Rick has a great back story about the harpsichord solo. When Rick was at the Royal College of Music, there was a rule that you weren't allowed to play on the harpsichord unless that was your speciality (Rick's was piano). But he'd sneak into the room and play the harpsichord anyway. One day he got caught by an older gentleman whom Rick assumed was an instructor. He asked Rick what he was doing in there..Rick told him he was practicing on the harpsichord. When the gentleman asked him why he chose that particular harpsichord to practice on, Rick told him because it was a Goff harpsichord and Goff is the very best. The man handed Rick his card and told him not to play the harpsichords at the Royal College..instead come to his house. It was Thomas Goff himself. Fast forward to 1972, when Yes were recording Siberian Khatru, and the guys agreed a harpsichord would be idea for the solo in the middle. Rick called Mr. Goff and asked to borrow one of his. Goff said OK, but he'd need to be there while they were doing it. Eddy Offord, the engineer, starts to put mics up inside the harpsichord (as you would for a piano) when Goff says, "What are you doing? You can't mic a harpsichord the way you would a piano because the mics will pick up the plucking sound on the strings. Overhead mics only." That's what they did, and the rest is history.
CTTE is the best prog album ever recorded, there is not a weak moment on the entire thing, from the fade in to the fade out, like a sunrise and sunset. Fantastic in every way.
The look on Doug’s face when he first listens to CTTE is priceless. In fact, the whole video is one stunned mini reaction after another. A delight to watch.
CTTE is a life-changing masterpiece that has inspired me from the day of its release. I can't "just listen" and take joy in adding harmonies with Jon. The Band Geeks' cover of CTTE proper is so lovingly detailed and true that I tear up on every listen. This music is forever.
@@TheDavidnewkirk You read my mind. I agree with you on all points, and highly encourage folks to have a listen to the Band Geek rendition. It’s an astounding accomplishment; a “cover version” for the ages.
Further proof that Chris Squire's Bass is a lead instrument and Bill Bruford is a percussionist and not just a drummer. One of the best albums of all time.👏👏👏
Hey Doug I saw Yes in February 1974. Part one of the show was the entire Close to the Edge album and part 2 was the entire Tales From Topographic Oceans album. Interestingly it was ten years to the day after the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. In one short decade we went from I Want to Hold Your Hand to the Revealing Science of God!!
I saw them that year, too, February 12, 1974 at Roanoke, VA, Civic Center. I was with a fellow Davidson freshman, Terry Hummel, a future (brief) editor of RollingStone Magazine. It was probably the best concert I'd ever seen at that point. All of Tales and all of CTTE, plus Roundabout.
@@williamburkholder769 I was there also! remember the quadrophonic sound system as the concert bounced or ping ponged from front to back from left to right etc? I loved that concert.
I was 14 and saw YES in november 1974 in Rotterdam. I discovered Yes when I was 12 and listened the first time close to the edge. I stopped after Tormato when Yes became NO
Saw an interview with Squire in which he explains that he always uses a pick, and holds it so that his thumb nail just grazes the string. I think he said it creates additional harmonics.
@@robertweinmann9408 I've heard the same, and you are probably right about the harmonic effect. As for the bass, I'll add that CS used to paint his bass, then get it stripped, and repainted as per his mood; it was a psychedelic thing. Happened a few times, and I think this process changed the thickness of the bass body a bit. Anyway, when he released his Chris Squire signature bass with Rickenbacker, they measured his bass precisely to get the same dimensions. Who knows, maybe this has an effect. I heard CS once mention that his pickups were key, too. I'm sure whatever preamp/overdrive/compression/etc. circuitry is happening makes a big difference too. But, ya, Squire's tone is a big part of why Yes music is so appealing, imho.
Agreed, I love the combination of Bruford & Squire. And then, it's fascinating to hear hints of how they personally weren't as in sync as they seemed musically.
Terrific song, Doug, and it was the opening song to many of their '70s concerts; however, it wasn't really the opening song. The band always introduced themselves with a recorded version of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite Finale, and, as the ending faded, the band would come in with this song and the crowd would go wild. Yes fans always got a little dose of classical music with each concert, back then. I thought you might appreciate that little factoid.
J. Jennings: They headlined a 3-act show in Detroit in the fall of '72, which I attended. Not only did they open with the Stravinsky music, we got the shock of our lives when a skinny, blond-haired kid came out and sat at the drum kit. I had not yet heard of Bruford's departure, and it made me think, at first, that the show wouldn't be up to snuff, with the new guy on drums. Boy, was I wrong !!! There were many instant converts, besides me, to the Alan White(RIP) Fan Club, that night. He had 3 days to learn those arrangements before they hit the road. A fact that still stupefies me. There were also a few new converts to the opening act that night, a band from L.A., with their 1st album being recently released, Eagles. A strange pairing to be sure, but when you consider the middle band, Gentle Giant, was also unknown to the US, there was a lot of newness @ that show. Yes' new drummer, the new band that opened, and the really unknown new band, in between, that played in Detroit for the first time.
When I saw them in Atlanta, 6/25/1979, Firebird Suite was replaced with an excerpt of Close Encounters. Enjoy the show Doug....I saw Jon in Atlanta on 4/6/2002.....fantastic show....Jon's voice AND spirit is 'Heavenly'!!
And still a fantastic memory to savour when I saw Yes for the first time, at the then Sydney Entertainment Centre back in 2003 - and with Wakeman included too! Oh, the smile on my face when they kicked off with Khatru. Made me admire the song more than ever! I've only seen Yes twice in my life and I'm so satisfied (I'm on my way) especially while Squire and White were still alive. R.I.P., both you legends!
