Frogmort
1K Club - QQ Shooting Star
Just noticed another weird edit on track 3 at 3:46 per track or 44:34 overall.
I also received a shipping notice from Burning Shed on 10/3 and I'm still waiting...
I also received a shipping notice from Burning Shed on 10/3 and I'm still waiting...
How many people's father's son's buy them a dog turd - Michael Palin
Beautiful post- thanks so much for playing.
I totally agree that 70's Yes had a strong theme of spirituality running through their music- one of the things that separated them from most rock bands and one of many reasons their music was so attractive to me. I believe one of Jon's purposes is to celebrate and illuminate the divine, free from any specific Religion, but drawing from many different religious traditions. An attempt to de-insitutionalize religion, if you will. I know one of the effects CttE had on me was to start me seeking and free me from the strong Christian perspective in which I'd been raised and appreciate the Truth and beauty inherent in all religious traditions. Jon has been like a spiritual mentor to me, through his music.
I agree w/ all the examples you listed and agree w/ very well-stated descriptions, but would add many more to that list- though you pointed out most of the main ones. It was there from the beginning: the first album's "Survival" deals w/ the most basic spiritual question- why do bad things have to happen to the good? using the analogy of a baby bird dying. In Fragile, we have man dealing w/ death in SSotS, where-in Yes goes against the grain and actually kills the song's protagonist. I've always found PC, AGP and YIND very spiritual- the latter using the analogy of a Vietnam vet to illustrate self-acceptance in the face of some dastardly deeds done. Even that little ditty A Venture- highly under-rated track imo- speaks of a man's worth despite having a serious affliction (alcoholism).
CttE is filled w/ spirituality, from the TT's illustration of finding enlightenment, to AU&I, where I always felt that the you referred to is God (much to the consternation of my girlfriend, who thought it should be she- but the fact that it could be both a love song and a song of devotion to deity illustrates the many layers inherent in most Yessongs) to an amazingly evocative image of the crucifixion in SK: "cold, stainless nail, torn through the distance of man, as they regard the summit."
I love that paragraph on the textural signature's- very eloquent and right in line w/ my impressions! Ritual is indeed about celebrating life and Jon refers to such and also how it's a ritual when the band performs. I've always felt the ritualistic nature of great musical performances, where there is a common purpose among a large group, celebrating life and losing identity/ego in the communion w/ the crowd and band/orchestra. And there's that feedback loop mentioned earlier. Some of my most profound spiritual experiences have been at concerts.
And Yes, that moment of ultimate realization is so deep and well-portrayed in TRSOG; it shines even brighter in the new 5.1 mix. Great description of what's happening vocally in that section! An ever-opening flower indeed! (I had forgotten that was in the liner notes- always think Awaken when I hear those words)
My all-time fave Yes book, Mosbos' Yes, but what does it mean?, has a chapter entitled "Tales of Beethoven's Symphonies," where he compares Tales to a Beethoven symphony, has had a deep impact on how I view Tales- and the book as a whole has added much to my understanding of Yesmusic. And I googled Progressive Rock Reconsidered before I wrote this. Going for some hefty prices these days, but I'll find a copy.
I really appreciate your thoughts and info- thanks!
You're welcome Always happy to discuss this extraordinary music with a fellow Yes enthusiast. Hadn't heard of Mosbos' book, I'll have to check it out. Suffice to say, I think posterity will view Yes' music and the much of the other music from the same era with more reverence than it's afforded today.
Well, since you cited your reference, it got me to recognize my oversight. Mosbo's a great book, but it's been OOP for a while- hope you can find a reasonably priced copy. PRR has some real high prices too, but there's some used copies at amazon for $20 shipped. Haven't pulled the trigger yet.
As for posterity- "Prog" seems to have made a comeback. At least it's no longer stigmatized and considered uncool. But who knows what the future holds. I think Tales and CttE are true works of art that should be appreciated over the ages. But whether they have the power to speak to future generations- only time will tell.
I will keep my eyes out for a copy on amazon. I think the fact that works like CTTE and Tales are being remixed into 5.1 shows these recordings for what they are; true works of art, as you said. I'd say it's a matter of course that the legacy of Yes and similar artists will be reevaluated for the better. But I agree, only time will tell.
Someone always seems to sneak into my house and post gibberish after I have a dozen beers or so. Actually I was watching Monty Python: Almost the Truth and thought that quote was crazy/funny. Not sure why I felt compelled to share it in this thread though.Hey Frogmort, what's up?
I agree that the albums that get chosen for 5.1 re-mixes are generally classics, but the sad fact is that these releases sell to a small niche of mostly aging male Boomers. As fantastic as they are, they are unknown to the young folks who will carry music forward into the next decades. For these to last, I think they'll have to somehow make it into academia and be studied. Maybe at some point musical historians will recognize that "Prog" was the highest evolution of the rock genre and look for the best works in that sub-genre. But if they look to the RR HoF to see what was most meaningful, we're screwed. Or if they go by cultural relevance- never a strength of Prog.
But maybe someday some internet historian will be sifting through the detritus and happen upon a few pages of quadraphonicquad? WTF? But upon further examination he finds a place filled w/ brilliant, funny, discerning gentlemen and the treasures contained within these pages lead to a new renaissance!
I think I've discovered a major flaw in this otherwise fine release. The track titled "Dance of the Dawn (Studio Run-Through)" is no such thing. It is simply a remastered version of "The Revealing Science of God" from the Rhino TFTO CD. I even lined the two versions up in Adobe Audition and they stay in perfect sync from start to finish. This is true for both the CD and the blu-ray. The Rhino TFTO actually has the studio run through, so I know what it's supposed to sound like.
If I am right (and maybe I'm comparing the wrong tracks), I am somewhat surprised by this.
What are your opinions on this? Do you have a preference between the two?
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