YES レコード& CD

Review: Along with possibly King Crimson, there's few pioneering progressive rock acts today who still garner the same reverence, credence or demand a mention in any topical conversation as London-based legends Yes. The absurdly titled Yessingles (echoing the 1973 live album Yessongs) does precisely what it says on the tin with a first time ever vinyl compilation of the band's A-side singles, primarily collected from their third (real first) LP The Yes Album onwards, with choice cuts from Fragile, Close To The Edge, Relayer, Drama and more. Surely, the inclusion of iconic classics such as 'Roundabout' and 'Starship Trooper: Life Seeker', are worth the price of admission alone?

Review: Interestingly, having reinvented themselves in the 80s with the help of Trevor Horn and various other members of the team, accidentally spawning the pioneering legends Art of Noise in the process, when we come to 2023, a trip back to their 70s heyday is more what the doctor ordered. With their guitarist Steve Howe at the production helm they are fancy technology-free, sounding as live as ever, and have restoered everything from the long songs - two of the 13 here top nine minutes - to the old logo and sci-fi artwork. They've even got a new Jon in to replace the old one. and Davidson does a good job of impersonating Anderson, apparently with the help of a female singer double tracking his vocals. You don't need a PhD to work out this is a nostalgic trip, but as attempts to relive former glories go we have heard a lot worse.

Review: Yes' magnum opus, Fragile. A cornerstone in the genre of prog rock, and arguably the instant go-to for anyone even so much as vaguely desiring a deeper peruse of the genre once they're done smelling Pink Floyd's farts. Full of proverbial lyrics and intriguing (not to mention masterfully mixed) instrumental choices - Rick Wakeman's keys are a highlight - the album cuts an overall clean and fantastical sound, usually oscillating between upbeat prog-funk ('Roundabout') and mathy ballads ('South Side Of The Sky'). Reissued directly from the horse's mouth, we can guarantee top-tier audio quality on this one.