Classical Composer Reacts to Close To the Edge (Yes) | The Daily Doug (Episode 123)

[@siskokidd]

What you had with Yes at that time was a jazz drummer, an inventive, musically astute bassist who spent his youth in a church choir singing classical music filled with rich harmonies, a highly gifted classically trained keyboardist who mastered the newest analog electronic keyboards, a masterful wizard guitarist steeped in rock, jazz and blues, a driven, focused, creative, gifted singer, and a brilliant producer. Plus a record company paying all of them to create this kind of music for increasingly eager audiences. The lure of fans was not only the music, but the fact they could perform (playing and singing) their recorded songs live, while sounding exactly the same, or even better than the studio recordings. Doubtful they were under the influence of serious drugs while writing and recording beyond the accepted functional norm of that time for musicians (some drink and weed). For them, the music alone was often the high they ever needed.

[@marcelosena8955]

That's the best description of Yes I've ever seen!

[@dleachman80]

Brilliant...I would add each one was a prodigy that wanted to expand awareness and push boundries...similar to ELP

[@Ashworth-Media]

YES have produced some amazing music over the years, don't forget that Jon was also in a church choir during his school boy years, so singing well was something he learnt early on. The nature sounds at the start of this track is indicative of Jon's roots in his home town where him and his school mates only had to walk two blocks and be in hilly country side that is similar to that of 'Withering Heights', this would lead him on to base his solo album Olias of Sunhillow upon (if you walk over the hill today you can clearly see where the ideas come from). Jon tells me that he disliked the poppy sounds of The Warriors, and it was only after leaving and joining Mable Greer's Toy Shop did he start to develop the progressive rock sound that is pure YES and that practice makes perfect as when compared to there early contemporaries they were not as polished.

[@ricardomartinelli2992]

Yes was vegan no drugs!

[@Ashworth-Media]

@@ricardomartinelli2992 That not what I have been told.

[@mrb7094]

"Listen to that bass". All Yes fans everywhere: Yes.

[@Doutsoldome]

_Yes,_ indeed!

[@nelsonleduc8833]

It took me over 40 years to figure out this section (at 6:05). The guitar and vocals are continuing in that 12/8 - 3/4 meter from the first verse, while the bass and drums are playing in a much slower 4/4. Polymeters in prog rock!

[@danward7306]

Always did Chris squire is unreal!

[@irw4350]

I so much wanted a bass like Chris Squire - before the age of the internet there was really no way to find out what it was - I tried reading with a magnifying glass the photos off of the inside of Fragile - it looked like "Mickletwirker" - of course it was Rickenbacker - I love the way that if you use the bridge pickup, that the tone changes amazingly across the strings - seems to me that no other guitar actually does this ? anyone?

[@scedos]

@@irw4350 That line of Rick has the pickups wired to 2 different channels out. You send the neck to one channel, and the bridge to another... from owning one for a time, you ALWAYS have the neck channel going(for the low boomy end), and when you want that bright overdriven sound, you run in the middle switch position(both). If you use bridge only, it sounds very thin and un-bass-like. If you run both pickups thru a single channel(this is an option), it loses it's distinctiveness and punch. I am mostly a guitar player, but honestly, when you set a Rickenbacker up properly, few things sound as beautiful.

[@ytnsanw]

Close To The Edge is - quite simply - one of the most astonishing musical accomplishments in recorded musical history from any era, in any genre. The first time I heard it as an almost 15 year-old, it blew me to pieces, both musically and emotionally. In the 50 years since its release, 'seasons have passed me by' and I have never stopped seeking out and discovering new music, but nothing has ever quite affected me the way that did, and I doubt very much it ever will. Still the pinnacle...

[@LosBarracudos]

Isn't it awesome and mind blowing that something as fragile as music has powers to hit people strong and affect us for that many years? I've had similar experience with Mike Oldfield's Amarok in the 90's. Changed my perception of music forever and set a bar that only a few other works could come close to ever since for me. Cheers.

[@mrnobody3161]

Yup. I was 15 in 75 when I first heard it. This song has been a touchstone of sorts for me ever since. The song that lead me to Yes is by Argent called: Music of the Spheres. This song changed the course of my life and l would later co-found a progrock band. Another epic song is Tod Rundgren's Utopia and their song Ikon. I highly recommend checking them both out.

[@jamesculver4169]

I was 16 at the time, and it blew me away. I'd not heard the Fragile or Yes album, and was soon on my way to loving this band and all their work. CTTE is by far, the best two sides on vinyl, period.

[@kickdrum09]

@@mrnobody3161 almost the same story except for starting the band part. I knew about Roundabout through listening on the radio, but I'll say my curiosity piqued about Yes and what must their other songs sound like? Well, I've seen them 5 times live, even with Yes West. All were great oerformances.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

For me, it's either Supper's Ready or the Gates of Delirium.

[@WillRock07]

I love how he goes "That's awesome!" literally half a second before one of the greatest moments in music history - seeing his face change as that organ hit was great.

[@feanorian21maglor38]

Have always loved that Church organ coming through after the beautiful melody.

[@BoGardiner]

And again when the pipe organ first gives way to the Moog... "okay we're not in church anymore!"

[@-jamthesun1103]

That organ rocks his world. And mine!

[@Minimax04]

Can’t argue with you other than the fact that it may just be the greatest moment in music history bar none. I have never not got goosebumps when I hear that organ come in. Ever.

[@PaulMikna]

@@Minimax04 The definition of "face melting"! Nothing like it!

[@davmtu]

Some of us have been listening to this for 50 years and still haven't heard all of it.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

In my case: 30 years I dont understand how a guy (from my age: 44) master in music....dont listening this before!!!

[@JungleScene]

shit aint that the truth.

[@ChrisLawton66]

@@antoniocarlin5026 I think perhaps you become a master in your chosen field of music by ignoring other types until you master the one you want.

[@claudioas]

that's the feeling

[@beammeupscotty1955]

I am also one of those 50 year listeners, though the lyrics of Yes were never the appeal for me. Hearing then compared to the Beach Boys was quite painful for me. It belittles the music IMO.

