Bruford; King Crimson, Yes, Genesis '76, and many more projects with those players and more. Dude was as important as Bonham, Moon, Baker, Peart. But being in such eclectic bands he never reached the popularity. Except for other musicians, and discriminating listeners.
Bruford certainly brought a jazz sensibility to their sound, but Steve Howe brought some real well rooted jazz chops to the band. His love of Wes Montgomery is evident in so many Yes songs.
Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth. And they could do it live but listen to the album version first for their original idea, then check Yes out live.🙏🍁
It's obvious that Jon is writing about his Inner Self's vision of himself. The middle section was written by Squire, and the final section was written by Howe. Great reaction, TY! "Jon is the only person I know who's trying to save this planet, while living on a totally different one." -- Rick Wakeman
Nice reaction. Appreciate your comments and honesty. I like to compare Jon Anderson's lyrics to an impressionistic painting. They're not necessarily an exact representation of anything but rather an abstract impression - painting with words. But sometimes even his 2 word phrases speak volumes, with lots of room for differing interpretations. Welcome to the world of Yes - they never cease to amaze.
Bruce, Jon's lyrics make me think of one of my favorite American poets: Wallace Stevens. Check out Wallace's *_Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,_* and tell me it doesn't look like a Yes lyric on the page.
Jon says he often just chooses lyrics based on sound and then he goes back to find a meaning. Also, he gets different meanings at different times. Cool dude.
This is how I would describe it: In this incarnation of Yes, every musician was a lead player - kead drums, lead bass, lead keyboards, lead guitar, lead singer - there were no backing musicians. But, rather than making it a complete mess (which you might expect in such a situation), each interwove perfectly with the others. True pinnacle musicians!
I don't think any other band has ever had the diverse and colorful arc like Yes. Each album is so unique in and of itself. If you read about each member's background and influences, you'll understand why they're so brilliant and always evolving. Great review 👏
The various live versions of this song is where it's at, this and Yours Is No Disgrace from the same album, they really take the jamming on it and run with it. Since you are a metal guy, I bet you'd love Sound Chaser and Gates Of Delerium form their Relayer album, they aren't metal songs, but have a wild intensity to them.
He'd probably like "Heart of the Sunrise", which is probably Yes' hardest song. The main riff is a total rip off of Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man", but nobody cares.
Steve Howe was a huge admirer of guitar pickin' country star Chet Atkins, and the acoustical guitar piece in the middle just might be an example of Atkin's style of playing.
I’ve seen YES in concert 12 times. First was Madison Square Garden in February 1974 for Tales of Topographic Oceans. Managed to see Bill Bruford with King Crimson in Felt Forum couple months later. Make no mistake, the most innovated and talented progressive group oh all time. Listen to late 60’s stuff.
Cool, I saw that tour in Miami. Made the big mistake of taking my new boyfriend, who'd never heard Yes. That poor boy, he was eager to please and tried so hard to pretend he liked it, lol. Whoever advised Nic not to start with CTTE was very wise. I'm seeing all these reactors listen to CTTE and I'm not sure any will fully recover.
I've been listening to YES since I was seven years old... 1974. I like how Metal Junkie put the lyrics up. I knew the lyrics already, but they are hard to parcel out if you have not listened to YES much. I pondered their lyrics for a long time but decided they have the feel of Proverbs, "Speak to me of summer. Long winters longer than time can remember... " HIs vocals always convey the appropriate emotional tone of the song, no matter how or where it evolves to.
They have been the most Unique Band since I started listening in the early 70's, and have remained the most Unique Band until now. By the time you get to CTTE, your jaw will be Forever On The Floor. Yes Composes Masterpieces. Let's Not Forget Eddie Offord.
from songfacts: This song is divided into three parts: I. "Life Seeker" II. "Disillusion" III. "Würm" The entire band contributed bits to the song, but lead singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, and guitarist Steve Howe got the writing credits. Anderson wrote the lyrics for the song and assisted with the theme and overall composition; Squire wrote the music for "Disillusion," and Howe wrote "Würm," which is an instrumental that ends the piece. Starship Troopers is the title of a 1959 science fiction novel written by Robert Heinlein, which was the basis for a 1997 film. The book has nothing to do with the song, excepting the title, which Jon Anderson thought was great. When we spoke with Anderson in 2013, he explained: "I just like the idea of Starship Trooper being another guardian angel and Mother Earth. The third verse was all about, 'you know who I am, just take care of my soul.' So it was as though I was writing about my search for truth and search for an understanding of what God truly is." There are many references to nature in this song, including "Sister Bluebird" and "Talks by the water." When we asked Jon Anderson if there was a specific place that inspired the song, he replied: "I think it was more to do with in the days of the '60s, when there was a lot of energy about being a hippie, being a spirit, a force to love, peace. All that kind of energy that came from The Beatles. So there was always that feeling you would sit down with friends down by the lake. You sit together and you would say how beautiful life truly is, and that love is all we need. So when I'm singing it, I'm always thinking about my brothers and my sister. I have two brothers and a sister. Then I think about my family, my son and my daughters.
Totally agree with wading in with other songs before tackling Close to the Edge. Next maybe listen to Yours Is No Disgrace, Siberian Khatru, Southside of the Sky or Heart of the Sunrise. All of them are amazing. Hard to go wrong with most anything off of the Yes Album, Fragile, or Close to the Edge. You are so lucky to be new to Yes. So much joy ahead!
Jon has said he writes lyrics based on the sound of the words or phrases, whatever that means. There is a Rush interview where Alex says he learned how to play Starship Trooper and Geddy goes, Yeah right like you can play anything by Steve Howe. Was very funny.
Jon Anderson has one of the most beautiful voices ever. I saw them in the 80’s and I really love their later stuff, shorter, more radio-friendly. Just such a great band!
