Yes

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer

Category: Performer

Inducted: 2017

Inducted by: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson

Nominated: 2014 2016 2017

First Eligible: 1995 Ceremony

Inducted Members: Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, Tony Kaye

Induction Ceremony Songs:

Song	Performed By
Owner of a Lonely Heart	Yes
Roundabout	Yes with Geddy Lee

Inducted into Rock Hall Revisited in 2001 (ranked #147) .

R.S. Top 500 Albums (?)	Rank	Version
Close to the Edge	445	2020

Essential Albums (?)	Wikipedia	YouTube
Fragile (1971)	☆	☊
The Yes Album (1971)	☆	☊
Close To The Edge (1972)	☆	☊
Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973)	☆	☊
Relayer (1974)	☆	☊
Going For The One (1977)	☆	☊
90125 (1983)	☆	☊

Essential Songs (?)	Wikipedia	YouTube
Roundabout (1971)	☆	☊
I've Seen All Good People (1971)	☆	☊
Long Distance Runaround (1971)	☆	☊
Starship Trooper (1971)	☆	☊
Yours is No Disgrace (1971)	☆	☊
Close to the Edge (1972)	☆	☊
And You and I (1972)	☆	☊
Owner of a Lonely Heart (1983)	☆	☊
Leave It (1983)	☆	☊
Changes (1983)	☆	☊

Comments

312 comments so far (post your own)

Yes' chances of being inducted just went up exponentially. Rush's induction will finally open the door for "progressive rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02/3/2013 @ 13:14pm

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/yes-chris-squire-on-their-classic-album-tour-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-20130204

Yes' bassist Chris Squire on Rush, King Crimson, Chicago and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Rush are getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Are you at all miffed they got it before you?

[Laughs] No, I can't object to that. Logistically, it's probably difficult for whoever the committee is to bring in Yes. Rush is fairly simple. It's the same three guys and always has been. They deserve to be there, no doubt about that. But there still seems to be a certain bias towards early-Seventies prog rock bands like Yes and King Crimson.

I still think it's weird that Chicago isn't in. That to me is odd. In our case, we're on our 18th member. If we ever do get inducted, it would be only fair to have all the members, old and new. So that may be a problem for the committee. I don't know.

But you're not angry about it?

No, of course not. I've got plenty of other awards. [Laughs]

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 02/12/2013 @ 14:55pm

RIP, Peter Banks

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Tuesday, 03/12/2013 @ 23:33pm

Peter Banks was the original guitarist for Yes (he was replaced on the third album by Steve Howe). While not as revered as Howe, Banks was quite skilled and added a lot to the band. He also gave the band its name.

Banks was fired when he butted heads with Jon Anderson. Following his departure, he formed the band Flash which had a degree of success (3 albums and 4 US tours). After that point, his career declined. In 1989, when the band had a reunion tour (in support of the Union album), Banks was the only original member not allowed to participate.

Last week, he died of heart disease in London. Reports are that he was indigent. He had no family. A week later, his body is still unclaimed in the morgue. Fans are being asked to donate money to cover the cost of his cremation.

From the Yes Facebook page:

In a shocking turn of events, the body of Peter Banks — co-founder of the group Yes, and someone dubbed an architect of progressive music by the BBC — reportedly remains unclaimed.

Nic Caciappo asked that we post the following regarding the state of Peter's remains, and how you can help. If you have any questions Nic advised to send him or George Mizer a message via Facebook. More updates as this develops. Thanks.

Friends of Yes & in particular Peter Banks. It has been since last Thursday Mar 7 that Peter passed away. He found at his home on Fri Mar 8. His body is still in the morgue and not being claimed because he has no family, and only an ex-wife who doesn't wish to assist. He may be cremated by the morgue and his belongings taken into custody by authorities. His ex needs to at least to tell the morgue that his friend(s) can take over. Then, they will want fees for cremation and delivery of his remains. Peter's belongings are still safe. But, there will be a need to sort this out with helping hands.

There is now a PayPal account set up to donate, which is connected to Pete's friend of 40+ years, George Mizer. I stand by George, he is a good friend.

The PayPal account is: themiz@peterbanks.net and ready to accept any donation amount. The expenses that will need to be covered are cremation, urn, possible travel from USA to London, other fees and expenses regarding Peter's belongings which could be auctioned to help pay for this as well. Again, the account is themiz@peterbanks.net.

Fans are paying for his cremation?
I hope that public embarrassment causes the band to pony up $900 for the cremation.

This is sad.

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 04/2/2013 @ 11:09am

My most sincere condolences on Peter Banks' passing.

As far as Yes is concerned, their work is certainly quite diverse. In my honest opinion, they have quite a few masterpieces amongst their discography, such as: "The Yes Album," "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "90125," "Keys To Ascension 1 & 2," "Magnification" and "Yes Symphonic." Unfortunately, they also have quite a few "less than great" recordings: "Tormato," "Drama," "Big Generator" and "Fly From Here." Then they have a few albums that leave little to be desired: "Union," "Talk" and "Open Your Eyes." Plus, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame might be considering the logistics of inducting every member. My guess is that they will center the inductees around those of the Classic Yes era. That means that they will probably include the following members: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford and Alan White. If they include 90125 era Yes, then they would add Trevor Rabin and Tony Kaye to the inductee list. Unfortunately, this may not include Peter Banks, Tony Levin (who deserves a spot with King Crimson), Benoit David, Oliver Wakeman, Geoff Downes, or Trevor Horn. The idea of playing "The Yes Album," "Close To The Edge" and "Going For The One" in their entirety was a great one, that helps expose a new audience to their older classics. Bringing Jon Anderson back would probably be a good idea as well. Seeing Yes without Jon Anderson for many fans, would be akin to seeing Rush sans Geddy Lee.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 05/6/2013 @ 04:02am

Yes

01. Jon Anderson (1968-2004: vocals, guitar)
02. Peter Banks (1968-1970: guitar)
03. Chris Squire (1968-Present: bass)
04. Tony Kaye (1968-1971; 1982-1994: keyboards)
05. Bill Bruford (1968-1972; 1990-1992: drums, King Crimson)
06. Steve Howe (1970-1981; 1990-1992; 1995-2004; 2008-Present: guitar; Asia, GTR)
07. Rick Wakeman (1971-1974; 1976-1980; 1990-1992; 1995-1997; 2002-2004: keyboards)
08. Alan White (1972-1981; 1982-2004; 2008–present: drums)
09. Patrick Moraz (1974-1976: keyboards, The Moody Blues)
10. Trevor Rabin (1982-1994: guitar, keyboards)

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 05/23/2013 @ 10:18am

Prior to their induction, I would really like to see Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman return to Yes. Wouldn't you?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 05/31/2013 @ 09:31am

Yes. Chris Squire is wrong. The Rock Hall knows exactly which members to induct. Only the first 10. The other 8 were very late arrivals

Posted by Roy on Friday, 05/31/2013 @ 10:29am

https://rockhall.com/event/yes/

Tuesday, August 6, 7PM

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legends Series with Yes

Posted by Roy on Friday, 07/26/2013 @ 22:28pm

yes to Yes ..lol

Posted by Happy on Saturday, 07/27/2013 @ 01:20am

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for the past 32 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes ***
Time And A Word ***

The Yes Album *****
Fragile *****
Close To The Edge *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans *****
Relayer ****
Going For The One *****
Tormato ***
Drama ****

90125 *****
Big Generator ***
Union **1/2
Talk *

Keys To Ascension *****
Keys To Ascension 2 *****
Keystudio *****
Open Your Eyes **
The Ladder ****

Magnification *****
Fly From Here ***1/2

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 08/7/2013 @ 10:02am

https://rockhall.com/blog/post/9907_yes-rock-hall-of-fame-progressive-rock-interview/

Blog entry on Yes's interview from Wednesday.

Posted by John R.C. on Friday, 08/9/2013 @ 19:54pm

https://rockhall.com/blog/post/9907_yes-rock-hall-of-fame-progressive-rock-interview/

Yes Talk About Future of Progressive Rock, Performing in China, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tour

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 08/10/2013 @ 01:02am

I think that if the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame conducted another fan poll (the same one which RUSH won), and Yes was included, they would be the #1 fan choice

Posted by Barry on Monday, 08/26/2013 @ 10:10am

I think that if the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame conducted another fan poll (the same one which RUSH won), and Yes was included, they would be the #1 fan choice

Posted by Barry on Monday, 08.26.13 @ 10:10am

Thank you, Barry. I certainly would not oppose A Yes induction. Of course, Yes is definitely one of my favorite bands. However, how would Yes fare against Duran Duran and The Moody Blues?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/8/2013 @ 04:57am

"The Dead & the Airplane are in. The Doors are in, and so is Traffic & Floyd. The Hall obviously considers those bands to be 1st wave prog. The only other 1st wave prog band not in really is The Moody Blues which is a shame.

Bands like Yes, ELP, Genesis are excluded probably cause they're condsidered 2nd wave.

Bands like Kansas, ELO, Styx, Rush are 3rd wave & have 0 chance whatsoever." - Arrow Man

I'm not sure if they thought that way about the Dead, Airplane and The Doors, but yeah I think many people do consider Traffic and Floyd to be prog, and The Doors do have some stuff that could be considered prog, so I'm not sure where people were going with the "no prog" thing. Genesis is now in (though primarily because of the Collins years probably), and I think Yes will be in soon. King Crimson and ELP will continue to be snubbed, as will Procol Harum (first wave) and the other bands mentioned.
Posted by Sam on Thursday, 03.3.11 @ 04:54am

Thank you, Sam.

Of course, I do agree that it is a shame that The Moody Blues have not been inducted, also.

As far as Rush being considered 3rd wave and having no chance of being inducted whatsoever. Arrow Man was absolutely incorrect about that; wasn't he?

Will Yes be next?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/8/2013 @ 05:21am

Back in 1997- 1998, when I had started creating my website, my favorite "progressive rock" bands were: Rush, Renaissance, The Moody Blues, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, The Alan Parson's Project and Asia.

Over the years since, I have begun to appreciate the music of the following groups: Genesis, Procol Harum, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Styx, Talking Heads and Duran Duran, as well.

Of course, when I had started creating my Yes page back in 1997, I was also mesmerized by the great album artwork of Roger Dean.

http://reocities.com/SunsetStrip/Lounge/1254/yesindex.html

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/8/2013 @ 06:18am

Yes' Chris Squire wants King Crimson and Chicago inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, while Jon Anderson wants Mahavishnu Orchestra to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 09/21/2013 @ 22:43pm

http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/09/13/yes_may_re_unite_if_political_consultants_succeed_in_getting_them_in_the.html

Yes May Reunite if Political Consultants Succeed in Getting Them Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 09/21/2013 @ 22:50pm

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 10/15/2013 @ 23:16pm

Only Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Jon Anderson mentioned in the intro to the Rock Hall bio for Yes. That doesn't mean those will be the only inductees.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2013 @ 01:01am

Tony Kaye is not mentioned in the Rock Hall bio so far.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/16/2013 @ 07:39am

Although I am very disappointed that The Moody Blues, Duran Duran and The Electric Light Orchestra are not on 2014's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nomination list, seeing Yes there is not necessarily a bad thing. As I had said before, Yes has been my co-favorite band musically for 32 years. Do they deserve to be inducted? absolutely.

Yes has left us with a legacy of great music. I have more recordings by Yes, than any other artist.

With the exception of "9012 Live" and "Live From Lyons," I have every single Yes studio album and live Yes recording. I also own most, with very few exceptions, of their
compilations and DVDs.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/16/2013 @ 10:09am

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees Who Will Vote For Yes

The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Rush, Heart, Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica, Alice Cooper, Genesis, The Stooges, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Pretenders, The Police, Blondie, The Clash, Ramones, Van Halen, U2, R.E.M, Traffic, ZZ Top, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/18/2013 @ 10:50am

As far as the 2014 nominees are concerned, Yes is my favorite nominee. For the past 32 years, Yes has been my co-favorite album musically.

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for the past 32 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes ***
Time And A Word ***

The Yes Album *****
Fragile *****
Close To The Edge *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans *****
Relayer ****
Going For The One *****
Tormato ***
Drama ****

90125 *****
Big Generator ***
Union **1/2
Talk *

Keys To Ascension *****
Keys To Ascension 2 *****
Keystudio *****
Open Your Eyes **
The Ladder ****

Magnification *****
Fly From Here ***1/2

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 08.7.13 @ 10:02am

Now, as far as the ratings on the Yes live recordings are concerned:

Yessongs *****

Yesshows **** 1/2

Union Live *** 1/2

House Of Yes: Live From The House Of Blues *****

Yes: Live At Montreaux **** 1/2

Yes Symphonic: *****

I do not own either "9012 Live," or "Live At Lyons," yet.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/20/2013 @ 07:37am

I had meant to say that Yes is my co-favorite band musically. I like most of the elements involved in the way that Yes albums are put together. I am always interested in the new album artwork, especially if it is created by Roger Dean. Of course, the new compilation of Yes' studio albums is of great interest to me, also. I am hoping that the remastering provides new sonic revelations heretofore unseen.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/20/2013 @ 13:34pm

The first time that I had attended a Yes concert was in October, 1999. The concert was held in an intimate venue known as Union Hall, in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The whole experience had reminded me of being in the midst of a church service where the music did not suck. Their new keyboardist, Igor Khoroshev was phenomenal. I was so impressed that I would go on to see Yes two more times.

The final time that I had seen Yes was in 2002, during the Yes full circle tour. At that time, I had the opportunity to see "Classic Yes" with Rick Wakeman. I had seats in the center of the 7th row at Cricket Pavillion. They had performed 'Awaken,' my favorite Yes epic.

A few weeks later, I would see Rush (for the second time) during the Vapor Trails tour. My third and most recent Rush concert was during the Clockwork Angels' Tour. Next month, I will need to get the BluRay, DVD and cd of that concert.

I am hoping that Yes will release their recent concert tour on DVD and BluRay. I was not able to attend their most recent concert and their performance of "The Yes Album," "Going For The One" and "Close To The Edge," in their entirety, certainly does intrigue me.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 10/21/2013 @ 09:44am

Yes' chances of being inducted just went up exponentially. Rush's induction will finally open the door for "progressive rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02.3.13 @ 13:14pm

Yes, I had written that earlier this year; on my 51st birthday, nonetheless.

Other reviewers have appeared to agree with me.

As far as I am concerned, Yes' induction is essential. Yes has since it's beginnings been an innovative band, of course there may have arguably been a few missteps along the way: "Tormato," "Big Generator," "Union," "Talk" and "Open Your Eyes," but who can argue against the brilliance of "The Yes Album," "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Going For The One," "Keys To Ascension," "Keys To Ascension 2," "Magnification" and "Yes Symphonic?" Who else had the audacity to create something as masterful, yet controversial as the arguably magnificent, "Tales From Topographic Oceans?"

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/23/2013 @ 06:28am

Now, I have recently purchased: "In The Present Live From Lyon." This means that "9012 Live" is the only Yes live album which I do not currently own.

As far as Yes is concerned, I have to reiterate that they are unquestionably my co- favorite musical group. Although i have more recordings by Yes overall, Rush is now my favorite band, but Yes is just slightly behind them.

For the most part, Yes' music is beautiful and transcends your normal four minute "pop songs." Yes' music is ethereal and the lyrics are surreal.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/25/2013 @ 05:28am

I was very encouraged to see Yes finally receive an induction nomination. They are my top choice amongst the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees list.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/2/2013 @ 05:38am

With the possible exceptions of "Talk" (the absolute nadir of Yes' output) and "Open Your Eyes," one can never have enough Yes. I have recently ordered the 1969-1987 studio albums box set; it maybe my final musical purchase this year.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/2/2013 @ 11:52am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/2/2013 @ 13:17pm

As far as the 2014 nominees are concerned, Yes is my favorite nominee. For the past 32 years, Yes has been my co-favorite album musically.

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for the past 32 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes ***
Time And A Word ***

The Yes Album *****
Fragile *****
Close To The Edge *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans *****
Relayer ****
Going For The One *****
Tormato ***
Drama ****

90125 *****
Big Generator ***
Union **1/2
Talk *

Keys To Ascension *****
Keys To Ascension 2 *****
Keystudio *****
Open Your Eyes **
The Ladder ****

Magnification *****
Fly From Here ***1/2

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 08.7.13 @ 10:02am

Now, as far as the ratings on the Yes live recordings are concerned:

Yessongs *****

Yesshows **** 1/2

Union Live *** 1/2

House Of Yes: Live From The House Of Blues *****

Yes: Live At Montreaux **** 1/2

Yes Symphonic: *****

In The Present: Live From Lyon ***1/2

I do not own "9012 Live," yet.

I have recently purchased, "In The Present: Live From Lyon," however.

I have also ordered the 1969- 1987 Studio albums box set.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/3/2013 @ 10:29am

I had decided to wear my "Tales From Topographic Oceans" tee shirt to work yesterday in support of Yes.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/5/2013 @ 08:57am

Let's go back in time, shall we?

My list of 2013 inductees:

Donna Summer (posthumously)
Heart (two sisters who had dominated a band, whose great singles are still being played on the radio)
Rush (their long term snub is starting to reach critical mass, even Rolling Stone magazine readers are in favor of this. Rush was voted greatest prog rock of all time by their readers). They are ranked third in most consecutive gold and platinum albums behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Yes (IMHO, if you induct Rush, then you absolutely must induct Yes), but probably not necessarily in 2013.
Yes was instrumental in starting prog rock, plus 90125 was a
danceable hit album.

I think that The Moody Blues deserve a nod also, for
inventing the "progressive rock" genre, but inducting Rush should push the Moodies and Procol Harum, in within the next several years. Compared to the amount of time that they have waited, this will be relatively soon. Technically, Rush is not really heavy metal, and most of their songs are not that hard anyway.

Posted by Keith on Sunday, 06.10.12 @ 02:12am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/9/2013 @ 13:22pm

Before I get into the many reasons why I feel that Rush is the greatest rock band of all time, I would like to discuss one of their biggest influences: Yes.

Now that Rush's recent induction has finally opened that door for more progressive rock bands to be inducted, I think that the Rush fan base should throw their support behind Yes.

Given that Yes and Rush are roughly as old as each other, (both were formed in 1968) I think that acknowledging Yes' worthiness of being enshrined within the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame should be discussed. So let's do this; shall we discuss Yes' accomplishments in great detail?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/9/2013 @ 23:12pm

"shall we discuss Yes' accomplishments in great detail?"

I'm watching my fingernails grow. I'll have to pass.

Posted by DarinRG on Saturday, 11/9/2013 @ 23:31pm

*snicker*

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 11/10/2013 @ 00:56am

When it comes to great "progressive rock" epics, Yes has a plethora of them:

"Yours Is No Disgrace," "Perpetual Change" and "Starship Trooper," from the YES ALBUM.

"Roundabout," "Heart Of The Sunrise" and "The South Side Of The Sky" from FRAGILE.

"Siberian Khatru," "And You And I" and "Close To The Edge" from CLOSE TO THE EDGE.

"The Revealing Science Of God," "The Remembering," "The Ancient" and "Ritual" from TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS.

"The Gates Of Delirium" from RELAYER.

"Awaken" from GOING FOR THE ONE.

"Be The One" and "That, That Is" from KEYS TO ASCENSION.

"Mind Drive" from KEYS TO ASCENSION 2.

Yes also has several great songs from MAGNIFICATION.

And let's not forget, ANDERSON, BRUFORD, WAKEMAN & HOWE.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/13/2013 @ 06:38am

I had somehow forgotten, "Homeworld" from THE LADDER and "In The Presence Of," from MAGNIFICATION.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/13/2013 @ 08:43am

I will eventually get around to listing all of the great songs by Yes. Until then, I have to ask why isn't there a band called, No? If there had been, would they have also been a major progressive rock band, or would their music have been the antithesis of Yes?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/15/2013 @ 03:49am

Well there's New Order if that counts. And they are quite different to Yes...

Posted by GFW on Friday, 11/15/2013 @ 11:29am

Back in May, 1997 I had started creating my long archived website:

http://reocities.com/SunsetStrip/Lounge/1254/yesindex.html

This was one of the main pages which had led to my discussions about Yes and their albums.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/29/2013 @ 12:11pm

I have been watching portions of "Symphonic Live" on BluRay for the past few days. In my honest opinion, either a string section or a symphony orchestra has a tendency to really enhance the music of any artist. Even with their instrumental prowess, Yes is not an exception to this rule.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 12/1/2013 @ 13:36pm

Even though the bi-partisan effort to induct Yes had failed this year, I do not think that the Yes aficionados should give up their efforts. Rush's induction was certainly a game changer; unfortunately, many members of the Rush fan base had chosen to join with the KISS army, instead of supporting Yes. Those individuals feel that Rush fans should have endorsed KISS, because KISS had chosen Rush as their tour mates during the early days.

As I had stated before, I feel was this was for financial gain, not completely altruistic reasons. Once Rush had changed their style, they were pretty much left to fend for themselves. Even so, Rush had chosen to take a more artistically satisfying route. At that point, their management should have teamed them up with more progressive rock acts. Since they did not, Rush had to forge their own way in the world of prog rock, without the support of their kindred brethren.

If Rush had opened for Yes instead, both artists would have benefitted tremendously, financially and creatively. But hindsight is 20-20. Let's not give up yet, If the bi-partisan effort to induct Yes goes into full swing again and if Rush's fan base can be motivated to support Rush's prog rock brethren, we should see Yes get back on the ballot again. This time though, it will be imperative that Rush's fan base support Rush's fellow prog rock brethren, in lieu of bands who were financially tied to them.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 12/23/2013 @ 02:09am

Even though the bi-partisan effort to induct Yes had failed this year, I do not think that the Yes aficionados should give up their efforts. Rush's induction was certainly a game changer; unfortunately, many members of the Rush fan base had chosen to join with the KISS army, instead of supporting Yes. Those individuals feel that Rush fans should have endorsed KISS, because KISS had chosen Rush as their tour mates during the early days.

