Not really. Until Steven Wilson got a hold of it, the studio version of HOTS PALED in comparison to subsequent live performances of it, which not only held more chances taken with the material that it needed, but were sonically superior to what Eddy Offord put together. This was always meant for the stage. And a band's studio performances can't all be zingers.
Alan White was no slouch ..Just different- Bruford a technician-White a rock drummer with his own amazing flair. As a life long fan- I enjoy them both.There should never be "better than" comments. That's for prog snob twats.
Chris Squire usually used a pick. He held it very close to the end, so that when he picked, it was immediately followed by his thumb picking the string. His base was wired stereo and he used separate amps adjusted differently. He was a unique bassist.
I think this song is just about as complex a piece of music as you can imagine. The level of musicianship is off the charts and so original that I can not imagine it appealing to a lot of people. So to be a YES fan is something very special.
Certainly most innovative, with unmatched precision and musicianship... classical composition meets rock. Many Yes songs are not just songs, but musical adventures of the Alice in Wonderland variety. If Mozart has been born in 1950, this is the kind of rock he would have made in the 70s.
As far as the music, yes it is meticulously worked out by the band, conceptualized and conducted by Jon. These pieces took months in the studio to perfect and they were all in their mid twenty's, with early 70's gear and recording equipment. It's astonishing what they accomplished, truly.
Moi qui est francophone et malgré que je ne capte que quelques mots et tournure de phrase, ses paroles me font du bien. C’est vous dire comment l’art peut être puissant. Le style lyrique de Yes, pour moi c’est comme une peinture abstraite. Parfois, des gens reste devant cette peinture en analysant chaque coup de pinceau, et d’autres arrive devant et son subjugué devant l’énergie qu’elle dégage
The drummer, Bill Bruford, was a jazzer at heart. He wanted to be in a jazz band, but wound up in Yes because it was a working gig. He did some jazz stuff on the side. This song was composed after the band listened to a lot of Brubeck and Stravinsky.
NOW WE TALKIN'! Gettin' into the THICK of it! LOOK YES are the greatest and one of the ONLY bands in (what I reluctantly call) the "Rock" genre that I've listened to and have listened to endlessly throughout their classic peak 70's era for 53 years because what they did was so imaginative, clever, rich, emotional, exhilarating, uplifting, dense, unpredictable and intricately baffling! YESSSS! "LOVE comes to you & you follow. Dream on, on to the heart of the Sunrise" is all you need to understand about Jon's lyrics here! With his voice still well intact, Jon the singer at 79 is Touring with a YES cover band that performs this music extremely well and I will be seeing them in SoCal Friday! WE are so blessed because in the 70's there was NOTHING more mind-blowing and transcendent than a elaborate Stage & EFX Live YES experience. Let's hear either, Starship Trooper, Yours is no Disgrace or Perpetual Change NEXT!!!!
Saw Jon Anderson's band in Rochester NY in June and the setlist included all of the best and then some. Was blown away by how well he can still sing. Iconic voice, killer band. ENJOY!!!
The lyrics are symbolic and talk about the contrast of the hectic life in the city and the soothing of love. Jon was inspired after walking around in the city and feeling frightened by the chaos of traffic and people running around. Soon after he was soothed by the sunrise. Hence the frantic parts dwelling with the smoothness of Jon's voice and piano licks.
I have several songs that make up the soundscape of my life. HOTS is at top of that list. Yes was formed by musicians that were all prodigies. Man I have to give you props for actually being able to play, so many reactors aren't musicians. Keep doing what you do.
This song bluew my mind back when I was 16. Fell in love with YES right away. It was a Rickenbacker, Geddy Lee admired Chris Squire! Rush and Yes, my favorite grups for the last 35 years man! I recommend you to listen to the Prelude fro Rush Hemispheres! Pure trip and magic man! It is just a lot of fun to watch your reactions, God bless you brother!!! Amén!
This song was the collective moment in the early 70s when every rock drummer lifted the needle off the record and said “Hold up… who the hell is Bill Bruford???” … and listened again 1000 times.
This is one of Jon's best vocal performances. He starts very soft, and keeps increasing volume, ending very powerfully and emotionally. On the other hand, masterful composition.
GATES OF DELIRIUM !!! The last portion of that song will BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES out of its sheer BEAUTY. It’s like receiving communion in church…. SOUL GRIPPING in the language of GOD!!! A church boy should love it. Absolute chaos followed by absolute heavenly bliss. YOU HAVE TO do it next bro !!!!! What a journey !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Good thinking! @churchboy, The Gates of Delerium is about war, and is somewhat based on the book War and Peace. The lyrics will be understandable enough for you, I predict. Give them a read through to get a feel for the subject matter first before listening to the song. It should make you feel better about the somewhat cryptic lyrics. They do have some intelligible meaning and should give you a good idea of how to handle the comprehension of Yes' lyrics typically. Like others have said in comments, the lyrics are usually like an impressionistic painting.