Hi! Welcome to the World of YES! I’m a Huge Yesfan for 50+ years. I love to see people take an interest in the music of the 70’s. If you enjoy “unpredictability” YES will take you on trips that will move you! Great to hear folks have suggested to wait for CTTE! It’s one of their biggest epic songs! Working your way up through their more popular songs: Roundabout Starship Trooper Yours is No Disgrace Heart of the Sunrise Wonderous Stories And You & I Etc… THEN - Close to the Edge AWAKEN(my Fav) Then on to: RELAYER!!!! And Tales of Topographic Oceans So many more to explore! If you appreciate musical genius-then you’ll Love experiencing More Yes! I’ll be back to watch you listen to more YES!❤
I like that you understand and appreciate the style and musicianship abilities of Yes. I would maybe check out a couple of more songs from this album before moving on the Close to the Edge and beyond. Yours is No Disgrace and I've Seen all Good People are recommended. They long list of epic songs over 15 minutes. Enjoy
Absolutely leave the long songs till later. I like "South Side Of The Sky", "Heart Of The Sunrise", "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Sound Chaser", and "Perpetual Change" to name a few. The musicians, Chris Squire has been Bassist of the Year, and Rick Wakeman is one of the most talented keyboard players of progressive. No one sings angelically like Jon Anderson. Enjoy! (After Yes, check out Steely Dan, who is probably your favorite band's favorite band).
This is what happens when five talented musicians are not only capable of paying, but of allowing others to play; to listen and leave space for ideas, and themes and structures to thrive, and grow. I've listened the Yes for more than 45 years, and they never grow old. The band took a dive in the 80s somewhat, but there is a long career of excellence that is peerless.
Steve, Travis picks with a plectrum and 2 fingers. The style was developed by the great country player Merl Travis, who used a thumb pink and 1 finger. Chet Atkins also used that technique. Steve's song "Clap" is a tribute to both. He also has a lot of Les Paul going on. No one plays quite like him Or can
Yes was unique in that every member was extremely creative, innovative and technically advanced at their particular instrument. After this album they brought in Rick Wakeman which elevated their creativeness to an even higher level. Then add in they paid a lot of attention to vocal harmonies to create their amazing compositions. What's great is with all that talent they could have easily blown the whole thing up, but each guy stayed in his lane and they worked as a unit without egos taking over. These guys weren't a rock band, they were real deal musicians as also shown in their solo albums.
I am also a "Metal Head". I started digging the The Beatles, moved on to Hendrex, then on to Iron Butterfly, then Steppenwolf, ...Then in 71 I saw Black Sabbath blew me away. 2 weeks later saw YES , DAMN, I was16 ,,,,... Then I got into early Grand Funk Railroad,,,...Then Disco fucked the airways...untll Ted Nugent, UFO.... OZZY,,, Scorpions, Lizzy Borden...Testament,,,, Slayer, Queenscyrche, etc. ,,, but it was YES that showed me, taught me to be the best , musician that I CAN BE !
You’re going to enjoy Close to the Edge. It’s what Stravinsky would have written if he had a rock band instead of an orchestra. Look out for the opening. It sounds chaotic, but it’s very, very tight both in terms of playing and composition. A rock approach would have created the feeling the feeling of something running out of control by using random elements and improvisation. CTTE has a much more disciplined way of getting the frantic energy by using a very formal, but unusual harmonic structure and some stunning effects. Enjoy.
Regarding Anderson's lyrics, he came up with a melody first, and then chose the words based more on how they sounded, rather than what they meant. He said that over time, they did come to mean something to him, and he imagines they've come to mean different things to different people. It's pretty much the opposite of how Rush lyrics work, but both are amazing in their own right.
For years I thought a Yes lyric was "Emotion revealed is emotion made" but...no, that would make sense. The actual lyric is "Emotion revealed as the Ocean Maid."?!? What the hell is that? Yes lyrics are beautiful word salads. You need to imagine the meat.
I saw YES live a couple times. You should check out the live version with extended keyboard solo then guitar solo. Steve Howe is a great guitarist. Great commentary too. Thanks for posting.
I wouldn't worry too much about the lyrics. I've loved this band for 50 years even though I've rarely had the slightest clue what they're singing about. It just sounds so good that I don't worry about it.
I have seen YES in 6 different decades. It never gets old. Steve Howe has held the band together with many changes. Last was Nov 2022, Close to the Edge 50th Awesome just like the many other YES concerts through the many years.
How amazing is that. So fabulous to see how ‘Yes’ are grabbing you. Your reactions are so interesting to listen to and excellent in my view. It’s brilliant to see this incredible music is living on with new, younger fans. It’s good you’ve come to this Album, after you’ve already been listening to ‘Fragile’. This Album was my first ever listen to Yes. ‘Yours is No Disgrace’ and ‘I’ve Seen All Good People’. You should hear those two tracks really, before you go to ‘Close To The Edge’. Regarding the Lyrics to Yes Songs, I always said, ‘let them mean to you whatever you want them to mean’. I think the music really does the talking. Just my own thoughts. Enjoy. 🎶❤️🎶
You're going down the right path, my friend. Next: at the very least listen to *Yours Is No Disgrace* before taking on *Close To The Edge.* Two things: (1) ALWAYS listen to the studio versions of YES' masterpieces from their Uber-Classic Period (1970-1972) first before checking out the live versions. The way they mastered the mix during this period was absolutely incredible. MUST listen recordings. (2) When you then get to Close To The Edge, you should do the entire album, starting w/CTTE, then *And You And I* and then *Siberian Khatru.* All three of them in that sequence producing continuing eargasms. If you've been completely captured by YES at that point, you'll probably want to listen to a few more from that period: *South Side Of The Sky, Heart Of The Sunrise,* and their cover of Paul Simon's *America* which is basically a concert jam. They did many more masterpieces after that *(Gates Of Delirium* is my favorite of those) but if you stay with the 1970-1972 albums, you'll be hearing the best of their best, IMO...