Just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green rock orchestra perform Close To The Edge last night..... Just great to watch a legend performing with all these kids and watching the joy on all faces, both on the stage and in the audience.... Its just what music is supposed to be about. Not pretentious, not always perfect, just live and raw and wonderful. I cant explain the feeling of being able to experience things like that... it was just great, it filled this old mans soul.
This made my day. Thank you! This song brings out all kinds of Bill Bruford's jazz drumming sensibilities. I also think that this is Yes at their jazziest pre-Patrick Moraz. I wish Chris had lived long enough to see CTTE celebrate its 50th anniversary.
@@yellfire that is a live album sort of official bootleg i think we have to consider normal studio albums tubular bella? you by gong? joni mitchell's mingus? LOL a lot
Coincidentally wore my Close To The Edge shirt today. A woman at a museum told me it was her husband's favorite album. I think it is one of the top 10 greatest albums ever made in the overall rock genre. Oddly enough it is only my 2nd favorite YES album, with Tales From Topographic Oceans being my favorite.
This album is the absolute epitome, the nec plus ultra of Prog Rock. They clubber you hard with ‘Close to the Edge’, bring you back with ‘And You and I’, then clubber you again with ‘Siberian Kathru’ when you think they just couldn’t again.
Bruford's drumming is always so hard for me to follow. He always seems to be (intentionally) off the beat (not sure if ahead or behind), and I can never tell when he's going to add an additional snare or two.
As another poster said on another reactor listening to a Yes song with Bruford on drums, I have been listening to him for 40 years, and still cannot predict when he's going to hit that snare.
Doug, you should listen to "Lizard", the last track from King Crimson's Lizard. Jon sings on part of that. and it's a good one for a Friday. It's jazzy, classical (it has a bolero in it), it's all around simply amazing.
@@alesprokopec4753 I've loved Jon Anderson's voice from the moment I heard it, and then discovering his contribution to "Lizard" was a great treat. Although I already loved KC as a result of their first album, Robert Fripp's solo in "Prince Rupert's Lament" on Side 2 of _Lizard_ so took my breath away that I resolved to follow his work wherever it might go -- and I have gladly done so to this day.
What I always loved about this track is its relentless density. You can hear so many details, intricacies, everyone ist busy at all times, playing riffs and licks in the background that others would be proud to use as solo spots. Topped with multi layered vocals, this is song is so packed it blows your mind. And after CTTE as the ultimate prog song with all twists, turns, quirks and awesomeness, followed by And You And I, possibly one of the most theatrically epic songs ever recorded in it grandeur, this one is like a perfect party that knocks you off your feet.
Doug- think of the entire Close To The Edge album as a 3-part symphony. The title track is in sonata allegro form. And You And I is the adagio. Siberia Khatru is the scherzo. I think that holds up pretty well.
@@peterz4427 White hadn't "left the band," Peter Z...he hadn't yet joined the band. You are correct that Bruford co-wrote and performed on the studio recording (no one disputes that). However,. Richard Morse, above, is referring to the reality of Alan's introduction to YES: after joining, AW had just 3 days to learn YES's complex repertoire before embarking on a previously scheduled tour.
SIBERIAN KHATRU is RIVETING!!! and one with their MOST RELENTLESS funky GROOVES with beautifully OVERLAPPING multi-layered rhythms throughout the main melody! . I love your expressions during all the CHANGES which are absolutely MAGICALLY DELICIOUS. The intense satisfaction NEVER let's up! OH BTW, I worked with Jon Anderson and he gave me backstage tickets to see him with the School of Rock in LA at The ROXY in 2010(?) SPOILER ALERT: These students are young and NOT YES. OK? so if anyone chooses to attend then be forewarned! It's really just a chance to see Jon sing without the MATURE virtuosity to back him up!
This was always my favorite track off this album. For my first album purchase when I was 14 I bought Close to the Edge, ELP's Pictures at an Exhibition and King Crimson,'s In the Court of the Crimson King. Not what my friends were listening to at the time.
I once went a couple of years without playing this and when I finally did, I still remembered every one of the single word sequence at the end. It would appear to be locked in my brain in perpetuity (or until I develop Alzheimer's).
Love it! I checked the published sheet music. That 15-beat phrase is notated there (probably transcribed by a clerk at the publishing company) as 3 bars of 4/4, then 1 bar of 3/4. It adds up. The other unusual meter that shows up is notated in 7/8 [about 4:39 in your video: "That's really cool."] Steve's repeating that wonderful riff [:C#-B-A-B__D- C#-B-A-B___:] which fills a 7/8 bar, while the bass, starting on the the 2nd eighth note of the bar, is playing staccato 1/8-note + 1/8-rest that spans 2 bars in what COULD be viewed as an off-set 7/4 pattern. Fun stuff! This sheet music has the 1st phrase as Em & the 2nd as Bm, but since bass is playing G-D-G-D-G-D, I think of it as a G6 "chord" tonality.
Did you ever hear Rick tell the story of when he was a student at the RCM, got to meet Thomas Goff there who invited him to his house in London the next day to play one of his harpsichords.... Sitting there was none other than the Queen Mother who was visiting for tea...She suggested Rick place a bet on a horse that afternoon...it goes on...