Indeed, Gates of Delirium (GOD) always seemed like their classic peak to me. But I can never pick favorites - Close to the Edge, Ritual, Gates, Awaken - all unique impeccable masterpieces. But I DO think he should hit Close to the Edge next - it's its own masterwork, maybe best in ways, but I still see it as the on-ramp to Tales and Relayer.
@@MSinclairStevens I agree - but maybe because it's the worst song on the album. Uh, I mean the third greatest song on the best album ever recorded... 😄
I’ve seen them live 7 times over the decades and I’ve never seen any sheet music on stage. They are really just that good. Absolutely phenomenal live band! POWERFUL LIVE! Surprisingly so! YES at High Volume, right in front of you is an Experience!
They played "progessive rock" and it's feeling and chemistry developed through counteless hours of search for the perfect structure and relentless practice and of course, because the 5 of them are all virtuosos ! Also, although their music is just fantastic; you have got to read the lyrics of each of their songs you're listening to.
Jon is saying that Gods realm exceeds what we can comprehend as humans. As we live our lives and search Gods Greatness out, we see that what humans do, and create falls short of His Glory. "I feel lost in the city". As glorious as cities are they are cold, and impersonal. "Love comes to you, and you follow, lose one on to the Heart of the Sunrise". We must lose our lives of flesh to gain our lives of spirit, but we must go through the flesh, to gain understanding of what God has to suffer to bring us all into being. As a child we can never know what our parents felt, until we grow up and become parents ourselves, and have to go through the heartache, and pain, and then we understand, "On to the Heart of the Sunrise". Yes is magnificent.
The drummer bill bruford was in king crimson as well for several.albums. crimson is another rabbit hole. But a solo track called Beelzebub is a great one by Bruford
Just got fed this by UA-cam as it was about some Yes. Thanks for your reaction, so good to see. I'm a late 60s aged English woman whose loved this for a very long time. Still thrills me. Mind you, I love Beethoven too and that's stood the test of an even longer time! Absolutely imperative to play both really loud, BTW. 😁
first time coming across your channel - loved your reaction! to no fault of their own, I come across too many casual music fans that then stumble upon the Yes's of the world and they're in just no position to grasp it on a first take. great for them jumping in, but without a music background like you, anything even close to comprehension of the complexities of this timing and these chord progressions takes a really skilled ear. glad you could experience this and would love to hear more from you!
I love this! Nice crafting of poignant words! And, yes, that is what Yes music is more about - Jon wrote a lot of words just because they sound good with the music!
No argument from here. ❤ Btw, I was, probably many of us were saying this then, when the music first appeared to our ears. This is the greatest band ever!
Chris Squire used a Rickenbacker. He actually re-wired it to play in stereo. Rickenbacker, inspired by his innovation, later made a stereo version themselves.
From a 22 year old, I'd definitely say studio versions for first time listens. They were amazing live. But at least for me personally, the live recordings don't hold the same magic the studio recordings do. Jon is your man behind the lyrics. He had a major roll in writing their music and themes. To answer your question there is absolutely meaning behind MOST of his lyrics. Some of them literally don't have meaning. They were put into the piece because it sounded good lol. He used his lyrics and voice as an instrument. This song is pretty much about being lost in a city and admiring sunrises. Anderson is a very spiritual man and his lyrics reflect that in an introspective way. Because they make you think, and the answer is usually tied to the meaning of "something more" and just loving everyone.
I'm really glad you went down this rabbit hole specifically due to RUSH looking up to YES for obvious reasons. I knew you would enjoy the creativity and bass lines! #Roundabout
Glad you did the studio version. I always implore all reactors to ALWAYS do the studio versions before reacting to any live versions. Yeah, Chris Squire is my number two bassist right behind John Entwhistle of The Who. I could see this easily being a King Crimson song. If you want to listen to some great prog rock with excellent musicianship and great lyrics that are more accessible to understand, you need to check out Rush. What three guys can do is absolutely amazing! On par with Yes.
This is why I think you did right in listening to the studio version first, to be able to appreciate the musical experience without distractions. Then you can check out some live versions to be blown away by their ability to recreate, or even improve on, the original!
What a nice guy. You have entered my world of 50 years ago at uni in my wee rented room. At that time I was also listening to Soft Machine and Grateful Deads Dark Star.
This is probably my all time favorite Yes song. I haven't heard this in over 20 yrs. It's a soundscape that takes you into a place. Like others have said...I prefer reactions to studio versions rather than the live versions...the production value is so much higher. The lyrics on yes songs have always been cryptic...I like it because they leave it up to you and your interpretation. If you just sit back and listen, the song takes you to your own little slice of imagination.
I’ve seen them a bunch of times since the 70’s and they can absolutely pull it off live. But I strongly suggest listening to the studio tracks up until say 1980 because of the fantastic engineering on those albums. No it’s not sheet music. They develop members ideas collectively.