As I had stated before, I feel was this was for financial gain, not completely altruistic reasons. Once Rush had changed their style, they were pretty much left to fend for themselves. Even so, Rush had chosen to take a more artistically satisfying route. At that point, their management should have teamed them up with more progressive rock acts. Since they did not, Rush had to forge their own way in the world of prog rock, without the support of their kindred brethren.

If Rush had opened for Yes instead, both artists would have benefitted tremendously, financially and creatively. But hindsight is 20-20. Let's not give up yet, If the bi-partisan effort to induct Yes goes into full swing again and if Rush's fan base can be motivated to support Rush's prog rock brethren, then we should see Yes get back on the ballot again. This time though, it will be imperative that Rush's fan base support Rush's fellow prog rock brethren, in lieu of bands who were financially tied to them.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 12.23.13 @ 02:09am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 12/27/2013 @ 03:30am

I had placed "Classic Yes" in my car's cd player yesterday. While on the way to work, I had chosen to listen to 'Heart Of The Sunrise' and 'Wonderous Stories.' It is still an astonishing thing to realize, just how well Yes' recordings hold up, after more than 4 decades, in the case of "Fragile" and nearly 37 years in the case of "Going For The One."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 01/22/2014 @ 08:12am

There is no doubt Yes belongs. Should have been in 20 years ago. To understand was piece of crap the RRHOF is, they waited 2 years to induct the Beatles. They should have inducted the Beatles the first year with no one else.

Posted by Bruce on Tuesday, 02/4/2014 @ 09:18am

"To understand was piece of crap the RRHOF is, they waited 2 years to induct the Beatles. They should have inducted the Beatles the first year with no one else. "--Bruce

You know, I know we have the saying "It takes all kinds..." and then I read absolutely and willfully ignorant dreck like this and invariably have to ask, "You sure about that?"

Posted by Philip on Tuesday, 02/4/2014 @ 16:44pm

yes is by far better musicians than kiss.yeah kiss sold a lot of albums and had the make up thing but as far as musicians they cannot compete
with yes.peter criss was a real musician but the rest of kiss forget it. yes definitely got screwed
and it sucks.the real kicker is that simmons and Stanley cannot put differences aside and play at the awards with original line up.thats sickening and a kick to the balls for the fans that made kiss who they are.gene,paul,peter and ace are kiss and they are who made kiss what they are.so thanks gene and paul for your selfish child bay bullshit yeah you guys deserve it ,yeah right!

Posted by tonester on Saturday, 03/29/2014 @ 08:41am

Yes, I would also really like to see Yes inducted into the RRHOF in 2015, in addition to: The Moody Blues, Duran Duran, Sade, Carly Simon, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Deep Purple. Of course, I am fairly certain that Green Day will be inducted, as well.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/24/2014 @ 19:20pm

The "Voices For Yes" campaign needs to be revived once again.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 08/9/2014 @ 14:48pm

I have been informed that according to a very PROG magazine poll, readers have voted "Close To The Edge" as the greatest progressive rock album of all time.

Here is that list:

Appreciate there's already a thread on this, but thought it would be helpful to put the full list on the top page, for those that don't want to scroll through other posts.

Prog Magazine Top 100

1. Close To The Edge – Yes
2. In The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson
3. Selling England By The Pound – Genesis
4. Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
5. Thick As A Brick – Jethro Tull
6. Foxtrot – Genesis
7. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
8. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Genesis
9. The Raven Who Refused To Sing – Steven Wilson
10. Fragile – Yes
11. Brain Salad Surgery – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
12. Red – King Crimson
13. Moving Pictures – Rush
14. Animals – Pink Floyd
15. 2112 – Rush
16. The Wall – Pink Floyd
17. Scenes From A Memory – Dream Theater
18. Fear of a Blank Planet – Porcupine Tree
19. Relayer – Yes
20. Misplaced Childhood – Marillion
21. A Trick of the Tail – Genesis
22. Tales from Topographic Oceans – Yes
23. Hemispheres – Rush
24. Pawn Hearts – Van Der Graaf Generator
25. Images and Words – Dream Theater
26. Going for the One – Yes
27. Deadwing – Porcupine Tree
28. Tarkus – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
29. Brave – Marillion
30. Larks Tongues In Aspic – King Crimson
31. The Snow Goose – Camel
32. The Yes Album – Yes
33. Lateralus – Tool
34. Bridge Across Forever – Transatlantic
35. In the Land of Pink and Grey – Caravan
36. Blackwater Park – Opeth
37. Meddle – Pink Floyd
38. English Electric – Big Big Train
39. The Whirlwind – Transatlantic
40. Script for a Jester’s Tear – Marillion
41. Nursery Cryme – Genesis
42. Trilogy – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
43. Aqualung – Jethro Tull
44. Wind and Wuthering – Genesis
45. Colours – Between The Buried and Me
46. Ghost Reveries – Opeth
47. Clutching at Straws – Marillion
48. The Incident – Porcupine Tree
49. A Passion Play – Jethro Tull
50. Grace for Drowning – Steven Wilson
51. Mirage – Camel
52. Marbles – Marillion
53. A Farewell to Kings – Rush
54. The Mountain – Haken
55. Journey to the Centre of the Earth – Rick Wakeman
56. Acquiring the Taste – Gentle Giant
57. Crack the Skye – Mastodon
58. Moonmadness – Camel
59. Weather Systems – Anathema
60. Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield
61. De-loused in the Crematorium – The Mars Volta
62. Aenima – Tool
63. The Parallax II – Between The Buried and Me
64. Operation Mindcrime – Queensryche
65. Octopus – Gentle Giant
66. In Absentia – Porcupine Tree
67. Insurgentes – Steven Wilson
68. Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt
69. Permanent Waves – Rush
70. Discipline – King Crimson
71. Atom Heart Mother – Pink Floyd
72. Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
73. Godbluff – Van Der Graaf Generator
74. Hot Rats – Frank Zappa
75. Free Hand – Gentle Giant
76. Songs from the Wood – Jethro Tull
77. Crime of the Century – Supertramp
78. Still Life – Opeth
79. Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
80. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence – Dream Theater
81. Leftoverture – Kansas
82. Subterannea – IQ
83. Still Life – Van Der Graaf Generator
84. Remedy Lane – Pain of Salvation
85. UK – UK
86. Six – Mansun
87. OK Computer – Radiohead
88. Snow – Spock's Beard
89. Awake – Dream Theater
90. Afraid of Sunlight – Marillion
91. Damnation – Opeth
92. The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth – Rick Wakeman
93. Storm Corrosion – Storm Corrosion
94. War of the Worlds – Jeff Wayne
95. To Our Children’s Children’s Children – The Moody Blues
96. Lizard – King Crimson
97. Voyage of the Acolyte – Steve Hackett
98. Tago Mago – Can
99. Moving Waves – Focus
100. Drama - Yes

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 08/11/2014 @ 07:37am

I am sorry, I had meant to say, according to a recent PROG magazine poll, readers had voted "Close To The Edge," as the greatest progressive rock album of all time. Of course, this had only accounted for studio albums; a combined list of studio and live albums might have had a different outcome. By the way, I still have difficulty understanding why "Selling England By The Pound," by Genesis is so beloved by progressive rock fans. Personally, I think that "Foxtrot," "Nursery Cryme," "A Trick Of The Tail," "Duke," "Genesis," "The Lam Lies Down On Broadway," "Second's Out," "Three Sides Live," "Abacab" and "Invisible Touch" are better albums.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 08/11/2014 @ 07:52am

About Yes, Enigmaticus wrote:
I am sorry, I had meant to say, according to a recent PROG magazine poll, readers had voted "Close To The Edge," as the greatest progressive rock album of all time. Of course, this had only accounted for studio albums; a combined list of studio and live albums might have had a different outcome. By the way, I still have difficulty understanding why "Selling England By The Pound," by Genesis is so beloved by progressive rock fans. Personally, I think that "Foxtrot," "Nursery Cryme," "A Trick Of The Tail," "Duke," "Genesis," "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway," "Second's Out," "Three Sides Live," "Abacab" and "Invisible Touch" are much better albums.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 08/11/2014 @ 08:04am

Yes,

I really think that "Voices For Yes" should continue to lobby for the induction of Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. What do you, think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 09/1/2014 @ 16:17pm

As I had said before, I was tremendously disappointed by the induction of KISS over Yes and Deep Purple this year.

Hopefully, Yes will be inducted next year, instead.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 09/11/2014 @ 08:13am

Regarding the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2015 inductees, just say yes to Yes.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/21/2014 @ 01:40am

I wonder if Yes would have been as popular, if their name had been Si, Oui, Ja, Dah, or Hai, instead?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/21/2014 @ 01:43am

Same melody, different lyrics, Enig.

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 09/21/2014 @ 02:33am

I am fairly certain that Yes will return to the ballot once again. The first Rolling Stone Record Guide (1979 edition) had given their recordings quite a few high ratings. Since my copy is still in storage, I am relying solely upon my memory to say that the reviewer had given two of their albums five stars: "The Yes Album" and "Close To The Edge."

In contrast, that same record guide had been merciless to Rush. But the newer 1983 edition, had given "2112," "Hemispheres," "Permanent Waves," "Moving Pictures" and "Exit... Stage Left" four stars. "A Farewell To Kings" was awarded three stars. Those reviews were written by John Swenson, co-editor of the book.

Therefore both Rush and Yes had been given a precedent for induction. Rush has been in since 2013. Yes, will most likely be inducted next year.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 09/22/2014 @ 09:31am

Of course, I am very excited about this release:

http://rockwrite.blogspot.com/2014/07/yes-songs-from-tsongas-35th-anniversary.html

This will probably be my next Yes purchase.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 09/25/2014 @ 09:36am

Apparently, "The Voices For Yes" Committee needs to be revived once again. Yes is another hugely glaring omission from the Rock Hall, along with their brothers: The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, King Crimson and Jethro Tull.

At least their other brother, Rush, has called for their inductions. Meanwhile their sisters Roxy Music and Duran Duran are still waiting in the lobby. ;-)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/11/2014 @ 05:50am

Yes will never get in because the RRHOF is really a Pop Hall of Fame. Weird Al will get in before Yes, Yes is simply not mainstream enough for a Pop Hall of Fame. Blondie? Hall and Oats? Really?

Getting snubbed is nothing new. Steve Howe regularly get's left off most Top Guitarist lists while he is arguably one of the top 5 of all-time when it comes to versatility and flat out talent.

Another issue for Yes is the 18 member roll call. Who would go?
Jon Davison
Jon Anderson
Trevor Horn
Benoit David
Oliver Wakeman
Patrick Moraz
Tony Kay
Geoff Downes
Igor Korochev
Rick Wakeman
Pete Banks
Billy Sherwood
Steve Howe
Trevor Rabin
Steve Howe
Bill Bruford
Alan White
Chris Squire

Posted by Lance on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 08:28am

Lance, I disagree that Yes will not get in. They will. But you do pose an interesting question as to which members should/would be inducted.

No brainers:

Jon Anderson
Chris Squire
Steve Howe
Rick Wakeman
Tony Kaye
Bill Bruford
Alan White

Strong argument:

Trevor Rabin

I feel that Rabin absolutely should go in, I personally love his era and he was the driving force for a decade. But there are many who do not like the Rabin era.

I would put in those eight listed above.

I usually look at it this way. Would the band be getting in to the Hall of Fame if the work done while Person X was in the band had never happened? If the answer is "no," then that person deserves induction.

With Yes, it is 'The Yes Album' through the late 70's somewhere, and the early to mid-80's. While there are fans of other periods, those periods don't really matter that much.

Posted by Dezmond on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 13:27pm

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 15:08pm

Roy, I wouldn't mind seeing all those people go in, but I have strong doubts that either Peter Banks or Patrick Moraz. Moraz only played on one studio album, 'Relayer,' and that record is generally not put in their all time essentials, although I personally think 'Relayer' is awesome. Banks was gone and Steve Howe in by the time they started to record their really important records.

As I stated above, I could see the Hall making what I would consider to be a mistake and also leave out Trevor Rabin. I'm sure that would make Howe happy, though.

Posted by Dezmond on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 17:20pm

And Roy, to be accurate, you need to add "vocals" to Trevor Rabin, as he sang lead vocals on several songs on each of the Yes records during the 80's. Also, you need to bave "backing vocals" with Squire, as his harmony singing is present and prominant throughout the Yes canon.

Posted by Dezmond on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 17:24pm

Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, Patrick Moraz and Trevor Rabin were not mentioned in the nominee bio/intro to Yes on the Rock Hall website last year. I don't know if we should be reading into it too much that Tony Kaye wasn't mentioned yet!

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 10/30/2014 @ 18:12pm

I fully expect Yes to return to the nomination ballot in October, 2015 along with The Moody Blues, Duran Duran, Sade, Doobie Brothers, etc. This time however, I think that there will be a greater chance for their induction.

As far as who will be inducted from Yes is concerned, that is certainly anybody's guess. However, I am inclined to believe that these individuals are most likely:

Jon Anderson
Chris Squire
Steve Howe
Bill Bruford
Rick Wakeman
Alan White
Trevor Rabin
Tony Kaye
Peter Banks (posthumously)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/31/2014 @ 09:49am

I am still extremely disappointed that Yes has not yet returned to the nomination ballot.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/19/2015 @ 02:07am

Yes deserves immediate induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, along with these other artists:

Duran Duran
The Moody Blues
Electric Light Orchestra
Sade
Carly Simon
Doobie Brothers
Foreigner
Twisted Sister
Deep Purple

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/2/2015 @ 11:25am

It will be a few years before YES gets inducted. 2016 will be Deep Purple finally and Willie Nelson for his long music career spanning 60 years. Next year some heavy hitters Pearl Jam headlining. I think YES gets in 2017 nominating year. 2018 Induction Ceremony. That just seems the way it shakes out. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 05/22/2015 @ 23:29pm

It's hard to know for certain, but I expect Yes to return to the nomination ballot again later this year. I was somewhat surprised that Yes was nominated but not inducted back in 2014. However, three "progressive rock/art rock" acts were inducted back in 1996: Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane and The Velvet Underground. Since then, arguably only 6 additional acts which fit into the art rock/progressive rock categories have been inducted: Queen in 2001, Talking Heads in 2002, Traffic in 2004, Genesis in 2010, Rush in 2013 and Peter Gabriel, as a solo artist in 2014.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/23/2015 @ 03:42am

When Rush was inducted, back in 2013, they were very supportive of 5 additional artist's inductions: Yes, Deep Purple, The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Procol Harum.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/23/2015 @ 04:18am

Unfortunately, I have found out through the Yes world website that Chris Squire, bassist extraordinaire and co-founder of Yes will be undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of Acute Erythroid Leukemia, a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This is very serious folks. My concerns and thoughts go out to Chris and his family. Chris, Get well soon!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/30/2015 @ 13:38pm

Yes has created some of the most amazing music over the past 46 years. Beginning with their debut album, "Yes," Yes had introduced a very different musical style into the rock canon. Although their predecessors, The Moody Blues and Procol Harum had co-founded the "progressive rock" genre prior to Yes' formation, Yes had continued to evolve as a band, releasing some of their most brilliant work during the 1970's. Albums such as "The Yes Album," "Fragile" and "Close To The Edge" had also been critically lauded. "The Yes Album" had featured such timeless progressive rock gems as 'Yours Is No Disgrace,' 'Starship Trooper' and 'Your Move/All Good People.' "Fragile" had featured the classic rock radio staple, 'Roundabout,' in addition to 'Long Distance Runaround,' 'Heart Of The Sunrise' and the chillingly brilliant 'South Side Of The Sky.' "Close To The Edge" had upped the ante, with the brilliant 'Siberian Khatru,' the sublime 'And You And I' and the extraordinary epic, 'Close To The Edge.' "Close To The Edge" has been lauded by many as quite possibly, "progressive Rock's definitive masterwork."

Their creative output did not stop there, "Going
For The One," with the brilliant epic, 'Awaken' and the sublime, 'Turn Of The Century' attest to this fact.

Although not a critically revered album, "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is also a masterpiece, featuring only 4 side long songs, the greatest of which are: 'The Revealing Science Of God' and 'Ritual.' "Tales" is perhaps a bit too far
ahead of it's time, in order to be fully appreciated. Of course, I also enjoy the sublime 'The Remembering' and the transformative, 'The Ancient.'

'The Gates Of Delirium' from "Relayer" is another epic work.

In the 1980's Yes was not afraid to change their style with the times and release "90125" with it's hit single, 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart.'

In the mid 1990's, Yes released the brilliant "Keys To Ascension" albums, which had showed that could Yes not only perform their previous masterworks in a live setting, but also release creative material in another decade. They had also released "The Ladder."

In the early 21st century, Yes had released another masterpiece, "Magnification" and had the audacity to tour with a symphony orchestra.

Yes has also been an influence on many of those previous inductees.

For these many reasons, in addition to those previously mentioned, Yes should receive their long overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/30/2015 @ 14:30pm

Actually, I think that Yes has a very good possibility of returning as a nominee and as a 2016 RRHOF inductee:

Who else will join them?

In my honest opinion, 2016 will finally be the "Great Year Of Prog," with the following possible inductees:

Duran Duran
Electric Light Orchestra
The Moody Blues
Sade
Carly Simon
The Doobie Brothers
Foreigner

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/30/2015 @ 15:44pm

RIP Chris Squire

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 12:23pm

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/chris-squire-dies-yes/

Yes Co-Founder Chris Squire Dies

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 12:24pm

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/chris-squire-yes-bassist-and-co-founder-dead-at-67-20150628

Chris Squire, Yes Bassist and Co-Founder, Dead at 67

Bassist was only member of legendary prog rock group to appear on every album

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 12:25pm

Yes

01. Jon Anderson (1968-2004: vocals, guitar)
02. Peter Banks (1968-1970: guitar)
03. Chris Squire (1968-2015: bass)
04. Tony Kaye (1968-1971; 1982-1994: keyboards)
05. Bill Bruford (1968-1972; 1990-1992: drums, King Crimson)
06. Steve Howe (1970-1981; 1990-1992; 1995-2004; 2008-Present: guitar; Asia, GTR)
07. Rick Wakeman (1971-1974; 1976-1980; 1990-1992; 1995-1997; 2002-2004: keyboards)
08. Alan White (1972-1981; 1982-2004; 2008–present: drums)
09. Patrick Moraz (1974-1976: keyboards, The Moody Blues)
10. Trevor Rabin (1982-1994: guitar, keyboards)

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 12:28pm

My most sincere condolences to Chris Squire's family on his untimely passing. Chris was a genuine inspiration to many musicians, especially bassists.

Rather ironically, I had decided to watch "Yes Symphonic Live" on BluRay yesterday. As I have said many times before, "Yes has been my co-favorite band musically for over 34 years.

I was hoping to see Yes inducted back in 2014, but now it looks like Yes will receive a nomination and possible induction in 2016, too late for Chris and Peter, but not too late for Jon, Bill, Steve, Alan, Trevor, Rick and Geoff. It is quite a shame that Ed Sciacky will not be there as well. Hopefully Mike Tiano will be able to attend. ;-(

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 14:28pm

My most sincere condolences to Chris Squire's family on his untimely passing. Chris was a genuine inspiration to many musicians, especially bassists.

Rather ironically, I had decided to watch "Yes Symphonic Live" on BluRay yesterday. As I have said many times before, "Yes has been my co-favorite band musically for over 34 years."

I was hoping to see Yes inducted back in 2014, but now it looks like Yes will receive a nomination and possible induction in 2016, too late for Chris and Peter, but not too late for Jon, Bill, Steve, Alan, Trevor, Rick and Geoff. It is quite a shame that Ed Sciacky will not be there as well. Hopefully Mike Tiano will be able to attend. ;-(

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 14:35pm

Chris Squire died on the 13th anniversary of the death of another legendary bassist, John Entwistle

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 17:31pm

Well, we know who the death fairy is gonna visit and get inducted this year.

RIP Chris Squire

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 06/28/2015 @ 19:31pm

With the passing of Chris Squire as well as Yes' overall contribution to rock & roll as well as all genres, I would hope the Foundation will seriously lobby for Yes' induction for the Class of 2016. Yes' contributions are undeniable. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Respectfully submitted

John J. Callahan
Granite Bay, CA

Posted by John J. Callahan on Wednesday, 07/1/2015 @ 18:40pm

I could not agree more, John. I have been supporting Yes' induction actively for more than 3 consecutive years!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 07/3/2015 @ 13:57pm

Yes, along with Rush has been my co-favorite band musically for 34 consecutive years. My introduction to the music of Yes came during the summer of 1981. I was first introduced to their album "Fragile," via a song named 'Roundabout.' Since that time, I have made it a point to collect most of Yes' discography. I have more recordings by Yes than any other artist.

I had started to watch the "Yes: Songs From Tsongas" BluRay during this past weekend.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 07/21/2015 @ 05:40am

Nearly 18 years ago, I had started to create my Yes page for my now long-archived website. In addition to Yes' remarkable musical legacy, I also happen to appreciate Roger Dean's illustrations for most of Yes' albums. I also like Roger Dean's logos for Yes and Asia.