As an academician you have to also credit Eddy Offord with producing this record. 1971+ was a time when the recording studio was essentially becoming a musical instrument, being able to over dub and cross fade different mixes. EO had major input in making this a cohesive arrangement. Saw Yes two weeks ago and Howe and Geoff Downes are the only remaining pieces of a yes lineup. I think 2022 is definitely the last go around. There are alot of similiraties between western classical, rock and pop music. The same rules apply. Thats why a hit is a hit is a hit. Even a toothless beggar with beats strapped to his head, living out of a dumpster in Brazil would understand Beethoven's 9th symp was a hit and the same applies for close to the edge- all the knitting EO performed, being central to its success.
They were known in their day as a TRUELY co-operative group - each one supporting each other and each allowing each other to be stellar in their own right! BRILLIANT!!!!
This is one of my all time favourite albums. Full of life, 5 guys at their creative and performing peaks. The dynamic rhythms, the beautiful melodies, the flawless musicianship, what’s not to like? These songs flow through my head and heart over and over again. I love watching your reactions to this gem. Thanks for sharing your CTTE virginity with us
Listen to the live version off of Yessongs. It doesn't fade out, it has an ending, and it's very cool. It also has a brief opening that's an excerpt from Stravinsky,'s Firebird 11:41
The _Yessongs_ version was my first exposure to "Siberian Khatru." When I finally got my mitts on CTTE, the studio version sounded a little confined. It took a few listens for me to appreciate it, but I confess that the live version is still my favorite. BTW, it's nice to know that I can still sing this entire track from memory...😁
I love Yes. Grew up listening to them. Complex and emotional compositions, made a huge impression on my young mind. Lyrics were always hard to hear and understand especially when my vinyl lp sleeves had no lyric sheets. Love the vocalists voice but unable to make out the words most of the time. I was left with a fascinating composition but confusing vocals. Now thanks to youtube I can finally get the lyrics.
I agree with you about that 8+7 groove. Another fantastic video of an amazing song. This album has been a favorite ever since I first heard it as an impressionable 13 year old. Would love to see you do some King Crimson, particularly 'Starless'! I think you'd dig it. And don't forget to go see Phish live, they're touring the east coast starting tomorrow!
Hey Doug! I just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green Rock Academy on July 8th! It was great! They did other YES songs besides the entirety of Close to the Edge. They also did songs by other musicians which was kind of weird but probably was done for the kids. The academy musicians were really good and fun to watch. The movie School of Rock with Jack Black was based on this academy.
Jon can be such a revisionist at times. I first saw that quote about khatru being a Yemeni word sometime around 2000. Up until then he simply said it was a made-up word. Guess he polishes his legend occasionally.
As fantastic as this studio original is, the version that opens their first live album, YESSONGS, is magnificent. They dropped this number during 1974-1977, then brought it back as their opener in 1978. I saw them, fall 78 and spring 79, 3rd row seats both times. They had so perfected their performance of it by that time, that, at the risk of my sounding hokey, it was like the audience boarding a rocket ship and blasting off.
Yes this is one of my favorite Yes tunes and it seemed like they always opened up their shows with this one most of the ones I attended….I’m guessing it was one of their favorites too..
They would come on stage to Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and then kick it up with this song. Makes the hair stand on end just thinking about it and the numerous times I got to see the greatest band ever!
As glorious as this tune is in original format, you may also enjoy the version from the "Keys to Ascension" cd...personally, I think the updated tech allowed the sound of the band to be recorded at a level that allowed even more of their genius to shine through.
Impressed by an album with only 3 tracks? Check out Yes' "Tales From Topographic Oceans." Double album; four tracks. With lyrics as clear as mud, just the way Jon writes 'em.
I agree Doug - those sections were definitely 8 + 7. Overall, I think Yes is my favorite prog group, and this may be my favorite album from them, though they had many songs from other albums that are also my "very favorite".
This is an outstanding track by YES. They opened at JFK Stadium in Philly July 76 with Starship Trooper. And the crowd went crazy!! Peter Frampton played before him - he did well also!
This album is a desert island record for me. Still have my copy I bought in the mid-70s. As great as this record is, Close to the Edge pushed Bill Bruford over the edge. He was overwhelmed and frustrated by the creative noodling of Jon Anderson in the creation of this masterpiece. Album finished and out the door he went!
One of the best bass lines ever. The closing section were Chris let's loose is pure genius. One thing that rarely gets mentioned is the three part Vocal harmonies. They are some of the best you will ever hear. Absolutely beautiful.
You should check out the live version from the Yessongs album. It opens with this song, but what's cool is a short excerpt from the end of Stravinsky's Firebird over the PA system as they take the stage. It then breaks into the song and there is no fade at the end but an actual ending.
This a review not a reaction. You already know all the deatails including the key its in...... Why not do a video where you are really hearing something for the first time.
Saw Steve Howes Yes at Newcastle and was in front row. Have seen them many times before but close up you see the hard work involved in keeping it all going. They played this and it was clearly very tricky. Have to say the three Americans in the band are very good. Billy Sherwood was great on bass
Do yourself a favor and listen to Siberian Khatru (and Firebird suite intro) from Yessongs LP. Then also And You And I & Close To The Edge from Yessongs as well. These live versions are superb.
Hi Doug 😀 Set a weekend aside and listen to “YESSONGS” !!! I promise you it will be a weekend well spent !!! I’m so glad there is also so much of YES on DVD as well !!!
I am amazed that I still remember and could sing along to all the lyrics. Somedays I can't even remember the 4 part grocery list. Impressionable methinks.
