Other Mixes By Rob Conroy
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Single Artist
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Mixed Genre
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Mixed Genre
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Single Artist
On a sailing ship to nowhere
Comment:
This mix was completely inspired by Pop Kulcher's fine two-disc comp posted a couple of weeks ago (and Mr. Kulcher was a source of considerable assistance in acquiring those songs that aren't on the Close to the Edge-Fragile-Yes Album trilogy). I thought that the world needed a very selective single-disc anthology... and here it might be. ;-) I have to admit that, upon listening to this material, I actually, unapologetically love tracks 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 and view the rest as cool guilty pleasures. On most of these songs, the two factors that annoy me most about Yes--Jon Anderson's breathy vocal stylings/absurdist lyrics and Rick Wakeman's insanely over-the-top keyboard extravaganzas (or is that extravangazae?)--are are on their best behavior. And I challenge even the hardiest indie-punk-garage aficionado (a camp in which I probably fall more frequently than not) to deny the muscular innovation of the Bruford-Squire rhythm section and, more importantly, the spiky experimentation of Steve Howe's peak-period guitar work. Last tracks cut: "I See You" (had it been approximately 20 seconds shorter, it would have displaced "Going for the One"), "Roundabout," "Time and a Word" and "Starship Trooper."Feedback:
I really like Fragile and Close To The Edge and nothing after Relayer.
Gret selections, 3,8 and 9 are personal favorites. We've discussed my history with this band (my first Rock Show, etc.) and I must admit that Jon Anderson's voice itself is a guilty pleasure for me but I must concur on Wakeman's musical masturbation.
I have no idea what Yes sound like; I've never heard anyone in the UK mention Yes. I've only seen their name in Mojo. Can one actually buy Yes albums here in the UK? Does anyone in the UK own a Yes album? Who is Jon Anderson or Steve Howe? Have they done anything else?
Nice mix.Here's a little treat-http://download.yousendit.com/2CAC33235A05F794
Your commentary pretty much sums up my views as well, Rob. And, yes, while I was able to stretch this into a 2-cd set (by including several heinously offensive yet strangely entertaining tracks from Relayer and Topographic Oceans, if I had gone the 1-cd approach this would pretty much capture it.
Geez, sounds like self-loathing Yes fans. Embrace them - the melodies are often beautiful, the musicianship is awesome, and the lyrics (if bizarre) are certainly interesting. C'mon, they're not Marillion, fer crissake.
Also, I think that all of their lp's through Drama (that's right, I'd go that far) still stand up. But hey, I'm not trying to pick a fight. I just don't include Yes in the "guilty pleasure" category for myself. I think that they were genuinely brilliant. Other prog I grew up with hasn't aged as well (I'm talking to you, Rush), but Yes is still great to my ears. Sorry to see no "Starship Troopers" here, though - that's my fave.
Not really into this band, but good mix all around.
Je n'ecouter pas Oui pour vingt cing ans; but checking my vinyl I discovered I have every track on this mix. My fave Yes track is 'Turn Of The Century,' though 'And You And I' runs it a close second. Mind you I reckon 25 years is still not long enough!
Yes, Yes were a decent band, but they pale in comparison to Asia. And of course Yes were crap until those two guys from the Buggles joined and made them respectable. All kidding aside, I like what you've done here. Sure, you've omitted a few songs that I like, but that can be expected when you're limited to one disc.
maybe I should try this, maybe it could be the worst I've heard buy I'm pretty curious 'cos I know you got good taste