Master class in prog drumming. Not to mention the bass. The bassist, Chris Squire, put out a solo album in 1975 called “Fish Out Of Water” that should definitely be on your radar. The bass is front and center on that album. And it has the same drummer on it.
I loved this reaction. This was absolutely genuine and wonderful. It is especially great to see someone with so much talent themselves finally discover what I've loved for absolutely years. YES was my first concert in 1984. I haven't looked back...till now!
When Yes added Trevor and released the song owner of the lonely heart..it set the stage for the "Union" album. I saw Yes 3 times. Two early on without Trevor when Alan White was their drummer. Then decades later on their Union Tour...with Bruford and White drumming. Yes is inarguably on of the best Rock bands ever to play on the face of this Earth. And they will stand the test of time.
Everything they write in the studio is pulled off on stage, and they add a little bit more always a pleasure seeing and hearing them live. There are only a few songs they had trouble pulling off live. One I can think of is arriving UFO. John said it hurt his voice to try to sing at night after night.
Listening to the studio versions first will give you a better appreciation of the live tracks. They don't use sheet music, they just rehearse a lot and commit the songs to memory.
Rick Wakeman the piano/keyboard wizard is very much into heavy music theory and charts as a classical pianist. He first joined tbe band on this album and almost immediately there was a heightened sense of arrangement and composition. Chris Squire on bass studied music and although self taught, Steve Howe seems to have a strong grasp on theory as well. When Steve and Rick are really locked in, it is absolute magic to hear these master craftsmen weave around one another. Bill Bruford also has got drum theory up the wazoo for sure. I suspect Rick talked them all into charting their music out because supposedly this album came together very fast! Hard to believe, unless Rick wrote out the charts! Lol...
When you relisten to this amazing piece of music-really zone in on the drumming-Bill Bruford is so crazy good with hidden ,extra,odd timed and surprising fills. As good a drumming display as you can get.
The lyrics are very symbolic and sometimes cryptic within the confines of the song. They are very much loaded with a message. I remember back in the day showing the lyrics to my English teacher, I never saw a teacher get that excited before about words.
Jon's lyrics are like an impressionist painting. Let the words enter your mind, don't parse them, don't interpret them, just go with how you feel. I don't know about you, but I get loneliness in a crowd, traffic, noise, sirens, mayhem existing all around me but I drift through it alone. But you do you.
1. The lyrics escape everyone... more or less. You could reach out to Jon and ask him. They are his lyrics. 2. Studio first, then relisten to live versions 3. Pick on his Rickenbacker 4. Not sheet music
Incredible review man especially from those of us that have been listening to this incredible insanity for 40+ years... Rush comes close but Early Classic Yes is the real deal and totally underappreciated thx again for your review and listen one of the best songs EVER!
Chris Squire developed a "double strike" method of playing the bass where he hit each note with a pick and his thumb. He keeps the pick very close to the depth of his thumb to accomplish this, giving him a unique sound.
Nice reaction...I hope you listen to the whole album, as well as their entire discography...Squire had a a Ric and almost always played with a plectrum...It''s impossible to to get that punch without it...: )
Jon's voice is another primary instrument. If you stick with it you will eventually get it. As a long time listener I will take up catchy phrases here and there throughout all of their songs. In depth study of the lyrics was left decades ago when studying the inner jacket of the LPs.
Yes lyrics are often a form of poetry. The words strung together are supposed to evoke images in your mind, without trying to convey precise meaning. For example, "Loves come to you, then after, dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise!" In my mind, hearing these words, in combination with the music, I see myself with a great lover achieving mutual climax, and lying in each others arms, see the sun bursting over the horizon in brilliant orange that turns to scalding white. This is the first attempt I ever made to describe what I feel with this music... but see how I get it from phrases like "Love comes to you, then after..." "Dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise!" And now you know why it gives me goosebumps...
The Lyrical content of this song was originally written by Jon as a meditation. Chris Squier told him that they needed to jazz it up with rock ‘n’ roll. So the song is an amalgamation Of serene, flowing meditation type music and blistering rock ‘n’ roll.
Glad I could help! There is a live version on the Union tour where everyone who had ever been in the band is playing. 2 guitars, 2 drummers, 2 keyboards, and it's phenomenal. Keep it up Church Boy!
By the way, yes, Chris Squire is playing the Ricky, and he always used a pick. When I first started playing bass I was torn between Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. Can't do one without a pick, and can't do one without the fingers.
There is no sheet music, the band composed the songs that Jon brought in as Ideas in the studio as they were recording, they did multiple versions, the band decided what takes they would use sometimes taking 2 minutes of one version and a minute of another version, then Eddie Offord the engineer would paste together the parts on the the master tape. and then the band would learn what they created to play it live. There are multiple videos of Yes creating music in the studio that you can watch. They play everything live by memory.