Please take a listen to this song on the Yessongs live album. It has a taped intro they replayed live , "Excerpts From Firebird Suite" by Stravinsky... it will give you chills they way that it sets up their performance. They really do a good job of reproducing and enhancing this work live, their musical prowess is impressive.
YES: musical compositions of unequaled complexity, lyrics that borrow from psychedelic-esoteric discourse... and whose result is simply prodigious. And as for "Close To The Edge", it is undoubtedly the best album in the history of progressive rock. With YES, progrock is Art rock. Thank you, Master Helvering.
I don't know which album is my favorite. I haven't been able to decide all these years. Everytime I hear it again I start the whole process over again trying to decide.
There is a difference between songs and music. There is a difference between living and living in the moment. Yes personifies music being lived in the moment. Seeing them and listening to them playing music is less about the sounds than the whispered subtext of listening to geniuses have a tonal conversation.
This is SPOOKY. Here I am, sat in my 200 year old stone house in South West France on a hot summer night...I think ‘Haven’t heard CTTE for a while’...I put it on the CD player (the vinyl I bought in 1972 when I was 16 is a collectors piece)...I got as far as ‘And You and I’...and I see Doug is reviewing Siberian Khatru...So I switched off my HiFi....and have the added benefit of listening to your reaction and analysis.
Always watch, rarely comment ( just get buried in the onslaught of even more comments). My FAVORITE Yes track from the classic era. For my ears it's perfect.
It's 1978 and my college roommate and I saw Yes in the round at the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. Not a bad seat in the house and what amazing shows! Yes, they opened with this both nights.
Siberian Khatru is my favourite from Close To The Edge. It's groovy and proggy at the same time, harpsichord solo is fantastic and my favourite all-time Steve Howe guitar solo follows.
Rick has a great back story about the harpsichord solo. When Rick was at the Royal College of Music, there was a rule that you weren't allowed to play on the harpsichord unless that was your speciality (Rick's was piano). But he'd sneak into the room and play the harpsichord anyway. One day he got caught by an older gentleman whom Rick assumed was an instructor. He asked Rick what he was doing in there..Rick told him he was practicing on the harpsichord. When the gentleman asked him why he chose that particular harpsichord to practice on, Rick told him because it was a Goff harpsichord and Goff is the very best. The man handed Rick his card and told him not to play the harpsichords at the Royal College..instead come to his house. It was Thomas Goff himself. Fast forward to 1972, when Yes were recording Siberian Khatru, and the guys agreed a harpsichord would be idea for the solo in the middle. Rick called Mr. Goff and asked to borrow one of his. Goff said OK, but he'd need to be there while they were doing it. Eddy Offord, the engineer, starts to put mics up inside the harpsichord (as you would for a piano) when Goff says, "What are you doing? You can't mic a harpsichord the way you would a piano because the mics will pick up the plucking sound on the strings. Overhead mics only." That's what they did, and the rest is history.
Great story!
Superb
Thanks for sharing such an interesting story.
Great story, thanks for sharing!
Wow
CTTE is the best prog album ever recorded, there is not a weak moment on the entire thing, from the fade in to the fade out, like a sunrise and sunset. Fantastic in every way.
I personally prefer what happens after sunset, but I like the album too.
The look on Doug’s face when he first listens to CTTE is priceless. In fact, the whole video is one stunned mini reaction after another. A delight to watch.
CTTE is a life-changing masterpiece that has inspired me from the day of its release. I can't "just listen" and take joy in adding harmonies with Jon. The Band Geeks' cover of CTTE proper is so lovingly detailed and true that I tear up on every listen. This music is forever.
@@TheDavidnewkirk You read my mind. I agree with you on all points, and highly encourage folks to have a listen to the Band Geek rendition. It’s an astounding accomplishment; a “cover version” for the ages.
I love the album but the order of the tracks seems a bit off, to me it would make more sense if the track order were reversed.
Squire’s bass playing is just stupendous and in my opinion unmatched
And always loved his contrasting vocal support to Jon.
Yes, I agree..
No one else sounds like Squire. Inspired playing.
I've never heard bass in rock band sound so prominent and clear in all compositions
1000000%%
Further proof that Chris Squire's Bass is a lead instrument and Bill Bruford is a percussionist and not just a drummer. One of the best albums of all time.👏👏👏
You are correct! :D
I agree.
The best in my view.
A master piece indeed (from a Genesis fan). No weak point in this piece. 1972, what a year. Yes, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Led Zep,...
ELP as well.
Lol, “they never do anything the same way three times, do they?” Too true, sir.
They did at least something three times. They wrote a song for this album. Thrice.
Such a great album. All three songs are genius.
Absolute greatness !!..
One of the most beatiful albums i ever heard
Hey Doug I saw Yes in February 1974. Part one of the show was the entire Close to the Edge album and part 2 was the entire Tales From Topographic Oceans album. Interestingly it was ten years to the day after the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. In one short decade we went from I Want to Hold Your Hand to the Revealing Science of God!!
I saw them that year, too, February 12, 1974 at Roanoke, VA, Civic Center. I was with a fellow Davidson freshman, Terry Hummel, a future (brief) editor of RollingStone Magazine. It was probably the best concert I'd ever seen at that point. All of Tales and all of CTTE, plus Roundabout.
@@williamburkholder769 I was there also! remember the quadrophonic sound system as the concert bounced or ping ponged from front to back from left to right etc? I loved that concert.
That tour began in UK in late 1973...I saw them at Manchester Free Trade Hall in the November...same set.
I was 14 and saw YES in november 1974 in Rotterdam. I discovered Yes when I was 12 and listened the first time close to the edge.