I also enjoy Roger's superlative artwork on "Asia" and "Alpha," especially "Alpha."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 07/23/2015 @ 05:37am

Of the seven major progressive rock bands, only four remain active (The Moody Blues, King Crimson, Yes and Rush). But let's face basic facts, when these remaining artists have finally called it a day, who will succeed them and carry on with their legacy? Echolyn? Marillion? Muse? Or will the Zac Brown Band pick up the mantle? Before Chris Squire had passed away, he told Alan White to carry on. It is time for Yes and The Moody Blues to receive induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, before we have to read about any more posthumous inductions. For nearly 47 years, Yes has left us with a remarkable legacy. Induct Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2016.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 08/9/2015 @ 06:04am

I was six years old when the original version of Yes had formed. I was 7 years old when Yes had released their debut album. I was 9 years old when Yes had released "The Yes Album." I was 10 years old when Yes had released "Fragile" and "Close To The Edge." I was 11 years old when Yes had released "Yessongs" and "Tales From Topographic Oceans." I was 19 years old when I was first introduced to the music of Yes. I was 37 years old when I had attended my first Yes concert; it was during "The Ladder" tour. I was 38 years old when I had seen my second Yes concert. I was 39 years old when Yes had released "Magnification." I was 40 years old when I had attended my third Yes concert.

For the past 34 years, Yes has been my co-favorite band musically, along with Rush. I was 51 years old when Rush was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. I was also 51 years old when Yes was first nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Hopefully, I will be 54 years old when Yes is finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 08/16/2015 @ 04:35am

Yes has many essential albums in my opinion. Yes, regardless of their lineup has put together great pieces of music for more than 4 decades. Here are my essential Yes recordings (in chronological order):

01. The Yes Album
02. Fragile
03. Close To The Edge
04. Yessongs
05. Tales From Topographic Oceans
06. Going For The One
07. 90125
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman & Howe
09. Keys To Ascension
10. Keys To Ascension 2
11. Live From The House Of Blues
12. Magnification
13. Symphonic Live
14. Keystudio

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 08/16/2015 @ 16:50pm

My first live Yes concert was in October, 1999. In other words, I had waited 18 years from the time that I had been first introduced to Yes until the time when I had attended my first Yes concert. Yes did not disappoint me, either. The Yes concert was spectacular, plus their new keyboardist, at the time, Igor Khoroshev was quite remarkable.

I have seen Yes three times live in concert; it was quite unfortunate that the "Magnification" tour did not stop in Arizona, otherwise I would have seen Yes live in concert 4 times. "Magnification," in my honest opinion, is Yes's last great studio album. I had thoroughly enjoyed watching the "Yes: Symphonic Live" tour on BluRay. I was somewhat disappointed that they did not play the song, 'We Agree' however.

I think that 'We Agree' is definitely one of Yes's finest efforts. I have been listening to "Magnification" quite a few times, recently. Yesterday, I had attended to 'In The Presence Of' while on the way to work.

Since I was mired in one hellacious traffic jam yesterday afternoon while on the way to dinner, I had opted to listen to "Clockwork Angels Tour" by Rush, instead. I have noted many similarities between the music of Rush and the music of Yes and The Moody Blues, over the years, although Rush has not yet performed their songs with the support of a full symphony orchestra. Hopefully, some day soon that will change.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 08/20/2015 @ 06:24am

About Yes, Enigmaticus wrote:
My first live Yes concert was in October, 1999. In other words, I had waited 18 years from the time that I had been first introduced to Yes until the time when I had attended my first Yes concert. Yes did not disappoint me, either. The Yes concert was spectacular, plus their new keyboardist, at the time, Igor Khoroshev was quite remarkable.

I have seen Yes three times live in concert; it was quite unfortunate that the "Magnification" tour did not stop in Arizona, otherwise I would have seen Yes live in concert 4 times. "Magnification," in my honest opinion, is Yes's last great studio album. I had thoroughly enjoyed watching the "Yes: Symphonic Live" tour on BluRay. I was somewhat disappointed that they did not play the song, 'We Agree' however.

I think that 'We Agree' is definitely one of Yes's finest efforts. I have been listening to "Magnification" quite a few times, recently. Yesterday, I had intently listened to 'In The Presence Of' while on the way to work.

Since I was mired in one hellacious traffic jam yesterday afternoon while on the way to dinner, I had opted to listen to "Clockwork Angels Tour" by Rush, instead. I have noted many similarities between the music of Rush and the music of Yes and The Moody Blues, over the years, although Rush has not yet performed their songs with the support of a full symphony orchestra. Hopefully, some day soon that will change.
Thursday, 08.20.15 @ 06:24am
Leave your own comment about Yes here.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 08/20/2015 @ 07:03am

Yes has been quite active lately. The new issue of PROG magazine will undoubtedly discuss the late Chris Squire's influence on "progressive rock."

For those of you who are not aficionados of "progressive rock," you will never quite understand why the new music of artists such as Yes, Rush and King Crimson excites us. You may also never quite understand why we also like such groups as diverse as: Talking Heads, Duran Duran, The Police and U2. You may also never quite understand why we might place Sade in high regard, alongside artists like Supertramp, E.L.O., Asia, Styx, Roxy Music, Alan Parsons Project, Pink Floyd and Kansas. You may never understand why we revere The Moody Blues, Jefferson Airplane, Procol Harum and Traffic. Those connections will never make any sense to you, but they do to us and there are a lot of us.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/6/2015 @ 16:38pm

You've got to be F-ing kidding. YES should have been in YEARS ago, along with Journey, Moody Blues, Steve Miller, Jethro Tull, Todd Rungren, ELO, ELP, etc. etc.
Instead we have all these goofballs who climbed on the back of some of the great artists. WTF with the RAP CRAP??? It's the ROCK Hall of Fame, not the "I can't sing or carry a melody, therefore I just scream and talk big-tough gangster talk and MF this and back that A$$ up" garbage. Start your own "RAP CRAP" Hall of SHAME for Christ sake.
No one under the age of 50 should be allowed to vote for ROCK HALL OF FAME, and we'd get this straightened out. It is unforgivable. How about we recall some "inducted" groups like Run DMC, Nirvana, Green Day, Beastie Boys, Blondie, Public Enemy, Red Hot Peppers, etc. Come on, these guys all climbed on the backs of some really timeless rock groups. No one will be listening to this crap 30 years from now. Maybe/someday for some of these guys just for tweaking the sound of the rock 'forefathers', but for now, get em the hell out of there!

Posted by DANN-O on Thursday, 10/8/2015 @ 12:37pm

Lol, Journey, Jethro Tull, ELP, etc over Run DMC, Nirvana, Green Day, Beastie Boys, Blondie, Public Enemy, and Red Hot Peppers. That's a good one. You have a great sense of humor DANN-O. Do you stand up?

Posted by Gassman on Thursday, 10/8/2015 @ 13:13pm

*Do you do stand up?

Posted by Gassman on Thursday, 10/8/2015 @ 13:15pm

Whether he realizes it or not, DANN-O is actually making a compelling case for keeping anyone ~over~ 50 from voting on this.

Posted by AlexVoltaire on Thursday, 10/8/2015 @ 13:53pm

Thank you Mike Tiano for your support of Yes for many decades. "Yes world" is a great site, as was "Notes From The Edge." I have been an aficionado of Yes' music for over 34 years; Yes is second on my list of favorite bands, only Rush is above them. Yes was a seminal influence upon the music of Rush. Geddy Lee was hugely influenced by the late Chris Squire. Alex Lifeson was influenced by Steve Howe. Neil Peart was influenced by Bill Bruford.

Some individuals may argue that Yes should have been inducted years ago and I would definitely agree with them. In my honest opinion, only The Moody Blues have been a greater snub.

I will not say that every Yes studio album was a masterpiece, but most of them have been great. Yes has the distinction of having had many of the greatest musicians in their band. Yes has not been afraid to experiment with new musical directions either and very little of their work sounds dated. I have more recordings by Yes than by any other artist. With the possible exception of "9012 Live," and their most recent concert release and possibly a few compilations, I own most of Yes' discography.

I have written quite extensively about Rush, but I have yet to fully elucidate my opinions about Yes' work.

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for the past 32 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes ***
Time And A Word ***

The Yes Album *****
Fragile *****
Close To The Edge *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans *****
Relayer ****
Going For The One *****
Tormato ***
Drama ****

90125 *****
Big Generator ***
Union **1/2
Talk *

Keys To Ascension *****
Keys To Ascension 2 *****
Keystudio *****
Open Your Eyes **
The Ladder ****

Magnification *****
Fly From Here ***1/2
Heaven & Earth ***

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/11/2015 @ 11:51am

Yes has been quite active lately. The new issue of PROG magazine will undoubtedly discuss the late Chris Squire's influence on "progressive rock."

For those of you who are not aficionados of "progressive rock," you will never quite understand why the new music of artists such as Yes, Rush and King Crimson excites us. You may also never quite understand why we also like such groups as diverse as: Talking Heads, Duran Duran, The Police and U2. You may also never quite understand why we might place Sade in high regard, alongside artists like Supertramp, E.L.O., Asia, Styx, Roxy Music, Alan Parsons Project, Pink Floyd and Kansas. You may never understand why we revere The Moody Blues, Jefferson Airplane, Procol Harum and Traffic. You may never understand why many of us also like some of the music of artists, such as: Chicago, Blue Oyster Cult and even Deep Purple. Those connections will never make any sense to you, but they do to us and there are certainly a lot of us, which I think that you are now finally becoming aware of.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/11/2015 @ 12:45pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/11/2015 @ 12:57pm

As an individual who is in his mid 50's, I will admit that I prefer "progressive rock" and "art rock" over all other rock genres. After those, I prefer Modern, Romantic, Classical and Baroque and sometimes Renaissance era music. If a rock band utilizes shifting and odd time signatures, musical and lyrical complexity and symphonic accompaniment, I am immediately interested in their output. This also means that, for the most part, with the possible exceptions of Motion Picture Soundtracks and maybe The Beach Boys and The Beatles, I do not generally listen to popular music made between 1950 and 1966.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/11/2015 @ 22:37pm

I also like quite a bit of jazz, more specifically "smooth jazz," new age and jazz fusion. I also like some of the big band era music.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/11/2015 @ 22:50pm

Posted by Roy on Monday, 10/12/2015 @ 09:47am

As far as this list of nominees is concerned, Yes is my favorite choice among the 2016 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees list. Although, I have only been familiar with Yes' music for a mere 34 years, Yes' music has left a long and lasting
effect upon my musical tastes.

I think that the induction of Yes will potentially lead to the nomination of The Moody Blues and their possible induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/4/2015 @ 21:34pm

Yes, the weakest candidate on this list, are you kidding me? On some things, Dave Marsh is definitely way out in left field. On other matters, he has hit the nail on the head. One has to wonder, if he doesn't like Yes, then he must have absolutely despised Rush.

Maybe, just maybe, Dave Marsh was the individual who had kept Rush out of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for nearly 15 years. The fact that he is endorsing Deep Purple is good and the fact that he had mentioned Roxy Music and Procol Harum is a plus.

I do not understand any circumstances whatsoever, nor support his opinion about N.W.A. however. As far as I am concerned, misogynists and child molesters are of the same ilk.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/8/2015 @ 11:15am

Dave Marsh's opinions about Yes and Chicago are also completely out of left field. On this list, I find no two more deserving candidates. Deep Purple is third.

As I have stated previously, any band, or artist who has influenced the members of Rush, deserves immediate induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, period!

Yes was a huge influence upon Rush, as was King Crimson, The Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, etc.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/8/2015 @ 11:38am

A colleague of mine at work today had accused me of being a "prog snob," Yes, of course, I am guilty as charged. However, I personally happen to prefer the word, "snogue."

Of course, he happens to be an AC/DC enthusiast. Need I say more?

However, I did take exception to the comment that Yes had almost killed "art rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/17/2015 @ 23:11pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/18/2015 @ 09:42am

That is "Tormato," not "Tomato."

I also appreciate a great deal of Yes' live recordings:

"Keys To Ascension 1"
"Keys To Ascension 2"
"Symphonic Live"
"Yessongs"
"Live At The House Of Blues"
"Live At Tsongas"
"Live At Montreux"

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 11/18/2015 @ 09:51am

Since, I have already ranked every Rush song from first to last, my challenge over the next few months will be to rank Yes's songs from best to worst. This will take a great deal of thought. In the interim period, here is a preliminary list:

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
03. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
04. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Roundabout (Fragile, 1972)
06. And You And I (Close To The Edge, 1972)
07. Turn Of The Century (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
08. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
09. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1972)
10. Starship Trooper (Yessongs, 1973)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/20/2015 @ 08:47am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/20/2015 @ 09:19am

I need to amend that previous list, slightly"

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/21/2015 @ 05:18am

2016 will also be a very significant year for Yes also, because in addition to their pending induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame by the members of Rush, there will also be several significant album release anniversaries. 2016 will mark the 45th anniversary of the release of "The Yes Album" and "Fragile," the 20th anniversary of the release of "Keys To Ascension" and the 15th anniversary of the release of "Magnification."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 12/14/2015 @ 09:19am

My apologies to the Yes fanbase and to Mike Tiano, in particular for Yes not being inducted. It is almost completely incomprehensible how one the greatest progressive rock bands of all time is still sitting outside of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. As I have stated previously, "Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 12/17/2015 @ 09:05am

ENIG & YES FANS.
That was a tough 2016 Induction List for those who support YES. The good news is the many members of Chicago & Deep Purple made induction. They will possibly throw votes YES direction next induction cycle. Could make the difference for YES.

2016-2017 should be a loaded ballot. Pearl Jam will be a definite and possibly Bon Jovi if they are nominated. There should be competition for the Prog spot. I think Moody Blues, Procol Harum, or YES could be the one selected. I have noticed a strong drum beat for Moody Blues the last year. My guess Moody Blues will be selected and inducted in 2017. Moody Blues reminds me of Hall & Oates, Rush,Steve Miller and Chicago. Recent inductees who had strong longevity and hits over decades and rewarded for their music excellence in its totality.

YES needs the voters this next cycle for induction. With 5 maximum to select, I think YES should be one chosen on an artist's ballot. KING

Posted by KING on Friday, 12/18/2015 @ 18:06pm

KING,

Thank you. I do think that their third nomination should finally get Yes inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Perhaps the Rock Hall is waiting for the 45th anniversary of the release of "Close To The Edge" and the 50th anniversary of the birth of "progressive rock," to induct them. However, it is somewhat disheartening that Yes was not inducted in 2016. I am sure that many aficionados of progressive rock were aghast.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 12/24/2015 @ 10:40am

I still find it completely incomprehensible that Yes has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Honestly, this is starting to become ridiculous; who is voting against Yes and why are they doing so?

My apologies to the Yes fanbase and to Mike Tiano, in particular for Yes not being inducted. It is almost completely incomprehensible how one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time is still sitting outside of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. As I have stated previously, "Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/26/2015 @ 23:39pm

Enigmaticus: I think it comes back to the idea of giving ballots to artists who were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

You pointed out before (correctly) that Rush would vote for Yes and we'll assume Genesis and Pink Floyd did the same. There's one problem, though: those are, likely, the only votes Yes would reliably count on as foundation. If the Hall of Fame had inducted acts like the Moody Blues, E.L.O., Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and King Crimson, Yes would be in a sweet spot for induction as the voting block would give them a great foundation to build from. As a result, Yes had a severe handicap.

You can see something similar with Nine Inch Nails: if Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, the Cure, and the Smiths were in, NIN would be a shoo-in. Sadly, none of those bands were inducted, so they had to get several votes to merely make up the difference, and NIN is very insular music compared to the usual ballots.

Compare the situation of Yes and NIN to that of Deep Purple: both bands could feasibly count on the support of Rush, Genesis, and Pink Floyd, but DP has a major advantage: cross-genre support. Led Zeppelin would vote for them, as would Black Sabbath or other harder rock acts or guitar players. Since this was a fairly meh year for first-timers, Deep Purple didn't have to compete with anyone unlike the last two times (Public Enemy and Nirvana. If they made the ballot last year, Green Day/NIN would have wrecked their chances). That, to me, was the bump that put them over the top and may pay dividends for bands like Judas Priest or Iron Maiden (or even Megadeth). Yes, sadly, only got one inductee since 2013 who would easily vote for them, and sadly, it was the already-inducted Peter Gabriel.

In my opinion, Yes's best chance may be in the middle of the coming decade (meaning the 90s): if the Hall tightens up, acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, Beck, Oasis, and, very arguably, Tool will get in, which combined with the 70s finally getting filled up (and I count E.L.O. as a comparatively safe act to Yes), may usher in ballots with less safer bands on them. By that time, Yes may have more artists to support them and less artists to compete with.

Just my opinion.

Posted by SotN on Sunday, 12/27/2015 @ 04:44am

P.S.: Forgot to remove Nine Inch Nails from the Deep Purple paragraph.

Posted by SotN on Sunday, 12/27/2015 @ 04:46am

SotN,

You certainly have an interesting perspective about Yes. As I have said previously, "I suspect that Yes was the sixth inductee." Rather than deal with the complicated logistics associated with inducting the many members of Yes this year, The Rock Hall had decided to induct 5 acts instead. If this is the case, then I suspect that Yes will once again return to the ballot next October. This time however, they will have even more competition, especially if Duran Duran, E.L.O. and The Moody Blues receive their first nominations and if Procol Harum returns to the nomination ballot. Then, the "Campaign For Yes" will need to be revived once again. The prospect of having 5 progressive rock bands on the same ballot is not really that outrageous, the year that Rush was finally nominated there were four. As far as who will vote for Yes is concerned, I think that there might be quite a few votes from other artists. The Hall probably could have avoided this prog "log jam," by inducting more than 5 acts each year and by inducting more progressive rock artists earlier. Please remember, that progressive rock artists will vote for other progressive rock artists, I think that Duran Duran will not only receive votes from Rush, Heart, Pink Floyd, Genesis, but also the new inductees, plus members of Blondie, Talking Heads, Elton John, etc. and of course the fan
vote. This should put them over the top.

Now, the question is how do we get Sade inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 12/27/2015 @ 12:41pm

Enigmaticus: A few additions in three posts:

I think Yes was #7 personally (considering this class, my money is on the Cars as the #6). I don't think Yes's problem is any line-up for induction. Going over their page on Wikipedia (and this is just a skim), I'd make a guess along these lines:

First of all, Jon Anderson and Chris Squire are obvious inductees. Both had lengthly stays with the band which include both their fruitful early years as well as their 80s popularity spike, with Squire being the only continuous band member. For the others...

As Chad Channing and John Rutsey seem to prove, merely being in the original line-up isn't enough. They have failed to induct early members if they were off after one or two albums, so I'm not liking Peter Banks' chances (it's not inconceivable for him to make it in, but it's not something I'd bet on). They also don't seem to favor later members unless that band's "golden era" was during their time, so Benoit David, Jon Davison, Tom Brislin, Billy Sherwood, and Oliver Wakeman are all likely non-inductees. Igor Khoroshev would also likely not make it in, not just because of that fact, but also because of the circumstances of his removal. The Hall would not bother, I wouldn't think, with session musicians, but in all likelihood, the only one who would ever get inducted would possibly be Steve Porcaro, and only as a member of Toto (not sure on David Foster).

This leaves Trevor Horn, Trevor Rabin, Steve Howe, Tony Kaye, Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz, Geoff Downes, Eddie Jobson, Bill Bruford, and Alan White. As far as keyboards are concerned, Kaye would be a guaranteed inductee, with Wakeman also likely making it in since his stay was significant enough. Moraz, Downes, and Jobson would all be in the "one album curse" group (if Jobson had stayed for 90125, he may have made it). As far as drums and percussion, Bruford and White account for both their early success and their resurgence. Of them, White's a guaranteed, with Bruford being not as safe (Simper, anyone?), but still has good chances.

Finally, we're down to Horn, Rabin, and Howe. Howe would be likely, since he was the guitarist with the longest tenure. Rabin would also possibly get in due to their 80s peak. As for Horn, he's the odd man out. There's no question he was big in the 80s between his production or with his work in the Art of Noise. If the Hall wanted to recognize Horn, it's be either as a non-performer (likely) or as a member of Art of Noise (not happening). Personally, his tenure in Yes may get him in, but I would think the Hall would just induct Anderson and call it a day.

As a result, a Hall of Fame-inducted Yes would likely look something like this:

Jon Anderson
Steve Howe
Trevor Rabin
Chris Squire
Tony Kaye
Rick Wakeman
Bill Bruford
Alan White

Posted by SotN on Tuesday, 12/29/2015 @ 15:39pm

SotN,

I do agree with your list of chosen inductees for Yes. However, I do think that Yes will return to the nomination ballot next year, as well as the aforementioned progressive rock artists. Thus far, Yes had lost only two previous members (Peter Banks and Chris Squire). I also think that Yes would have been the sixth inductee. I think that if the Cars were sixth, they would have been inducted. However, inducting three prog acts in the same year would have led to a backlash from the punkophiles.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 12/29/2015 @ 15:58pm

Post 2. Do I think Sade will get in someday? Yeah: they've been considered, so the Hall is aware of them. The only issue is that the Hall has been dreadful in the three categories Sade represents:

1. 80s British. Since 2004, the only four inducted acts to have had solid 80s success that were British (discounting U2) were George Harrison, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, and the Pretenders. Even this isn't saying much, because Harrison's got far more reasons for induction than his 80s output (charity work, Beatle, etc.). Genesis, you already know, were very successful in the 70s so even though the 80s were when they were at their commercially biggest, they were still at their core a 70s inductee with a second, more mainstream stardom in the 80s (like Yes). Peter Gabriel experienced his biggest success (commercial and otherwise) in the 80s, but even he had success in the 70s solo (Car's still considered a great album). The Pretenders are the best-off 80s band of this group. The Hall, whether now or later, needs to address the chasm of the 80s in general, and especially British musicians. They can't keep upping 70s icons and expect no fallout.