I remember Jon introducing this song saying that he penned it as a meditation song. Chris liked it, but insisted some Rock-and-roll energy be added. A perfect description of the final product.
I heartily recommend listening to this song in Yessongs - their live album. Its so rare that a live album has more depth than the studio, but they managed it on this.
Yessongs is excellent primarily because it sounds so authentic to the the original and adds the small flourishes that in my mind add to the originals. That being said, the production of the studio albums allows the listener to hear all of the individual contributions of each musician more clearly. Yessongs will further help the listener realize that the studio albums were no accident and that the band can play everything live as good, if not better, than the studio versions. Enjoy!
Hey man. So glad you enjoyed this track. The thing about progressive rock bands is that they rehearse! (I know because I was in one back in the day) I saw Yes live at the Ritz Theater in New York in 1970. They did all their songs live exactly like the record. Each musician in this band is very talented on their own and together they are a true powerhouse. Check out more songs from Yes, you won't be disappointed. Peace.
While everyone says the lyrics can be confusing or hard to understand…they shouldn’t be. ☺️ I think the lyrics are Jon’s way of allowing the interpretation to be of the listeners. Some songs are more literal and the meaning is clear.❤ Listening to Yes for over 50 years-My Fav band & seen them live 50+ times…Yes songs have different meanings at different times in your life(decades for longtime Yes fans). As stated Jon put words in cuz they sounded good-he can be quoted saying that😉 So -don’t get hung up on them..ha easy for me to say-I know most every song by heart- but definitely read them as you listen…and see what you get out of them.. It’s a Fantastic Journey! Maybe you’ll become a “longtime fan too!🥰 19:1819:18
Since you're feeling the drummer (the Amazing Bill Bruford) , may I suggest your next exploration be in the band he moved to AFTER he was in YES..that is: "KING CRIMSON"! I'd recommend starting with "Starless". There's an amazing live version from like 2017 or so when they're in their "3 drummers" version. It's truly epic and they are pretty much the top of the heap in Progressive Rock. Can't recommend them highly enough. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers! S.
Studio Versions are an absolute MUST for first listens!! Then live performances can come afterwards. (imho)
Thank you! It’s how most of us first heard it. ✌️
Not really. Until Steven Wilson got a hold of it, the studio version of HOTS PALED in comparison to subsequent live performances of it, which not only held more chances taken with the material that it needed, but were sonically superior to what Eddy Offord put together.
This was always meant for the stage. And a band's studio performances can't all be zingers.
I ABSOLUTELY agree!!!!!!!
Everyone forgets the sound engineers who made it all happen..don't forget it's all analogue no computers ..they made it a miracle
Yep. No timing corrections no auto tune. You either played it perfectly or you had to do your track again. Until you nailed it.
When Bruford left YES the sound of the band fundamentally changed. Love what he brought to YES for 5 albums.
Agree
My favorite piece of Bruford’s work!
Alan White was no slouch ..Just different- Bruford a technician-White a rock drummer with his own amazing flair. As a life long fan- I enjoy them both.There should never be "better than" comments. That's for prog snob twats.
@@michaelbeerbados3291 I agree. It’s a preference thing. All YES is special. White shines on Drama for sure.
@@pauld669 and on TFTO-RELAYER-GFTO and especially -YESSONGS.
Chris Squire usually used a pick. He held it very close to the end, so that when he picked, it was immediately followed by his thumb picking the string. His base was wired stereo and he used separate amps adjusted differently. He was a unique bassist.
This is one of the smartest and most musically aware reactions I've heard. Great job!!
INDEED!!!!!
Great song. Keep the YES music coming. Lots more. Might be time for "Close to the Edge". Studio version only.
Here here, "Close to the Edge" studio version. Gotta be studio first.
I think this song is just about as complex a piece of music as you can imagine. The level of musicianship is off the charts and so original that I can not imagine it appealing to a lot of people. So to be a YES fan is something very special.
I'll say it again. Best...band...ever.
Keep saying it, Stanley!❤
Agree 100 %
Certainly most innovative, with unmatched precision and musicianship... classical composition meets rock. Many Yes songs are not just songs, but musical adventures of the Alice in Wonderland variety. If Mozart has been born in 1950, this is the kind of rock he would have made in the 70s.
As far as the music, yes it is meticulously worked out by the band, conceptualized and conducted by Jon. These pieces took months in the studio to perfect and they were all in their mid twenty's, with early 70's gear and recording equipment. It's astonishing what they accomplished, truly.
Damned near miraculous. At this point in time they were the greatest on the planet.
And better live. Astonishing is right, isn’t it.
Don't try to understand the lyrics ,they are poetic soundscapes. Think of Jon Anderson as an impressionistic poet, painting pictures with his words.