I stopped after Tormato when Yes became NO
This and Genesis’ Foxtrot are the Desert Island discs for me.
Sir, I hope to end up on the same island with you (well, it would no longer be deserted, but still)
@@pompeomagno5916 Bahrain isn't deserted either.
Ooh, greedy - you're only allowed singles!
This one Foxtrot, the Yes Album, and so many Rush albums are for me.
Same. The expanded version of Camel's "A Live Record" makes mine as well.
They say you don’t choose bass, it chooses you - and the first time I heard this album I knew it was bass for me.
Chris Squire is the OVERLORD!
oooh I thought Alan Spenner was....
It chose me too, with Fragile. ;) And yes, Yes he is!
Cliff Burton and Squire for me
TheFish and The Ox!
Chris Squire, Michael Rutherford and Greg Lake were my favourite bass players, with Chris edging out the other 2.
As an almost 40-year bass player, this tone is my ideal. I’m still chasing it.
Ig you could say you’re a sound chaser?
Chris collaborated with Rickenbacker to develop his unique sound
@@Nik163 Chris created his sound 😂 rickenbacker just happened to be the bass he fell in love with and played for years
Saw an interview with Squire in which he explains that he always uses a pick, and holds it so that his thumb nail just grazes the string. I think he said it creates additional harmonics.
@@robertweinmann9408 I've heard the same, and you are probably right about the harmonic effect. As for the bass, I'll add that CS used to paint his bass, then get it stripped, and repainted as per his mood; it was a psychedelic thing. Happened a few times, and I think this process changed the thickness of the bass body a bit. Anyway, when he released his Chris Squire signature bass with Rickenbacker, they measured his bass precisely to get the same dimensions. Who knows, maybe this has an effect. I heard CS once mention that his pickups were key, too. I'm sure whatever preamp/overdrive/compression/etc. circuitry is happening makes a big difference too. But, ya, Squire's tone is a big part of why Yes music is so appealing, imho.
Fun piece. I love love love Chris's bass in this. The world still misses his presence. I am thankful for this excellent music.
I bought my first bass because of this song.
Chris Squire and Bill Bruford. Best rhythm section ever. Just incredible.
I think Bruford/Wetton and Bruford/Levin give Bruford/Squire a run for their money…
One of my top 5 all time favorite drummers.
Agreed, I love the combination of Bruford & Squire. And then, it's fascinating to hear hints of how they personally weren't as in sync as they seemed musically.
Terrific song, Doug, and it was the opening song to many of their '70s concerts; however, it wasn't really the opening song. The band always introduced themselves with a recorded version of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite Finale, and, as the ending faded, the band would come in with this song and the crowd would go wild. Yes fans always got a little dose of classical music with each concert, back then. I thought you might appreciate that little factoid.
70s and 80s they opened that way every time I saw them.
@@lesblatnyak5947 Alan’s cymbals, ricks synth flashes and Steve’s slides all over this classical music.
J. Jennings: They headlined a 3-act show in Detroit in the fall of '72, which I attended.
Not only did they open with the Stravinsky music, we got the shock of our lives when a skinny, blond-haired kid came out and sat at the drum kit.
I had not yet heard of Bruford's departure, and it made me think, at first, that the show wouldn't be up to snuff, with the new guy on drums.
Boy, was I wrong !!!
There were many instant converts, besides me, to the Alan White(RIP) Fan Club, that night.
He had 3 days to learn those arrangements before they hit the road.
A fact that still stupefies me.
There were also a few new converts to the opening act that night, a band from L.A., with their 1st album being recently released, Eagles.
A strange pairing to be sure, but when you consider the middle band, Gentle Giant, was also unknown to the US, there was a lot of newness @ that show.
Yes' new drummer, the new band that opened, and the really unknown new band, in between, that played in Detroit for the first time.
When I saw them in Atlanta, 6/25/1979, Firebird Suite was replaced with an excerpt of Close Encounters. Enjoy the show Doug....I saw Jon in Atlanta on 4/6/2002.....fantastic show....Jon's voice AND spirit is 'Heavenly'!!
And still a fantastic memory to savour when I saw Yes for the first time, at the then Sydney Entertainment Centre back in 2003 - and with Wakeman included too! Oh, the smile on my face when they kicked off with Khatru. Made me admire the song more than ever!
I've only seen Yes twice in my life and I'm so satisfied (I'm on my way) especially while Squire and White were still alive. R.I.P., both you legends!
Just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green rock orchestra perform Close To The Edge last night..... Just great to watch a legend performing with all these kids and watching the joy on all faces, both on the stage and in the audience.... Its just what music is supposed to be about. Not pretentious, not always perfect, just live and raw and wonderful.
I cant explain the feeling of being able to experience things like that... it was just great, it filled this old mans soul.
I was there. It was a great show.
This made my day. Thank you! This song brings out all kinds of Bill Bruford's jazz drumming sensibilities. I also think that this is Yes at their jazziest pre-Patrick Moraz. I wish Chris had lived long enough to see CTTE celebrate its 50th anniversary.
You think? I believe several moments on Fragile might be even jazzier.
The best Yes album of all times in my opinion
I think Bill Bruford and Rick Wakeman felt the same.
Absolutely. And the best YES formation: Anderson, Squier, Howe, Wakeman and Bruford!
Nah, Yessongs for me
@@yellfire that is a live album sort of official bootleg i think we have to consider normal studio albums tubular bella? you by gong? joni mitchell's mingus? LOL a lot
@@XanAxDdu
It's fucking perfect for a live album though
Coincidentally wore my Close To The Edge shirt today. A woman at a museum told me it was her husband's favorite album. I think it is one of the top 10 greatest albums ever made in the overall rock genre.