2. R&B. Never mind the 80s, the Hall's struggling with acts from the 70s. When War, the Spinners, the Marvelettes, and Chic can't get in, the Hall's not going to be going after an 80s act, especially when 80s R&B has a slightly shaky reputation.

3. Female vocalists, especially in the 80s. Excluding Heart (to a minor degree), Joan Jett, and Madonna, the bulk of the women inducted since 2004 were either out by 1980 or on the wane (Blondie or Donna Summer). Three of the biggest female stars of the 80s were Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and, going into the 90s, Mariah Carey (all of them, coincidentally, R&B acts), all of whom aren't inducted, and if they aren't inducted, Sade's short-term induction chances are pretty terrible.

Sade's been previously considered, so they do have a leg-up. Unfortunately, with the odds against them, I can't see them getting inducted when far bigger snubs in these categories are still on the outside, waiting.

Posted by SotN on Wednesday, 12/30/2015 @ 10:32am

SotN,

Thank you for your response. I do agree that the rhythm and blues' artists have been having quite a bit of difficulty being inducted in recent years. Unlike many of the aforementioned r & b artists however, Sade Adu had written her own lyrics and her own music. Also, Sade happens to have that jazz influence in their music which happens to appeal to the progressive rock audience, also. Jazz is probably the most complicated variety of popular music, overall. Progressive rock had pulled much of it's structure not only from Classical music, but also from jazz. I think that the recent induction of Chicago and the previous induction of Steely Dan, plus the previous inductions of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush and Traffic will work in their favor.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 12/30/2015 @ 11:38am

Enig,

I am so very disappointed that Yes were not inducted for 2016. We certainly say that Yes have been considered and also nominated twice. I do agree with You and also suspect that Yes were the sixth Inductee. It's like you say that Rather than deal with the Complicated logistics the Rock Hall had decided to Induct 5 acts instead as a Cop out.

I suspect that Yes were the sixth Inductee and the Cars were 7th. We'll focus on Yes since this is a Yes forum.

I will share a brief History of my Yes experience. I was 6 Years old when Yes released The Yes Album. I was 7 years Old when Yes release Fragile and Close to the Edge. I was 14 Years Old when I was first introduced to the Music of Yes. I was 19 Years Old when I attended my First Yes concert. It was the 90125 Tour. I STILL have the T shirt from that Concert. I wore it recently. I was 35 Years Old when I attended my 2nd Yea concert. That was in 2000. I'm not sure if they were supporting an album. I just wanted to give you my experience with Yes.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 01/7/2016 @ 05:29am

Ben,

Thank you for agreeing with me about Yes being the 6th inductee. What I really cannot understand at all, is why there were not six, or even 7 inductees. Of the five inductees chosen, I think that Chicago definitely deserves to be the headliner, but I have a feeling that Deep Purple will do something quite amazing, as well. If David Coverdale is somehow able to get Ritchie Blackmore to attend, then it could really be fantastic.

As I have said previously, I had been introduced to the music of Yes in the early summer of 1981. The first time that I had heard "Fragile" was quite an amazing experience. My first Yes concert was in October, 1999. Yes had been my third major rock concert, preceded only by The Moody Blues, also in October, 1999 and of course, Rush on June 7, 1992.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 01/7/2016 @ 08:22am

Enig,

You said it yourself." Rather than deal with the complicated logistics associated with inducting the many members of Yes this year, The Rock Hall had decided to induct 5 acts instead".

I agree with this completely. It was a cop out. It makes sense that this is what Happened. Yes as the 6th Inductee is probably what happened. The Hall didn't want to deal with all the lineups of members. So what do they do. Make it 5. Cars were probably 7th. The Cars had a steady lineup but The 7th Inductee is not so likely to Jump in as an inductee.

It was a Non Verbal way of leaving out Yes. I will say then that since Yes missed the Hall may skip a Year on them. The Hall a very likely to give Moody Blues a shot next year instead. Ahh but Yes will return in a big way for 2018 I think. I researched the Previously Considered artists. I discovered that Duran Duran have never even been mentioned or Considered. ELO, Moody Blues and Sade have been Previously Considered. So those would be Nominated first. Yes will return but they may skip a Year. The Hall does that allll the time.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 01/8/2016 @ 06:31am

Ben,

Thank you for agreeing with me about Yes. I have little doubt that Yes would have been the sixth inductee and I would not be surprised at all, if The Cars were seventh. Ultimately, this class should have included three "progressive rock" bands. Now if Yes had been inducted, the Rock Hall would have appeared to have been more "rockist," plus who would have been the headliner?

I cannot see how anyone would have voted for n.w.a. over Yes; this is extremely incomprehensible and highly illogical. Just because they may have inspired a genre, does not mean that that genre had needed to be acknowledged. Not all genres need to be inducted, especially not ones which openly advocate hatred, racism and violence. Also, I have heard that their alleged "biopic," which I have not seen, nor do I have any intention of seeing, a fictional film which seems to have left out their misogynistic, racist and homophobic tendencies. Without knowing that much about this group, I had read the lyrics to no less than 17 of n.w.a.'s songs. I had become so unbelievably upset by their lyrics openly discussing the alleged murder of women, because they had not pleased them, that I had been utterly disgusted by their use of artistic license. After reading these lyrics, I had to wonder if misogyny is endemic to this culture? Do these individuals actually hate their own mothers and perhaps their own sisters and daughters also? How does this "supposed" kind of art lead to the betterment of our society?

Yes, and most of progressive rock for that matter, on the other hand, was always about self- actualization and the evolution of our society. Progressive rock had sought to improve humanity.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 01/8/2016 @ 09:01am

Ben,

Thank you for agreeing with me about Yes. I have little doubt that Yes would have been the sixth inductee and I would not be surprised at all, if The Cars had been seventh on this list. . Ultimately, this class should have included three "progressive rock" bands. Now if Yes had been inducted, the Rock Hall would have appeared to have been more "rockist," plus it might have been quite difficult to determine, who would have been the headliner?

I cannot see how anyone would have voted for n.w.a. over Yes; this is extremely incomprehensible and highly illogical. Just because they may have inspired a genre, does not mean that this particular genre had needed to be acknowledged. Not all genres need to be inducted, especially not ones which openly advocate hatred, racism and violence. Also, I have heard that their alleged "biopic," which I have not seen, nor do I have any intention of seeing, is a fictional film which seems to have left out their most misogynistic, racist and homophobic tendencies. Without knowing that much about this group, I had read the lyrics to no less than 17 of n.w.a.'s songs. I had become so unbelievably furious by their lyrics openly discussing the alleged murder of women, because they had not pleased them, that I had become so utterly disgusted by their abuse of artistic license. After reading these lyrics, I had to wonder if misogyny is endemic to this culture? Do these individuals actually hate their own mothers and perhaps their own sisters and daughters also? How does this "supposed" kind of art lead to the betterment of our society?

The lyrics of Yes, and most of progressive rock for that matter, on the other hand, has always been about self- actualization and the evolution of our society. Progressive rock had sought to improve humanity, not to detract from it.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 01/8/2016 @ 09:17am

Enig,

I do agree with you. The Rock Hall somehow left out Yes so that they don't have to seem more "Rockist".
A key point you made is that if Yes had been Inducted then it may have been rather difficult to determine who would have been the Headliner.

So by leaving out Yes it's a little easier. I'm going with either Cheap Trick or Deep Purple. I was going to mention that Deep Purple were inducted over Yes because the Hall is more used to taking care of Hard Rock snubs. Clearly Deep Purple were partly Prog but unlike Yes they have Cross Genre support. Led Zep members and Black Sabbath members voted for Peep Purple as well as Van Halen, Alice Cooper and Kiss. Same thing with other Hard Rock players. Heck I can see Neil Young and the Queen members voting for DP as well as Pink Floyd and Rush.

Now as far as NWA going in and Not Yes. That is ridiculous. I do not support Hard core Rap. I admit I saw them as a possibility but not without Yes going in. Clearly so that the Hall didn't have to look more Rockist they got those guys in.
The main reason Yes are not in is due to the complicated line ups I would say the Hall would have dealt with on top of Chicago and Deep Purple. The end result though is NWA is in and not Yes.

Posted by Ben on Monday, 01/11/2016 @ 05:09am

Ben,

Thank you for your response. As I had said previously, "I do not understand why Yes was not inducted."

I am also appreciative of the fact that you do not support "hard core" rap. I do not have a problem with most rap as an art form, unto itself. However, I am strongly against those individuals who have advocated misogyny, racism, homophobia and violence. As bad as they are, perhaps even worse are their supporters. One has to wonder if they also not only hate their mothers, sisters and daughters, but also their wives and girlfriends. At least that is the way that it appears to me. What other reason could there be for advocating for n.w.a.'s induction? Oh wait, was there also a lot of money to be made in the process, wasn't there? Well, that explains everything; does it not?

Yes, should have garnered quite a few votes across the spectrum. However, I do believe that most of the previous inductees into the Rock Hall would have voted for Yes. Perhaps, the industry insiders and the critics did not?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/11/2016 @ 09:11am

Not all NWA supporters are violent, racist, or hateful. Don't go around stereotyping supporters based on they say lyrically. You may not support them but like it or not they were influential and the rock hall was right to put them in for that reason.

Posted by Greg F on Monday, 01/11/2016 @ 09:33am

And maybe Enig and Ben, that with the four classic rock acts that did get in, as well as the Cars, the Smiths, and NIN, the ballot just got split hard enough that Yes simply fell short. Try that logic on for size.

Posted by Philip on Monday, 01/11/2016 @ 23:36pm

Yes was nominated in 2014 and then again in 2016. I'd venture a guess they won't be nominated in 2017 but might get another nomination the following year.

I'm pulling for them, though.

Posted by Marissa on Monday, 01/11/2016 @ 23:48pm

ENIG

Moody Blues time 2016. YES ain't got the votes. It's a shame but that's how cookie has crumbled. David Bowie already in Hall Of Fame but maybe some of his FAV groups will get a push. Curious how this ballot turns out. Hope it is as good as 2015. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 00:26am

I think The complicated lineup change theory has a lot of merit with Yes. It's not because acts with Line up changes are avoided. Clearly not. It's because both Chicago and Deep Purple had lots of line up changes. The Hall probably didn't want a third to deal with.

I am saying also that since Yes was nominated in 2014 and 2016 that they won't be nominated for 2017 but might get a Nom for 2018. I think it's Moody Blues time. Hey there's less line up changes for sure. Also I think the Moody Blues can get more votes. They as you know go back to the 60s. People like Pete Townsend, Doors survivors, Eric Burdon and surviving Grateful Dead members could easily Vote for the Moody Blues. Certainly 70s acts like Pink Floyd, Genesis and Rush would. Very easily Jefferson Airplane could. The list goes on. At least for now the Moody Blues could have more votes.

Moody Blues will be on my list for 2017. As for Yes they will return for sure just not right away Perhaps.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 05:08am

Greg F.,

Please tell me what positive outcome will result from inducting such a blatantly offensive group. I am more than interested in hearing your perspective on this. Meanwhile, please tell me why The Spinners and Chaka Khan, both of which I would have supported, were not inducted? I need to rephrase my previous remark, "What other reason could there possibly be for advocating for n.w.a.'s induction? Oh wait, there was also a lot of money to be made in the process; wasn't there? Well that explains everything, doesn't it?"

Once again, I had voted for the following artists on the previous nomination ballot: Yes, Deep Purple, Chicago, The Spinners and The Cars.

Ben,

Would I support The Moody Blues? Absolutely. I have no problem with supporting most "progressive rock" acts. If Yes does return to the ballot next year, they will also receive my vote. The same thing is true for Electric Light Orchestra and of course, Duran Duran. If Sade happens to appear on the ballot, she and her ensemble will also receive my vote, even over Procol Harum.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 08:37am

It makes sense to include them. They were a big part of rap history and they are one of those that need to be included to accurately represent history. N.W.A. brought awareness of what happens in the ghetto and those people a voice and persective.

Posted by Greg F on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 12:39pm

And to answer you other question. It beats me on why there wasn't enough votes for them. Perhaps some of voters vote with the show in mind like who people want to see at the show rather than who was the most important is probably why The Spinners and Chaka Khan were left out. As for you The Cars and Yes being left, the ballot was crowded with classic rock artists and and as a result some canceled out.

Posted by Greg F on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 12:52pm

I meant as for why and not as for you.

Posted by Greg F on Tuesday, 01/12/2016 @ 12:59pm

Yes is second on my list of favorite bands, slightly above The Moody Blues and slightly below Rush. Yes is also my co-favorite band musically. The only reason why Rush is placed slightly higher than Yes is due to their lyrics.

Later this year, will mark the 35th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Yes. My favorite song by Yes is 'Awaken,' more specifically the 18 minute long version from "Keys To Ascension." 'Awaken' is also my second favorite song, slightly below 'Xanadu' by Rush and slightly above the version of 'Legend Of A Mind' from "A Night At Red Rocks" by The Moody Blues. My fourth favorite song happens to be 'Dreamline,' from "Clockwork Angels Tour" by Rush. However, "Clockwork Angels Tour" is second on my list of favorite progressive rock albums, slightly below "Exit... Stage Left" and slightly above "Keys To Ascension" by Yes.

Here are my 20 favorite studio and live progressive rock albums:

01. Rush: Exit... Stage Left (1981)
02. Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour (2013)
03. Yes: Keys To Ascension (1996)
04. Yes: Keys To Ascension 2 (1997)
05. The Moody Blues: A Night At Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (1992)
06. Pink Floyd: p.u.l.s.e. (1995)
07. Jethro Tull: Bursting Out (1978)
08. Gentle Giant: Free Hand (1975)
09. King Crimson: In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)
10. Duran Duran: A Diamond In The Mind: Live 2011 (2012)
11. Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense (1984)
12. Rush: Roll The Bones (1991)
13. Echolyn: As The World (1995)
14. Kansas: Leftoverture (1976)
15. Yes: Symphonic Live (2009)
16. Roxy Music: Avalon (1982)
17. Rush: Presto (1989)
18. Yes: Close To The Edge (1972)
19. The Moody Blues: To Our Children's Children's Children (1969)
20. Rush: R40 Live (2015)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/18/2016 @ 09:35am

Enig,
Which do you enjoy more?:
Your 17th favorite Rush song, your 14th favorite Yes song, or your 9th favorite Moody Blues song?

Posted by Classic Rock on Monday, 01/18/2016 @ 11:49am

Classic Rock,

That is a tough question. I would probably say that I would enjoy my 17th favorite Rush song, 'Red Tide,' slightly more than my 9th favorite Moody Blues' song. I would enjoy my 14th favorite Yes song, 'Siberian Khatru' slightly more than my 17th favorite Rush song.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 02/3/2016 @ 09:23am

There are also several major anniversaries of various Yes studio albums and live recordings this year, also.

February 19, will mark the 45th anniversary of the release of "The Yes Album."

On October 28, "Keys To Ascension" will celebrate it's 20th anniversary.

On May 21, "Keystudio" will be 15 years old.

On December 4, "Magnification" will also celebrate it's 15th anniversary.

I have not included "Fragile," since it was not released until January 4, 1972 in the U.S.

On June 22, "Fly From Here" will celebrate the 5th anniversary of it's release date.

On November 29, "In The Present- Live From Lyon" will also celebrate the 5th anniversary.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 02/4/2016 @ 09:03am

If there was a drumming hall of fame Bill Bruford and Alan White would be in it.

If ther was a bassist hall of fame Chris Squire would be in it.

If there was a guitarist hall of fame Steve Howe would be in it.

If there was a keyboard hall of fame Rick Wakeman would be in it.

If there is a heaven Jon Anderson would be in it.

Anyone can light a candle but not they way they did.

What a blessing to be alive and to listen to such bueatiful music.

Posted by Kevi on Sunday, 02/7/2016 @ 00:56am

Progressive rock, art rock and prog adjacent bands will vote for other artists of the same genres. Since, Deep Purple and Chicago are being inducted this year, I would infer that the members of those bands, in addition to the members of Talking Heads, The Police, Rush, Heart, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Traffic, Jefferson Airplane, CSN&Y, Grateful Dead, R.E.M. and quite a few others will support the inductions of The Moody Blues and Yes later this year.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02/7/2016 @ 13:30pm

Kevi,

I agree with you about the members of Yes, as individual instrumentalists, being Hall Of Fame worthy. Yes is an absolutely magnificent band and in my honest opinion, their only rival is Rush, when it comes to being the greatest progressive rock band. I place both Yes and Rush on the Mount Everest, of progressive rock, or so to speak.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02/7/2016 @ 13:39pm

Absolutely deserve to be in RRHOF. Each of the many members were some of the greatest at their instrument. And now, because the RRHOF has waited too long, Chris Squire has passed before this was rectified. Shame on the voters for not giving them their due.

Posted by Tinger on Tuesday, 02/9/2016 @ 03:45am

Today is the 45th anniversary of the release of "The Yes Album."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 02/19/2016 @ 08:39am

Yes absolutely deserve to be in the Rock Hall. I feel it's partly a result of all those years of 5 acts a Year. I was fair and stated that when those like Black Sabbath, Blondie REM Patti Smith and Van Halen were going in why does that mean Yes didn't. Yes could have and should have been inducted about 20 Years ago. In fact 20 Years ago at this time in 1996 Pink Floyd were inducted along with David Bowie and Jefferson Airplane. It seems to me that Yes could have gone in just after that given that Pink Floyd were a little late. Why couldn't Yes be inducted in 1997 or 1998?

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 02/27/2016 @ 08:31am

I once heard Tom Petty say "For rock music to be big good it shouldn't be played well. Yes is filled with virtuosos. It really isn't a rock band. They seem to be in their own genre. Any way since Chris Squire died does the RRHOF really matter?

Posted by ken on Monday, 03/7/2016 @ 15:05pm

I have mentioned before that Yes could have have been Inducted about 20 Years Ago. Pink Floyd were Inducted along with David Bowie, Jefferson Airplane and Gladys Knight & The Pips. Yes Could have been Inducted just after Pink Floyd who were a little late. It makes sense that Yes could have been a little late around 1997 or 1998. In 1998. The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac Mamas & Papas Lloyd Price and Santana. Yes could have been added to those.

Nobody had to be excluded. I dont even know Lloyd Price well. They could have kept him the Eagles, etc and add Yes. They would have been only slighly late NOT delayed shamelessly like this. Slightly late Like David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Crosby, Stills & Nash is Ok. Im a fan of all those.

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 04/16/2016 @ 07:27am

Ben,
If you don't know who Lloyd Price is, well then that's your fault. He some major hits in '50 including "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Personality," and "Stagger Lee." He is a great soul/R&B singer who emerged as a major talent during the first decade of rock and roll. You should check out Price's work, it's quite underrated IMO. He's just a largely forgotten name when compared to the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Fats Domino.

The 1998 class was very strong and balanced class: 2 '50s artists (Gene Vincent and Lloyd Price), 2 '60 acts (The Mamas and the Papas and Santana, yes I know the later continued beyond the '60s but Santana is identifiable with Woodstock era so I'm just lumping them to this decade for the sake of this point), and 2 '70s artists (The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac). The point is that the '50s were still a priority for the Rock Hall, even in the late '90s but they also started acknowledged pioneering and deserving candidates of the '70s. This is when the ballots were super competitive and again, starting a new emphasis on the '70s with nominated acts that year like Billy Joel, The Stooges, and Earth, Wind & Fire. But the other acts were primarily from the '50s and '60s including The Moonglows,Solomon Burke, Dusty Springfield, Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, and Joe Tex. These two decades, especially the '60s, were largely where the Rock Hall nominated and inducted artists. Anyway it's framed, Yes probably wouldn't have been a priority for the Rock Hall, especially as early as 1998.

I love Yes and they should be inducted ASAP to the Rock Hall, but you have to remember that the Rock Hall has always held a bias against progressive rock. They thought, well, Pink Floyd's inducted and that covers ground. It took years before another progressive rock act was even nominated, let alone inducted. In a fantasy world, Yes would not have to wait too long for induction, but their music is polarizing, in the sense that people have a strong reaction: either you love them or hate them. Remember that Dave Marsh interview from last year when he said Yes was by far the weakest act on the 2016 ballot. He loathed Yes so much for their pretentiousness and terrible music, I'm paraphrasing Marsh's words here but that's pretty much what he said. I believe many on the Nominating Committee feel the same way about Yes as Marsh, akin to Kiss, Deep Purple, and Chicago. The stigmas of a relatively popular act that doesn't always get the critical reception given to other artist. But the Rock Hall has become so populist in the last few years that a Yes induction seems plausible and they are among the biggest snubs in the Rock Hall right now.

Again, I like Yes and predict they will reappear on the 2017 ballot (hopefully this time less classic rock this time around so they actually have a fighting chance), and I think they will be inducted on their next appearance. But at the same, it's a coulda-woulda-shoulda situation regarding Yes' Rock Hall induction. But we shouldn't discount the achievements of pioneering and inducted '50s and even '60s artists either.

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 04/16/2016 @ 09:23am

Nick,

Im glad yu responded. I know and own one song by Lloyd Price. Personality. Do Not know him as well as 60s artists like Mamas And Papas who were also inducted in 1998.I said they could have kept him the Eagles Fleetwood Mac Mamas and Papas and of course the great Santana. They could have added Yes. Nobody had to be excluded. Lloyd Price is Respect for 50s. Mamas and Papas and Santana respect for 60s. Yes could have been added.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 04/19/2016 @ 05:26am

So just to clear up about Lloyd Price. I do know who Lloyd Price is. Personality was a Top 10 hit around 1959. A fine hit.I did say to could have kept Lloyd Price in 1998. I dont him Well. I know Mamas and Papas very and of course Santana. I own a whole bunch of Santana albums. Hypothetically they could have added Yes to those. I used 1998 as an example. It was strong and balanced. As an example they could Have added Yes.