I look at it as the lyrics are an instrument of themselves
Well said, his words are of visions. Great comment
Jon was only looking to rhyme. Lyrics mean nothing
Moi qui est francophone et malgré que je ne capte que quelques mots et tournure de phrase, ses paroles me font du bien. C’est vous dire comment l’art peut être puissant. Le style lyrique de Yes, pour moi c’est comme une peinture abstraite. Parfois, des gens reste devant cette peinture en analysant chaque coup de pinceau, et d’autres arrive devant et son subjugué devant l’énergie qu’elle dégage
They're bullshit.
The drummer, Bill Bruford, was a jazzer at heart. He wanted to be in a jazz band, but wound up in Yes because it was a working gig. He did some jazz stuff on the side. This song was composed after the band listened to a lot of Brubeck and Stravinsky.
Bill Bruford was simply amazing.
Churchboy, Love how you are getting into YES!
It’s so cool you pick up your bass and demonstrate. I’m telling you the YES DRAMA album will kick your ass!
Especially the groove at the end of Tempus Fugit!
NOW WE TALKIN'! Gettin' into the THICK of it! LOOK YES are the greatest and one of the ONLY bands in (what I reluctantly call) the "Rock" genre that I've listened to and have listened to endlessly throughout their classic peak 70's era for 53 years because what they did was so imaginative, clever, rich, emotional, exhilarating, uplifting, dense, unpredictable and intricately baffling! YESSSS! "LOVE comes to you & you follow. Dream on, on to the heart of the Sunrise" is all you need to understand about Jon's lyrics here! With his voice still well intact, Jon the singer at 79 is Touring with a YES cover band that performs this music extremely well and I will be seeing them in SoCal Friday! WE are so blessed because in the 70's there was NOTHING more mind-blowing and transcendent than a elaborate Stage & EFX Live YES experience. Let's hear either, Starship Trooper, Yours is no Disgrace or Perpetual Change NEXT!!!!
Saw Jon Anderson's band in Rochester NY in June and the setlist included all of the best and then some. Was blown away by how well he can still sing. Iconic voice, killer band. ENJOY!!!
The lyrics are symbolic and talk about the contrast of the hectic life in the city and the soothing of love. Jon was inspired after walking around in the city and feeling frightened by the chaos of traffic and people running around. Soon after he was soothed by the sunrise. Hence the frantic parts dwelling with the smoothness of Jon's voice and piano licks.
You should hear Close To The Edge. I think it’s their best work.
yup
He is not even close to being ready for close to the edge 😂
HOTS and Roundabout are 2 of my favorite songs ever. Good on you for listening to this masterpiece.
I have several songs that make up the soundscape of my life. HOTS is at top of that list. Yes was formed by musicians that were all prodigies. Man I have to give you props for actually being able to play, so many reactors aren't musicians. Keep doing what you do.
I ❤ it! YES is amazing! 😊 So much talent!
May I recommend YES-South Side of the Sky!
Thkx.
Maybe my favorite Yes song. Thank you for reacting to it! I also appreciate you demonstrating with your bass.
Keep in mind this was released in November, 1971. UNREAL!
Chris Squire and that Rickenbacker 4001 Bass is undeniable.
Here we go! God's music 💚
This song bluew my mind back when I was 16. Fell in love with YES right away. It was a Rickenbacker, Geddy Lee admired Chris Squire! Rush and Yes, my favorite grups for the last 35 years man! I recommend you to listen to the Prelude fro Rush Hemispheres! Pure trip and magic man! It is just a lot of fun to watch your reactions, God bless you brother!!! Amén!
Yes… Inspirational and reflective…. Pure musical bliss…
This song was the collective moment in the early 70s when every rock drummer lifted the needle off the record and said “Hold up… who the hell is Bill Bruford???” … and listened again 1000 times.
This is one of Jon's best vocal performances. He starts very soft, and keeps increasing volume, ending very powerfully and emotionally. On the other hand, masterful composition.
What you said.❤
This is Genius Level Music. Not for everyone.
Oh INDEED!!!!!!!!
Yesss
GATES OF DELIRIUM !!! The last portion of that song will BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES out of its sheer BEAUTY. It’s like receiving communion in church…. SOUL GRIPPING in the language of GOD!!! A church boy should love it. Absolute chaos followed by absolute heavenly bliss. YOU HAVE TO do it next bro !!!!! What a journey !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Well said
Good thinking! @churchboy, The Gates of Delerium is about war, and is somewhat based on the book War and Peace. The lyrics will be understandable enough for you, I predict. Give them a read through to get a feel for the subject matter first before listening to the song. It should make you feel better about the somewhat cryptic lyrics. They do have some intelligible meaning and should give you a good idea of how to handle the comprehension of Yes' lyrics typically. Like others have said in comments, the lyrics are usually like an impressionistic painting.