Oddly enough it is only my 2nd favorite YES album, with Tales From Topographic Oceans being my favorite.
Tales is amazing
@@Kenneth_Fishing
Tales is showing their full capacity … it’s unbelievable and one of the best „concept albums“ ever made !!!
This album is the absolute epitome, the nec plus ultra of Prog Rock. They clubber you hard with ‘Close to the Edge’, bring you back with ‘And You and I’, then clubber you again with ‘Siberian Kathru’ when you think they just couldn’t again.
Bruford's drumming is always so hard for me to follow. He always seems to be (intentionally) off the beat (not sure if ahead or behind), and I can never tell when he's going to add an additional snare or two.
As another poster said on another reactor listening to a Yes song with Bruford on drums, I have been listening to him for 40 years, and still cannot predict when he's going to hit that snare.
Doug, you should listen to "Lizard", the last track from King Crimson's Lizard. Jon sings on part of that. and it's a good one for a Friday. It's jazzy, classical (it has a bolero in it), it's all around simply amazing.
My favourite Crimson album.
@@alesprokopec4753 You are right. And it is often overlooked in the KC catalogue.
@@alesprokopec4753 I've loved Jon Anderson's voice from the moment I heard it, and then discovering his contribution to "Lizard" was a great treat. Although I already loved KC as a result of their first album, Robert Fripp's solo in "Prince Rupert's Lament" on Side 2 of _Lizard_ so took my breath away that I resolved to follow his work wherever it might go -- and I have gladly done so to this day.
Interesting, thanks
Some love for Bill's drumming is due! Especially on this, the finest 40 minutes ever committed to vinyl...
He was one of the best at his craft.
Agreed. And this was basically his farewell to the band.
The live version from Yessongs is absolutely incredible!!
My favorite live version of Siberia is Wembley 1978 they went crazy with the energy
Yeah, that's my favorite version. Perfect flow.
What I always loved about this track is its relentless density. You can hear so many details, intricacies, everyone ist busy at all times, playing riffs and licks in the background that others would be proud to use as solo spots. Topped with multi layered vocals, this is song is so packed it blows your mind. And after CTTE as the ultimate prog song with all twists, turns, quirks and awesomeness, followed by And You And I, possibly one of the most theatrically epic songs ever recorded in it grandeur, this one is like a perfect party that knocks you off your feet.
Doug- think of the entire Close To The Edge album as a 3-part symphony. The title track is in sonata allegro form. And You And I is the adagio. Siberia Khatru is the scherzo. I think that holds up pretty well.
On the lyric front, I don't think you need to go beyond the first line: an invitation to a bird of prey to sing. 👍🙂
Can you imagine Alan White's internal groan, when confronted with the prospect of playing this live? It's a wonder he survived!
He had left the band for this album, that's Bill Bruford drumming.
@@peterz4427 White hadn't "left the band," Peter Z...he hadn't yet joined the band. You are correct that Bruford co-wrote and performed on the studio recording (no one disputes that). However,. Richard Morse, above, is referring to the reality of Alan's introduction to YES: after joining, AW had just 3 days to learn YES's complex repertoire before embarking on a previously scheduled tour.
It was a Concert opener..I've seen YES in Philadelphia Pa. From 1972-1984. Every Show. My favorite Band 🤘💘🎸🎶🎵🎶💯
Steve Howe’s guitar on this song is just sublime. This is my favorite Yes song.
live version from Keys to Ascension is untouchable
SIBERIAN KHATRU is RIVETING!!! and one with their MOST RELENTLESS funky GROOVES with beautifully OVERLAPPING multi-layered rhythms throughout the main melody! . I love your expressions during all the CHANGES which are absolutely MAGICALLY DELICIOUS. The intense satisfaction NEVER let's up! OH BTW, I worked with Jon Anderson and he gave me backstage tickets to see him with the School of Rock in LA at The ROXY in 2010(?) SPOILER ALERT: These students are young and NOT YES. OK? so if anyone chooses to attend then be forewarned! It's really just a chance to see Jon sing without the MATURE virtuosity to back him up!
This was always my favorite track off this album. For my first album purchase when I was 14 I bought Close to the Edge, ELP's Pictures at an Exhibition and King Crimson,'s In the Court of the Crimson King. Not what my friends were listening to at the time.
I once went a couple of years without playing this and when I finally did, I still remembered every one of the single word sequence at the end. It would appear to be locked in my brain in perpetuity (or until I develop Alzheimer's).
Thank you for investing so much time in understanding Jon Anderson’s lyrics - so that I don’t have to 😅
i’ve never thought of the bass in YES as being in the background…
LMAO
You should listen to Discipline by King Crimson. It’s a masterpiece
Love it!
I checked the published sheet music. That 15-beat phrase is notated there (probably transcribed by a clerk at the publishing company) as 3 bars of 4/4, then 1 bar of 3/4. It adds up.
The other unusual meter that shows up is notated in 7/8 [about 4:39 in your video: "That's really cool."] Steve's repeating that wonderful riff [:C#-B-A-B__D- C#-B-A-B___:] which fills a 7/8 bar, while the bass, starting on the the 2nd eighth note of the bar, is playing staccato 1/8-note + 1/8-rest that spans 2 bars in what COULD be viewed as an off-set 7/4 pattern.
Fun stuff!
