First Time Reaction Yes Close To The Edge. Eargasm

[@karitane]

I first heard this when it came out in 1972.. I had to listen and listen to get to know it. Never gets old...just me at 67

[@apocketfulofheep]

It is one of those songs you find something you missed with each listen.

[@andrelevesque2405]

The very album that defined Prog Rock once and for all. A fantastic dense album without any overplay, never equaled, never bettered.

[@apocketfulofheep]

It is such a great song been listening to it over and over again the last few days

[@MickRiley]

@@apocketfulofheep Been listening every week since i got it on release pre ordered from my local record store back then! i burned out the orig vinyl way back lol.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I could see why 2 of the 3 songs i have heard from it are in steady rotation in my playlist

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@apocketfulofheep Been listening to CTTE for almost 50 years!!!

[@alonsomendiola3212]

This Is the greatest song ever written

[@kendudley3553]

This is what Reaction videos are all about! How great is it to see someone listen to a song you have loved for forty years listening to it for the first time. Dude, how many times were you ready to shout "WOW! How many times did you find it hard to catch your breath? And halfway - you said "love it"....and you hadn't even got to the organ solo yet! Your brain will never be the same now that you have listened to Close to the Edge. Imagine this from your listener's standpoint. In twenty years, you will get to watch a firsttime listener hear Close to the Edge - and you will remember how you made all of us feel by creating this video. You haven't posted any Steely Dan. Listen to some - and when you get into the right mood - listen to the song Aja. The greatest song ever written and performed. Only Aja is better than Close to the Edge for knocking folks socks off. Thank You, Ken

[@gregorykrug8034]

Have you heard "America" yet? It is a rearrangement of Simon & Garfunkel's hit song by Yes. It is amazingly good.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Not yet but soon

[@gregorykrug8034]

@@apocketfulofheep Great! It is amazing. The original is very good, but folky. Yes redefined it!

[@psbarrow]

Great stuff. Squire and Howe do the harmonies in the middle section you were wondering about. Cheers from Australia.

[@PeterBuwen]

Okay, now you climbed the top. This is the peak of prog rock in my opinion. Great!

[@karitane]

Hi Peter. Only my opinion but once you find the peak, you can always jump another foot and that is "THE GATES OF DELIRIUM" Good listening to you.

[@PeterBuwen]

@@karitane Well, this is a faith controversy as to whether the one or the other as we both know. 😁

[@karitane]

@@PeterBuwen Cannot deny that even though it pains me hehe ( Rock, Paper, Scissors????)

[@russelldyson5828]

You really go on and on about the bass guitar. Quite right! It's utterly delicious!

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

This is the best reaction video for Close to the Edge. The first time that I heard this I was 16 and it blew my tiny, ill-formed mind. As soon as it was over, I put it back on again, and again. It remains, 50 years later, my favourite song, and certainly, in my opinion, the best Prog Rock song bar none; nothing comes close. Must have heard it hundreds of times and I never tire of it. I know what's coming but it still amazes me. It's nice to see a young chap with such good taste in music be blow away by the composition and musicianship of this band. It stands as an island of genius, not only in 1972 but all time.

[@johncase2408]

Only Yes could make a drop of water sound so beautiful and meaningful. I could say the same thing for ELP's somber section of "Just take a Pebble."

[@njaco08]

Has a drop of water ever been so perfectly placed within a song? That single molecule of H2O evokes the emotion it was meant to. Gawd, this song is perfect!

[@MJ-yp3hr]

Nah, prog lives in so many artists, Steven Wilson especially, but when this dropped it transformed the minds of a generation of young musicians...just found this gem, thanks for the share. Check out some SW/porcupine tree, but go way back with the pt...way back

[@alejandrok2891]

Great reaction! For me, this is yet a classical Masterpiece. This five guys together are simply awesome

[@MrGlastar1]

These boys were/ARE in a world of their own. THEY INFLUENCED EVERY prog rock group! TOPS!