I do know Solomon Burke and Joe Tex quite well. They were more 60s. Thats where my knowledge kicks in more. I like those 2. Joe Tex needs to still go in. I was glad Solomon Burke was inducted in 2001.

I love Yes. It was just wishful thinking. You are totally right that the Rock Hall has always held a Bias against Progressive Rock. No 50s or 60s artist should have been excluded. The Flamingos were Inducted in 2001 along with Solomon Burke. Aerosmith and Queen among others were too. 2001 was also a strong Class. In 2002 Gene Pitney was inducted and so was Tom Petty and Talking Heads. Again Strong. They did catch up good this Year with Chicago Deep Purple and the rest. Yu may respond. Lloyd Price is perfectly fine. He went in at the right time. We will see what happens with Yes and other snubs Now.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 04/19/2016 @ 06:00am

The record company owner, Richie Finestra from the new HBO Series "Vinyl" is definitely not a fan of "progressive rock." In the second episode of the series no less than four disparaging comments were made about Yes, ELP, Jefferson Airplane and Jethro Tull. Also, even more offensive was his pulling "Thick As A Brick" off the turntable and breaking it in to two pieces. One can only surmise that this series which espouses the virtues of punk and disco will undoubtedly support the arrogant opinion that only those genres matter.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 04/19/2016 @ 10:36am

Nick,

So I was saying in retrospect that Yes could have been added to the Class with Lloyd Price, Eagles Fleetwood Mac and Santana. Yes could have been added to any of the late 90s early 2000s Classes really. Alas they weren't because of bias against Progressive Rock.

Enig,

I haven't watched Vinyl yet. It sounds like Rock Hall Nominating Committee people would like it. Its like I was saying No Genre should b excluded. Yes could have coexisted in a Class with 50s and 60s artists as well as some Punk. But there is Bias. Thus Yes does wait.

Posted by Ben on Tuesday, 04/19/2016 @ 18:57pm

Ben,
In a perfect world, Yes would have been no-brainers and inducted almost immediately after they were eligible. Yes is actually my all-time favorite Progressive Rock band. The problem, thou, is the strong prejudices against Progressive Rock on the Rock Hall Nominating Committee, as I noted in an earlier post and saw you agreed with me here. Case in point: Pink Floyd, love them or hate them, should haver been first-ballot HOF-ers. It's ridiculous they had to wait 4-5 years after eligibility to seek induction. They were nominated their first year of eligibility, I think for the 1992 ceremony, but were passed over. They then didn't appear until the 1996 ceremony where they were finally inducted. The point I'm making here is that if Pink Floyd had that much trouble getting inducted (their albums are among the most commercially successful records ever released), there was little hope for a Yes induction in the late 90s or even the early 00s. I think Yes should receive automatic induction for the 2017 ceremony, but the problem is that the two ballots Yes appeared, they were competing against other classic rock giants (e.g., Deep Purple, The Cars, Cheap Trick, Chicago, Kiss). If Yes appears on another ballot, I think they will be inducted--especially if the committee decides to regulate the number of classic rock choices for voters.

I definitely agree that Joe Tex deserves another nomination. He was nominated like 4 or 5 times over the years and is a forgotten icon of 60s/70s R&B/Soul. I believe Dave Marsh is a big fan of Tex, so there's always hope he will fight for another Tex nomination in the future. I wish thou Tex was inducted in the late 90s or even the first decade of the 00s, because he stands little chance for induction. Especially now that the Rock Hall inducts very few R&B/Soul acts. If Solomon Burke or even Gene Pitney weren't inducted in 01/02 akin to the Tex situation, I highly doubt they would be inducted in the current populist voting ways of the larger voting body. It's sad but true.

Posted by Nick on Tuesday, 04/19/2016 @ 19:16pm

Nick,

We do agree. You may have misunderstood what I said about Lloyd Price. I don't know him Well. I do know him. When I said Keep him I had meant that he absolutely should have been Inducted in the Hall in 1998 as he was along with the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac Santana. I was saying that Yes could have been added to all of them. You are also absolutely right that there is Tremendous bias against Progressive Rock. Hence they did Not. Hey could have been added to the 5 in 2003 for that Matter with Righteous Brothers AC/DC The Police all those. Righteous Brothers are well deserved and so is the Police. The others in 2003.

Its wishful thinking as far as Yes. Yes are still waiting. There was too much competition. As you said Deep Purple, The Cars Chicago and Kiss. They wanted to satisfy the Kiss army for 2014 as well as induct 2 very fine artists Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt. There is always mellow to balance out loud in a Rock Hall class.

Now Joe Tex deserves another nomination. I know him. Hold What You've Got was a Top Ten hit in 1965. He had numerous R&B hits. He was indeed nominated about 5 times. He should have been Inducted a long while ago. I do agree the Rock Hall inducts very few R&B acts now. There is a current populist Trend. Also they fired a lot of the Oldest people on the Committee. This created the Populist trend and a trend to 70s Rock I love. However, Sadly this reduces chances for an Artist like Joe Tex. Its not fair but it seems to be How it is Now.

I love most of the artists that went in like Chicago and Deep Purple but Joe Tex loses out. Now I do think Yes have improved chances with the Updated committee. I support Joe Tex and also bands like Yes. It can be both but I don't think so. It would certainly bring diversity to the Hall. I don't think its So likely for Joe Tex. Sad but true.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 04/20/2016 @ 08:00am

Nick,

Not to confuse things too much but I actually think the Hall will skip a Shot at Yes for the 2017 Ceremony. I personally think they will Nominate the Moody Blues instead. Also I am predicting a a few R&b acts for nomination. Ones later than Joe Tex. The Meters and the Spinners seem likely as well as Janet Jackson. Clearly later R&B. I think so. Yes may return in 2018.

Posted by Ben on Wednesday, 04/20/2016 @ 12:32pm

Enig.

It has been awhile. I read what you said about the disrespect for Progressive Rock on the Series Vinyl. I am sorry to hear that. I was going to watch that show. Im not so sure Now. Maybe for other forms of Rock and Music.

I have been having a Nice Chat with Nick. I thought Yes could have gone in with Lloyd Price, Eagle and Fleetwood Mac. I know Lloyd Price a bit. Lloyd Price was deservedly inducted. I am not an Eagles fan by the way but I am not surprised. Leading band of the 70s. I think they are boring. I thought Yes could have been Added to those. Each year in the late 90s early 2000s. Some 50s 60s artists were caught up on. Homage is important. Solomon Burke was inducted with Aerosmith Queen and Steely Dan back in 2001. Yes could have been added but weren't and never were down the line. Sooo here we are.

A good point is the Hall has a strong Bias against Progressive Rock. People like Dave Marsh have a big say in the Rock Hall. That is unfortunate in light of the fact he thought Yes were the weakest act on the 2016 Ballot. I recall reading that. Well people like you and me differ strongly. They could have an added act Years back and weren't. Homage to 50s and 60s could co exist with Yes but doesn't.

So I can understand Inducting Lloyd Price and Solomon Burke first. Then they shrank the classes to 5. Sooo easily Yes could have gone at the same time as REM and the Ronettes, It still didn't happen and hasn't. It is due to the bias against Progressive Rock. So Here we are. Hopefully Yes can be inducted 2017-2019. Anywhere in there is Fine. It would seem that more respect for Prog rock should come soon. The Committee has changed. Induction of Rush brings Hope.

Posted by Ben on Thursday, 04/21/2016 @ 08:49am

What I meant is that they shrank the Classes to 5. Yes could easily been added to 5. It still didn't happen. That was due to the bias against Prog Rock plus the shrunk classes. That's why No matter what No Yes. There may be more hope Now.

Posted by Ben on Friday, 04/22/2016 @ 15:34pm

Ben,

Agreed, apparently Dave Marsh is not a huge fan of prog. To Jann Wenner's credit, he had presided over the 2013 ceremony which had included Rush's induction. Unfortunately much of the blame for the lack of prog acts in the hall has been placed squarely upon his shoulders. I think that Yes will finally be inducted in 2017, along with several more "prog" and "prog adjacent" artists. The Rock Hall could improve their credibility immensely by supporting such a ceremony.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 04/30/2016 @ 13:40pm

I certainly agree that Dave Marsh is not a huge fan of Prog. This is disappointing because Dave Marsh was a biographer for the Who. The Who are actually my Favorite Band. He has highly praised the Who. I assume that Includes Tommy. A concept album and a Rock Opera. I am a fanatical fan of the Who. It is Ironic that he is not a huge fan of true Prog Rock.

I think The Hall may skip a year on Yes and try out the Moody Blues as a nominee. I think the Moodys can get more Votes because they go back much deeper into the 1960's. I think Yes will return in 2018. Im rooting for Yes but that's what I predict due to the dislike of Prog in the Hall. It seems like one at a time for Prog with the Ballots

Posted by Ben on Saturday, 05/7/2016 @ 06:22am

I am impressed that "Tales From Topographic Oceans" has been chosen as an important Yes album. "TFTO" has been one of my favorite Yes albums, since I had first purchased a copy of it on vinyl nearly 35 years ago. I will reiterate that Yes has been my co-favorite band musically for the past 35 years.

"Relayer" has not been one of my favorite albums by Yes, however. Certainly, I enjoy much of 'The Gates Of Delirium' Especially 'Soon.' I also thoroughly enjoy,'To Be Over.' On the other hand, I can think of several Yes songs which are far better than 'Sound Chaser.'

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 06/4/2016 @ 08:13am

I have now been an aficionado of "progressive rock" and Yes' music, in particular for over 35 consecutive years. This does not mean that I happen to enjoy the music of every prog act, either. There are always some artists in various genres whose output happens to be somewhat disappointing, however there are also quite a few artists who emit flashes of brilliance from time to time.

Of those artists who have not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, I feel that Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, The Moody Blues, Duran Duran, Sade and Carly Simon have the strongest overall discographies. I would also not object to either The Doobie Brothers, nor Foreigner receiving a
nomination, also.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 07/18/2016 @ 09:28am

In addition to being a huge advocate for other artists, I am a huge advocate for Yes:

Yes has created some of the most amazing music over the past 46 years. Beginning with their debut album, "Yes," Yes had introduced a very different musical style into the rock canon. Although their predecessors, The Moody Blues and Procol Harum had co-founded the "progressive rock" genre prior to Yes' formation, Yes had continued to evolve as a band, releasing some of their most brilliant work during the 1970's. Albums such as "The Yes Album," "Fragile" and "Close To The Edge" had also been critically lauded. "The Yes Album" had featured such timeless progressive rock gems as 'Yours Is No Disgrace,' 'Starship Trooper' and 'Your Move/All Good People.' "Fragile" had featured the classic rock radio staple, 'Roundabout,' in addition to 'Long Distance Runaround,' 'Heart Of The Sunrise' and the chillingly brilliant 'South Side Of The Sky.' "Close To The Edge" had upped the ante, with the brilliant 'Siberian Khatru,' the sublime 'And You And I' and the extraordinary epic, 'Close To The Edge.' "Close To The Edge" has been lauded by many as quite possibly, "progressive Rock's definitive masterwork."

Their creative output did not stop there, "Going
For The One," with the brilliant epic, 'Awaken' and the sublime, 'Turn Of The Century' attest to this fact.

Although not a critically revered album, "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is also a masterpiece, featuring only 4 side long songs, the greatest of which are: 'The Revealing Science Of God' and 'Ritual.' "Tales" is perhaps a bit too far
ahead of it's time, in order to be fully appreciated. Of course, I also enjoy the sublime 'The Remembering' and the transformative, 'The Ancient.'

'The Gates Of Delirium' from "Relayer" is another epic work.

In the 1980's Yes was not afraid to change their style with the times and release "90125" with it's hit single, 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart.'

In the mid 1990's, Yes released the brilliant "Keys To Ascension" albums, which had showed that could Yes not only perform their previous masterworks in a live setting, but also release creative material in another decade. They had also released "The Ladder."

In the early 21st century, Yes had released another masterpiece, "Magnification" and had the audacity to tour with a symphony orchestra.

Yes has also been an influence on many of those previous inductees.

For these many reasons, in addition to those previously mentioned, Yes should receive their long overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Let's get them inducted in 2017!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 08/27/2016 @ 12:05pm

Today is the 44th anniversary of the release of "Close To The Edge." "Close To The Edge" has been described as "quite possibly progressive rock's defining masterwork." There are only three tracks on "Close To The Edge": 'Close To The Edge,' 'And You And I' and 'Siberian Khatru.'

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 09/13/2016 @ 09:33am

According to Wikipedia, today is the 15th anniversary of the release of "Magnification," the recording which I consider to be Yes' last great masterpiece. A review of "Magnification" will be forthcoming.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 09/20/2016 @ 03:16am

As I have stated previously, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush.

The recent passing of Chris Squire has led to another nomination for Yes.

I am utterly surprised and find that it is almost completely inexplicable that Yes has not yet been inducted.

Yes has influenced numerous artists.

If you are interested in finding out more information about Yes, then please look up the following item: "The Campaign That Rocked Washington."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/8/2016 @ 03:52am

I could see them make the ballot again, but not for another 2 or 3 years. And it'll likely be another "No" for Yes.
They're decent, though.

Posted by Ryan on Saturday, 10/8/2016 @ 08:00am

Ryan,

I respectfully disagree with you on this. I think that Yes will be nominated and be inducted in 2017, alongside these other musical luminaries: The Moody Blues, E.L.O., Duran Duran, Sade and Carly Simon.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/15/2016 @ 12:08pm

As far as I am concerned, the induction of Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is essential. Personally, they are my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and my second favorite prog artist of all time.

Yes had influenced Rush and quite a few other artists.

The late Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman, as well as former member Bill Bruford and Alan White are considered to be top notch musicians. Former founding member Jon Anderson was also recognized as "Prog God," by PROG magazine.

Yes has been innovative and remarkably cconsistent throughout the body of their discography.

Yes has never been afraid to experiment with new sounds, techniques, or with other styles.

Yes does indeed deserve immediate induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Let's get them inducted in 2017!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/15/2016 @ 12:18pm

Congratulations to the members of Yes for your recent nomination for Rock Hall induction.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 02:36am

Congratulations to the members of Yes for your recent nomination for Rock Hall induction. Let's hope that the third time is a charm.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 02:39am

https://www.rockhall.com/nominee/yes

THE INDUCTEES

Yes

01. Jon Anderson (1968-2004: vocals, guitar)
02. Chris Squire (1968-2015: bass)
03. Tony Kaye (1968-1971; 1982-1994: keyboards)
04. Bill Bruford (1968-1972; 1990-1992: drums, King Crimson)
05. Steve Howe (1970-1981; 1990-1992; 1995-2004; 2008-Present: guitar; Asia, GTR)
06. Rick Wakeman (1971-1974; 1976-1980; 1990-1992; 1995-1997; 2002-2004: keyboards)
07. Alan White (1972-1981; 1982-2004; 2008–present: drums)
08. Trevor Rabin (1982-1994: guitar, keyboards)

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 03:50am

Peter Banks and Patrick Moraz being left out of induction.

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 10/19/2016 @ 04:42am

As I have stated numerous times before, Yes is my co-favorite band musically and my second favorite "prog" artist, overall. Although I am somewhat disappointed with this nominees' list, since neither The Moody Blues (#3), nor Duran Duran (#8) have yet received nominations, I will try to be positive about it, since Yes (#2) has received a third nomination, and Electric Light Orchestra (#12) has received their first nomination.

Once again, here is my revised list of favorite "prog" artists, in order:

01. Rush
02. Yes
03. The Moody Blues
04. Pink Floyd
05. Jethro Tull
06. Gentle Giant
07. King Crimson
08. Duran Duran
09. Talking Heads
10. Kansas
11. Alan Parsons Project
12. Electric Light Orchestra
13. Renaissance
14. Genesis
15. Peter Gabriel
16. Jefferson Airplane
17. Supertramp
18. Styx
19. Procol Harum
20. Asia

Yes has deserved induction into this venerable institution for more than two decades, let's get them inducted in 2017!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 10:40am

FRL,

Thank you for adding the link to PROG magazine. Now, would you please add "Roll The Bones" to the list of essential Rush albums? Thank you, in advance for doing this.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 11:38am

Out of the 19 nominees vying for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017, Yes is my #1 pick.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 10/20/2016 @ 18:12pm

As I have said many times before, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush. Of the present list of deserving candidates for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017, Yes is first, followed by Electric Light Orchestra and then, The Zombies.

I am just utterly amazed that we are still arguing over Yes' s induction. In my honest opinion, Yes should have been inducted 20 years ago.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/21/2016 @ 12:04pm

I think that we could go over the many reasons why Yes has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, ad nauseum.

However, I think that their track record alone sets them on a much higher level than most of the other nominees this year.

Let's face basic facts: many of the Rock Hall's voters do not really like the "progressive rock," or "art rock" genres. This is quite unfortunate since much of the greatest and most memorable music of the past century has been created by artists from these two genres.

With that being said, thus far only Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush, Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa, Jefferson Airplane, Traffic, Talking Heads, Queen, Steely Dan, Chicago and Deep Purple have been inducted. The Grateful Dead are not really "prog," with the possible exception of "Terrapin Station" and most of the Door's work is not "prog" either, neither is Cream. Heart is "prog" adjacent. The Who have some "prog" features, but most of their songs are blues-based hard rock. Even the inductions of Pink Floyd and Genesis, probably had to do more with their popularity than their landmark recordings.

However, In April, 2013, a landmark event had occurred: the induction of Rush. This event would finally change how the Rock Hall would view "progressive rock." Immediately afterwards, Yes had been nominated for the first time, but they were not yet inducted. Then they were renominated last year, but had failed to be inducted again. This time, Yes will be inducted.

Yes has four of the greatest musicians who have ever graced the stage among their membership: guitarist Steve Howe, former member keyboard wizard, Rick Wakeman and drummer Bill Bruford and the late great bassist extraordinaire, Chris Squire. They also have a heck of a great drummer in Alan White and co- composer and lyricist "Prog" God former member Jon Anderson.

Yes has been a huge influence upon most progressive rock (past, present and future) artists, including Rush and many other artists, as well.

Yes has many great studio and live recordings amongst their discography.

Yes' music has endured and does not sound dated.

Yes is not afraid to experiment with new styles, but makes their music, uniquely .their own.

They have a large fan base which continues to attend their concerts and buy their recordings.

For the most part, Yes has a great deal of longevity.

For these many reasons, in addition to still many others, Yes deserves immediate induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 14:29pm

I can see McCartney voting for 2Pac. He has worked with Kanye and said in a recent interview that he regularly listens to Jay-Z and has visited several Drake concerts. Maybe he is saying this to sound like a cool grandpa, but he seems generally interested in hip hop.

In the end, the people who have inducted N.W.A will now have to decide if 2Pac is among the five most worthy acts this year.

Posted by The_Claw on Saturday, 10/22/2016 @ 15:35pm

As I have stated previously, "Yes is my co-favorite band musically and they have remained so, for over 35 consecutive years."

So, what attributes makes Yes' music so great, in my honest opinion?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/23/2016 @ 11:09am

As I have stated previously, "Yes is my co-favorite band musically and they have remained so, for over 35 consecutive years."

So, what attributes makes Yes' music so great, in my honest opinion?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/23/2016 @ 11:10am

Happy belated birthday to former member and co-founder of Yes: Jon Anderson. Thank you Jon, for the great music which you have given us over the past several decades. I hope that Steve and you are finally able to reconcile at the Rock Hall next year.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 06:35am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 07:06am

It's a 'no' for Yes.

Posted by Ryan on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 08:30am

Today is also the 20th anniversary of the release of "Keys To Ascension," arguably Yes' greatest live recording. The greatest version of 'The Revealing Science Of God,' Yes' masterpiece from "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and the greatest version of 'Onward,' from "Tormato" is represented here as well, as is the superlative 'Awaken,' from "Going For The One," my favorite version of my favorite Yes song. Also, "Close To The Edge," is represented by 'Siberian Khatru.'
Of course, tried and true gems like 'Roundabout' from "Fragile" and "Starship Trooper" from "The Yes Album" join the other masterpieces. Also included is probably Yes' best cover version of Simon and Garfunkel's 'America,'
The fact that this particular concert was performed in San Luis Obispo, California over a 3 day period by the Classic Yes lineup (Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman and White) is nothing short of remarkable. Although I happen to prefer the live tracks on this particular recording, Yes had also included two new epic tracks: "Be The One" and "That, That Is."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 10/28/2016 @ 10:40am

For several years, I had been slightly disappointed with Yes, after the sub par "Big Generator" and the nearly disastrous "Union" and the horrific "Talk," I had been just about ready to give up on Yes. Unexpectedly, I had found "Keys To Ascension" while perusing the shelves of my local record store. I had been immediately intrigued after I had looked at the song list and the musicians involved.

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the release of "Keys To Ascension," arguably Yes' greatest live recording. The greatest version of 'The Revealing Science Of God,' Yes' masterpiece from "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and the greatest version of 'Onward,' from "Tormato" is represented here as well, as is the superlative 'Awaken,' from "Going For The One," This happens to be my favorite version of my favorite Yes song. Also, "Close To The Edge," is represented by 'Siberian Khatru.'