I don’t think Yes lyrics are actually all that hard to interpret tbh. Most of the time Jon is speaking as if he is a messenger bearing some hidden truth about the universe and our place in it. In this one he talks about secret knowledge from ancient civilisations (“longer than Time can remember”), originating from aliens (“starship trooper go sailing on by”). He gives assurances that he is speaking the truth as he sees it (“what I don’t know, I have never shared”), and apologises for the fact that it’s difficult to express clearly in words (“easy to say that this is all confusion”). Of course the other half of what’s being said is the emotional charge of the music which is obviously pretty powerful in itself. If a person is inclined to dismiss all this sort of talk as hippie mumbo-jumbo, then they’re always going to have a problem with Yes lyrics. But the “secrets” that Jon sings about are so clearly wholesome - always things about ‘the universe loves you’, ‘however dark the place you find yourself, there’s a way into the light (from Close to the Edge: “A seasoned witch could call you from the depth of your disgrace”), etc. - that it’s easy to forgive its apparent naivety and just let the positivity wash over you. So I disagree with people who say “don’t take the lyrics seriously”. I think they’re meant very seriously. But don’t look for a story, or a simple message. Find the occasional sentence or image that appeals to you and then let the rest of the words connect to that until the whole thing forms a network of associations that’s felt more than understood in words. Well, that’s my interpretation anyway. YMMV.
The lyrics are roughly about seeing perfection in nature and striving for it yourself. After listening to Close to the Edge check out The Gates of Delirium off of the album Relayer. It's a 70's Yes version of jazz fusion, almost metal at times.
This is what Anderson (the lyricist) said the song is about: "We are the caretakers of the Earth. And the idea of the lyric just coming out in a clear definition was basically what I was doing with “Starship Trooper go sailing on by.” For me, “Starship Trooper” was my higher self talking to me. “Sister Bluebird” - my higher self. It was my higher self saying “I know where you are, I’ve seen who you are, but I’m not going to tell you because you’ve got to discover it yourself”: “Though you see me, please don’t tell a soul.” What I haven’t seen, I can’t tell. It’s not very whole until I’ve seen it. So it’s all metaphors. That’s when I went through that very strong period of just sketching and writing whatever I sang as being a state of consciousness."
Excellent video. Zappa Zappa Zappa…you need to dive down the Zappa rabbit hole. Lots of directions that dive can go but the songs Andy and Inca Roads are excellent places to start.
Every band needs a virtuoso… every member of this band was. Lots of material to cover, hold out for “Close to the Edge” you will be glad you did. “Perpetual Change” live from Yessongs (1973) will set you free!
I agree, and think that track and Siberian Khatru are both very influential to prog metal. And You And I is a simply stunning piece of music. Close to the Edge will always be my favorite, but the rest of the album is close behind.
The next track you should probably listen to from Yes is Heart of the Sunrise. Amazing track. Yes was definitely a huge influence on others, but you need to go back further to a band who was a huge influence on Yes - King Crimson. Although now becoming better known, I’ve always referred to them as the most influential band you haven’t heard. Their first album is a classic, and for somebody who loves metal, the first track is a must listen. But instead of that version, I think this live version from ‘74 is the best performance of 21st Century Schizoid Man: ua-cam.com/video/KOH0jSGFBLk/v-deo.html This one track, originally released in 1969, looms large in rock music in general. Especially prog and metal. The live version I’m pointing you to includes the same drummer from Starship Trooper and Roundabout - Bill Bruford. And John Wetton’s bass tone is epic.
@@TheMetalJunkie be aware that not everything they do is heavy. And while Robert Fripp (the guitarist) doesn’t agree they are prog, they do share similarities in that their music is very dynamic and covers a lot of stylistic ground. Bands that cite Crimson as being very influential to them include Yes and Genesis, but also bands like Nirvana and Tool.
I see that you are creeping closer to Close to the Edge.... Something for later on in your Yes journey is the Relayer album... I see suggestions all over the place about various tracks from it. It has everything on it from chaotic dissonance to gorgeous tranquility. When you do get to it, eventually, can I make a suggestion..? Listen to the tracks in order... it is most definitely an album that merits that beginning to end journey. Enjoying every reaction as ever. Keep on rocking.
‘Yours is no disgrace’ not a comment but a suggestion and ‘Heart of the sunrise’ would be worth a shot before ‘Close to the edge’. I would suggest ditching the lyric videos which will always distract you from the depth layers and accents in the music. better to let Jons voice wash over you like an additional instrument.
Good call to check out some of Yes' "mini-epics" before tackling "Close to the Edge". "Starship Trooper" is a re-write of an older song called "For Everyone" and was built out of three different songs: Jon Anderson's first section (Life Seeker), Chris Squire's bridge section (Disillusion -- the bluegrass guitar section), and Steve Howe's closing section (Würm). And yeah, with this album Jon Anderson's lyrics jump fully into conceptual and metaphorical word-salad land, with a strong slant toward universal spiritual exploration. Get used to this if you plan on listening to more Yes music! But "Starship Trooper" is supposedly related to soldiers who fought in Vietnam, and how they should not be held responsible for the evils their leaders commit. Or something like that. About the drumming, this was during the era of "the King Crimson school" of jazz rock drumming, credited to their original drummer Michael Giles and then adopted by Bill Bruford here (and Phil Collins with Genesis.) Re: the bass, I'm almost wondering if you have some kind of post-EQ applied? The levels overall sound pretty high, with the bass even louder than I remember it. And lastly, props to engineer Eddie Offord who worked with Yes on their early, classic albums and made them all sound pretty awesome on headphones.
I think I'm noticing a little bit different sound, too, like you're talking about. I wonder if it is a result of the remastered versions. Maybe, like me, you're more used to the original album's sound? I've been listening to Yes since about 1974 so I haven't heard the newer remastered versions as much as the originals.