[@blitztim6416]

It's nice to see this music still has impact.

[@stephenurso9267]

This is the pinicle of progressive rock!

[@nancymjohnson]

YES is the BEST!! I can’t explain where my heart and soul go while listening to Yes. I just know it is beautiful, soulful, and spiritual. Every listen for 46 years now. TY for this video

[@stanjohnson5767]

Chris Squire's bass... Yes!

[@flomalheur7467]

Please also listen to the live version of this song from the album YESSONGS (doesn't have to be here on the channel) and tell me if I'm crazy because I like the live version better ;-) (many say that) . Two really great songs by Yes that are still pending are "Awaken" and "The Gates Of Delirium". Something from Emerson Lake & Palmer would be nice too. E.g. "The Endless Enigma" (that's 3 parts) from the album "Trilogy".

[@GlobalWarring]

Wait til you hear Gates of Delirium 😊

[@apocketfulofheep]

Can't wait to hear it

[@GlobalWarring]

@@apocketfulofheep it makes sense when you know what it's about. Read up on it first 😊

[@souldreamer9056]

@@apocketfulofheep - the “Natural progression” would be: 1. Close to the Edge 2. The Revealing Science of God 3. Gates of Delirium 4. Awaken Those are regarded as Yes’ 4 masterpiece epics (epic = side long piece of music, ~20 mins). For Awaken I highly recommend the Keys to Ascension version (audio only - not the video version) over the studio version. The production of the studio version doesn’t do the song justice.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will definately be checking those ones out in that order probablly

[@souldreamer9056]

@@raeTM - Funny how music perception can vary among us humans. Of the “Big 4”, I consider The Revealing to be the easiest and most accessible. Compared to Edge and Gates, Revealing has no dissonant or challenging sections. The chords are simple major and minor, and the melodies follow familiar scales and modes. Revealing is essentially an extended pop song, IMO. I definitely consider The Revealing to be the least sophisticated of the big 4. I also think it has the least “staying power”. But I find it the most accessible for new listeners. Tales, as a whole, is a different kettle of fish altogether. I am very cautious about recommending it to anyone. I agree with you there. 100%. The song order I posted is just the chronological one. It allows the listener to follow the bands evolution chronologically, through their epics. I’d definitely leave Awaken until last. In terms of lyrics and “song meaning”, Awaken is essentially “Edge 2.0”. Anderson revisits the lyrical themes of Edge in Awaken, he tells the same story, but in a different way. I like that Edge and Awaken are the “bookends”. After Edge, Revealing and Gates, the listener is brought “full circle” back to where he started, With Awaken being a more matured version of Edge. And having Anderson bid us “farewell, farewell” at the end of Awaken, is a fitting end to the journey, IMO.

[@Bill13012013]

This is one of the few songs by any group where I prefer the live version from Yessongs, played it just this afternoon. Bowie's Heroes from Live Aid is another.

[@avantprog6902]

The only thing that competes with this as far is Yes is concerned is The Gates of Delirium.

[@emdiar6588]

And possibly Awaken..

[@IanHillan]

@@emdiar6588 and definitely Awaken.

[@Tomversal]

@@emdiar6588 Ritual as well is great

[@gianfrancoludovisi9539]

prog rock was the last cultural music in the 20th century. these guys were absolutely genius, and their age was around 22-23 years. peak of creativity. I am so glad to see a young guy like you that appreciates this sublime art.

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

Fantastic piece of music! 😀

[@jaleadegrosella7701]

This has been one of my favourite songs since the first time I heard it. If you let me, I would like to recommend you a song called "El desastre de Hésperus" by Palmira Romano. If you like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Uriah Heep or Deep Purple, I think you could like it.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will give it a listen

[@rondamon.v]

I loved it!

[@jeffschielka7845]

R.I.P. MR SQUIRE. You are SO missed Chris!🌹🌹🌹

[@seancoleman5021]

Nice reaction.