Of course, tried and true gems like 'Roundabout' from "Fragile" and 'Starship Trooper' from "The Yes Album" join the other masterpieces. Also included is probably Yes' best cover version of Simon and Garfunkel's 'America,'
The fact that this particular concert was performed in San Luis Obispo, California over a 3 day period by the Classic Yes lineup (Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman and White) is nothing short of remarkable. Although I happen to prefer the live tracks on this particular recording, Yes had also included two new epic tracks: "Be The One" and "That, That Is." The new recordings are very good, but were slightly amorphous and underwhelming when compared to the magnificent "Mind Drive" and the rest of the extraordinary songs found on "Keys To Ascension 2."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/29/2016 @ 12:14pm

in my honest opinion, "Magnification" is Yes' final studio masterpiece.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/29/2016 @ 19:01pm

Once again, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes:

I need to amend that previous list, slightly"

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/29/2016 @ 23:15pm

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time & A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1993)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/29/2016 @ 23:58pm

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 00:43am

Yes,

"Magnification" is my favorite Yes studio album. My favorite songs from "Magnification" are:

01. We Agree
02. Magnification
03. Give Love Each Day
04. In The Presence Of
05. Spirit Of Survival
06. Can You Imagine
07. Don't Go
08. Dreamtime
09. Time Is Time
10. Soft As A Dove

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 03:15am

Once again, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes:

I had needed to amend that previous list, slightly

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 199
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/30/2016 @ 03:54am

In an earlier post, I had listed 12 of my Desert Island disks. I had found it rather surprising that out of those 12 disk sets, 1/3 of those were Yes recordings.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 01:52am

Out of those 12 previously mentioned Desert Island disc sets, my Yes choices were the following:

001. Keys To Ascension (1996)
002. Keys To Ascension 2 (1997)
003. Magnification (2001)
004. Symphonic Live (2009)

So, why did I select those particular disc sets?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 02:04am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 10:16am

For me ultimately, a true Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame artist, is one who is going to take the stage and play a musical instrument. I do not understand someone who takes the stage, lip synchs and dances. If I had really wanted to watch someone dance, I would prefer to watch a ballet, or perhaps a modern dance troupe, instead.

With respect to the artists whom I have chosen; this is essential.

Can someone please explain to me, why this has become so much more prevalent in recently years? What does this have to do with rock and roll? Who had started this abominable trend?

My favorite artists overall, are those artists who have learned how to absolutely master their musical instruments and who display this prowess, night after night, week after week, month after month, year after year. Under those circumstances, I can definitely appreciate the concert. This also explains why I am drawn towards symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles and violin quartets. Keeping this is mind, most of my favorite artists are going to employ these particular methods. Therefore, as far as I am concerned, Yes and Rush are at the top of my lists for this particular reason. Each of the members of Rush and Yes are virtuosos. Now, this does not discount the other great artists on my list, but it explains my preferences. I had once atrempted to take a class in musical composition; it was extremely difficult, to say the least.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 11/1/2016 @ 11:24am

I had written this statement several years ago; it had been met with sneering and derision.

Before I get into the many reasons why I feel that Rush is the greatest rock band of all time, I would like to discuss one of their biggest influences: Yes.

Now that Rush's recent induction has finally opened that door for more progressive rock bands to be inducted, I think that the Rush fan base should throw their support behind Yes.

Given that Yes and Rush are roughly as old as each other, (both were formed in 1968) I think that acknowledging Yes' worthiness of being enshrined within the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame should be discussed. So let's do this; shall we discuss Yes' accomplishments in great detail?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/3/2016 @ 10:12am

I had discovered that there was an additional live album set by Yes which I have not yet purchased:

Progeny: Seven Shows from Seventy Two (2015)

It's a 14 cd version of Yes' "Close To The Edge" Tour.

As much as I thoroughly enjoy the music of Yes, I happen to think that this was a bit of overkill. I may instead opt for this version:

Progeny: Highlights From Seventy Two.

Which happens to be a 2 CD set.

This version is considerably less expensive, overall.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/4/2016 @ 09:25am

Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and The Zombies are three of my choices from this particular list of nominees. In my honest opinion, the inductions of Yes and Electric Light Orchestra are essential for the recognition of more "progressive rock" artists' inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Let's get all three of these influential artists inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/11/2016 @ 09:49am

Yes will also celebrate quite a few studio and live album anniversaries this month. At this time, I will mention the significant studio album anniversaries.

"Fragile" had been released on November 26, 1971.

"90125" had been released on November 7, 1983.

"Keys To Ascension 2" had been released on November 3, 1997.

"Open Your Eyes" had been released on November 24, 1997.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/13/2016 @ 11:52am

"9012 Live: The Solos" had been released on November 7, 1985.

"In The Present: Live From Lyon" had been released on November 29, 2011.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/13/2016 @ 20:37pm

Original Yes guitarist Peter Banks should have been included. Other than that, the Rock Hall got it right with which members of Yes to induct.

No Peter Banks with Yes, and no Nick Simper with Deep Purple.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 11/17/2016 @ 21:19pm

The new issue of PROG magazine will discuss the making of "Tales From Topographic Oceans." December 7, 2016 will mark the 43rd anniversary of the release of Yes' controversial masterpiece.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/18/2016 @ 08:52am

Interestingly, Yes are only at 27% of the vote on the FRL poll as of this writing.

Posted by V.F.T. on Tuesday, 11/22/2016 @ 21:37pm

Today is the 45th anniversary of the release of "Fragile" in the United Kingdom. "Fragile" was the recording which had introduced me to the majestic music of Yes, almost 35 1/2 years ago.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/26/2016 @ 10:43am

Enig,

I believe I was aware of that anniversary. Nov 1971 I remember as the British release of Fragile. When was it released in America? I forgot that date. I recall Feb. 1972. Let me know.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 09:16am

Ben,

According to Wikipedia, "Fragile" was released on January 4, 1972 in the United States.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/27/2016 @ 11:26am

It is now December 1, 2016.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 12/1/2016 @ 08:57am

I can certainly understand Rick Wakeman's frustration about Yes. In my honest opinion, Yes should have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame decades ago. Yet, this is only Yes' third nomination for induction into the Rock Hall. It really is time to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 12/1/2016 @ 09:41am

In the HBO 'Divorce' series season finale, a reference is made to "Tales From Topographic Oceans" by Yes, when Thomas Haden Church's character, Robert Dufresne introduces his daughter to Yes' music via 'Starship Trooper.'

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 12/14/2016 @ 08:37am

There has been another reference to Yes in the HBO series, "Divorced." Apparently, a snippet of 'Owner Of A Lnely Heart" is played by Robert Dufresne in an earlier episode, as well.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 12/18/2016 @ 04:21am

My two most recent purchases include the Steven Wilson remixes of: Fragile" and "Tales From Topographic Oceans" by Yes.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/24/2016 @ 04:44am

Congratulations to Yes on their long overdue Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction. Thank yous go out to Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Rick Wakeman, Trevor Rabin, Tony Kaye and of course, the late great Chris Squire. Overall, your music has been magnificent and you have had the distinction of being my co-favorite band musically for over 35 consecutive years. I am terribly sorry that you did not receive this honor when Chris Squire was alive. Of course, I had voted for your induction in 2013, 2015 and 2016. I had even said that Rush, Yes, The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Supertramp had deserved induction back in 2012. I sincerely hope that 4/5 of Classic Yes will be able to perform at the 2017 Rock Hall Induction ceremony.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 12/30/2016 @ 01:18am

Congratulations are definitely in order for the "Voices For Yes" campaign which had undoubtedly helped to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. I think that you ladies and gentlemen did a magnificent job of bringing attention to Yes' many accomplishments over the past several decades.

However, I am slightly annoyed with their Power Point Presentation. Your faux pas regarding Rush, was slightly annoying, due to your description of Rush as a "heavy metal" band. Therefore I am compelled to repeat this statement for the umpeenth time once again, "Rush was not, has never been and will never be a "heavy metal" band, capiche?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/1/2017 @ 05:05am

I am very disappointed to find out that the extraordinarily talented keyboardist, Rick Wakeman, will not be attending Yes' Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. Yes, I do agree that Yes should have been inducted years ago, long before Chris Squire's passing. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but the fact that the members of Rush and the "Voices For Yes" campaign have been instrumental in getting Yes on the nomination ballot is nothing short of astounding.

However, a reconciliation with the still living members of Yes would have been phenomenal and would have been a once in a lifetime event. For Yes fans, it would be something which they would definitely never forget. :-(

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/1/2017 @ 17:35pm

Out of the 359 comments on this webpage, I have written approximately 138 of them, since February 3, 2013. And think that these conversations have helped.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/2/2017 @ 12:49pm

Out of the 360 comments on this Yes webpage, I have written approximately 139 of them, since February 3, 2013. And I think that these conversations have helped. Of course, I will continue to make comments about Yes, The Moody Blues, Duran Duran and Sade well into the future.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/2/2017 @ 15:22pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 01/5/2017 @ 00:38am

Today is the 45th anniversary of the release of "Fragile." "Fragile was the first Yes album which had featured the Classic Yes Lineup of: Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, guitar virtuoso Steve Howe, hyperkinetic jazz drummer Bill Bruford, the late great bassist extraordinaire Chris Squire and of course, lead vocalist and creative force Jon Anderson. "Fragile" features 3 epic group songs ('Roundabout,' 'South Side Of The Sky and 'Heart Of The Sunrise,') and 5 song fragments by each member.

In my honest opinion, the best song on "Fragile" is the gripping, and chillingly haunting 'South Side Of The Sky, followed by the bright 'Heart Of The Sunrise,' then the enigmatic 'Roundabout,' then the energetic 'Long Distance Runaround,' then the mysterious, 'The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)' from Chris Squire, then the beautiful 'Mood For A Day' by Steve Howe, the theatrical 'Cans and Brahms,' by Rick Wakeman, then the quirky 'We Have Heaven,' by Jon Anderson, followed by 'Five Percent for Nothing' by Bill Bruford.

01. South Side Of The Sky
02. Heart Of The Sunrise
03. Roundabout
04. Long Distance Runaround
05. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)
06. Mood For A Day
07. Cans And Brahms
08. We Have Heaven
09. Five Percent for Nothing

I have recently purchased the Steven Wilson remix of "Fragile." By the way, "Fragile" was the first studio album which had introduced me to the majesty of Yes over 35.5 years ago.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 01/5/2017 @ 00:58am

Even my list of favorite Yes songs will soon have to be revised. Apparently, my order of favorite songs on "Fragile" has changed also. My previously favorite song from "Fragile" was the enigmatic 'Roundabout,' now it is the gripping and chillingly haunting, 'South Side Of The Sky.'

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 01/5/2017 @ 09:20am

Enig,

South Side of the Sky is a terrific tune.I think my favorite on Fragile is Heart of the Sunrise. I actually have to check If South Side is on my PC. I own most of the Fragile tunes. I am so glad Yes have won their place in Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame. Thank goodness. I mean they were such a Major band of the 70s. I know several people who saw Yes in the 70s.

Posted by Ben on Sunday, 01/8/2017 @ 05:33am

Ben,

Yes, I happen to enjoy 'Heart Of The Sunrise' quite a bit, also. Although, I happen to prefer 'South Side Of The Sky.'

Thank you, Yes' induction was absolutely necessary for a possible nomination and induction for The Moody Blues.

I think that many recent inductees, including the members of such groups as: Rush, Heart, Genesis, Chicago, Deep Purple, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and Journey, plus the surviving members of Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors and CSNY will form a bloc of votes for The Moody Blues and Procol Harum.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/8/2017 @ 06:23am

Tomorrow is the 43rd anniversary of the North American release of "Tales From Topographic Oceans" by Yes. "T.F.T.O." has often been critically derided as the poster boy for overindulgent "progressive rock" music, since it's release. "Tales" only features 4 side long epics, 'The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn),' 'The Remembering (High The Memory),' 'The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)' and 'Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil).' "Tales From Topographic Oceans" was greatly influenced by the lengthy footnote on p. 83 of Paramhansa Yoganada's "Autobiography of a Yogi." These included the four Shastric scriptures which are comprehensive treatises governing all aspects of social life, religious life and culture. Jon Anderson had been inspired by this footnote to create four epic pieces which happen to govern aspects of medicine, law, architecture, art, etc.

While a member of the U.S.N., stationed onboard my first aircraft carrier homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, I used to listen to "Tales From Topographic Oceans" on audio cassette. Ironically, it was while Yes was on tour in Japan 12 years earlier that Jon Anderson and Steve Howe had decided to create this monumental work. I happen to believe that Roger Dean's cover art on this work is probably his best work for Yes. My favorite coverwork by Roger Dean happens to be the cover artwork for Asia's second album, "Alpha," however.

As far as the epic songs are concerned, my favorite pieces are: 'The Revealing Science Of God,' which is best exemplified by the studio/live album, "Keys To Ascension" and 'Ritual,' which is best exemplified on "Symphonic Live." Other than those I also happen to thoroughly enjoy 'The Remembering' and 'The Ancient,' almost as much.

''The Revealing Science of God" contains a spoken chant at the very beginning, but the music that follows is nothing short of sublimely beautiful and extraordinary. It is my favorite piece from "Tales From Topographic Oceans."

'The Remembering" happens to also contain many beautiful parts which remind me of being on a sea voyage, courtesy of keyboard wizard, Rick Wakeman.

'The Ancient' is angular, jagged and somewhat noisy at the beginning, but a later section is quiet. Steve Howe's guitar work anchors this composition.

'The Ritual' focuses more on the extraordinary hyperkinetic drumming of Alan White and the energetic bass playing of the late great Chris Squire.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/8/2017 @ 15:49pm

Why isn't Neil Peart joining Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to induct Yes. That way we can say Rush is inducting Yes. I know he retired, but he doesn't have to perform.

Posted by Roy on Friday, 01/27/2017 @ 20:47pm

Roy,

Neil is interested in spending most of his time with his young daughter and his wife. Whether he wishes to participate in this ceremony is entirely his prerogative.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/30/2017 @ 01:11am

I have never understood the mindset of Rock music critics. In many instances, it defies logic. Such is the case with Dan Deluca, a music critic from Philadelphia who doesn't think that Yes deserves induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. He even goes far enough to condescendingly state, "And once Canadian prog-trio Rush got in, in 2013, it was inevitable that the day would come when the RRHOF would say Yes." He even goes far enough to make disparaging remarks about Yes' lyrics.

Dan,

I would like to say the following: "It's time for you to wake up, whether you would like to believe it or not, prog is extremely important. Just because you may, or may not possess the ability to enjoy, or perhaps even comprehend this genre, does not make it any less noteworthy."

Philadelphia's late d.j. Ed Sciacky was a strong proponent of Yes' music. One hopes that the late d.j. will somehow know that his continued support of Yes had probably helped to open a berth for Yes' induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 01/30/2017 @ 01:40am

Bill Bruford didn't want to speak or perform with Yes, but he was there on stage. He will have to speak when King Crimson is inducted, because it will be his second induction.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 04/8/2017 @ 05:16am

On my 51st birthday, over 4 yeas ago, I had written this:

Yes' chances of being inducted just went up exponentially. Rush's induction will finally open the door for "progressive rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02.3.13 @ 13:14pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 04/16/2017 @ 15:55pm

On my 51st birthday, over 4 years ago, I had written this:

Yes' chances of being inducted just went up exponentially. Rush's induction will finally open the door for "progressive rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02.3.13 @ 13:14pm

Let's see if I am correct!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 04/16/2017 @ 15:57pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Qnv0NH4-s

Rush Inducts Yes into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2017

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 04/30/2017 @ 15:42pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1-NsnlPc54

Yes Roundabout with Geddy Lee on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2017

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 04/30/2017 @ 15:51pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MOOm9kw1_0

YES - Owner Of a Lonely Heart - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2017

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 05/3/2017 @ 05:33am

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-yes-enter-1980s-with-owner-of-a-lonely-heart-w480167

Flashback: Yes Enter the 1980s With 'Owner of a Lonely Heart'
Hear guitarist Trevor Rabin's original demo of the song that brought Yes back from the dead

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 05/3/2017 @ 05:58am

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/09/25/trevor-rabin-clears-the-air-on-yes-owner-of-a-lonely-heart/

Trevor Rabin clears the air on Yes’ ‘Owner of a Lonely Heart’: ‘I’ve bitten my lip for a long time’

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 05/7/2017 @ 08:21am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFdemFi-zJw

"Rockin' the Free World" Super Jam - 2017 Induction Ceremony Full Performance

Posted by Roy on Monday, 05/22/2017 @ 12:25pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfa-WR_PEws

Yes Induction Acceptance Speeches - 2017 Rock Hall Inductions

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 06/10/2017 @ 17:23pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7FdSUQONU

Alex Lifeson & Geddy Lee of Rush Induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - 2017

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 06/25/2017 @ 10:01am

In case, you are still unaware, the "prog" highlight of this year was most probably the induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame of Yes by 2/3 of Rush earlier this year. In the July, 2017 issue of "PROG" magazine, this is certainly mentioned in the article titled "Perpetual Change," on pp. 38-41.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 08/27/2017 @ 10:51am

I have also written rather extensively about Yes over the past several years. Here is my first posting on this page:

Yes' chances of being inducted just went up exponentially. Rush's induction will finally open the door for "progressive rock."

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02.3.13 @ 13:14pm

I am still somewhat disheartened by the fact that Chris Squire did not have the opportunity to attend Yes' induction ceremony, due to his passing in 2015. :-(

As I have stated numerous times, Yes is my co-favorite band musically alongside Rush.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 09/26/2017 @ 12:30pm

159. Yes
Along with artists like King Crimson and Jethro Tull, Yes helped spark a period of creativity that would influence ambitious late-1970s acts like Talking Heads and Roxy Music, as well as modern musicians like Radiohead, Coheed & Cambria and Muse.

In my honest opinion, Yes should rank at least 150 places higher also.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 11/12/2017 @ 13:42pm

https://www.rockhall.com/hall-fame-series-bill-bruford-yes?date=0

HALL OF FAME SERIES WITH BILL BRUFORD OF YES
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 7:00pm

Part of the Hall of Fame event series

JOIN US IN THE FOSTER THEATER WITH 2017 INDUCTEE BILL BRUFORD OF YES

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 03/22/2018 @ 16:04pm

I would like to extend my best wishes for a Very Happy Birthday to Steve Howe. Steve, Thank you for all of the great and timeless music which you have co-written over the past several decades.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 04/8/2018 @ 17:40pm

Bill Bruford was interviewed by the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year! Therefore, King Crimson will be nominated for the 2019 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and Bill Bruford will get his second induction.

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Posted by Roy on Monday, 04/23/2018 @ 09:12am

I had added 3 new albums to my collection of Yes recordings last night: “Topographic Drama: Live Across America” and the Steven Wilson remixed versions of “Fragile” and “Tales From Topographic Oceans.”

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 05/30/2018 @ 06:34am

Later this month, I will began to celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the magnificent music of Yes. As I have stated previously, Yes and Rush have been my co-favorite bands musically for almost 37 consecutive years.

In July, I will celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Jethro Tull and Genesis.

In August, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my discovery of the music of The Moody Blues and the 36th anniversary of my discovery of the music of Duran Duran.

In September, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of King Crimson.

In October, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of Rush.

In November, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my discovery of the music of Emerson Lake & Palmer and the 34th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Talking Heads. I will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of my discovery of Renaissance and the 22nd anniversary of my purchase of “As The World” by Echolyn.

In mid February of 2019, I will celebrate the 40th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Rush.

A colleague at work yesterday had asked me about prog bands which had been less than 10 years old and I had mentioned Haken.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 06/9/2018 @ 11:28am

Later this month, I will began to celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the magnificent music of Yes. As I have stated previously, Yes and Rush have been my co-favorite bands musically for almost 37 consecutive years.

In July, I will celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Jethro Tull and Genesis.

In August, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my discovery of the music of The Moody Blues and the 36th anniversary of my discovery of the music of Duran Duran.

In September, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of King Crimson.

In October, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of Rush.

In November, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my discovery of the music of Emerson Lake & Palmer and the 34th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Talking Heads. I will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of my discovery of Renaissance and the 20th anniversary of my purchase of “As The World” by Echolyn.

In mid February of 2019, I will celebrate the 40th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Rush.

A colleague at work yesterday had asked me about prog bands which had been less than 10 years old and I had mentioned Haken.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 06/9/2018 @ 17:02pm

Later this month, I will begin to celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the magnificent music of Yes. As I have stated previously, Yes and Rush have been my co-favorite bands musically for almost 37 consecutive years.

In July, I will celebrate the 37th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Jethro Tull and Genesis.

In August, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my discovery of the music of The Moody Blues and the 36th anniversary of my discovery of the music of Duran Duran.

In September, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of King Crimson.

In October, I will celebrate the 38th anniversary of my re-introduction to the music of Rush.

In November, I will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my discovery of the music of Emerson Lake & Palmer and the 34th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Talking Heads. I will also celebrate the 21st anniversary of my discovery of the music of Renaissance and Gentle Giant and the 20th anniversary of my purchase of “As The World” by Echolyn.

In mid February of 2019, I will celebrate the 40th anniversary of my introduction to the music of Rush.

A colleague at work yesterday had asked me about prog bands which had been less than 10 years old and I had mentioned Haken.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 06/9/2018 @ 17:38pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 06/10/2018 @ 14:44pm

As I had stated before, "Yes is my co-favorite band musically." I have more recordings by Yes than by any other artist. So, Yes is technically also my favorite band. So why do I rank Yes second only to Rush? Because of Yes' lyrics and the fact that not everything that Yes has done is spectacular also. I am not afraid to criticize "Talk," an album which should never have been released under the Yes moniker. I am also not a great fan of "Tormato," "Big Generator," "Union," nor "Open Your Eyes."

