Yes by ~JSaurer
©2008-2010 ~JSaurer

"close to the edge" - the giants of british Art Rock in the 70s
airbrush, water colours, 1998

According to the band's official website, Yesworld, the song is inspired by Hermann Hesse's book Siddhartha, an explanation which can cast the cryptic and mysterious lyrics in a new light, tracking the awakening of Hesse's character "close to the edge" of a river (and, symbolically, of the serial lifetimes of his soul) where he experiences a spiritual awakening.


from the wiki -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_To_The_Edge
(click here)

Apparently music can't quite describe it either, if they need 18 minutes of being "prog" and still don't really go anywhere.

Gotta say "NO" to Yes.

The only radio station on earth who'd follow Perry Farrell and Joni Mitchell with a magnum opus by Yes. Three cheers.

Bands like Yes came around because wanted play music and play it the best they could. They wanted do music that was beyond the realm of the typical 4 minute song. The lyrics of yes songs are, in general, irrelevant. Anderson's voice is just another brush applied to the canvas.

Bands like the Ramones came around because they wanted to play music rooted in early 60's rock and they did it the best way that they could. I don't see much of a difference.

Both bands were great at what they did.

If you want to slag Yes, then slag them for constantly touring on the same songs with sets that frequently seem to mirror sets from '72 or '73. I saw them 5 years ago, but there was only one song from the 90's, 2 from the 80's, 2 from the late 70's and the rest from the early 70's...and they were touring for a new studio album! What a disapointment. Haven't gone again since

Kevin

please no Yes....this kind of music is the primary reason that disco became popular.

I always thought that Yes music was a bit pretentious. But, 30 years ago I liked to listen to them sometimes. Close to the edge is great, better than a lots of things they made after. It is sure not going to please american people used to simple stuff. But, this progessive time got things we're not going to see anymore, unfortunately: musicians had freedom to try what they wanted. Nowadays, they're just majors' puppets.
Marc-André

god.. what an awfully long song.. no more please

Oh my God, I thought I would never have to suffer this dreadful s***e again when I gave the album away more than 20 years ago!!!!! Please turn it off!!!

Oh my gosh! Shut up already!

Man, at about 2 minutes into this thing when Howe brings in the guitar theme... Chills, sedate bliss, decades of music appreciation, relief - that there is genius in the world...

I like this song. No, I don't actually own any Yes music, but it's nice to hear every now and again.

Dated, maybe, but I never get tired of this.

Hey Jacques --

Thanks for the comments. I had my nurse read them too me while I was hooked up to my EKG. To be honest, I had a much better time reading it than listening to the song.

I agree that RP is the place for eclectic intelligent rock. In fact, I'm the first one in the office to jump for joy when Bill spins a classic Floyd tune or better yet, the 2nd side to Abby Road. However, these boys could have got the point across in 5-6 minutes & it would have been a whole lot better. In fact, this song almost seems like showing off. 12 minutes for the sake of 12 minutes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm greatful the 70's were filled with this stuff. Hell, songs like this are why guys like Rotten, Jones, Strummer, and the like started bands...and look where that got us (thanks boys!).

Hey, don't get your panties in a twist, it stopped, the world didn't explode, nor did you have a coronary... relax. I was NOT a huge YES fan and I'd probably never buy this album, but it is was great to hear this on Radio Paradise, I'd never get to hear this anywhere, and that alone was worth the time, albeit a bit long.

Chill out, you want Top 40? I'm sure you can dig up 50 stations on the radio in no time at all... this is the right place to hear a 12 minute (or however long it was) prog rock dinosaur, that's why it's "eclectic" there is no formula... no good or bad song... just stuff to make you think.

However, if Bill ever loses it and plays Britney Spears, then by all means, we'll join you in your please of "For the love of of, make it stop".


Cheers
Jacques

I reading some of the comments, I'm reminded of the Harry Chapin song "Flowers are Red" Here is a link to lyrics ... http://littlejason.com/chapin/songs/flowers.html

Incredible stuff. While I'm always happy to hear anything from Yes from "Going For the One" and before, their newest CD, "Magnification", is exceptional - some of the best orchestral integration ever done on a "rock" album.

What do you have against 18 minutes "art rock" songs from the 70's? :D

Please, Please, Please, for the love of God, just make it stop!

Yes that is Jon Anderson.

What and apropos song in view of your sojourn!
Hope yo all have a wonderful time and safe journey.

Haven't heard this one in ages--I think Yes is one of those (sometimes unfairly) maligned "prog rock" bands that are due for a new appreciation and rennaissance of their ouevre. Yes, some of their later stuff is, for want of a better word, crap, but they have some absolutely classic works, also. I enjoyed hearing it...

Ah the good ole days, when you could go to a concert and people would actually sit in their seats and listen to the music (instead of standing the whole freakin' time).

Yes, you either love 'em or hate 'em. I still love them. In fact, they're on the Geezer tour and coming to a city near you this summer. Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman and White.

Though I'm a fairly avid Yes fan, I wholeheartedly agree with respect to the cacophonous intro! Ugh! Just get to the music, will ya!!??

But of course!

I thought this was boring when it was first released. It hasn't aged well.

Is that Jon Anderson singing?

So wonderful to hear this song.....perfect example of how great art rock can be.

I discovered Yes in the late 80s as a teenager (Big Generator), and only then started to discover their incredible past. I must be one of their younger fans, but great music knows no age limit.

:D :D :D :D :D