[@marajamisf]

Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford..... oh God !!!! What a Band !!!!!!!!!

[@DungeonBossTipsundTricks]

I think, the band Focus is better

[@dvaidr]

@@DungeonBossTipsundTricks Horses for courses.

[@dvaidr]

What a collective! Five virtuoso players!

[@MrSpankee02]

@@DungeonBossTipsundTricks I’m actually just discovering Focus. Any suggestions?

[@DungeonBossTipsundTricks]

@@MrSpankee02 sure Hamburger Concerto Moving Waves Anonymous 2 House of the King Mother Focus Jannis Maximum

[@clos2thedge]

Close To The Edge is the prog rock song by which all others are measured. I've been listening to it for nearly 50 years now, and I still get chills just like the first time I heard it.

[@ronniewall1481]

FISH RISING.

[@ronniewall1481]

THERE'S A LOT OF REALLY GOOD PROG THAT'S SELDOM HEARD. NEWER BAND WOBBLER. BUT GONG, SPOCKS BEARD QUIET SUN HAPPY THE MAN.

[@donnafriedson7347]

Yea clos2thrdge I’m 67 and have been listening to this from the beginning.I’ve never heard a song that comes close to this not even other Yes songs.Absolutely one of the classics and always will be!

[@joesmith4222]

Starship Trooper does that to me.

[@nondisclosed9486]

@@donnafriedson7347 Just saw Jon Anderson. Acoustics were horrible but great to see the legend one more time. Made me feel old, but in a satisfying way

[@tolstoy21]

I didn't discover Yes or this song until the 90s when I was in college and it shook me from my 'grunge' music stupor and really opened my eyes and ears. Just the other day I put this on in my car and it was the first time ever my nine year old stopped talking for 18 minutes straight since the moment he learned to speak! When it was over, he asked me why I had hidden this from him all this time. Of course, I could only respond by putting on Heart of the Sunrise.

[@XUKMUSIC]

Beautiful story.

[@billbigler1366]

Have to add to all of these great comments. Have been a fan of Yes since 1969. When Close to the Edge came out on 1972 me and my college roommates would listen to the whole album. We saw Yes live in 1972. And Doug you might like this. There is another song on the album Siberian Khatru. They opened the 1972 concert with this song. The auditorium was pitch black. Quietly over the sound system Stravinsky's Finale to the Firebird built up to a loud level. The band had snuck on to the stage and when the last notes of the Firebird were finishing they hit the first notes of Siberian Khatru. We thought we were going to have a heard attack it was so cool. BTW I write this at 71 years of age. Still brings tears.

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thanks, Bill.

[@cattycorner8]

Oh man oh man I remember those days when rock concerts had classical music before the concert

[@andrewbarbour9991]

That tour was my first concert. Blew me away. They encoded with Yiurs is no disgrace when I saw them.

[@brolinofvandar]

Saw Kansas in Philly in 83, with a similar surprise opening, though I'm not entirely sure how they pulled it off. The show started with an empty stage, 4 stools front and center. An apparent string quartet, in formal clothing, walks out and sits. They begin to tune up, like we were about to see a string recital or something. Then the stage exploded in light and fog, as we were blinking from the sudden flashes of light and trying to peer through all the smoke/fog, we could hear the opening guitar notes to a Kansas song (don't recall what song). As the smoke cleared and we could see the stage again, the "string quartet" were gone, and Kansas was on stage, jamming. One of the most memorable show openings of my (65 year) life.

[@billbigler1366]

@@brolinofvandar very cool. Kansas actually fronted for Yes in about 1996. What a concert. Cheers.

[@rchuso]

I still remember mom telling me to "Turn down that noise." back in '72.

[@davidlyttle3139]

Same here... then I realized, Yes: Close to the Edge speaks only to those who know how to listen... and feel alive.

[@thereminblue77]

Same here - then my mum added “it will all be forgotten in 6 months” ! How wrong it was. Such powerful music.

[@donaldbeaverson8144]

Why do I keep hearing turn that down oh that's in my head

[@chegevara8896]

sorry, but your mom is deaf

[@bobinscotland]

My mum always loved the blond girl who played piano.... LOL

[@calvinmark2112]

Probably the most celebrated Yes lineup- Anderson, Howe, Squire, Bruford, and Wakeman. Legendary song and album!

[@JayGreezy]

Best lineup

[@osvaldo8966]

Affirmative, the most!

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

For a little while, they filled the universe with a mighty noise, unprecedented in all history.

[@jaimeballester840]

@@osvaldo8966 - the best line up, full stop! 👍👍

[@xyz-yf2kr]

My favorite Yes lineup! Tony Kaye on the Yes Album was my other favorite. On CTTE Squire and Bruford are so supportive of each other :) Happy Bruford laid down the percussion on this piece cause it wouldn't be the same if another played cold. Music like this was my escape from University Studies :)

[@MarkJones-mm3br]

What I always say to people about this song is, when you first listen to it everything sounds wrong: the notes, the timing, the melodies, the keys, the harmonies. After you listen to it a few times or even once to the end (assuming some musical literacy) you realise everything is absolutely perfect, deliberate, brilliant and mind-blowing genius.

[@danbernard4227]

When I first heard this in '72, I remembered being very challenged, due to them taking, what felt like such a huge leap from everything that they'd done before. But, as you said, after a few listenings.... boom! Every album had obviously been leading to this height in their work! Sadly, I lost interest after this album, though I still listen with pleasure to this and all its predecessors.

[@filipedoferreira]

bro...that's exactly what i've been experienced...

[@MichaelBrueckner]

Topographic was harder to listen to until you got the score. Awesome music, too.

[@TheLlywelyn]

@@danbernard4227 Totally agree. As a teen it used to take me 5-6 listens to crack open their complex pieces due to the interwoven musical motifs that they often moved around within the pieces and used as themes or even counterpoints. You start to look into the chaotic forest and recognise the branches woven through it.