[@GrouchyMarx]

Good review of this classic! Do the 2nd song, "And You and I". I saw you've done the 3rd and final song on the album, "Siberian Khatru" but didn't see the 2nd one in your library. You will really like it! ✌️😎

[@Anders2112]

I've seen my fair share of CTTE reactions but I haven't seen anyone instantly 'get it' like you did. I was just smiling through the whole video. Most people make weird faces when the intro starts, but you instantly started bopping your head. You got my sub, dude.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thank you I have heard some songs leading into it but i am willing to give most music a chance. If I can get into Zappa I can get into pretty much anything is my motto

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@apocketfulofheep Welcome to YESWORLD!

[@IanHillan]

I think you're ready for Gates of Delirium. Then Awaken. Can't wait to see your reactions to those.

[@jeffschielka7845]

Awaken first.

[@nancymjohnson]

Awaken from Montreux in 03, Gates from 70s. The BEST LIVE!

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will give both a listen

[@michaelyork4554]

Listen to Siberian Khatru from Yessongs with the Firebird Suite Intro, then Yours Is No Disgrace from the Live Triple Album

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thank you for the suggestion will give them a listen

[@MemberofTribe]

Yessongs Yours Is No Disgrace segues into Starship Trooper, capped with a Rick Wakeman solo rivaling - even surpassing - his near the end of CTTE If you had an eargasm listening to the studio CTTE, the live Yessongs version will give you multiple eargasms

[@Kae6502]

It is... a masterpiece.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I agree this song is a masterpiece.

[@jeffschielka7845]

So much YES, so little time. 50 years have gone by like an incredible journey. Dude, you have my sub!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

This song always reminds me of the Bugsy Birdwell Trio's rendition of "The Howdy Doody Rag."

[@rayquirk4947]

The Yessongs version is my favourite.

[@richard-yz6cz]

Tales of topographic oceans will blow your mind

[@apocketfulofheep]

I am hoping it will. Can't wait to hear more by Yes

[@Lightmane]

Bill Bruford left for several reasons. He wanted to play with King Crimson, for several reasons. He felt they would never put out anything better than Close to the Edge. He wanted to expand his musical horizons. He was tired of all the in-fighting with the band. There's probably a few more reasons too.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Ok that makes sense I heard him on Starless he is amazing.

[@Lightmane]

@@apocketfulofheep You'll enjoy him on all of their first 5 albums, though they really weren't prog until the 3rd album, the first 2 are still very good albums. Their Beatles cover of 'Every Little Thing' is great.

[@avantprog6902]

I got stuck on Bruford's solo albums. They inspired me to drop guitar and pick up drums.

[@Nikioko]

"Close to Perfection" would be a more suitable title for this masterwork.

[@10parsecs]

All conception and especially first 5 minutes of the song are great and unique. The meaning of the text is very deep. "I get up, I get down". Is it about being, about existence, about God? It is not we who live, it is god. He gets up and gets down

[@souldreamer9056]

If you are interested in a live version, and “who is doing what”, here is the breakdown of official concert footage: ‘72/‘73(Yessongs) and ‘75 (QPR) both feature the band in their prime, but audio and video production values is poor by today’s standards. You won’t see who is doing what. Leave these for now. ‘89 (ABWH) - leave this one too, for now. No Chris Squire = No Yes. ‘96 (Keys to Ascension) - This is not really live because the sound recordings were HEAVILY modified and sweetened in the studio afterwards. Thus, audio and video don’t match up. And the video looks like something a 12 year old shot on a vhs camera. The audio only versions are great, but you should view them as 1990’s studio re-recordings of their ‘70s songs. It’s not truly live. 2001/2002 - Yes Symphonic Live: this is where it is at. This is great. Top notch performance, top notch audio and video productions, top notch audience, and the band is in superb form and enjoying themselves. The only downside: no Rick Wakeman, but I do t really miss him as his shoes are competently filled by Tom Brislin PLUS The European Festival Orchestra. The orchestra is made up of young energetic adults and they are having the time of their lives. Great to watch. It is on KZbin (song is split into 2 separate videos). Please react to this one. Anything 2007 and later is lackluster. The band doesn’t have much energy, and they play the song at ~75% of the original speed. Save these for the very last. Another noteworthy mention: the KZbin band “BAND GEEK” have recorded an excellent version. If your goal is to see who is doing what, and you don’t mind seeing a different band doing it, this is a good choice. You clearly see what every instrument is doing. And they have a cool female singer.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thank you for the break down I will check out that Band Geek version

