself...
A faithful reproduction of the album for folks to enjoy, I'm just not interested.
On one of the bootlegs, one of the band members (I can't identify them by voice yet, alas) said, 'You've just heard 'Close to the Edge' played live, in reverse order, for the first time.' The perfectionist within me was screaming, 'THIS IS WRONNNNNGGGGG!!!!' the entire time' and the more pragmatic side said, 'So what?' There are newer, very talented prog bands who deserve the attention and money.
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Thanks, looking into his back catalog is something I need to do sometime.
Song of Seven, I really liked it. Animation is pretty good too. And his Cd with the London philharmonic is very good...can't recall the title off hand
Noted, thanks!
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Yep. A shame, but I guess everything runs its course. Barring any major lineup/writing changes, the current incarnation of Yes is sort of a 'dead band walking'. I guess we'll have to watch and see.
Yes, Dead Band Walking, that fits.
Alas, that band name is already taken several times over...but then again, I'm not looking to form a musical group right now, so I'll let them have it, haha.
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
Post by p***@msn.com
That happened Saturday night. It was fantastic. After the 1st 3 songs, a guy sitting next to me said, "Damn, Anderson just slapped Howe, Squire and White down! There's more energy and creativity here than those boys have shown in the past 5 years combined."
Wow, quite the compliment! If I could only have been there...
People came from all over U.S., Canada, even met a couple folks from England who came. It was fun to get to be there from the start...helped heal the pain of not even knowing about the San Luis O shows for Keys to Ascension version of the band
Awesome. I can't wait to see/hear the recording!
Post by p***@msn.com
Post by Stephen Shores
I'm more of an MP3 guy myself, but I wouldn't mind a big vinyl album or two that I could display on the walls...
I can get you a couple from Twist and Shout here in Denver likely, maybe a Close to Edge and a Fragile for the man cave!
Thanks, I know a couple of used vinyl shops around Atlanta that I can check. One of them, come to think, is on my way home from work, hmmmm, might have to stop there... (the lyrics 'dangerous! so dangerous!' spring to mind immediately...)
Post by p***@msn.com
Opps, sorry and old stale joke from back when AMY was a bit more active...turns out Bill's not bitter at all, though he is a bit of a crank! ;-)
Oh OK, and here I was thinking that Wakeman was the cranky one (at least he calls himself that). :)
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