[@artysanmobile]

I’m not so sure the introduction was written note for note. It sounds to me like there is improvisation from multiple players resulting in randomness.

[@AstralTraveler227]

I was enthralled at 12 and I am still enthralled at 62. It never gets old!

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

Same here!!

[@plastic2oil]

Same here. This album, including and you and I, defined my musical taste for the past 50 years.

[@aaa7189]

I don't know how anyone can listen to any of the music today

[@dandos5913]

Agree and so happy to listen them with my vinyls

[@KdpPhila]

Same age also. Weren’t the 70s an amazing time to be a teenager listening to music. It seemed like great new albums that became classics were being released once a week. My memory of close to the edge and a lot of music is they I was turned on by my brother who had returned from Vietnam the year before. He left listening to Motown (not knocking that) wearing sharkskin suits and came home with albums like blind faith and Yes. Grew out his hair and beard and was a totally different person

[@cpu554]

I was a bigoted jazz musician who thought that there was no such thing as great rock music. My sister got this album from a friend and never played it. I got stoned one day and wanted to see how space music sounded while ripped. Popped this on and was just blown away. This album changed my life.

[@BraddersMusic]

If you had ever seen them live you would have been blown away and lost your socks!

[@cpu554]

@@BraddersMusic saw them in Pittsburgh after the release of Relayer.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros4419]

You are so lucky to have been able to experience the Relayer lineup firsthand. I think Moraz' abilities lends itself better towards the manic chaotic energy of some of their songs than Wakeman's approach.

[@cpu554]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros4419 I used to have all the lyrics memorized from Gates of Delirium. Stand and fight we do consider. Took my girlfriend to the concert and she got a contact high and it freaked her out.

[@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912]

Well I am (was) a jazz hater; but this is fantastic and I now get how this drum sound can be musical

[@ksteiger]

Many years ago I worked at Cherokee Studios in L.A. One day I walked into the tape vault and noticed a 2" tape box simply marked "Close to the Edge - Master". Well, I knew that was impossible so I put it up on one of the Otaris in Studio 2 and hit rewind. As I watched I heard about 15 splices go by... my heart sank when I realized that It really was the master and I just threw it up casually. I hit play and ascertained that it was a 16 track tape. I sat there for over 3 hours listening in awe to the individual tracks. The drums were 4 tracks, snare, kick and left and right drums. The bass was SLAMMED level wise, which is one reason for that incredible sound.and the vocal harmonies were "wide" individually but beautifully thick when played together. Autotune would have ruined them. This was a day I will never forget.

[@sigurdkaputnik7022]

Amazing. You should have made a copy of that tape for yourself...:-)

[@joefry22]

That must've been pretty incredible to hear. There are some clips on KZbin of outtakes from the Close to the Edge sessions. Mostly mixed-down stems or versions without effects or doubled vocals. Just makes it even more amazing to think how Yes and Eddie Offord spliced all these sections together so seamlessly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6DSg5R-l7GjpNk

[@badpineapple1]

sssoooo... You found the Dead Sea Scrolls AND The Ark Of The Covenant.... In Los Angeles....

[@mrnobody3161]

Thanks for the recollection. Being a musician from 6 years old, hearing Yes at 15, co-founded a progrock band at 19, Close the Edge at 61 yrs old is still a touchstone for me. It reconnects me to "the muse" of music 🎶 where there are no limitations. To play what one feels, without the fear of others preconcieved expectations. An amazing rush it must have been.

[@davegannon3280]

Wow

[@risktaker53]

Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, etc...sounds, music no one had ever heard...what a joyous, wonderful time for us to grow up listening to...50 years later I still listen to these geniuses!

[@Democrab]

ELP, did you mean ELO?

[@risktaker53]

ELP...Emerson, Lake, and Palmer

[@tuskact4overheaven873]

I would put also king crimson, van der graff generator and soft machine (third is a masterpiece).

[@jclosed2516]

@@tuskact4overheaven873 I completely agree with those. I would add even a few more, like Genesis, Gentle Giant, and yes Frank Zappa too. There is also a big scene people often ignore. I am talking about Krautrock. Bands like Birth Control, Nektar, Eloy, Amon Düül and Tangerine Dream belong to that scene, and most of them had a big impact on the early days of Symphonic Rock.

[@Hellyeahray21]

Pink Floyd is actually really famous. It's usually what Nirvana is for grunge: everyone knows Pink Floyd as prog but when you ask about any other prog band they can't respond

[@goncalopborges]

If you did both 2112 and Close to the Edge... it's time for Supper's Ready!

[@biraoliverio]

I agree and A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers.

[@einarassipavicius1991]

@@biraoliverio Oh yes. I'm sad nobody reacts to VdGG and, when one finds prog, he sticks with Yes, Genesis, Rush, Pink Floyd but rarely goes deeper to Gentle Giant, Van der Graaf Generator, Camel etc.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

hes is almost ready to listening the "Red" full album from King Crimson!!

[@einarassipavicius1991]

@@antoniocarlin5026 Doing King Crimson reaction might be tricky because of copyright issues. Maybe KZbin and DGM are not so strict these days, but there's a decent probability for KC reaction to be blocked. Although I would love it, Red is my number two album of all time.

[@theunclegames6215]

Supper's Ready Would be Phenomenal!

[@richardcatalinajr.369]

I've listened to Close to the Edge hundreds if not more than a thousand times. What I've come away with after nearly 50 years is that the Fish IS the driving force in this piece. Brilliant bass, brilliant musician. RIP, Chris Squire.

[@jawoody9745]

You can't mistake the sound of a Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar, nor the way Chris plays it, through distortion and all!

[@richardcatalinajr.369]

@@jawoody9745 Indeed!

[@nalunoa]

Must fully agree

[@drdalewisely]

Chris Squire's solo album "Fish Out of Water," holds up so well over the years. It's been way neglected.

[@tsot9837]

@@drdalewisely I love Fish Out Of Water. Wore out the vinyl copy. Bought it on cd. That got ruined and had to buy a digital copy. Still have the vinyl, but it’s pretty scratchy.