This sheet music has the 1st phrase as Em & the 2nd as Bm, but since bass is playing G-D-G-D-G-D, I think of it as a G6 "chord" tonality.
It's a harpsichord built by Thomas Goff, who Rick knew at the Academy. It was actually built in the studio for use on the track.
Did you ever hear Rick tell the story of when he was a student at the RCM, got to meet Thomas Goff there who invited him to his house in London the next day to play one of his harpsichords.... Sitting there was none other than the Queen Mother who was visiting for tea...She suggested Rick place a bet on a horse that afternoon...it goes on...
Rick Wakeman is a keyboard god. Bless him.
As an academician you have to also credit Eddy Offord with producing this record. 1971+ was a time when the recording studio was essentially becoming a musical instrument, being able to over dub and cross fade different mixes. EO had major input in making this a cohesive arrangement. Saw Yes two weeks ago and Howe and Geoff Downes are the only remaining pieces of a yes lineup. I think 2022 is definitely the last go around. There are alot of similiraties between western classical, rock and pop music. The same rules apply. Thats why a hit is a hit is a hit. Even a toothless beggar with beats strapped to his head, living out of a dumpster in Brazil would understand Beethoven's 9th symp was a hit and the same applies for close to the edge- all the knitting EO performed, being central to its success.
Your comment “this would be a great concert opening song”…..this was the opening song on the yessongs album which is a live album.
They were known in their day as a TRUELY co-operative group - each one supporting each other and each allowing each other to be stellar in their own right! BRILLIANT!!!!
This is one of my all time favourite albums. Full of life, 5 guys at their creative and performing peaks. The dynamic rhythms, the beautiful melodies, the flawless musicianship, what’s not to like?
These songs flow through my head and heart over and over again.
I love watching your reactions to this gem. Thanks for sharing your CTTE virginity with us
Listen to the live version off of Yessongs. It doesn't fade out, it has an ending, and it's very cool. It also has a brief opening that's an excerpt from Stravinsky,'s Firebird 11:41
The _Yessongs_ version was my first exposure to "Siberian Khatru." When I finally got my mitts on CTTE, the studio version sounded a little confined. It took a few listens for me to appreciate it, but I confess that the live version is still my favorite.
BTW, it's nice to know that I can still sing this entire track from memory...😁
Great album, great band! R.I.P. Chris and Allan!!!
I love Yes. Grew up listening to them. Complex and emotional compositions, made a huge impression on my young mind. Lyrics were always hard to hear and understand especially when my vinyl lp sleeves had no lyric sheets. Love the vocalists voice but unable to make out the words most of the time. I was left with a fascinating composition but confusing vocals. Now thanks to youtube I can finally get the lyrics.
I agree with you about that 8+7 groove. Another fantastic video of an amazing song. This album has been a favorite ever since I first heard it as an impressionable 13 year old. Would love to see you do some King Crimson, particularly 'Starless'! I think you'd dig it. And don't forget to go see Phish live, they're touring the east coast starting tomorrow!
As a kid I experienced the entire Close to the Edge album as the pinnacle of rock as unleashed by The Beatles. I still do.
The tone of Chris's bass is amazing 🤩
Squire Lives! 💜
Rickenbacker as Weapon
One of Rock's greatest Guitarists, playing Country licks, on a Jazz guitar 💜
Hey Doug! I just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green Rock Academy on July 8th! It was great! They did other YES songs besides the entirety of Close to the Edge. They also did songs by other musicians which was kind of weird but probably was done for the kids. The academy musicians were really good and fun to watch.
The movie School of Rock with Jack Black was based on this academy.
Jon can be such a revisionist at times. I first saw that quote about khatru being a Yemeni word sometime around 2000. Up until then he simply said it was a made-up word. Guess he polishes his legend occasionally.
You've got to listen to their classic triple live album YESSONGS. They sounded just as awesome live as they did in the studio
My favorite song by yes is typically the last one I listened to. This one in particular is pure bliss.
You're the first person I've ever seen pick up on the 15/4 part of the song, which has always been my favorite part of the song.
Close to the Edge is arguably the greatest progressive album of all time.
There's no argument.THE quintessential prog album,and one of the finest albums ever recorded.CTTE is an absolute masterpiece!
Jon refers to his writing style as "Lyrical Painting" !! He's a real magical fella
Chris Squire ruled the Yes sound! Best bass player ever!
One bass to rule them all.
Eat a couple of shrooms and then listen to topographic oceans
As fantastic as this studio original is, the version that opens their first live album, YESSONGS, is magnificent. They dropped this number during 1974-1977, then brought it back as their opener in 1978. I saw them, fall 78 and spring 79, 3rd row seats both times. They had so perfected their performance of it by that time, that, at the risk of my sounding hokey, it was like the audience boarding a rocket ship and blasting off.
Yes this is one of my favorite Yes tunes and it seemed like they always opened up their shows with this one most of the ones I attended….I’m guessing it was one of their favorites too..
How on Earth did a classical composer not hear Yes’ CTTE until 2021???
They would come on stage to Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and then kick it up with this song. Makes the hair stand on end just thinking about it and the numerous times I got to see the greatest band ever!
As glorious as this tune is in original format, you may also enjoy the version from the "Keys to Ascension" cd...personally, I think the updated tech allowed the sound of the band to be recorded at a level that allowed even more of their genius to shine through.
Interesting! After 50 years, I just googled "Khatru" and the word doesn't appear to exist outside of "SIBERIAN KHATRU" by YES!!!!! Go figure!
