The Yes Story

Performer: Various Artists/Yes
Distributor: MSI Music Distribution

Notes: This 16-track anthology collects not only songs by Yes but solo material by members of the long-running progressive rock group. Called The Yes Story, this double-CD package by the dubious DejaVu Retro label is not exactly a story, nor is it really a best-of. Basically, the two discs are made up of live tracks by Yes and selections by various members from solo projects. Disc One kicks off with a live, 17-minute-plus version of "Awaken," followed by Rick Wakeman's "Journey to the Center of the Earth." With tracks by Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and a remix of Jon Anderson's "Owner of a Lonely Heart," along with some strange version of "Open Your Eyes" by Yes, none of the original track sources are credited. More than this, there is no information in the booklet but quotes from various bandmembers about how great Yes were/are, and publishing info. Disc Two fares far better, with two awesome collaborations between Steve Howe and Anderson on Bob Dylan's "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands," and Annie Haslam (of Renaissance) on Dylan's "It's All Over Now Baby Blue." Here, a live rendering of "Yours Is No Disgrace" cooks with a killer Chris Squire bassline, along with live versions of "Roundabout" and "Your Move." The solo tracks are rounded out by Wakeman's crap: "Merlin the Magician," a track by his daughter (shudder), and one each by Esquire ("Tron Thomi") and by Squire with Billy Sherwood ("Lonesome Trail"), which are both cool. However, "Dancing Fool," a Euro-disco tune by Anderson, is so putrid as to be forgotten as quickly as possible. Ultimately, the live Yes tracks and the two Dylan covers make this worth it because the price is so reasonable -- a double for less than the price of a single for fans -- but the uninitiated should flee 4500 miles or until a suitable official compilation can be found. ~ Thom Jurek

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