Listen to and watch the definite live version here ua-cam.com/video/cXe2H0B7HTU/v-deo.html It has a great outro with a most amazing synth solo in between the bass and the guitar solo. The studio version doesn't have the synth solo.
Jon's lyrics at times were about painting a lyrical picture, creating imagery as opposed to telling a narrative. Of course this is meant to supplement the music and vice versa. This is big on promoting your own imagination. Often there is no right or wrong. Enjoy for what is, it's difference or indifference?
Hey man , me again glad you like Yes . Can I point you in the direction of 'Gates of delerium' its on relayer from 74/5 ish . Rick Wakeman had left the band to do solo stuff and a new keyboard player came in Patrick Moraz for this album . The track is based on War and Peace , its a long one but so worth it .Regards
The end was brought in by then-new guitarist Steve Howe from his previous band, which is why it sounds so different. But it really, really works! Ironically, my favorite live version by fair is this one from 1984, featuring the band's 80s guitarist Trevor Rabin, who was stylistically completely different. But they really stretch the last part out, with bassist Chris Squire playing with the theme to start, then a rare and brief but rip-roaring organ solo from Tony Kaye, followed by guitar pyrotechnics from Rabin that totally fit the mood, with longtime-drummer Alan White (who replaced Bruford a couple of albums after Starship Troopers was recorded) bringing it crashing down. I much prefer 70s Yes over 80s, but this is the 80s band at their peak, having tons of fun with a 70s classic: ua-cam.com/video/zpDF2M7n3gM/v-deo.html
When Rick Wakeman joined the band he added his own solo extravagance to the song , he and Steve Howe add amazing solos at end of this song. The live version from Yessongs is actually better than the studio recording !!
While this is my favorite Yes album ( yes it's call the "Yes Album"), the first with Steve Howe on guitar, Rick Wakeman replaced Tony Kaye on keyboard to form the most classic version of the Yes lineup on the next one to do Roundabout.
Saw this and of course subscribed immediately. Oh you MUST do Close to the Edge immediately. Your life will change ❤ Don’t delay a date with the divine
I like how you try to build up the best songs of Yes. I think you are ready for Close to the edge And afterwards The gates of Delirium And finally the full album Tales from topographic oceans And yes, Yes gave more after that, but when you reach the level of understanding Yes these three masterpieces, you are there! :)
If you do a reaction to Close To The Edge, PLEASE do a reaction Suppers Ready by Genesis recorded the same year (1972) as CTTE! You'll be impressed. In fact 1972 heralded some incredible work by YES, Genesis, Gentle Giant (the best prog band ever!), and Jethro Tull just to drop a few names.
Yea, forget what they're about. Jon Anderson many times, used words due to the number of syllables he needed for a verse. Not always making sense, "and rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace". Or "Battleships confide in me and tell me where you are"
Well, those two lines make perfect sense in the context of the two songs, but YES have been my favorite band for 50 years so I've had a long time to understand Anderson's lyrics (where possible).
I think my favorite is "hark through dark ties that tunnel us out of sane existence". (Favorite in that it doesn't seem to me to make ANY sense, and that's why I like it!)
If you like a heavy sound, try Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise". BTW Early Yes "definitive" versions (life, drive, energy) are on the awesome Yessongs live album (yet a slightly thin recording). Heavy prog made a comeback c. 2000. Try Porcupine Tree's "Trains", "Blackest Eyes" or "Drown With Me". Live versions are best
Drummer Bill Bruford was the jazz guy in the group and he brought that flavor to the prog gumbo that was Yes
Bruford; King Crimson, Yes, Genesis '76, and many more projects with those players and more. Dude was as important as Bonham, Moon, Baker, Peart. But being in such eclectic bands he never reached the popularity. Except for other musicians, and discriminating listeners.
But more sophisticated
They were poetic and thus lyrics come to meanings same as a poem and they are were before prog rock so poetic rock is best way to explain yes.
Bruford certainly brought a jazz sensibility to their sound, but Steve Howe brought some real well rooted jazz chops to the band. His love of Wes Montgomery is evident in so many Yes songs.
Not only was Bruford an amazing drummer with different bands, one of the best drummers today uses his syncopation style, Danny Carey with Tool
The best thing about YES is that these 5 guys can walk out on the stage and play this.
I've heard these songs so many times that I can anticipate when the new listener's eyes are going to open wide...
Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth. And they could do it live but listen to the album version first for their original idea, then check Yes out live.🙏🍁
"People told me: 'Don't look at the lyrics too much. It will just confuse you.'"
You have chosen your advisors well, grasshopper.
You have no idea the joys that await you with Yes the greatest band on the planet from '70-79.
It's obvious that Jon is writing about his Inner Self's vision of himself. The middle section was written by Squire, and the final section was written by Howe. Great reaction, TY!
"Jon is the only person I know who's trying to save this planet, while living on a totally different one." -- Rick Wakeman
That's hilarious, I'd never heard that. Got Jon pegged, that's for sure.
@@BoGardiner Wakey would know! Best to you~
Nice reaction. Appreciate your comments and honesty. I like to compare Jon Anderson's lyrics to an impressionistic painting. They're not necessarily an exact representation of anything but rather an abstract impression - painting with words. But sometimes even his 2 word phrases speak volumes, with lots of room for differing interpretations. Welcome to the world of Yes - they never cease to amaze.
Bruce, Jon's lyrics make me think of one of my favorite American poets: Wallace Stevens. Check out Wallace's *_Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,_* and tell me it doesn't look like a Yes lyric on the page.
Jon says he often just chooses lyrics based on sound and then he goes back to find a meaning. Also, he gets different meanings at different times. Cool dude.
Well said!