Impressed by an album with only 3 tracks? Check out Yes' "Tales From Topographic Oceans." Double album; four tracks. With lyrics as clear as mud, just the way Jon writes 'em.
what's even more amazing is they played these 3 songs even better live.
I agree Doug - those sections were definitely 8 + 7. Overall, I think Yes is my favorite prog group, and this may be my favorite album from them, though they had many songs from other albums that are also my "very favorite".
you are so very cute when you try to time signature!
This is an outstanding track by YES. They opened at JFK Stadium in Philly July 76 with Starship Trooper. And the crowd went crazy!! Peter Frampton played before him - he did well also!
This album is a desert island record for me. Still have my copy I bought in the mid-70s. As great as this record is, Close to the Edge pushed Bill Bruford over the edge. He was overwhelmed and frustrated by the creative noodling of Jon Anderson in the creation of this masterpiece. Album finished and out the door he went!
Bill had a problem with the bands happy sound and structure which never seemed to end. no wonder he ended up with the likes of one Robert Fripp.
react to KING CRIMSON GOD DAMN IT
One of the best bass lines ever. The closing section were Chris let's loose is pure genius. One thing that rarely gets mentioned is the three part Vocal harmonies. They are some of the best you will ever hear. Absolutely beautiful.
Chris was the fox, with Rick and Steve in hot pursuit.
I've always counted the 15/4 as 3 measures of 4/4 with 1 measure of 3/4.
For me at 60 I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times & still love it live & in studio, never gets old!
They were never, and have never been able to, recreate that harpsichord sound live. Usually it's been an electric piano or a clavinet.
You should check out the live version from the Yessongs album. It opens with this song, but what's cool is a short excerpt from the end of Stravinsky's Firebird over the PA system as they take the stage. It then breaks into the song and there is no fade at the end but an actual ending.
La Rickenbacker suena ecpectaculaaarr!!
This a review not a reaction.
You already know all the deatails including the key its in......
Why not do a video where you are really hearing something for the first time.
The guitar on the fade out of Siberian Khatru is sublime. One of my absolute favourite rock moments.
Thank you for doing this album, its easily my favorite album. Such a jam session.
Saw Steve Howes Yes at Newcastle and was in front row. Have seen them many times before but close up you see the hard work involved in keeping it all going. They played this and it was clearly very tricky. Have to say the three Americans in the band are very good. Billy Sherwood was great on bass
Do yourself a favor and listen to Siberian Khatru (and Firebird suite intro) from Yessongs LP. Then also And You And I & Close To The Edge from Yessongs as well. These live versions are superb.
The opening of this song is my ringtone. Fantastic song and best album ever.
Hi Doug 😀
Set a weekend aside and listen to “YESSONGS” !!!
I promise you it will be a weekend well spent !!!
I’m so glad there is also so much of YES on DVD as well !!!
I am amazed that I still remember and could sing along to all the lyrics. Somedays I can't even remember the 4 part grocery list. Impressionable methinks.
Wicked bass line on this one
Please take a listen to this song on the Yessongs live album. It has a taped intro they replayed live , "Excerpts From Firebird Suite" by Stravinsky... it will give you chills they way that it sets up their performance. They really do a good job of reproducing and enhancing this work live, their musical prowess is impressive.
YES: musical compositions of unequaled complexity, lyrics that borrow from psychedelic-esoteric discourse... and whose result is simply prodigious. And as for "Close To The Edge", it is undoubtedly the best album in the history of progressive rock. With YES, progrock is Art rock. Thank you, Master Helvering.
I don't know which album is my favorite. I haven't been able to decide all these years. Everytime I hear it again I start the whole process over again trying to decide.
The only bad thing about the album CTTE is that Bruford left the band.
No. Alan white was perfect for the direction they were going on after ctte.
@@flowercauli3320 disagree. White was good but no Bruford.
One of the top five best songs of Yes. Astonishing.
There is a difference between songs and music. There is a difference between living and living in the moment. Yes personifies music being lived in the moment. Seeing them and listening to them playing music is less about the sounds than the whispered subtext of listening to geniuses have a tonal conversation.
I love how you put it. Well said.
This is SPOOKY. Here I am, sat in my 200 year old stone house in South West France on a hot summer night...I think ‘Haven’t heard CTTE for a while’...I put it on the CD player (the vinyl I bought in 1972 when I was 16 is a collectors piece)...I got as far as ‘And You and I’...and I see Doug is reviewing Siberian Khatru...So I switched off my HiFi....and have the added benefit of listening to your reaction and analysis.
Neighbours ! 😉 16 in 74 and a 300 years old stone house (and indeed, it's been a hot day) 😊 By the way : viva Close to the Edge, and Yes. 🙌
Always watch, rarely comment ( just get buried in the onslaught of even more comments). My FAVORITE Yes track from the classic era. For my ears it's perfect.
The reoccurring guitar part was played through a tape loop that went around the whole studio.
Never been before!
Try The band “Camel” with “Snow Goose”
Great song, very progressive I think. They do a great job with this song live on Yessongs.
It's definitely one of my favorite albums ever. Saw them in the mid 70's at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Awesome concert.
If there's anything better than that bass tone, and Rick's mono-strings sound I haven't found it yet.
It's 1978 and my college roommate and I saw Yes in the round at the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. Not a bad seat in the house and what amazing shows! Yes, they opened with this both nights.
I was there too!!!
Siberian Khatru is my favourite from Close To The Edge. It's groovy and proggy at the same time, harpsichord solo is fantastic and my favourite all-time Steve Howe guitar solo follows.