[@GravyDaveNewson]

I've been listening to this song for nearly 50 years and it still brings a tear to my eye.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

The studio version and the one on Yessongs are just too much. Same with And You & I. Such Beauty. Grew up in the 70s. Yes is deeply ingrained in my physical and spiritual being. love and "light"

[@tubamajuba]

I’ve heard it once now..here, moments ago, carved up by ads and breaks.Sounds a bit crazy and chaotic at first listen but worth trying again without all the stops and starts.

[@pianorover]

@@tubamajuba this and songs like Starless by King Crimson are trascendental pieces of music. Just take your time and they will reveal themselves to you, and maybe even stay with you for life. Good listening, my friend!

[@eduardwilliams1245]

Amen. For any lover of music or art in general. This is stirring stuff.

[@tommy2x4]

Two million people barely satisfy Two hundred women watch one woman cry, too late The eyes of honesty can achieve How many millions do we deceive each day? probably some of the greatest lyrics penned...

[@BrendaChristensen]

I was a classically trained tumpet player at age 16 when I saw them in concert in 1978. I was the top player in the state and had mastered Vivaldi. After this concert, I knew I would never match their level of musicianship. I was stunned. Chris Squire is the Hendrix of bass.

[@Jim-pt8kk]

Refreshing to see a woman appreciate how great Yes was

[@John_13_35]

Great player. I think Jaco, Jack Bruce and Paul McCartney helped take bass playing to the next level as well

[@jefaerts4207]

I believe 100s of years from now , this will be still appreciated

[@nancyaugustine9000]

All I know is 50 years later ,,,,still love it

[@ataylor2112]

F ‘ yea!!

[@doolittlegeorge]

There live work will be remembered forever period. "One of those"(all too many) "Musical acts i wish I had seen." Pink Floyd being the other big miss. But of course I had to make my own music back on the day, too sooooo...

[@vectionnoitcev2836]

@@doolittlegeorge I managed to see Floyd at the infamous Cleveland concert where their jet flew low and slow over the stadium to open it. People were so distracted by it no one noticed the band come on stage as the sound of the receding jet reverberated through the sound system. I never went to another concert after that. How could anybody beat that...

[@patricksmart5673]

If it can be performed by mixed voice choirs it will be.

[@edallen3662]

Chris Squire one of the greatest bassists that ever lived rest in peace

[@Olsen-vp5vg]

100%

[@matthewlacey5307]

And the lovely harmonies here. CHRIS being an ex chorister and pupil of Haberdashers

[@morisurari7607]

Absolutely. Also the one with the best-sounding bass guitar ever.

[@denest3435]

Yes greatest bassist listen to their earlier albums like fragile

[@edallen3662]

Long distance runaround from The Fragile album

[@gbcustomguitars]

“Listen to that bass” “Listen to that bass” “Is that a synthesizer?” No...THAT is Chris Squire. Priceless reactions.

[@EdBert]

Track down his solo (yes a bass solo) where he plays Amazing Grace.

[@fredmullin7036]

Best bass guitarist of his generation. Sadly lost to us too soon.

[@funqsta]

there is a very tight synth double for that brief passage - the nature of the line doesn't lend itself to Taurus pedals, tho Chris used them live on the CttE tour. I had to revisit my analysis from '73 (i was stuck on Fragile throughout '72, and that year was the first time i saw them live,) as didn't seem possible to so faithfully stay in unison with Squire's Rickenbacker line, but we're talking about Wakeman, y'all. Had chalked it up to a distortion pedal originally, but gonna go with Rick doubling for the win.

[@captainastral]

Chris did use a set of organ pedals to extend the range of the bass, I think.

[@gregsimpson1433]

@@funqsta It sounds like there may be a synth double, which I had never heard until now. I'm pretty sure he's also running his bridge pickup through a fuzz pedal for that section, though.

[@alistairclyne9362]

I’m 63 and remember playing this album in my bedroom with my headphones on in the 70’s .... it still sounds as good, in fact it’s longevity makes it even better now! Loved your reactions! As we say in Scotland when we drink Whisky.... Slainte! 🥃

[@philthedogg]

I’m 63 you and me both listening to something we shouldn’t have been listening to at our age. Made a big impression

[@gibby6904]

Yep....64 here....headphones in the bedroom....🎉

[@gibby6904]

The pipe organ was done in an actual Church...

[@livesalone]

67 and yes, headphones in my bedroom

[@caroles140]

Where in Scotland is that said? I'm Scottish, from Glasgow, and I've never heard it or seen it written anywhere.

[@pauldunsmoor6372]

You should listen to "Awaken" by Yes. Another life changing experience.

[@ByOurLove]

I prefer Awaken to Close to the Edge.

[@sealisa1398]

@@ByOurLoveAwaken takes me to a whole different place…the last minute or so are vivid images. “And I turned around and you were standing close to me”. Makes me cry.

[@vagpap85]

that is THE Bass. Chris Squire was the bass player, unfortunately no longer with us. He was a true pioneer. Rickenbacker player, thats why the tonality is bombastic :)

[@cybore213]

He also rewired his Rickenbacker with stereo outputs from the pickups, then ran one output to a bass amplifier and the other to a treble amplifier for a unique sound. Another part of his unique sound was one of his favored playing techniques. He often played with a stiff pick held between the thumb and forefinger and would strike the string with the pick with the thumb striking the string just after.

[@kevinbrown3082]

Rickosound was a Rickenbacker invention. Two outputs one in stereo were the pick up signals are separated and can be fed to separate amps. The other is standard and works like a normal out put. Chris Squire is the Godfather of all prog rock bass players. His influence can be heard in almost all modern prog rock. I’ll name Jonas Reingold (mashed his surname there) of the Flowerkings as someone who has taken Squires “reachings” and really run with them. A very musically gifted bass player. Very sadly missed.

[@VegasSongwriter]

Rickenbacker sold a LOT of basses because of that sound lol. Squire and Wakeman are gods of their respective instruments within the genre.