This is how I would describe it: In this incarnation of Yes, every musician was a lead player - kead drums, lead bass, lead keyboards, lead guitar, lead singer - there were no backing musicians. But, rather than making it a complete mess (which you might expect in such a situation), each interwove perfectly with the others. True pinnacle musicians!
I don't think any other band has ever had the diverse and colorful arc like Yes. Each album is so unique in and of itself. If you read about each member's background and influences, you'll understand why they're so brilliant and always evolving. Great review 👏
Bruford and Squire had amazing chemistry, they always locked in well with each other.
The various live versions of this song is where it's at, this and Yours Is No Disgrace from the same album, they really take the jamming on it and run with it. Since you are a metal guy, I bet you'd love Sound Chaser and Gates Of Delerium form their Relayer album, they aren't metal songs, but have a wild intensity to them.
He'd probably like "Heart of the Sunrise", which is probably Yes' hardest song. The main riff is a total rip off of Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man", but nobody cares.
Steve Howe was a huge admirer of guitar pickin' country star Chet Atkins, and the acoustical guitar piece in the middle just might be an example of Atkin's style of playing.
I’ve seen YES in concert 12 times. First was Madison Square Garden in February 1974 for Tales of Topographic Oceans. Managed to see Bill Bruford with King Crimson in Felt Forum couple months later. Make no mistake, the most innovated and talented progressive group oh all time. Listen to late 60’s stuff.
Cool, I saw that tour in Miami. Made the big mistake of taking my new boyfriend, who'd never heard Yes. That poor boy, he was eager to please and tried so hard to pretend he liked it, lol. Whoever advised Nic not to start with CTTE was very wise. I'm seeing all these reactors listen to CTTE and I'm not sure any will fully recover.
I've been listening to YES since I was seven years old... 1974. I like how Metal Junkie put the lyrics up. I knew the lyrics already, but they are hard to parcel out if you have not listened to YES much. I pondered their lyrics for a long time but decided they have the feel of Proverbs, "Speak to me of summer. Long winters longer than time can remember... " HIs vocals always convey the appropriate emotional tone of the song, no matter how or where it evolves to.
They have been the most Unique Band since I started listening in the early 70's, and have remained the most Unique Band until now. By the time you get to CTTE, your jaw will be
Forever On The Floor. Yes Composes Masterpieces. Let's Not Forget Eddie Offord.
from songfacts:
This song is divided into three parts:
I. "Life Seeker"
II. "Disillusion"
III. "Würm"
The entire band contributed bits to the song, but lead singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, and guitarist Steve Howe got the writing credits. Anderson wrote the lyrics for the song and assisted with the theme and overall composition; Squire wrote the music for "Disillusion," and Howe wrote "Würm," which is an instrumental that ends the piece.
Starship Troopers is the title of a 1959 science fiction novel written by Robert Heinlein, which was the basis for a 1997 film. The book has nothing to do with the song, excepting the title, which Jon Anderson thought was great. When we spoke with Anderson in 2013, he explained: "I just like the idea of Starship Trooper being another guardian angel and Mother Earth. The third verse was all about, 'you know who I am, just take care of my soul.' So it was as though I was writing about my search for truth and search for an understanding of what God truly is."
There are many references to nature in this song, including "Sister Bluebird" and "Talks by the water." When we asked Jon Anderson if there was a specific place that inspired the song, he replied: "I think it was more to do with in the days of the '60s, when there was a lot of energy about being a hippie, being a spirit, a force to love, peace. All that kind of energy that came from The Beatles. So there was always that feeling you would sit down with friends down by the lake. You sit together and you would say how beautiful life truly is, and that love is all we need. So when I'm singing it, I'm always thinking about my brothers and my sister. I have two brothers and a sister. Then I think about my family, my son and my daughters.
Totally agree with wading in with other songs before tackling Close to the Edge. Next maybe listen to Yours Is No Disgrace, Siberian Khatru, Southside of the Sky or Heart of the Sunrise. All of them are amazing. Hard to go wrong with most anything off of the Yes Album, Fragile, or Close to the Edge. You are so lucky to be new to Yes. So much joy ahead!
Heart of the Sunrise, Bill Bruford (drums) at his best.
Jon has said he writes lyrics based on the sound of the words or phrases, whatever that means. There is a Rush interview where Alex says he learned how to play Starship Trooper and Geddy goes, Yeah right like you can play anything by Steve Howe. Was very funny.
I always imagined myself in the instrumental/outro: We’re leaving orbit, then the solar system, then beyond to the Stars.
Jon Anderson has one of the most beautiful voices ever. I saw them in the 80’s and I really love their later stuff, shorter, more radio-friendly. Just such a great band!
Like a great Disneyland Ride... Starship Troopers Will Surprise and please you.
Hi! Welcome to the World of YES!
I’m a Huge Yesfan for 50+ years. I love to see people take an interest in the music of the 70’s.
If you enjoy “unpredictability” YES will take you on trips that will move you!
Great to hear folks have suggested to wait for CTTE!
It’s one of their biggest epic songs! Working your way up through their more popular songs:
Roundabout
Starship Trooper
Yours is No Disgrace
Heart of the Sunrise
Wonderous Stories
And You & I
Etc…
THEN -
Close to the Edge
AWAKEN(my Fav)
Then on to:
RELAYER!!!!
And Tales of Topographic Oceans
So many more to explore!
If you appreciate musical genius-then you’ll Love experiencing More Yes!
I’ll be back to watch you listen to more YES!❤
Geddy played Bass on Yes' performance at the "R&R Hall of Fame".
RIP Chris Squire.
imagine being so talented, that releasing a masterpiece is just another days normal work.a feat few of us will ever accomplish.