Indeed, Gates of Delirium (GOD) always seemed like their classic peak to me. But I can never pick favorites - Close to the Edge, Ritual, Gates, Awaken - all unique impeccable masterpieces. But I DO think he should hit Close to the Edge next - it's its own masterwork, maybe best in ways, but I still see it as the on-ramp to Tales and Relayer.
Sound Chaser is really underrated.
@@MSinclairStevens I agree - but maybe because it's the worst song on the album. Uh, I mean the third greatest song on the best album ever recorded... 😄
Best bass player in the f... world . Rip Mr Chris Squire.
I’ve seen them live 7 times over the decades and I’ve never seen any sheet music on stage. They are really just that good. Absolutely phenomenal live band! POWERFUL LIVE! Surprisingly so! YES at High Volume, right in front of you is an Experience!
That is ALL feel! Hours and hours of rehearsal to where the changes become muscle memory.
Drummer Bill Bruford and guitarist Steve Howe have strong jazz leanings. You can hear it throughout their music.
I so love your reaction, it reminds me of my reaction to hearing this for the first time!
They played "progessive rock" and it's feeling and chemistry developed through counteless hours of search for the perfect structure and relentless practice and of course, because the 5 of them are all virtuosos ! Also, although their music is just fantastic; you have got to read the lyrics of each of their songs you're listening to.
Jon is saying that Gods realm exceeds what we can comprehend as humans. As we live our lives and search Gods Greatness out, we see that what humans do, and create falls short
of His Glory. "I feel lost in the city". As glorious as cities are they are cold, and impersonal. "Love comes to you, and you follow, lose one on to the Heart of the Sunrise". We must lose our
lives of flesh to gain our lives of spirit, but we must go through the flesh, to gain understanding of what God has to suffer to bring us all into being. As a child we can never know what our
parents felt, until we grow up and become parents ourselves, and have to go through the heartache, and pain, and then we understand, "On to the Heart of the Sunrise". Yes is magnificent.
@@michaelyork4554 Jon doesn’t think of god in the fantasyland way I believe you’re referring to.
The drummer bill bruford was in king crimson as well for several.albums. crimson is another rabbit hole. But a solo track called Beelzebub is a great one by Bruford
Just got fed this by UA-cam as it was about some Yes. Thanks for your reaction, so good to see. I'm a late 60s aged English woman whose loved this for a very long time. Still thrills me. Mind you, I love Beethoven too and that's stood the test of an even longer time! Absolutely imperative to play both really loud, BTW. 😁
first time coming across your channel - loved your reaction! to no fault of their own, I come across too many casual music fans that then stumble upon the Yes's of the world and they're in just no position to grasp it on a first take. great for them jumping in, but without a music background like you, anything even close to comprehension of the complexities of this timing and these chord progressions takes a really skilled ear. glad you could experience this and would love to hear more from you!
As soon as I seen the Bass stink face , I said to myself, yep he gets it 100 %. RIP Chris Squire.
Don't be a lyric chaser. Be a 'Sound Chaser'!
I love this! Nice crafting of poignant words! And, yes, that is what Yes music is more about - Jon wrote a lot of words just because they sound good with the music!
😄
Best band, ever. Period.
No argument from here. ❤
Btw, I was, probably many of us were saying this then, when the music first appeared to our ears. This is the greatest band ever!
I grew up listening to Yes in the 70's and have seen them multiple times The two best drummers were Alan Whiite and Bill Bruford.
Chris Squire used a Rickenbacker. He actually re-wired it to play in stereo. Rickenbacker, inspired by his innovation, later made a stereo version themselves.
From a 22 year old, I'd definitely say studio versions for first time listens. They were amazing live. But at least for me personally, the live recordings don't hold the same magic the studio recordings do. Jon is your man behind the lyrics. He had a major roll in writing their music and themes. To answer your question there is absolutely meaning behind MOST of his lyrics. Some of them literally don't have meaning. They were put into the piece because it sounded good lol. He used his lyrics and voice as an instrument. This song is pretty much about being lost in a city and admiring sunrises. Anderson is a very spiritual man and his lyrics reflect that in an introspective way. Because they make you think, and the answer is usually tied to the meaning of "something more" and just loving everyone.
I'm really glad you went down this rabbit hole specifically due to RUSH looking up to YES for obvious reasons. I knew you would enjoy the creativity and bass lines! #Roundabout
Glad you did the studio version. I always implore all reactors to ALWAYS do the studio versions before reacting to any live versions. Yeah, Chris Squire is my number two bassist right behind John Entwhistle of The Who. I could see this easily being a King Crimson song. If you want to listen to some great prog rock with excellent musicianship and great lyrics that are more accessible to understand, you need to check out Rush. What three guys can do is absolutely amazing! On par with Yes.
YES, studio version, always first.
"dreamer easy in the chair that really fits you"
This is why I think you did right in listening to the studio version first, to be able to appreciate the musical experience without distractions. Then you can check out some live versions to be blown away by their ability to recreate, or even improve on, the original!