[@apocketfulofheep]

I would put nothing past Buford the guy is a beast on the drums

[@souldreamer9056]

@@raeTM Ha ha - that would be a first I think. Very funny. 😂

[@jeffschielka7845]

So glad you did the masterpiece Close To The Edge! You MUST do Awaken next off of Going For The One. Another masterpiece that will take you on a magical journey. Enjoy!

[@apocketfulofheep]

I did do a reaction to Awaken such a beautiful song

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@apocketfulofheep Will look for it!

[@garri5108]

Ohh, if you want another long prog masterpiece, then listen to Supper's Ready by Genesis. Genesis my fav from 70s prog. They creates a lot of masterpieces. You can check out something by them, like "The Musical Box", "Firth Of Fifth" or "Supper's Ready". Thanks for the content

[@apocketfulofheep]

I am excited to check out suppers ready I have heard it is fantastic

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

I'll second "Supper's Ready" 😎

[@avantprog6902]

Thirds!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

The best version of "Supper's Ready" to me is the one on the "Seconds Out" live album.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will give it a viewing

[@jerrypetrillo2903]

Hope you check out Siberian Khatru and Perpetual Change soon

[@apocketfulofheep]

A live reaction to Yes performing Siberian Khatru will be uploaded soon.

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@apocketfulofheep Awesome!

[@mattleppard1964]

Found it! ❤

[@briansimmons5363]

Gotta go for starship trooper

[@nuimaleko7]

I also love Your Wondrous Stories and Turn of The Century from Going for the One. Great songs! I alsao love Anderson's solo album, Olias of Sunhillow and Squre's Fish Out of Water

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will check those out

[@martinreed5964]

Ricks church organ solo was recorded in an actual cathedral, with a link to the studio via a phoneline so he could play to their music...those beeps you hear, I was told , spell out ABRAXAS in morse code...never checked to see if its true

[@GlobalWarring]

The phone link of Rick playing the organ from a cathedral was for Awaken, not CTTE. It was from Switzerland down a military grade phone line.

[@BigMacIain]

You can't even call it a song, because there are so many sections. It's really a prog suite. The problem with using terms like that is that you run the risk of being pretentious, which is an accusation tha was often levelled at the band themselves. Nevertheless, a suite is what it is.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thank you for the clarification. I will keep it in mind next time

[@rogerhennie8939]

More like a symphony than a suite.

[@davidzornes6863]

Watch the live 1974 YESSONGS" vids.. thanks..

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will check it out

[@davidpickford515]

If you want a new prog track try the American band Glass Hammer's song If the Sun 24 mins of sheer class

[@apocketfulofheep]

I will give it a listen thank you for the suggestion

[@briansimmons5363]

No you are hearing, the bass lines are fantastic

[@pootie4321]

Great song to dry your hair to.

[@briansimmons5363]

Go for tool invincible

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thank you for the suggestion.I will give it a listen

[@briansimmons5363]

@@apocketfulofheep be prepared, you will be emotionally exhausted, its a ride. so is the title track fear inoculum. each is like 12 minutes of bliss. yes a bit harder but bare with it, you will be pleased.

[@apocketfulofheep]

Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward to givimg it a listen

[@GlobalWarring]

Have to agree with Invincible from tool but would add the Danny Carey drum cam video of 'Pneuma' to react to. If you haven't seen it? Wow, take a look.

[@apocketfulofheep]

I definately will thank you for the suggestion