On the other hand, I am an avid supporter of the following Yes studio recordings:

"Keys To Ascension 1 & 2"
"Tales From Topographic Oceans"
"Magnification"
"Close To The Edge"
"Keystudio"
"Going For The One"
"Fragile"
"The Yes Album"
"90125"
"The Ladder"

I also happen to prefer these Yes live recordings as well:

“Keys To Ascension”
“Keys To Ascension 2”
“Symphonic Live”
“House Of Yes: Live From The House Of Blues”
“Yessongs”
“Yesshows”

So, it is always great to be able to introduce a colleague, an associate, or perhaps even a friend to something created by Yes. In this case, I had introduced a friend to one of my favorite Yes live recordings: “Keys To Ascension” via the magnificent live version of ‘Awaken,’ which is my favorite Yes song. Yesterday, I had purchased another copy of “Keys To Ascension” on cd and had given it to the aforementioned friend as a present.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 06/10/2018 @ 14:56pm

Has anybody seen the motion picture, “Avatar?” Well I did finally on Sunday. I must admit that the landscapes of Pandora are very Roger Dean like. The floating mountains, especially are very reminiscent of Yes-like landscapes, plus the story is quite interesting also. It is perhaps a bit far-fetched, since I do not believe that human beings will even start leaving our solar system regularly, until several thousand years from now. So, if it took place in 7500 A.D. I am okay with that. “Westworld” is another science fiction program which I have thoroughly enjoyed, however I think that the premise of this is even more unlikely during our timeline. Maybe 10,100 years from now, in the 123rd century A.D., it will be possible.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 07/24/2018 @ 09:46am

Has anybody seen the motion picture, “Avatar?” Well I did finally on Sunday. I must admit that the landscapes of Pandora are very Roger Dean like. The floating mountains, especially are very reminiscent of Yes-like landscapes, plus the story is quite interesting also. It is perhaps a bit far-fetched, since I do not believe that human beings will even start leaving our solar system regularly, until several thousand years from now. So, if it had taken place in 7500 A.D. I am okay with that. “Westworld” is another science fiction program which I have thoroughly enjoyed, however I think that the premise of this is even more unlikely during our timeline. Maybe over 10,100 years from now, in the late 122nd century to early 123rd century A.D., it will be possible.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 07/24/2018 @ 09:51am

@ Enig

Not sure if you watch anime like I do, but “Roundabout” was used as an ending theme song for the first season of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure which later became an internet meme. Lots of rock music references in the series.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=286zzohkPRw

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 07/24/2018 @ 10:05am

It is now August and during the past two weeks, I have been extremely busy with work. How busy, you may ask? Well, I have clocked over 103 working hours during the past two weeks. So, please excuse me if I have not participated in the Album Project, or in more discussions on this site, than I would normally.

But the subject at hand is my co-favorite musical artist- Yes. For over 37 years, Rush and Yes have been my co-favorite bands musically, with The Moody Blues trailing behind them only slightly and of course, King Crimson and Duran Duran are only slightly behind The Moody Blues.

But, this discussion will be about Yes and why they have remained at the top of my list.

Yes had been one band which I had been introduced to during the summer of 1981. I had immediately liked them from the time that I had first heard ‘Roundabout.’ Although ‘Roundabout’ had been the song which had introduced me to the great music of Yes, ‘Awaken’ had been the song which had elevated Yes to the position of my co-favorite band musically. Of course, in between those purchases of “Fragile” and “Going For The One” had been my acquisition of “Tales From Topographic Oceans,” which I had thoroughly appreciated both musically and visually. As a result Roger Dean would remain my favorite album artist. I also happen to appreciate his work on Asia’s albums, most notably “Alpha.” Later came “Yessongs” which had shown me just how great Yes had been in concert, along with “Yesshows.” I had later purchased “Drama,” “Yesterdays,” “Close To The Edge,” “Relayer,” “Tormato” and finally “Going For The One.” I had been hesitant to purchase “Going For The One” initially since it did not have a Roger Dean cover. But, I had later relented since I had also purchased “The Yes Album’” which had not featured Roger Dean’s cover artwork, but nonetheless had been a great album. “Going For The One” had contained two of my favorite Yes songs however. Before I had even heard ‘Awaken,’ I had heard ‘Turn Of The Century’ which is among Yes’ most beautiful, yet sad songs. However, ‘Awaken’ had been the song which had really impressed me on that particular recording. After listening to this masterpiece several times, it had cemented it’s own place in my pantheon of great music only below ‘Xanadu,’ by Rush, which happens to be my favorite prog song and the “Exit... Stage Left” version of ‘Xanadu,’ happens to be the greatest version of my favorite song of all time. So, ‘Awaken’ is only slightly behind that one, with the 18 minute long version of ‘Awaken’ from “Keys To Ascension” being my favorite version of that song.

But what had made ‘Awaken’ so magnificent?

In my honest opinion, Rick Wakeman’s keyboard intro is probably the main reason why I have enjoyed ‘Awaken’ so thoroughly. I still find it amazing that it had been recorded on a church organ at St. Martin’s Church in Vevey, Switzerland over telephone lines. The rest of the song is quite spectacular also.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 08/11/2018 @ 11:55am

The Dude,

I am terribly sorry, but I do not normally watch Anime. Although, I think that it is fantastic that the Yes’ song, ‘Roundabout’ is featured in an anime program.

It is quite unfortunate that after Chris Squire’s passing, there are now two versions of Yes competing against each other. The main Yes site features a store where you can purchase various merchandise. I had just purchased 2 t-shirts from their site. By the way, the other site with Yes featuring ARW needs to have a store also.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 09/3/2018 @ 16:18pm

PaulinKY,

I was thoroughly amazed by Band Geek’s unbelievable Yes song renditions. You may want to check them out. Please see YouTube for details.

;-)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 09/23/2018 @ 17:07pm

Will check them out, Enig! Thank you for the headsup.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 09/25/2018 @ 06:55am

Paul in KY,

You are very welcome. Tom H. and Dezmond might be interested in checking out Band Geeks also.

;-)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 09/25/2018 @ 10:40am

Issue #91 of PROG Magazine features the greatest keyboardists in progressive rock history. Not surprisingly, former Yes member Rick Wakeman and present member of Yes featuring ARW is ranked quite highly, whereas present keyboardist of Yes and Asia- Geoff Downes is ranked 8th which is still quite significant, overall.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/24/2018 @ 10:44am

Since the induction of Roxy Music in 2019 by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor reverse mirrors the 2017 induction of Yes by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Yes, I thought that it would be appropriate to mention Yes.

Once again, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes:

I had needed to amend that previous list, slightly

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/10/2019 @ 14:25pm

Since the induction of Roxy Music in 2019 by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor reverse mirrors the 2017 induction of Yes by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, I thought that it would be appropriate to mention Yes.

Once again, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes:

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/10/2019 @ 15:26pm

Well it has been recently announced that Yes and several other prog artists will be touring North America during this summer, along with other members of Asia, Carl Palmer and recent Rock Hall inductee- John Lodge Of The Moody Blues. The tour is called the “Royal Affair” tour and it places two members of Yes (Steve Howe and Alan White) and one member of The Moody Blues together. As great as that event may happen to be, does it really light a candle to the induction of Yes by Rush in 2017?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 04/7/2019 @ 10:59am

Today is the 72nd anniversary of the birth of Steve Howe. I would like to extend best wishes for a very Happy Birthday to Steve Howe.

Congratulations,

Steve on your numerous contributions to Yes, Asia and of course, your solo work. Have a fantastic day!

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 04/8/2019 @ 10:55am

Although I really like ‘Roundabout’ and ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart,’ I think that ‘Awaken’ and ‘We Agree’ would have been much better choices for Yes’ Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 05/2/2019 @ 10:53am

So when does Peter Banks get secretly inducted?

Posted by Roy on Sunday, 07/7/2019 @ 22:27pm

Is it deja vu again?

It is now late August and during the past several weeks, I have been extremely busy with work. How busy, you may ask? Well, I have clocked over 141.60 working hours during the previous past two weeks. So, please excuse me if I have not participated in the Album Project, or in more discussions on this site, than I would normally.

But the subject at hand is my co-favorite musical artist- Yes. For over 38 consecutive years, Rush and Yes have been my co-favorite bands musically, with The Moody Blues trailing behind them only slightly and of course, King Crimson and Duran Duran are only slightly behind The Moody Blues.

But, this discussion will be about Yes and why they have remained at the top of my list.

Yes had been one band which I had been introduced to during the summer of 1981. I had immediately liked them from the time that I had first heard ‘Roundabout.’ Although ‘Roundabout’ had been the song which had introduced me to the great music of Yes, ‘Awaken’ had been the song which had elevated Yes to the position of my co-favorite band musically. Of course, in between those purchases of “Fragile” and “Going For The One” had been my acquisition of “Tales From Topographic Oceans,” which I had thoroughly appreciated both musically and visually. As a result Roger Dean would remain my favorite album artist. I also happen to appreciate his work on Asia’s albums, most notably “Alpha.” Later came “Yessongs” which had shown me just how great Yes had been in concert, along with “Yesshows.” I had later purchased “Drama,” “Yesterdays,” “Close To The Edge,” “Relayer,” “Tormato” and finally “Going For The One.” I had been hesitant to purchase “Going For The One” initially since it did not have a Roger Dean cover. But, I had later relented since I had also purchased “The Yes Album’” which had not featured Roger Dean’s cover artwork, but nonetheless had been a great album. “Going For The One” had contained two of my favorite Yes songs however. Before I had even heard ‘Awaken,’ I had heard ‘Turn Of The Century’ which is among Yes’ most beautiful, yet sad songs. However, ‘Awaken’ had been the song which had really impressed me on that particular recording. After listening to this masterpiece several times, it had cemented it’s own place in my pantheon of great music only below ‘Xanadu,’ by Rush, which happens to be my favorite prog song and the “Exit... Stage Left” version of ‘Xanadu,’ happens to be the greatest version of my favorite song of all time. So, ‘Awaken’ is only slightly behind that one, with the 18 minute long version of ‘Awaken’ from “Keys To Ascension” being my favorite version of that song.

But what had made ‘Awaken’ so magnificent?

In my honest opinion, Rick Wakeman’s keyboard intro is probably the main reason why I have enjoyed ‘Awaken’ so thoroughly. I still find it amazing that it had been recorded on a church organ at St. Martin’s Church in Vevey, Switzerland over telephone lines. The rest of the song is quite spectacular also.

Ray,

I do not know if Peter Banks will receive a secret induction later or not. Peter Banks had named the band Yes, but had only appeared as a guitarist on Yes’ first two recordings, “Yes” and “Time And A Word,” even though Steve Howe’s photo is on this album. In my honest opinion, Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin are the most important guitarists in Yes. Should Peter Banks be inducted? I really do not know. I think that he could be inducted at a much later time, if 3/4 of the present members and former members of Yes would support it.

By the way, I had purchased more Yes t-shirts at the Yesworld site yesterday.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 08/19/2019 @ 08:56am

There is a somewhat hilarious new video about Yes on YouTube, created by Andy Greene of Rolling Stone. Enjoy!

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/7/2019 @ 19:41pm

I just wanted to let you know that Yes are the featured artists on PROG Magazine this month. Last month had featured a tribute to the late great Neil Peart, formerly of Rush. Could next month feature The Moody Blues as cover artists? Only time will tell !

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/8/2020 @ 04:01am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/3/2020 @ 14:09pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/3/2020 @ 14:14pm

As I have mentioned several times previously, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and only slightly ahead of The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran, respectively. Pink Floyd comes in next, followed by Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, Talking Heads and Kansas.

But this will be a discussion, which will be mostly about Yes.

I had first heard the music of Yes in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona on an early Saturday afternoon in late May, 1981. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Well, what do you think so far?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/3/2020 @ 21:36pm

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/3/2020 @ 21:50pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 05/8/2020 @ 06:14am

As I have noted several times previously, "Magnification" is still my favorite Yes studio album. In my honest opinion, "Magnification" is the last of Yes' superb studio recordings. The live recording and tour which had followed "Magnification," "Symphonic Live" had been one of Yes' most impressive live outings. 'We Agree' from "Magnification" is my next to favorite song by Yes, bested only by 'Awaken' from "Keys To Ascension."

Of my top 50 Yes songs, 7 are from "Magnification," or "Symphonic Live."

These are:

01. We Agree (02)
02. Magnification (04)
03. Give Love Each Day (07)
04. In The Presence Of (08)
05. Spirit Of Survival (13)
06. Can You Imagine (23)
07. Don't Go (39)

I am still extremely disappointed that Issue #107 of PROG Magazine which had featured Yes' 40 greatest songs has not yet been made available to Prog aficionados in the USA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, Future Publishing will rectify this situation soon.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 05/8/2020 @ 09:53am

Now, I will discuss "Tales From Topographic Oceans," or the studio recording which had made me literally hungry for more yes. For one thing, the iconic cover artwork by Roger Dean is one of my absolute favorites. I had created a parody of it on my now long -archived website with lobsters sharing the space with the fishes.

AKD's Yes: Tales From Topographic Oceans page (*****) (1973)

Name of Musician Instruments played
Jon Anderson Vocals?
Steve Howe guitars, vocals?
Chris Squire bass guitars, vocals?
Alan White drums, percussion and vocals?
Rick Wakeman keyboards?

Invigorating, energetic, complex and beautiful, Tales in an absolute masterpiece which has received excessive amounts of critical dismissal for over 24 years, Tales From Topographic Oceans is one of Yes' finest albums, if not their finest studio concept album.

In my honest opinion, "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is Yes' second best studio album, after "Magnification." In the shadow of the earlier albums, Yes had created a double album of only 4 side-long song suites, Each suite is a magnificent undertaking of instrument virtuosity! Quite simply, this is Yes' second best studio album. To many critics who could not understand the side long suites, this seemed to be Yes at it's most pretentious. Each work on this album set is superior! In fact, the first song suite, "The Revealing Science Of God" would later make an appearance on Keys To Ascension twenty two years later! Yes, at its most pompous, pretentious and magnificent! The cover of this double disc set is one of Roger Dean's most impressive works! "The Remembering," "The Ancient" and "Ritual" each take us back in time, not unlike "Mystic Rhythms" from Power Windows or "Xanadu" from A Farewell To Kings, or Exit... Stage Left by Canadian art rock band : Rush! When I first started listening to Yes, this was one of my first purchases, I believe that it will always remain one of my favorite Yes studio albums!

Track No. Song Title Track Time Comments
1 Shrutis The Revealing Science Of God Dance Of The Dawn 20:27 A whole history of the universe begins unfolding at the onset of this epic work. From the very beginning of the giant primordial atomic explosion which brought about the beginning of the beginning of the thermonuclear reaction which brought about the creation of the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies. The chant section at the very beginning of this work reveals man's inconsequential existence in this universe! So many other wonders are out there, in many ways this is similar to Natural Science. The exception being that in that song man's insignificance in the universe is compared to the creatures who are in the tide pools of the ocean.
2 Suritis The Remembering High The Memory 20:38 Having a more than slight religious connotation, The Remembering takes us beyond the point of memory. Christian images abound in this epic work.
3 Puranas The Ancient High The Memory 18:34 With references to past great civilizations, The Ancient revisits the wealth of knowledge through a very unusual reflection upon the civilizations of the Indus River Valley(the Indian), Chinese, Central American and Atlantean civilizations.
4 Tantras Ritual Nous Sommes Du Soleil 21:35 Dealing with the ritual of life, from birth to death, the ritual focuses upon man's everyday struggle.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/9/2020 @ 13:55pm

Now, I will discuss "Tales From Topographic Oceans," or the studio recording which had made me literally hungry for more yes. For one thing, the iconic cover artwork by Roger Dean is one of my absolute favorites. Over 22 years ago, I had created a parody of it on my now long -archived website with lobsters sharing the space with the fishes.

AKD's Yes: Tales From Topographic Oceans page (*****) (1973)

Name of Musician/ Instruments played
Jon Anderson- Vocals?
Steve Howe- guitars, vocals?
Chris Squire-bass guitars, vocals?
Alan White- drums, percussion and vocals?
Rick Wakeman - keyboards?

Invigorating, energetic, complex and beautiful, "Tales" is an absolute masterpiece which has received excessive amounts of critical dismissal for over 46 years, Tales From Topographic Oceans is one of Yes' finest albums, if not their finest studio concept album.

In my honest opinion, "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is Yes' second best studio album, after "Magnification." In the shadow of the earlier albums, Yes had created a double album of only 4 side-long song suites, Each suite had been a magnificent undertaking of instrument virtuosity! Quite simply, this is Yes' second best studio album. To many critics who could not understand the side long suites, this seemed to be Yes at it's most pretentious. Each work on this album set is superior! In fact, the first song suite, "The Revealing Science Of God" would later make an appearance on Keys To Ascension twenty two years later! Yes, is at its most pompous, pretentious and magnificent! The cover of this double disc set is one of Roger Dean's most impressive works! "The Remembering," "The Ancient" and "Ritual" each take us back in time, not unlike "Mystic Rhythms" from Power Windows or "Xanadu" from A Farewell To Kings, or Exit... Stage Left by Canadian art rock band : Rush! When I had first started listening to Yes, this recording had been one of my first purchases, I believe that it will always remain one of my favorite Yes studio albums! I had listened to "Tales From Topographic Oceans" frequently when I had been in the U.S.N. almost 31 years ago.

Track No./ Song Title/ Track Time / Comments
1. Shrutis: The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn) 20:27 - A whole history of the universe begins unfolding at the onset of this epic work. From the very beginning of the giant primordial atomic explosion which had brought about the beginning of the beginning of the thermonuclear reaction which had engendered the creation of the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies. The chant section at the very beginning of this work reveals man's inconsequential existence in this universe! So many other wonders are out there, in many ways this is similar to Natural Science. The exception being that in that song man's insignificance in the universe is compared to the creatures who are in the tide pools of the ocean.
2. Suritis: The Remembering (High The Memory) 20:38- Having a more than slight religious connotation, The Remembering takes us beyond the point of memory. Christian images abound in this epic work.
3. Puranas: The Ancient (High The Memory) 18:34 - With references to past great civilizations, The Ancient revisits the wealth of knowledge through a very unusual reflection upon the civilizations of the Indus River Valley (the Indian), Chinese, Central American and Atlantean civilizations.
4. Tantras: Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil) 21:35 - Dealing with the ritual of life, from birth to death, the ritual focuses upon man's everyday struggle.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/10/2020 @ 14:07pm

Now, I will discuss "Tales From Topographic Oceans," or the studio recording which had made me literally hungry for more yes. For one thing, the iconic cover artwork by Roger Dean is one of my absolute favorites. Over 22 years ago, I had created a parody of it on my now long -archived website with lobsters sharing the space with the fishes.

AKD's Yes: Tales From Topographic Oceans page (*****) (1973)

Name of Musician/ Instruments played
Jon Anderson- Vocals?
Steve Howe- guitars, vocals?
Chris Squire-bass guitars, vocals?
Alan White- drums, percussion and vocals?
Rick Wakeman - keyboards?

Invigorating, energetic, complex and beautiful, "Tales" is an absolute masterpiece which has received excessive amounts of critical dismissal for over 46 years, Tales From Topographic Oceans is one of Yes' finest albums, if not their finest studio concept album.

In my honest opinion, "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is Yes' second best studio album, after "Magnification." In the shadow of the earlier albums, Yes had created a double album of only 4 side-long song suites, Each suite had been a magnificent undertaking of instrument virtuosity! Quite simply, this is Yes' second best studio album. To many critics who could not understand the side long suites, this seemed to be Yes at it's most pretentious. Each work on this album set is superior! In fact, the first song suite, "The Revealing Science Of God" would later make an appearance on Keys To Ascension twenty two years later! Yes, is at its most pompous, pretentious and magnificent! The cover of this double disc set is one of Roger Dean's most impressive works! "The Remembering," "The Ancient" and "Ritual" each take us back in time, not unlike "Mystic Rhythms" from Power Windows or "Xanadu" from A Farewell To Kings, or Exit... Stage Left by Canadian art rock band : Rush! When I had first started listening to Yes, this recording had been one of my first purchases, I believe that it will always remain one of my favorite Yes studio albums! I had listened to "Tales From Topographic Oceans" frequently when I had been in the U.S.N. almost 31 years ago.

Track No./ Song Title/ Track Time / Comments
1. Shrutis: The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn) 20:27 - A whole history of the universe begins unfolding at the onset of this epic work. From the very beginning of the giant primordial atomic explosion which had brought about the beginning of the beginning of the thermonuclear reaction which had engendered the creation of the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies. The chant section at the very beginning of this work reveals man's inconsequential existence in this universe! So many other wonders are out there, in many ways this is similar to Natural Science. The exception being that in that song man's insignificance in the universe is compared to the creatures who are in the tide pools of the ocean.
2. Suritis: The Remembering (High The Memory) 20:38- Having a more than slight religious connotation, The Remembering takes us beyond the point of memory. Christian images abound in this epic work.
3. Puranas: The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun) 18:34 - With references to past great civilizations, The Ancient revisits the wealth of knowledge through a very unusual reflection upon the civilizations of the Indus River Valley (the Indian), Chinese, Central American and Atlantean civilizations.
4. Tantras: Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil) 21:35 - Dealing with the ritual of life, from birth to death, the ritual focuses upon man's everyday struggle.

Just a few more notes about "Tales From Topographic Oceans."

Issue #71 of PROG Magazine covers the Making of "Tales From Topographic Oceans."

Contained within this issue are two articles about this Yes masterwork: on pp. 34-41, the article "Pure Hardcore Yes," and on pp. 43-47 "Sink or Swim?"