[@maryfedorchak5535]

Yup, that's THE one that all of today's bassists are inspired by in some way or form

[@tatalito]

@@VegasSongwriter don' t tell me....I bought 4 ricks (the 4001 Chris Squire Limied edition included) Squire's fault t

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Chris Squire was one of the most innovative bassist in rock, prog rock or just great music. His killer sound was procured with immaculate technique and a modified Rickenbacker and a plectrum. He was also a fine vocalist, top of his class..all in all he was one of the greatest ….ever. Glad you like him too.

[@g4kfjve7kfj34]

OH THAT RICKENBACKER TWANG BEST SERVED LIVE

[@pinkie5746]

RIP Chris. I first saw Yes at Winterland in 1972. Since then I've seen them at venues all around Northern California. But most recently on Cruise to the Edge in 2014. Ahhh

[@davijohnson1397]

I have only discovered you, but I've been a Yes fan since I was a kid in the 1970s. It didn't take you long to figure out the most important part of Yes. Chris Squire was the greatest rock era bassist of all time. None of the otherwise complex Yes music works without Chris. Glad that you appreciated their flawless masterpiece Close to the Edge.

[@davijohnson1397]

Apparently, I haven't just discovered you. I've just seen a few of your other videos recently, and worked my way back to this one. While I still don't like the way you keep pausing this to attempt to analyze it (which is a difficult task when it comes to 1970s Yes), I appreciate that you recognize genius when you hear it.

[@creaturekaspar]

🌞larls🌞

[@thenomadicpen]

I can't hear this song anymore without singing, "That's a Major 9th . . .third . . .fa . . .mi . . ." and then throw my arms up in triumph @19:15. Best reaction to anything anywhere.

[@AlobytesOgniddove]

And the reaction AFTER...

[@ephesians.6]

Hahaha and the one I timestampsd at the top of this thread it's so good!

[@8591bobby]

LOL. That's hilarious. I think I'll join you.

[@Rondo2ooo]

@@AlobytesOgniddove Exactly! When that pipe organ kicks in Doug is fully (and unexpectedly) mesmerized.

[@lindalu22291]

OMG. Best comment ever. Loving his field goal reaction to Anderson's last note, and THEN his hysterical reaction to Wakeman's church organ. Slams him back in his chair. Funny.

[@joelliebler5690]

This whole album, only 3 songs, changed or elevated the whole progressive rock movement. It is considered the prog. Rock bible to most prog fans and future musicians!

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros4419]

Indeed, it's amazing the roll of masterpieces these guys put out in a short amount of time: The Yes Album, Fragile, CTTE, TFTO (some think it's overblown but totally complex and difficult to put nonetheless), Relayer and GFTO

[@joelliebler5690]

Add ABWH to that and take away Tales and I would agree with you!

[@seanburns2669]

I just love how he keeps coming back to the genius that was Chris Squire.

[@davidhughes4448]

Ain't it so, Sean.

[@greganderson5972]

Absolutely! Somehow, Squire drives this song. He tended to do that a lot.

[@JoeHamelin]

@@davidhughes4448 I was lucky to see one of his last shows near the end of the 2014 tour. Yes played both Fragile and Close to the Edge in their entirety. Damn that was a good show.

[@bugradio]

I made the same comment while I was still watching. The lines, the performance, and the sound he got were all perfect.

[@davidhughes4448]

@@JoeHamelin Excellent, Joe! I lost track of how many time I saw them after a dozen shows. I just missed their Fragile tour here in the US, but was totally on board from Close To The Edge onward.

[@Gez492]

I just love doug's expression when it moves him. This often often moves me to tears. It's a truly astonishing composition and equally artisan musicianship. Stands comparison with the old classic composers such as Bach Motzart etc.

[@frankfertier34]

Ach! Motzart ! grosse Mutzik !

[@XUKMUSIC]

Me too... the tears. It's deep.

[@southsidesky]

it's bizarre to see the reaction of someone who has never heard this when every note is intensely familiar to me

[@shamancolin]

I love watching people to react to Yes for the first time.

[@dontregartha7097]

What was nice, was knowing what delight would come next!

[@tubamajuba]

I feel the same way about Rush.

[@philmanson2991]

Were we ever warmer on that day/a million miles away/it seemed from all eternity---ah!

[@Cobalt985]

Me too! It wasn't very long ago for me but it makes me remember the first time I listened to this... :) I wasn't an instant convert like a lot of other people, Heart of the Sunrise had already hooked me in though so I gave it a few more listens, The Solid Time of Change started to just make "sense", I knew where the time changes were (but I was used to that from Dream Theater haha), I appreciated I Get Up much more... and the closing really started to hit me hard, when the song ends I still feel like something big just closed, like I'm at the real and true end to a beautiful story. Incredible song. Incredible band.

[@joywilliams594]

Yes was very complex. I'm a classically trained vocalist. Opera (coloratura), also played piano, violin, cello. But Yes has always been one of my favorites. They made transitions of scales, tone, keys, etc, that was damned sophisticated. They were the Mozarts of this age. They are really underappreciated. Thanks for doing this video.

[@henrymcintosh3]

This album is a vulgar display of talent and creativity and vision :)

[@folkme3042]

Absolutely!What's not to love?

[@crhu319]

ikr it's like they know how good they are How rude

[@0patience4flz]

Higher beings

[@northtustinsteamworks5172]

At about 12 minutes into the song, Rick Wakeman, recorded on the pipe organ of London's St Giles-without-Cripplegate church, begins the main theme of this segment, which changes from a major to a minor key as the music progresses. Jon Anderson explained: We have the 'I get up, I get down' part before it goes into a beautiful ocean of energy. You've gone through nearly 10 minutes of music that's very well put-together, but then you want to let go of it. You relax a little bit. The song came about because Steve was playing these chords one day, and I started singing, 'Two million people barely satisfy.' It's about the incredible imbalance of the human experience on the planet. The vocals came together nicely. I'm a big fan of the Beach Boys and the Association - such great voices. Steve and I were working on this, and at one point he said, 'I have this other song ...' And I said, 'Well, start singing it.' And he went [sings], 'In her white lace, you could clearly see the lady sadly looking / saying that she'd take the blame for the crucifixion of her own domain ...' When I heard that, I said, 'Wait. That's going to be perfect! You start singing that with Chris, and then I'll sing my part.' We have an answer-back thing.[3] - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_to_the_Edge_(song)

[@felipearaujo9841]

"Listen to that bass!" Everybody listening to Yes for the first time

[@DamienDrake]

That's what Geddy Lee said!