Brother you are one of the best reviewers out there ! Love your take
You are picking such great music to react to. Lets get Church Boy to 10k subs!
And this was done on 8 track tape, and hand edited (knife and scotch tape). No ProTools. Magic.
Was recorded on 16 track by Eddie, but still tape and a razor blade.
This is ‘YES’. All their Songs are Musical Masterpieces.
Very often 20 minutes long, the whole side of an Album.
Enjoy the ride. 🎶❤️🎶
What a nice guy. You have entered my world of 50 years ago at uni in my wee rented room. At that time I was also listening to Soft Machine and Grateful Deads Dark Star.
This is probably my all time favorite Yes song. I haven't heard this in over 20 yrs. It's a soundscape that takes you into a place. Like others have said...I prefer reactions to studio versions rather than the live versions...the production value is so much higher. The lyrics on yes songs have always been cryptic...I like it because they leave it up to you and your interpretation. If you just sit back and listen, the song takes you to your own little slice of imagination.
I’ve seen them a bunch of times since the 70’s and they can absolutely pull it off live. But I strongly suggest listening to the studio tracks up until say 1980 because of the fantastic engineering on those albums. No it’s not sheet music. They develop members ideas collectively.
They agreed on little, argued about everything, called Jon a Little Napoleon and this stuff came out.
Master class in prog drumming. Not to mention the bass. The bassist, Chris Squire, put out a solo album in 1975 called “Fish Out Of Water” that should definitely be on your radar. The bass is front and center on that album. And it has the same drummer on it.
I loved this reaction. This was absolutely genuine and wonderful. It is especially great to see someone with so much talent themselves finally discover what I've loved for absolutely years. YES was my first concert in 1984. I haven't looked back...till now!
They got you, and you got them. Tears to my eyes. Tears me to Yes.
When Yes added Trevor and released the song owner of the lonely heart..it set the stage for the "Union" album. I saw Yes 3 times. Two early on without Trevor when Alan White was their drummer. Then decades later on their Union Tour...with Bruford and White drumming. Yes is inarguably on of the best Rock bands ever to play on the face of this Earth. And they will stand the test of time.
Love a Yes reaction from a musician! “Regular” people don’t usually get it!😂 ✌️❤️
YES!
love that a bass player is focusing on the BRUFORD DRUMS!!!
I don't care what anybody says, live is the way to go, you won't miss anything!! Greatest live band ever, better than the studio stuff!!
Everything they write in the studio is pulled off on stage, and they add a little bit more always a pleasure seeing and hearing them live. There are only a few songs they had trouble pulling off live. One I can think of is arriving UFO. John said it hurt his voice to try to sing at night after night.
One thing you can say about Yes: They were never boring.
Wow, love your reactions and your musical knowledge. You really bring a musician's perspective that I really appreciate, great work! ❤
Gotta say, watching people listen to bands like Yes or Animals As Leaders for the first time is becoming my favourite UA-cam genre.
You are one knowledgeable keyed in individual. Your bass and music comprehension is excellent. Kudos dude.
Listening to the studio versions first will give you a better appreciation of the live tracks.
They don't use sheet music, they just rehearse a lot and commit the songs to memory.
its the dreaminess that I love in this song
YES!
YES! 😊
Rick Wakeman the piano/keyboard wizard is very much into heavy music theory and charts as a classical pianist. He first joined tbe band on this album and almost immediately there was a heightened sense of arrangement and composition. Chris Squire on bass studied music and although self taught, Steve Howe seems to have a strong grasp on theory as well. When Steve and Rick are really locked in, it is absolute magic to hear these master craftsmen weave around one another. Bill Bruford also has got drum theory up the wazoo for sure. I suspect Rick talked them all into charting their music out because supposedly this album came together very fast! Hard to believe, unless Rick wrote out the charts! Lol...
No sheet music just unreal classical talent
When you relisten to this amazing piece of music-really zone in on the drumming-Bill Bruford is so crazy good with hidden ,extra,odd timed and surprising fills. As good a drumming display as you can get.
Studio version !!!!
Hugs from Brazil 🎉
bill buford on drums great drummer later on alan white also a great drummer from england !
The lyrics are very symbolic and sometimes cryptic within the confines of the song. They are very much loaded with a message. I remember back in the day showing the lyrics to my English teacher, I never saw a teacher get that excited before about words.
Jon's lyrics are like an impressionist painting. Let the words enter your mind, don't parse them, don't interpret them, just go with how you feel. I don't know about you, but I get loneliness in a crowd, traffic, noise, sirens, mayhem existing all around me but I drift through it alone. But you do you.
And the time signature changes throughout this song.
1. The lyrics escape everyone... more or less. You could reach out to Jon and ask him. They are his lyrics.
2. Studio first, then relisten to live versions
3. Pick on his Rickenbacker
4. Not sheet music
Incredible review man especially from those of us that have been listening to this incredible insanity for 40+ years... Rush comes close but Early Classic Yes is the real deal and totally underappreciated thx again for your review and listen one of the best songs EVER!