In the non-available yet Issue #107 of PROG Magazine, 3 songs from "Tales From Topographic Oceans" are on the reader's poll of the 40 best Yes songs, these are:

17. 'The Revealing Science Of God (Dance of The Dawn)'
18. 'Ritual (Nous Somme du Soleil)'
40. 'The Remembering (High The Memory)'

Unfortunately, 'The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)' had not been included on this list. On my list of 50 favorite Yes songs, the songs from "Tales From Topographic Oceans" appear in 4 different positions:

06. 'The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn),' although my favorite version is from "Keys To Ascension."
15. 'The Remembering (High The Memory)'
22. 'Ritual (Nous Somme du Soleil),' although my favorite version is from "Symphonic Live."
31. 'The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)'

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/17/2020 @ 16:31pm

I had been listening to "Magnification" on my car stereo yesterday afternoon and evening. IMHO, this particular recording had definitely been an extraordinary Yes album. Unfortunately, it had been completely overlooked on the PROG readers 40 best Yes songs list. On my list of top 50 Yes songs, however songs from 'Magnification" appear 7 times. I will discuss "Magnification" in greater detail at a later date, possibly on September 10, 2021 when it will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 05/18/2020 @ 09:06am

Enig,
I agree with you that Magnification could be the most overlooked album by Yes. I don't recall that is was highly promoted or well received. In fact, I may have heard a song or 2, but not the entire CD. I will have to check it out, because I missed it first time around. I have seen them in concert 4 times since the 80's, so will look into it. Maybe Ben could check it out also, if he is around. He has not posted recently..

Posted by Will N. on Monday, 05/18/2020 @ 22:30pm

Will N.,

No, rather unfortunately "Magnification" had not been very well promoted. However, in my honest opinion, it had been Yes' last superlative studio album with the classic Yes line up of: the late great Chris Squire, percussionist Alan White, guitar virtuoso extraordinaire Steve Howe and former co- founding member Jon Anderson. The only missing member of this lineup had been the magnificent keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Not unlike "Time And A Word," Yes had recorded "Magnification" with the support of a full symphony orchestra. Did "Magnification" encourage both Rush and Duran Duran to later include string ensembles on their albums, "Clockwork Angels" in the case of Rush and "All You Need Is Now" and "Paper Gods," in the case of Duran Duran? Who can say for certain? Unfortunately, the YesSymphonic tour had a limited number of dates and did not include a stop in Arizona; otherwise I would have seen Yes a fourth time in concert.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/24/2020 @ 06:10am

"Hall Watchers" most recent episode #40 may be my favorite. Special guest, Jason Hanley is the Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. In case, you had missed this particular podcast episode, Jason Hanley is a huge advocate for progressive rock, name checking the "holy trinity" of prog (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues), Electric Light orchestra and others' inductions into the Rock Hall and advocating for Kraftwerk's induction. Jason had also listed Duran Duran on his list of artists who definitely deserve induction into the Rock Hall.

By the way, I had sent an email to PROG Magazine about Issue #107 and my extreme disappointment that this particular issue of PROG Magazine has not yet been made available, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/31/2020 @ 22:47pm

Many years ago, I had written this:

My most sincere condolences on Peter Banks' passing.

As far as Yes is concerned, their work is certainly quite diverse. In my honest opinion, they have quite a few masterpieces amongst their discography, such as: "The Yes Album," "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "90125," "Keys To Ascension 1 & 2," "Magnification" and "Yes Symphonic." Unfortunately, they also have quite a few "less than great" recordings: "Tormato," "Drama," "Big Generator" and "Fly From Here." Then they have a few albums that leave little to be desired: "Union," "Talk" and "Open Your Eyes." Plus, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame might be considering the logistics of inducting every member. My guess is that they will center the inductees around those of the Classic Yes era. That means that they will probably include the following members: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford and Alan White. If they include 90125 era Yes, then they would add Trevor Rabin and Tony Kaye to the inductee list. Unfortunately, this may not include Peter Banks, Tony Levin (who deserves a spot with King Crimson), Benoit David, Oliver Wakeman, Geoff Downes, or Trevor Horn. The idea of playing "The Yes Album," "Close To The Edge" and "Going For The One" in their entirety was a great one, that helps expose a new audience to their older classics. Bringing Jon Anderson back would probably be a good idea as well. Seeing Yes without Jon Anderson for many fans, would be akin to seeing Rush sans Geddy Lee.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 05.6.13 @ 04:02am

Thank you Mike Tiano for your support of Yes for many decades. "Yes world" is a great site, as was "Notes From The Edge." I have been an aficionado of Yes' music for over 39 years; Yes is second on my list of favorite bands, only Rush is above them. Yes had been a seminal influence upon the music of Rush. Geddy Lee had been hugely influenced by the late Chris Squire. Alex Lifeson had been influenced by Steve Howe. The late, great Neil Peart had been influenced by Bill Bruford.

Some individuals may argue that Yes should have been inducted years ago and I would definitely agree with them. In my honest opinion, only The Moody Blues have been a greater snub.

I will not say that every Yes studio album was a masterpiece, but most of them have been great. Yes has the distinction of having had many of the greatest musicians in their band. Yes has not been afraid to experiment with new musical directions either and very little of their work sounds dated. I have more recordings by Yes than by any other artist. With the possible exception of "9012 Live," and their most recent concert release and possibly a few compilations, I own most of Yes' discography.

I have written quite extensively about Rush, but I have yet to fully elucidate my opinions about Yes' work.

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for the past 39 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

As I have mentioned several times previously, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and only slightly ahead of The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran, respectively. Pink Floyd comes in next, followed by Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, Talking Heads and Kansas.

But this will be a discussion, which will be mostly about Yes.

I had first heard the music of Yes in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona on an early Saturday afternoon in late May, 1981. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Well, what do you think so far?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 06/13/2020 @ 06:40am

After having waited nearly 5 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had finally been able to purchase issue #107 of PROG Magazine featuring many articles on Yes. By the way, I had not purchased 12 copies; instead, I had purchased 18 copies at my local Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Tucson, Az yesterday. I heartily encourage all of my fellow prog aficionados to so, maybe not 18 copies, but at least one of this particular magazine issue.

Well, what do you think?

.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 07/4/2020 @ 07:22am

After having waited nearly 5 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had finally been able to purchase issue #107 of PROG Magazine featuring many articles on Yes. By the way, I had not purchased 12 copies; instead, I had purchased 21 copies at my local Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Tucson, Az as of Tuesday afternoon. I heartily encourage all of my fellow prog aficionados to do so also, maybe not 21 copies, but at least one of this particularly spectacular magazine issue, if at all possible.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 07/17/2020 @ 05:49am

Since I had spoken about Rush, I thought that it had been appropriate to also mention the second member of the "holy trinity" of prog (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues)- Yes.

Now, let's talk about Yes.

On October 28, "Keys To Ascension" my favorite Yes live recording will turn 24.

Thank you Mike Tiano for your support of Yes for many decades. "Yes world" is a great site, as was "Notes From The Edge." I have been an aficionado of Yes' music for over 39 years; Yes is second on my list of favorite bands, only Rush is above them. Yes had been a seminal influence upon the music of Rush. Geddy Lee had been hugely influenced by the late Chris Squire. Alex Lifeson had been influenced by Steve Howe. The late, great Neil Peart had been influenced by Bill Bruford.

Some individuals may argue that Yes should have been inducted years ago and I would definitely agree with them. In my honest opinion, only The Moody Blues have been a greater snub.

I will not say that every Yes studio album was a masterpiece, but most of them have been great. Yes has the distinction of having had many of the greatest musicians in their band. Yes has not been afraid to experiment with new musical directions either and very little of their work sounds dated. I have more recordings by Yes than by any other artist. With the possible exception of "9012 Live," and their most recent concert release and possibly a few compilations, I own most of Yes' discography.

I have written quite extensively about Rush, but I have yet to fully elucidate my opinions about Yes' work.

Let's talk about Yes, shall we? I have been an aficionado of most of their music for not quite 40 years. Here are my ratings of their studio and live albums:

Let's look at their studio albums first, shall we?

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

As I have mentioned several times previously, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and only slightly ahead of The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran, respectively. Pink Floyd comes in next, followed by Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, Talking Heads and Kansas.

But this will be a discussion, which will be mostly about Yes.

I had first heard the music of Yes in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona on an early Saturday afternoon in late May, 1981. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

After having waited nearly 5 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had finally been able to purchase issue #107 of PROG Magazine featuring many articles on Yes. By the way, I had not purchased 12 copies; instead, I had purchased 29 copies at my local Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Tucson, Arizona and in Gilbert, Arizona. I heartily encourage all of my fellow prog aficionados to do so also, maybe not 29 copies, but at least one or two, of this particularly spectacular magazine issue, if at all possible.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 10/3/2020 @ 10:22am

I would like to extend best wishes to Jon Anderson for a Very Happy Birthday. Jon, you have co-written some of the greatest songs of all time. Thank you for the music. Have a fantastic day, you deserve it.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 10/25/2020 @ 12:59pm

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/26/2020 @ 11:30am

Today is the 49th anniversary of the release of "Fragile," Yes' fourth studio album. "Fragile" had been the first Yes studio recording to feature keyboard maestro Rick Wakeman. "Fragile" had also been the first Yes recording which I had heard back in late May, 1981, thereby introducing me to the magnificent music of Yes. Even though 'Roundabout,' had been the first song which I had heard by Yes, it had not initially been my favorite song on "Fragile." That distinction had gone to 'South Side Of The Sky,' instead. However, during the past several decades since, 'Roundabout' had finally become my favorite song from "Fragile" and my ninth favorite Yes song overall. 'South Side Of The Sky' is now my second favorite song from "Fragile" and my 12th favorite Yes song overall. 'Heart Of The Sunrise' is my third favorite song from "Fragile" and my 16th favorite Yes song overall. In my honest opinion, those three epic tracks definitely make "Fragile" well worth owning.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Thursday, 11/26/2020 @ 12:32pm

PROG Issue #115 focuses on Jon Anderson, formerly of Yes. While perusing Issue #115, I had seen photographs and an article about a group called Wobbler from Norway. Wobbler is the answer to the question of what had become of some of the descendants of the Vikings; they had become really great symphonic progressive rock musicians. So why am I mentioning this on the Yes page? Because their new vocalist and guitarist Andreas Prestmo sounds somewhat like Jon Anderson, formerly of Yes. Wobbler has recently been promoting their new recording, "Dwellers Of The Deep." Please check it out.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 11/28/2020 @ 11:16am

As many of you already are well aware, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and slightly above The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran. Yes had played 'Roundabout' (with guest and co-inductor Geddy Lee, formerly of Rush, playing bass) and 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' (with guitarist Steve Howe playing bass) at their 2017 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. This particular event had been billed as a "prog rock gala" and had undoubtedly led to the induction of the third member of the "holy trinity" of prog (The Moody Blues) during the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

I had been introduced to the music of Yes, in late May, 1981 at the age of 19 in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

How, I would rate Yes' studio albums:

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/28/2021 @ 01:39am

For those who are interested, Issue #118 of PROG Magazine features an article on Yes, titled 'Starship Troopers' on pp. 32- 45.

Well, what do you think? '

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/28/2021 @ 18:45pm

As many of you already are well aware, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and slightly above The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran. Yes had played 'Roundabout' (with guest and co-inductor Geddy Lee, formerly of Rush, playing bass) and 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' (with guitarist Steve Howe playing bass) at their 2017 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. This particular event had been billed as a "prog rock gala" and had undoubtedly led to the induction of the third member of the "holy trinity" of prog (The Moody Blues) during the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

I had been introduced to the music of Yes, in late May, 1981 almost 40 years ago, at the age of 19 in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

How, I would rate Yes' studio albums:

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 05/25/2021 @ 09:44am

As many of you already are well aware, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and slightly above The Moody Blues, King Crimson and Duran Duran. Yes had played 'Roundabout' (with guest and co-inductor Geddy Lee, formerly of Rush, playing bass) and 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' (with guitarist Steve Howe playing bass) at their 2017 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. This particular event had been billed as a "prog rock gala" and had undoubtedly led to the induction of the third inducted member of the "holy trinity" of prog (The Moody Blues) during the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony and the nomination and induction of Roxy Music by John Taylor and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran.

I had been introduced to the music of Yes, 40 years ago today, at the age of 19 in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

How, I would rate Yes' studio albums:

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 05/30/2021 @ 12:58pm

Today is the 20th anniversary of the release of "Magnification," my favorite studio album by Yes.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 09/10/2021 @ 02:32am

Of course, I would be remiss if I had not mentioned that a week ago marked the 25th anniversary of the release of "Keys To Ascension."

Also, a new Yes studio album, "The Quest" had been released on October 1 of this year.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/5/2021 @ 04:52am

Today is the 50th anniversary of the release of "Fragile." "Fragile" had been my introductory studio
album to the magnificent music of Yes. I had been introduced to this extraordinary band in late May, 1981. Yes has been my co-favorite band musically for over 40 consecutive years.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 11/26/2021 @ 04:18am

There are also several major Yes album anniversaries to celebrate next year.

On January 4, "Fragile" will celebrate the 50th anniversary of it's release in the U.S.

On July 15, "Going For The One" will celebrate it's 45th anniversary since it's release date.

On September 13, "Close To The Edge" will be 50 years old.

On November 21, "Keys To Ascension 2" will be 25 years old.

On June 18, "Symphonic Live" will turn 20.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 12/6/2021 @ 00:00am

Since a few individuals have mentioned Yes:

As many of you already are well aware, Yes is my co-favorite band musically, alongside Rush and slightly above The Moody Blues, Wobbler, King Crimson and Duran Duran. Yes had played 'Roundabout' (with guest and co-inductor Geddy Lee, formerly of Rush, playing bass) and 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' (with guitarist Steve Howe playing bass) at their 2017 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. This particular event had been billed as a "prog rock gala" and had undoubtedly led to the induction of the third inducted member of the "holy trinity" of prog (The Moody Blues) during the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony and the nomination and induction of Roxy Music in 2019 by John Taylor and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran.

I had been introduced to the music of Yes, not quite 41 years ago, at the age of 19 in my hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Upon hearing 'Roundabout,' I had first purchased a copy of "Fragile" on cassette tape. During the next several months, I would purchase "Fragile," "Close To The Edge," "Tales From Topographic Oceans," "Going For The One," "Yesterdays" and "Yessongs" in album form. It would take me more than a year before I would purchase "Tormato," "The Yes Album," "Yesshows" and "Drama" on LP. I would not purchase "Relayer," nor "Yes," nor "Time & A Word" in album form until sometime in late 1982.

To me, Yes almost had an almost other worldly sound, highly reminiscent to me of Middle Period Rush. However, Yes had preceded Rush by several years in the chronological order of their albums. Therefore, Rush had been emulating Yes and not vice versa. It had made a great deal of sense for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush to induct Yes into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. As I have noted previously, this had been reverse mirrored by the induction of Roxy Music by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran in 2019.

Yes's music has almost always been quite spectacular and has only disappointed me a few times during their long history. I have owned more recordings by Yes than by those of any other artist. I have managed to purchase almost all of Yes' studio albums on cd, in addition to most of Yes' live recordings on either cd, or BluRay. That is the primary reason why I had been so upset by the non-availability of PROG Magazine issue #107 (which features Yes' 40 greatest songs according to readers), due to the shutdown of Barnes & Noble Bookstores during the Corona Virus pandemic. However, I can add ten more.

Therefore, here are my 50 favorite songs by Yes (in order):

01. Awaken (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
02. We Agree (Magnification, 2001)
03. Mind Drive (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
04. Magnification (Symphonic Live, 2009)
05. Close To The Edge (Symphonic Live, 2009)
06. The Revealing Science Of God (Keys To Ascension,
1996)
07. Give Love Each Day (Magnification, 2001)
08. In The Presence Of (Symphonic Live, 2009)
09. Roundabout (Fragile, 1971)
10. Starship Trooper (The Yes Album, 1971)
11. And You And I (Symphonic Live, 2009)
12. South Side Of The Sky (Fragile, 1971)
13. Spirit Of Survival (Magnification, 2001)
14. Siberian Khatru (Close To The Edge, 1972)
15. The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans,
1973)
16. Heart Of The Sunrise (Fragile, 1971)
17. Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album, 1971)
18. Turn Of The Century (Going For The One, 1977)
19. Perpetual Change (The Yes Album, 1971)
20. Don't Kill The Whale (Tormato, 1978)
21. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Yessongs, 1973)
22. Ritual (Symphonic Live, 2009)
23. Can You Imagine (Magnification, 2001)
24. I've Seen All Good People (Symphonic Live, 2009)
25. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (90125, 1983)
26. Machine Messiah (Drama, 1980)
27. Be The One (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
28. Onward (Keys To Ascension, 1996)
29. Wonderous Stories (Going For The One, 1977)
30. Homeworld (The Ladder, 1999)
31. The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans, 1973)
32. Long Distance Runaround (Fragile, 1972)
33. Parallels (Going For The One, 1977)
34. To Be Over (Relayer, 1974)
35. The Gates Of Delirium (Symphonic Live, 2009)
36. Mood For A Day (Fragile, 1972)
37. Children Of Light (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
38. Foot Prints (Keys To Ascension 2, 1997)
39. Don't Go (Symphonic Live, 2009)
40. Survival (Yes, 1969)
41. Then (Time And A Word, 1970)
42. Going For The One (Going For The One, 1977)
43. Astral Traveller (Time And A Word, 1970)
44. Shoot High Aim Low (Big Generator, 1987)
45. Leave It (90125, 1983)
46. It Can Happen (90125, 1983)
47. Love Will Find A Way (Big Generator, 1987)
48. Lift Me Up (Union, 1991)
49. Changes (90125, 1983)
50. That That Is (Keys To Ascension, 1996)

Here are my favorite Yes studio albums, in order (including ABWH) from most favorite to least favorite:

01. Magnification (2001)
02. Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973)
03. Going For The One (1977)
04. Close To The Edge (1972)
05. Fragile (1972)
06. Keystudio (2001)
07. The Yes Album (1971)
08. Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)
09. 90125 (1983)
10. The Ladder (1999)
11. Drama (1980)
12. Relayer (1974)
13. Fly From Here (2011)
14. Tormato (1978)
15. Big Generator (1987)
16. Time And A Word (1970)
17. Heaven & Earth (2014)
18. Yes (1969)
19. Union (1991)
20. Open Your Eyes (1998)
21. Talk (1994)

How, I would rate Yes' studio albums:

Yes (1969) ***
Time And A Word (1970) ***

The Yes Album (1971) *****
Fragile (1971) *****
Close To The Edge (1972) *****

Tales From Topographic Oceans (1973) *****
Relayer (1974) ****
Going For The One (1977) *****
Tormato (1978) ***
Drama (1980) ****

90125 (1983) *****
Big Generator (1987) ***
Union (1991) **1/2
Talk (1994) *

Keys To Ascension (1996) *****
Keys To Ascension 2 (1997) *****
Keystudio (2001) (technically, a compilation album)*****
Open Your Eyes (1997) **
The Ladder (1999) ****

Magnification (2001) *****
Fly From Here (2011)***1/2
Heaven & Earth (2014) ***

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 01/21/2022 @ 06:11am

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/23/2022 @ 21:26pm

Rest in Peace Alan White, 1949-2022.

Posted by Joe S. on Thursday, 05/26/2022 @ 12:05pm

RIP Alan White.

Posted by J.W. on Thursday, 05/26/2022 @ 15:28pm

Depeche Mode Keyboardist Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher Dead at 60
Rock Hall of Fame musician co-founded the group in 1980 and remained with them for more than 40 years
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/depeche-mode-andy-fletch-fletcher-dead-1359207/

Alan White, Drummer for Yes and John Lennon, Dead at 72
Alongside 50 years in Yes, Hall of Famer also played on George Harrison's 'All Things Must Pass' and Lennon's "Imagine" and "Instant Karma"
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yes-drummer-alan-white-dead-72-1359113/

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 05/26/2022 @ 17:39pm

I am very saddened by the news that I have just read.

My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alan White on his untimely passing. As many of you are probably well aware, Yes has been my co-favorite band musically (alongside Rush) and the late Alan White had been a major part of the reason for that. Yes has been fortunate to have had two extraordinary percussionists in their history: Bill Bruford and of course, the late great Alan White.

Many of my favorite Yes albums feature the percussionist skills of Alan White, especially "Magnification" (2001), "Tales From Topographic Oceans" (1973), "Going For The One" (1977) and "Keystudio" (2001). the late Alan White had been a member of the Classic Yes lineup. Today is indeed a very sad day for Yes aficionados and prog aficionados worldwide and Alan White will surely be missed.

In addition to his percussionist skills, Alan White had also been a great songwriter, having contributed piano On various songs and co-songwriting several songs from numerous albums by Yes, most notably 'Turn Of The Century' from "Going For The One" (1977) and 'In The Presence Of' from "Magnification" (2001). I will probably listen to "Magnification" in it's entirety this weekend,

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 05/27/2022 @ 05:25am

The recent passing of the late great percussionist Alan White had been quite unexpected. Alan White had been featured on most of Yes' recordings from "Yessongs" (1973) through "The Quest" (2021). It is indeed very sad, but quite appropriate that Yes' "Close To The Edge" 50th anniversary tour will be dedicated to him. In honor of Alan's memory, I had listened to 'In The Presence Of' from "Symphonic Live" (2009) on my SUV's CD player yesterday evening.

If memory serves, last Monday had marked the 41st anniversary of my introduction to the music of Yes. Even so, it is very sad indeed that Alan White's tenure with the band has come to an abrupt end at such an early age.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 05/28/2022 @ 22:49pm

Today is the 21st anniversary of the release of "Magnification," my favorite studio recording by Yes. In
my honest opinion, "Magnification" is Yes' last great studio album.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 09/10/2022 @ 19:55pm

Virtual Interview with Bill Bruford of Yes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbZ7RMI6PyM

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 11/30/2022 @ 15:58pm

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