[@bobpond6381]

Chris 101 dude. And I’ve owned a Rick since I could afford my first in 1977.

[@davizitopa7252]

Not me. I was *literally speechless,* having trouble picking up the pieces of my then recently blown mind. I won't describe the experience, but it was an awakening. I was little and all I knew was either "normal music" or classical music. This is the interesting thing: _I had no idea, not in my wildest imagination, that music could be like that._ My immediate assessment of Yes was: "this is the music of another planet. It's about somewhere else." It was a rationalization necessary to preserve my sanity. Oh, almost forgot to mention: the truck that ran me over that day was Heart of the Sunrise.

[@mutantplants1]

@@davizitopa7252 I couldn't have said it better, except for me it was Close To The Edge. Then one evening my girlfriend and I dropped some acid and went to see them in the round on their Tormato tour. It was as if beings from another world had come down to Earth to introduce us to a new reality for a couple of hours and left us changed. I know you get it.

[@deathstar008]

My favorite introduction to Yes for people unfamiliar is Heart of the Sunrise for this very reason.

[@johnhitchens5632]

If you learn that Anderson's favourite composer was Stravinsky, this makes more sense :)

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

Robert Fripp also mentions stravinsky and bartok as main influences on his musical style

[@TheAmazingSpaghetti]

I thought it was Sebelius. That's one he mentions a lot anyway.

[@agghjjhgdhvfgjngggh2381]

Yeah was just gonna mention Zapp my self.

[@willasacco9898]

Wow- I never knew that they were influenced by modern classical composers (Is that a contradiction in terms?)

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

@@TheAmazingSpaghetti he and Howe loved them both.

[@ExposedTyranny]

When I first heard this song back in the 70's. I knew I was going to still be listening to it when I was 64, and beyond.

[@sudeste5073]

The same happened to me when the album was released. I was 10 years old. I am already 57 and keep listening to this masterpiece.

[@moonchild9876]

As Sir Paul says, Will you still love me when I'm 64, answer: Yes! We Do!

[@yousefabdelmonem3788]

so before and beyond haha

[@trevorelliston1]

I was 16 when it came out…I am still listening.

[@drdmytroklokol8944]

this song is arguably top number 1 on the list of the songs that I can still keep on listening after listening to it thousands of times over the past 30 years even though I memorized every millisecond of this song

[@JonGreen_UK]

That look of utter rapture as Wakeman comes in on the St Giles-without-Cripplegate organ…that, my friend, is why this is my favourite album of all time, across a so-wide panoply of challengers.

[@mikethomas4669]

Nail. Head. Hit.

[@mauricestevenson5740]

I loved Mr Doug's astonishment when he understood that he was hearing a REAL church organ - rows and rows of metal pipes of various lengths and bores. A pipe organ requires a big (VERY big) room. A wooden building does not properly cut it - the sound has to bounce off stone. I realised this many years ago when i walked into Winchester Cathedral and found I had the place pretty much to myself and the organist was up in his loft practising. And I realised that, when he stopped playing (i.e. there were no sounds coming from the pipes), the music was sustained by the reverberations. A good composer can write for the reverberations as well as the instrument.

[@JonGreen_UK]

@@mauricestevenson5740 Very true. I took my sister to see King's College Chapel for the first time recently. The organ was playing...kinda. A tuner was working on it. The sound was still awe-inspiring, even though they were playing only single notes or pairs.

[@cattnipp]

I visited it and did a video of it close-up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGekk36bfKejY9Esi=Bm1oWOB5w-vNGtCk

[@binnad7091]

The build up is so sublime. The overlapping melody and countermelodies on the vocals, the introspection of the verse, the gradual, crystalline ascending line of the chorus, and his immersed, celebratory fists overhead, the expression of glee on his face, AND THEN... Enter the massive, enigmatic voice of an ages old pipe organ in a great hall! The sheer gravitas of it takes your breath away, puts a lump in the throat, arm hairs on end, and Doug's quizzical eyebrows sieze as his mind processes the stunning shift from the crystal glass of the vocal line to the densely commanding call of an ancient organ. And he is utterly taken up in the current of a tsunami. Brilliant! (Fun trivia - I think there had only recently been some repairs to the organ which might have inspired them to include it for added importance. It's a calculated risk since one can never really achieve that kind of impact live unless one holds the concert in a very old church with a 200-300 year-old pipe organ.)

[@tomfabozzi6309]

I had to laugh when Doug said "I have the lyrics up here". I thought to myself, "That's not going to be much help to you, my friend!" :-) Jon wrote lyrics based on how the words sounded, as often as not - he always considered his voice to be an instrument. The lyrical content is sometimes poetic, and sometimes just away with the Fairies, and nonsensical. But no one else writes lyrics like him, and no one else sounds like him. Truly unique

[@stevebogucki5494]

Exactly!

[@johnarcarese4301]

I view most of Jon's lyrics as a collection of concepts and ideas...they're not *entirely* nonsensical.

[@markhunter8554]

I've always enjoyed lyrics that we're not linear.

[@robertoestanislaosolari8661]

The letters of YES are like a magic spell. They do not make sense to our logic but they have an immediate effect on the spirit of the listener.

[@philanderson9318]

Me too! When he said that I thought "Nooooo, don't go there!" But Doug's take did seem very reasonable. I've never even stopped to think about it. I keep seeing Siddhartha on people's 'best book ever' lists. If it's that special a book you have to have quite a nerve to think you can write a piece of music worthy of it. Well they certainly nailed it!!!!