I believe music is a gift from God. It is often misused for evil purposes. But where that's not the case, it allows us a small glimpse of heaven.
Well said
🎶🙏🎶
Chris Squire developed a "double strike" method of playing the bass where he hit each note with a pick and his thumb. He keeps the pick very close to the depth of his thumb to accomplish this, giving him a unique sound.
Nice reaction...I hope you listen to the whole album, as well as their entire discography...Squire had a a Ric and almost always played with a plectrum...It''s impossible to to get that punch without it...: )
I heard many many years ago that Squire used a thick coin as a pick. True, or urban legend?
Did you just pull out a Chris Squire riff with your bass guitar? You've got my upvote and subscription bro. Please listen to more Yes!
Jon's voice is another primary instrument. If you stick with it you will eventually get it. As a long time listener I will take up catchy phrases here and there throughout all of their songs. In depth study of the lyrics was left decades ago when studying the inner jacket of the LPs.
RIP Chris Squire
Nice review, thank you!
Yes lyrics are often a form of poetry. The words strung together are supposed to evoke images in your mind, without trying to convey precise meaning. For example, "Loves come to you, then after, dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise!" In my mind, hearing these words, in combination with the music, I see myself with a great lover achieving mutual climax, and lying in each others arms, see the sun bursting over the horizon in brilliant orange that turns to scalding white. This is the first attempt I ever made to describe what I feel with this music... but see how I get it from phrases like "Love comes to you, then after..." "Dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise!" And now you know why it gives me goosebumps...
BTW - I just discovered your channel and I immediately subscribed. I enjoy your reactions and analysis. I'm thinking you are a bass-junkie like me.
The Lyrical content of this song was originally written by Jon as a meditation. Chris Squier told him that they needed to jazz it up with rock ‘n’ roll. So the song is an amalgamation Of serene, flowing meditation type music and blistering rock ‘n’ roll.
Glad I could help! There is a live version on the Union tour where everyone who had ever been in the band is playing. 2 guitars, 2 drummers, 2 keyboards, and it's phenomenal. Keep it up Church Boy!
By the way, yes, Chris Squire is playing the Ricky, and he always used a pick. When I first started playing bass I was torn between Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. Can't do one without a pick, and can't do one without the fingers.
There is no sheet music, the band composed the songs that Jon brought in as Ideas in the studio as they were recording, they did multiple versions, the band decided what takes they would use sometimes taking 2 minutes of one version and a minute of another version, then Eddie Offord the engineer would paste together the parts on the the master tape. and then the band would learn what they created to play it live. There are multiple videos of Yes creating music in the studio that you can watch. They play everything live by memory.
I remember Jon introducing this song saying that he penned it as a meditation song. Chris liked it, but insisted some Rock-and-roll energy be added. A perfect description of the final product.
I heartily recommend listening to this song in Yessongs - their live album. Its so rare that a live album has more depth than the studio, but they managed it on this.
Yessongs is excellent primarily because it sounds so authentic to the the original and adds the small flourishes that in my mind add to the originals. That being said, the production of the studio albums allows the listener to hear all of the individual contributions of each musician more clearly. Yessongs will further help the listener realize that the studio albums were no accident and that the band can play everything live as good, if not better, than the studio versions. Enjoy!
Hey man. So glad you enjoyed this track. The thing about progressive rock bands is that they rehearse! (I know because I was in one back in the day) I saw Yes live at the Ritz Theater in New York in 1970. They did all their songs live exactly like the record. Each musician in this band is very talented on their own and together they are a true powerhouse. Check out more songs from Yes, you won't be disappointed. Peace.
While everyone says the lyrics can be confusing or hard to understand…they shouldn’t be. ☺️
I think the lyrics are Jon’s way of allowing the interpretation to be of the listeners. Some songs are more literal and the meaning is clear.❤
Listening to Yes for over 50 years-My Fav band & seen them live 50+ times…Yes songs have different meanings at different times in your life(decades for longtime Yes fans). As stated Jon put words in cuz they sounded good-he can be quoted saying that😉
So -don’t get hung up on them..ha easy for me to say-I know most every song by heart- but definitely read them as you listen…and see what you get out of them..
It’s a Fantastic Journey! Maybe you’ll become a “longtime fan too!🥰 19:18 19:18
You have to see them live...theree that good. 😅
Beautiful bro.
Since you're feeling the drummer (the Amazing Bill Bruford) , may I suggest your next exploration be in the band he moved to AFTER he was in YES..that is: "KING CRIMSON"! I'd recommend starting with "Starless". There's an amazing live version from like 2017 or so when they're in their "3 drummers" version. It's truly epic and they are pretty much the top of the heap in Progressive Rock. Can't recommend them highly enough. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers! S.