I like that you understand and appreciate the style and musicianship abilities of Yes. I would maybe check out a couple of more songs from this album before moving on the Close to the Edge and beyond. Yours is No Disgrace and I've Seen all Good People are recommended. They long list of epic songs over 15 minutes. Enjoy
Absolutely leave the long songs till later. I like "South Side Of The Sky", "Heart Of The Sunrise", "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Sound Chaser", and "Perpetual Change" to name a few. The musicians, Chris Squire has been Bassist of the Year, and Rick Wakeman is one of the most talented keyboard players of progressive. No one sings angelically like Jon Anderson. Enjoy! (After Yes, check out Steely Dan, who is probably your favorite band's favorite band).
I think the drummer is comping mainly, in a jazz style. He restrains himself, playing just a small fill when there’s room for a huge one
The lyrics are a soundscape of poetry. Full of imagery not to be taken with literality.
Geddy Lee played bass with them for their Hall of Fame induction. Worth checking out. Not surprisingly, they played Roundabout.
This is what happens when five talented musicians are not only capable of paying, but of allowing others to play; to listen and leave space for ideas, and themes and structures to thrive, and grow. I've listened the Yes for more than 45 years, and they never grow old. The band took a dive in the 80s somewhat, but there is a long career of excellence that is peerless.
Steve, Travis picks with a plectrum and 2 fingers.
The style was developed by the great country player Merl Travis, who used a thumb pink and 1 finger.
Chet Atkins also used that technique.
Steve's song "Clap" is a tribute to both.
He also has a lot of Les Paul going on.
No one plays quite like him
Or can
Check out Alex from Rush talking about Star Ship Trooper when him and Geddy inducted Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ,
Yes was unique in that every member was extremely creative, innovative and technically advanced at their particular instrument. After this album they brought in Rick Wakeman which elevated their creativeness to an even higher level. Then add in they paid a lot of attention to vocal harmonies to create their amazing compositions. What's great is with all that talent they could have easily blown the whole thing up, but each guy stayed in his lane and they worked as a unit without egos taking over. These guys weren't a rock band, they were real deal musicians as also shown in their solo albums.
I am also a "Metal Head". I started digging the The Beatles, moved on to Hendrex, then on to Iron Butterfly, then Steppenwolf, ...Then in 71 I saw Black Sabbath blew me away. 2 weeks later saw YES , DAMN, I was16 ,,,,... Then I got into early Grand Funk Railroad,,,...Then Disco fucked the airways...untll Ted Nugent, UFO.... OZZY,,, Scorpions, Lizzy Borden...Testament,,,, Slayer, Queenscyrche, etc. ,,, but it was YES that showed me, taught me to be the best , musician that I CAN BE !
Bill Bruford and Chris Squire combined for one of the best drum/bass combos ever. Danny Carey of Tool uses Bruford’s Syncopated drumming.
All bands have points of transition that don’t completely work but YES never has that problem.....all their transitions work.
Long distanse, heart of the sunrise, all from fragile. That music must bea listen to hole albums.
You’re going to enjoy Close to the Edge. It’s what Stravinsky would have written if he had a rock band instead of an orchestra.
Look out for the opening. It sounds chaotic, but it’s very, very tight both in terms of playing and composition. A rock approach would have created the feeling the feeling of something running out of control by using random elements and improvisation. CTTE has a much more disciplined way of getting the frantic energy by using a very formal, but unusual harmonic structure and some stunning effects. Enjoy.
Regarding Anderson's lyrics, he came up with a melody first, and then chose the words based more on how they sounded, rather than what they meant. He said that over time, they did come to mean something to him, and he imagines they've come to mean different things to different people. It's pretty much the opposite of how Rush lyrics work, but both are amazing in their own right.
For years I thought a Yes lyric was "Emotion revealed is emotion made" but...no, that would make sense. The actual lyric is "Emotion revealed as the Ocean Maid."?!? What the hell is that? Yes lyrics are beautiful word salads. You need to imagine the meat.
This Group is THE GENESIS
In the BEGINGING God created light
I saw YES live a couple times. You should check out the live version with extended keyboard solo then guitar solo. Steve Howe is a great guitarist. Great commentary too. Thanks for posting.
Rush will take you to Mars. Yes will take you to Alpha Centauri. Enjoy your journey with them. It is a massive catalog of epics.
You should check out Awaken....trust me.
I wouldn't worry too much about the lyrics. I've loved this band for 50 years even though I've rarely had the slightest clue what they're singing about. It just sounds so good that I don't worry about it.
I have seen YES in 6 different decades. It never gets old. Steve Howe has held the band together with many changes. Last was Nov 2022, Close to the Edge 50th Awesome just like the many other YES concerts through the many years.
Each album builds on the one before. I'd go in order.
i could imagine the sheet music for this song, looks like a brain scan of EINSTEIN after a pot of coffee, or 2.
Close To The Edge.... you will NEVER be the same...
Yours is No Disgrace, Heart of the Sunrise and Yours is no Disgrace should go before Close to the Edge.
I think you mean Yours is No Disgrace, Heart of the Sunrise, and PERPETUAL CHANGE, don't you?
In my humble opinion, this song is one of their absolute best.
How amazing is that. So fabulous to see how ‘Yes’ are grabbing you. Your reactions are so interesting to listen to and excellent in my view. It’s brilliant to see this incredible music is living on with new, younger fans.
It’s good you’ve come to this Album, after you’ve already been listening to ‘Fragile’.
This Album was my first ever listen to Yes. ‘Yours is No Disgrace’ and ‘I’ve Seen All Good People’.
You should hear those two tracks really, before you go to ‘Close To The Edge’.
Regarding the Lyrics to Yes Songs, I always said, ‘let them mean to you whatever you want them to mean’.
I think the music really does the talking. Just my own thoughts.
Enjoy. 🎶❤️🎶
Mr Squire, slayed the Ricky. Miss you great man
All their old stuff is just like this. Not a bad song on any of the classic YES
Been a YES fan for decades. Glad you're into it. Keep going!