[@davidparker4797]

At the beginning of the song you asked "What are these guys on?" and I'm sure you now realize the answer is "Another Level Altogether"

[@luismangiaterra1031]

Right another level...the beta level of consciousness. I like some of the music other pro bands (Focus) but they didn't have alter states of consciousness, the Beta Sciences. And hypnosis.

[@gjohung]

I had a friend who knew a friend who claims Jon Anderson always contacted him when he came to Los Angles for pot.

[@MrDavesf]

100%. For me, it's Beatles, Yes, and The Stones. There's a lot I love, but those are my top three. Well, top four if I include my band..!

[@poststructuralisthero9290]

And shrooms. Lots of shrooms. They talk a little about it in interviews.

[@MrDavesf]

@@poststructuralisthero9290 We played a gig at Golden Gate Park opening for Kantner Balin Cassady & Santana. I had some acid and thought "I'll take this right before we go on, and by the time we're done I'll be ready for a nice trippy walk home across the city and whatever else happens...". I took the hit, and was almost immediately informed that our set time had been pushed back 45 mins. It was a very interesting set for me!

[@leesyrjanen3947]

Doug, the expression on your face when the church organ comes in, is priceless. I was waiting for that!!!

[@rjculliford]

"I think I've heard snippets of Close to the Edge before at parties" A phrase that never has been uttered before. ;)

[@johanliljeblad1236]

I have, the music, not the phrase.

[@ChrisLawton66]

Nice.

[@paznewis107]

You have not been going to the right parties..

[@lemming9984]

😂🤣

[@jodonnell64]

@@paznewis107 Took the words right out of my mouth. Yes, Rush, Genesis, Crimson, Kansas, and so on were always played at the parties I went to.

[@leddygee1896]

All I can say is that Chris Squires Bass playing is from somewhere special... No one quite like him.

[@michaelkirsch9023]

“A brilliant piece of music”. I couldn’t say it any better. I’ve been listening to Close to the Edge since 1972, and love it every time.

[@RMGCBG]

Saw this tour, had never witnessed anything like this before or after

[@mutantplants1]

Never gets old

[@JagirReehal]

Me too

[@scottbrandenburg5871]

Yup, This was the first album I ever bought, I was 14 my best friend bought Dark side of the moon. We'd smoke a j then go to his house when his parents went out at night. His marine Corp dad had just returned from overseas with a 135 watt Sansui receiver ,4 huge Sansui speakers. I've had a blessed life.

[@darkmaitri]

Right on! I know what you mean! I saw Yes a couple of times. The first time I saw them was also the first time I saw a laser show! It was mind blowing! I remember I was extremely hot because I was down on the floor, in front of the band. So it was packed. But at one point it went all dark and silent. Then a single green light pierced the darkness. Everyone was like, WOW! Then a cool breeze blew all the hot sweat from my skin, because they were making fog with dried ice. Then each successive light beam split, over and over, It was glorious!

[@quentinburns8298]

Doug. Back in their day, early and mid-seventies, Yes was bigger than Pink Floyd. They fell out of favor and didn't keep an audience like Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin did. But they were HUGE back then. There is so much they did that was just amazing. The prior album, Fragile was the closest they got to a "pop record" in those early days but they didn't pitch any softballs on that one either. Just went with shorter songs. The base was tectonic!!!

[@mikereiss4216]

Yes were bigger than Pink Floyd until Floyd put out Dark Side of the Moon. After that nobody could catch them. However, Yes were still as big and maybe bigger than Floyd in Philadelphia PA where Yes had the most sell outs of any band up until around 2005.

[@herbhill7591]

I was in my early teens in the early 70’s. And this happened. Ruined me for “normal” music forever. Grateful. 😁👍

[@martinreed5964]

me too

[@barrycowen627]

@@martinreed5964 me three

[@trilingual6725]

@@barrycowen627 me four

[@jimclarke8260]

Me five.

[@DarkStar-os9pv]

At sixth

[@ivanr3107]

19:18 alright, hands up who else had the biggest smile on their face, too?

[@duanehealing5965]

Every time.

[@waynecox3958]

Anticipation almost did me in……..

[@jimneumann6099]

Absolutely!!

[@markfarrell6810]

:D

[@AdrianoRibeiro123]

The church organ part is a pure nirvana!

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

When music was at it’s peak 1965 -1975. Bands like Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP, King Crimson, etc pushing the boundaries

[@TheRKae]

There's still grand stuff out there - just not coming from any major labels. Check out Neal Morse's "Similitude of a Dream"... then keep going.

[@markhunter8554]

1965-1975 has always been my decade as well. The era of classic rock.

[@Nugliscious]

May I interest you in some Captain Beyond or Cactus?

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

@@TheRKae will do that thanks

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

@Galaxy Being hmmm, so you can’t believe that it is the golden age but still listen to other music? I do. Yup, I have seen Sigur Ros. But would prefer, say, Portishead, Radiohead, Muse, Sure, one can find some interesting stuff and always have done but not to the same quantity and quality of that era. Which was my point.

[@garypowell1540]

It is hard to put into words what this kind of stuff did to our minds back when affordable high-fidelity stereo equipment had only just become available. Also at a time when Motown, The Bay City Rollers, and the likes of Frank Sinatra were still dominating the popular carts and radio stations. It was like entering a different world and then having to come back to the dismal UK with 3 day weeks, endemic strikes, a couple of older generations, and an economy still shot to hell by the effects of WWII. Add to this kind of mind-altering music, accompanied by a maturing drugs culture and a whole load of young women with half-used cards or contraceptive pills in their cheap handbags, and just about anything and everything seemed to be possible, and often enough was. What a time to be especially a young geezer? We really had no idea quite how good we had it.

[@pwethman1]

Warms my heart to see a professionally trained classical musician practically peeing his pants over “I Get Up I Get Down”.

[@Doug.Helvering]

no pants were harmed in the making of this video...

[@A_Pt_9298]

It's all about the balance, the scale between upbeat and depression, during the process of creating a composition of original art and if you've ever created a piece of art you'll understand both the frustration and elation of the process

[@johnraymondflores]

To think this guy hears everything in the key of.... I think it’s great!

