Something's Coming

Performer: Yes
Distributor: n/a

Notes: Legally released, but without the knowledge of the band, this two-CD compilation of early Yes appearances on British, French, and German radio shows is perhaps the best that fans can hope for; except for the title track of "Time and a Word," Yes has never bothered to release live versions of songs off its first two albums. Most of these early songs turn up here, and there's even an prototype of "Starship Trooper" in the previously unreleased "For Everyone." Stripped raw of their studio padding, the Time and a Word cuts attain a ragged beauty, especially in redlining versions of "Dear Father" and "No Opportunity Necessary." The liner notes were clearly a labor of love, with newspaper clippings, posters, recording notes, unpublished photos, and dishy notes by a thoroughly unrepentant Peter Banks. Despite variable sound quality, and an inevitable garage band grittiness, it's a fine artifact. Released in the U.S. in 1998 as Beyond & Before. ~ Paul Collins

The longest-running prog-rock group in the business, Yes flew on the strength of Jon Anderson's high, angelic voice and the group's instrumental virtuosity. The band began in England, rising from the ashes of pop-psych outfits like Tomorrow, Bodast, and Mabel Greer's Toyshop. Extending the technical facility of psychedelia and downplaying the trippiness, it helped forge the template for progressive rock and reigned as its most popular practitioners in the '70s. Over the years, Yes has weathered personnel changes, lawsuits, and changing public tastes while holding on to its original vision.

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