You're going down the right path, my friend. Next: at the very least listen to *Yours Is No Disgrace* before taking on *Close To The Edge.* Two things: (1) ALWAYS listen to the studio versions of YES' masterpieces from their Uber-Classic Period (1970-1972) first before checking out the live versions. The way they mastered the mix during this period was absolutely incredible. MUST listen recordings. (2) When you then get to Close To The Edge, you should do the entire album, starting w/CTTE, then *And You And I* and then *Siberian Khatru.* All three of them in that sequence producing continuing eargasms. If you've been completely captured by YES at that point, you'll probably want to listen to a few more from that period: *South Side Of The Sky, Heart Of The Sunrise,* and their cover of Paul Simon's *America* which is basically a concert jam. They did many more masterpieces after that *(Gates Of Delirium* is my favorite of those) but if you stay with the 1970-1972 albums, you'll be hearing the best of their best, IMO...
I couldn't have put it better myself!
Welcome to my world dude ! Ps just wait till you get around to sounchaser. It'll blow those headphones right off dear chap 😉
I don’t think Yes lyrics are actually all that hard to interpret tbh. Most of the time Jon is speaking as if he is a messenger bearing some hidden truth about the universe and our place in it. In this one he talks about secret knowledge from ancient civilisations (“longer than Time can remember”), originating from aliens (“starship trooper go sailing on by”). He gives assurances that he is speaking the truth as he sees it (“what I don’t know, I have never shared”), and apologises for the fact that it’s difficult to express clearly in words (“easy to say that this is all confusion”). Of course the other half of what’s being said is the emotional charge of the music which is obviously pretty powerful in itself.
If a person is inclined to dismiss all this sort of talk as hippie mumbo-jumbo, then they’re always going to have a problem with Yes lyrics. But the “secrets” that Jon sings about are so clearly wholesome - always things about ‘the universe loves you’, ‘however dark the place you find yourself, there’s a way into the light (from Close to the Edge: “A seasoned witch could call you from the depth of your disgrace”), etc. - that it’s easy to forgive its apparent naivety and just let the positivity wash over you.
So I disagree with people who say “don’t take the lyrics seriously”. I think they’re meant very seriously. But don’t look for a story, or a simple message. Find the occasional sentence or image that appeals to you and then let the rest of the words connect to that until the whole thing forms a network of associations that’s felt more than understood in words.
Well, that’s my interpretation anyway. YMMV.
YES always kicks ass.
Prelevant... Indeed
"Musical Paradise" Great description.
The lyrics are roughly about seeing perfection in nature and striving for it yourself. After listening to Close to the Edge check out The Gates of Delirium off of the album Relayer. It's a 70's Yes version of jazz fusion, almost metal at times.
Eventually you will listen to 'Gates of Delirium "
Which is the peak of this period of YES.
This is what Anderson (the lyricist) said the song is about:
"We are the caretakers of the Earth. And the idea of the lyric just coming out in a clear definition was basically what I was doing with “Starship Trooper go sailing on by.” For me, “Starship Trooper” was my higher self talking to me. “Sister Bluebird” - my higher self. It was my higher self saying “I know where you are, I’ve seen who you are, but I’m not going to tell you because you’ve got to discover it yourself”: “Though you see me, please don’t tell a soul.” What I haven’t seen, I can’t tell. It’s not very whole until I’ve seen it. So it’s all metaphors. That’s when I went through that very strong period of just sketching and writing whatever I sang as being a state of consciousness."
Even when Jon explains, I don't know what he' saying.
Excellent video. Zappa Zappa Zappa…you need to dive down the Zappa rabbit hole. Lots of directions that dive can go but the songs Andy and Inca Roads are excellent places to start.
Another super song by Yes - love it. Keep them coming!
"Relayer", Dude!! "Close to the Edge" is for the end of your journey into Yes.
Every band needs a virtuoso… every member of this band was. Lots of material to cover, hold out for “Close to the Edge” you will be glad you did. “Perpetual Change” live from Yessongs (1973) will set you free!
If you want to hear Steve Howe do some amazing picking, listen to the song Clap off this same album. Phenomenal!
You should try And you and I
I agree, and think that track and Siberian Khatru are both very influential to prog metal. And You And I is a simply stunning piece of music. Close to the Edge will always be my favorite, but the rest of the album is close behind.
Rush to react for more Yes music. The best band ever. Thx 🤙👌
I owned this album at 14
Best band ever!!!
The next track you should probably listen to from Yes is Heart of the Sunrise. Amazing track.
Yes was definitely a huge influence on others, but you need to go back further to a band who was a huge influence on Yes - King Crimson. Although now becoming better known, I’ve always referred to them as the most influential band you haven’t heard.
Their first album is a classic, and for somebody who loves metal, the first track is a must listen. But instead of that version, I think this live version from ‘74 is the best performance of 21st Century Schizoid Man:
ua-cam.com/video/KOH0jSGFBLk/v-deo.html
This one track, originally released in 1969, looms large in rock music in general. Especially prog and metal. The live version I’m pointing you to includes the same drummer from Starship Trooper and Roundabout - Bill Bruford. And John Wetton’s bass tone is epic.
I heard of King crimson through metal sites awhile back but haven't checked them out
@@TheMetalJunkie be aware that not everything they do is heavy. And while Robert Fripp (the guitarist) doesn’t agree they are prog, they do share similarities in that their music is very dynamic and covers a lot of stylistic ground.
Bands that cite Crimson as being very influential to them include Yes and Genesis, but also bands like Nirvana and Tool.
I see that you are creeping closer to Close to the Edge.... Something for later on in your Yes journey is the Relayer album... I see suggestions all over the place about various tracks from it. It has everything on it from chaotic dissonance to gorgeous tranquility. When you do get to it, eventually, can I make a suggestion..? Listen to the tracks in order... it is most definitely an album that merits that beginning to end journey. Enjoying every reaction as ever. Keep on rocking.
You really seem to appreciate Yes. The Starship we are all on is Earth.
Enjoy there is much much more. An Amazing live band too.
‘Yours is no disgrace’ not a comment but a suggestion and ‘Heart of the sunrise’ would be worth a shot before ‘Close to the edge’. I would suggest ditching the lyric videos which will always distract you from the depth layers and accents in the music. better to let Jons voice wash over you like an additional instrument.
Good call to check out some of Yes' "mini-epics" before tackling "Close to the Edge". "Starship Trooper" is a re-write of an older song called "For Everyone" and was built out of three different songs: Jon Anderson's first section (Life Seeker), Chris Squire's bridge section (Disillusion -- the bluegrass guitar section), and Steve Howe's closing section (Würm).
And yeah, with this album Jon Anderson's lyrics jump fully into conceptual and metaphorical word-salad land, with a strong slant toward universal spiritual exploration. Get used to this if you plan on listening to more Yes music! But "Starship Trooper" is supposedly related to soldiers who fought in Vietnam, and how they should not be held responsible for the evils their leaders commit. Or something like that.
About the drumming, this was during the era of "the King Crimson school" of jazz rock drumming, credited to their original drummer Michael Giles and then adopted by Bill Bruford here (and Phil Collins with Genesis.) Re: the bass, I'm almost wondering if you have some kind of post-EQ applied? The levels overall sound pretty high, with the bass even louder than I remember it. And lastly, props to engineer Eddie Offord who worked with Yes on their early, classic albums and made them all sound pretty awesome on headphones.
I think I'm noticing a little bit different sound, too, like you're talking about. I wonder if it is a result of the remastered versions. Maybe, like me, you're more used to the original album's sound? I've been listening to Yes since about 1974 so I haven't heard the newer remastered versions as much as the originals.
Good call on waiting to listen to Close to the Edge
Listen to and watch the definite live version here ua-cam.com/video/cXe2H0B7HTU/v-deo.html It has a great outro with a most amazing synth solo in between the bass and the guitar solo. The studio version doesn't have the synth solo.
Jon's lyrics at times were about painting a lyrical picture, creating imagery as opposed to telling a narrative. Of course this is meant to supplement the music and vice versa. This is big on promoting your own imagination. Often there is no right or wrong. Enjoy for what is, it's difference or indifference?
Hey man , me again glad you like Yes . Can I point you in the direction of 'Gates of delerium' its on relayer from 74/5 ish . Rick Wakeman had left the band to do solo stuff and a new keyboard player came in Patrick Moraz for this album . The track is based on War and Peace , its a long one but so worth it .Regards
One does not simply jump into Close to the Edge. lol.
The end was brought in by then-new guitarist Steve Howe from his previous band, which is why it sounds so different. But it really, really works! Ironically, my favorite live version by fair is this one from 1984, featuring the band's 80s guitarist Trevor Rabin, who was stylistically completely different. But they really stretch the last part out, with bassist Chris Squire playing with the theme to start, then a rare and brief but rip-roaring organ solo from Tony Kaye, followed by guitar pyrotechnics from Rabin that totally fit the mood, with longtime-drummer Alan White (who replaced Bruford a couple of albums after Starship Troopers was recorded) bringing it crashing down. I much prefer 70s Yes over 80s, but this is the 80s band at their peak, having tons of fun with a 70s classic: ua-cam.com/video/zpDF2M7n3gM/v-deo.html
It's a good idea to build up to Close To The Edge. Try a few more tracks from The Yes Album and Fragile before hitting that bad boy.
Check them out live!!
Gonna watch you go down the Yes rabbit hole... Go for Yours is no disgrace next and then maybe the epic Close to the Edge.
When Rick Wakeman joined the band he added his own solo extravagance to the song , he and Steve Howe add amazing solos at end of this song. The live version from Yessongs is actually better than the studio recording !!
While this is my favorite Yes album ( yes it's call the "Yes Album"), the first with Steve Howe on guitar, Rick Wakeman replaced Tony Kaye on keyboard to form the most classic version of the Yes lineup on the next one to do Roundabout.
Take "Sound Chaser" and you'll never regret it.
Saw this and of course subscribed immediately. Oh you MUST do Close to the Edge immediately. Your life will change ❤ Don’t delay a date with the divine
I like how you try to build up the best songs of Yes.
I think you are ready for Close to the edge
And afterwards The gates of Delirium
And finally the full album Tales from topographic oceans
And yes, Yes gave more after that, but when you reach the level of understanding Yes these three masterpieces, you are there! :)
Dude..in 1976 I saw them in concert Detroit play this .. also PLEASE check out GATES OF DELIRIUM !!
IN THE BEGINING GOD CREATED YES every else came after
If you do a reaction to Close To The Edge, PLEASE do a reaction Suppers Ready by Genesis recorded the same year (1972) as CTTE! You'll be impressed. In fact 1972 heralded some incredible work by YES, Genesis, Gentle Giant (the best prog band ever!), and Jethro Tull just to drop a few names.
Taking His kids to the Copenhagen grounds
That’s right
Yea, forget what they're about. Jon
Anderson many times, used words due to the number of syllables he needed for a verse. Not always making sense, "and rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace". Or
"Battleships confide in me and tell me where you are"
Well, those two lines make perfect sense in the context of the two songs, but YES have been my favorite band for 50 years so I've had a long time to understand Anderson's lyrics (where possible).
I think my favorite is "hark through dark ties that tunnel us out of sane existence". (Favorite in that it doesn't seem to me to make ANY sense, and that's why I like it!)
If you like a heavy sound, try Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise". BTW Early Yes "definitive" versions (life, drive, energy) are on the awesome Yessongs live album (yet a slightly thin recording).
Heavy prog made a comeback c. 2000. Try Porcupine Tree's "Trains", "Blackest Eyes" or "Drown With Me". Live versions are best