[@peterbyrne178]

@@Doug.Helvering I really enjoy your classically trained ear analysing and appreciating rock musicians work.. Yes really were a class apart musically.. Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman and Chris Squier ( RIP) possibly the best ever

[@xyzzy5821]

It was a joy to watch this video. Seeing someone so excited about it (especially the church organ part) made my day! I’m blown away every time I listen to it. A bit of trivia about Yes: They’ve been around so long that by the time the band disbanded, none of the original members were left. In fact, there was a bit of a row over the name when the original 4 members wanted to release an album in the 80s under the name Yes. They got shot down by the current Yes members and eventually released an album titled “Anderson Buford Wakeman and Howe.”

[@OzarkTroutBum]

I can attest to the fact that they were capable of recreating this live. I saw them do it.

[@akaDougT]

I can second this. I have seen Yes perform this song many times live. It always astounded me how this Yes lineup, with Alan White on drums later, could sound as good live as they sounded on the studio albums. Chris Squire is the best rock bassist. RIP Chris

[@mrdbarnes650]

AS did I

[@kimmasuen4107]

Agreed. I've seen them so many times!

[@rainerrauser9030]

Agreed. My first approach to this song WAS the live version on the tripple vinyl yessongs live album as a teenager in the late 1980s. No need to say that it blew me right away. I was into early Genesis then. But this was beyond anything I've ever heard ... to this day.

[@michaelhogan6770]

They were the only band I saw that was better live.

[@BillyTeaStoop]

The second song on this album, "And you and I" while not quite up the highs of Close to the Edge, is also a masterpiece.

[@joevazquez3920]

It is the best and most beautiful love song..

[@cattycorner8]

BillyBruiser soooo romantic

[@davidmogstad6122]

While I loved the masterpiece of Close To The Edge, And You and I, never fails to bring me to tears every time I hear it!

[@raymanna]

And You and I is a definite masterpiece.

[@nickavenoso7851]

Every song on this whole album is a masterpiece. CTTE is one of the best progressive rock albums ever. Although it’s my second favorite Yes album (Relayer is my favorite), I still absolutely love it to death!

[@williamday7132]

"Listen to that Bass!" Chris Squire (RIP) was an amazing bass player. I think the part you are referring to he uses his fretless bass to slide up and down those notes. He also would use a Moog bass pedal setup to get those long-sustained bass tones.

[@OnlookerDelay]

I saw Yes perform this live in Charlotte, NC, a month before the album was released. The audience was mesmerized, including me. They played every song on Close to the Edge that night and the other two were just as well played and performed. Their encore that night was Starship Trooper, for which they called back The Eagles, who was the opening act, to perform it with them... it worked brilliantly! Oh how I'd love to have that concert on film! Best concert I ever saw by far and away!

[@MatthewKocel]

Oh my god, I can only imagine Starship Trooper with the Eagles joining in! I saw the Eagles in the Summer of '78. One of my all time best concert experiences....But the 5 YES concerts I attended top the list.

[@warehousejo007]

lucky u! 👍🏽✌🏽🖖🏽

[@robmcgrath5202]

I couldn't be more envious of your experience. But what an amazing time to be around for music, both recorded and live. The closest I came was going to the midnight movies at the local theater in the late '70s and watching their live movie.

[@moofoo5906]

I was also at that Charlotte show. 2nd row floor, center stage with my girlfriend. My recollection of the show was exactly as above. I had seen Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk, and the Who at the same place prior to seeing Yes. All up close. Yes was so intense and precise. Simply explosive one minute and beautifully harmonic and melodic the next. When they jammed with a couple of the Eagles on Starship Trooper I caught a tambourine thrown into the crowd and still have it in my music room. We were so lucky in the 70s to see these great bands in Charlotte between the old chrome dome Coliseum and Park Center and the outdoor shows at the Shrine Bowl stadium downtown. The list of bands seen I have kept. BTW - the Yes box set of Steven Wilson remixes is simply fantastic - I had original pressings and Friday Music pressings of their lps and sold them all, keeping the Wilson remixes. They are true to the original recordings, but the complex arrangements have space between instruments and highlight the individual players talents very well. Thanks for posting OnlookerDelay!!

[@Magnetron33]

Saw them with the Eagles opener 9/22/72 Arie Crown Theater in Chicago After that, Fan for life!

[@user-mp9xz8yg4j]

“Close to the Edge” by Yes is one of the most brilliant songs I have ever heard.

[@nalcow]

Best Yes song in my opinión.

[@Kiaburra]

Imagine Rush in their moms' garages listening to this and trying to play like Yes & Pink Floyd. And if you liked Squire's bass on this, listen to an earlier Yes song, 'Starship Trooper.'

[@DavidLazarus]

Starship Trooper has always been a favorite of mine. Though I like Bill Bruford's drumming on the studio version, I prefer the live versions with the Wakeman Howe duets during Wurm. Well, really more like dueling solos than duets, but you get what I mean. :^)

[@MrBruinman86]

Chris Squire was a big influence on Geddy Lee so it's highly likely it happened the way you described.

[@jodonnell64]

@@MrBruinman86 Correct. From what I recall, Squire was the main reason Geddy uses a Rickenbacker bass for nearly everything. And of course, Geddy filling in for the deceased Chris Squire at Yes' Hall of Fame induction was probably a bittersweet dream for him.

[@Ontariosound]

Not sure how much Floyd Rush were playing in their formative years. Genesis for sure. The LLDOB concert at Massey Hall was a watershed evening for them as Neil Peart told us.

[@nancymjohnson]

Rush wasn’t influenced by PF. Only Yes 👍

[@waynecox3958]

This is the 5th time I’ve taken this journey with you. What I want to know is….how after hearing this song cycle over 1000 times in 50 years….how is it still so emotional?

[@stevecavell4479]

Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, ELP have the ability to move me to tears, pop music doesn’t do that, there is something special here. 1970s prog rock will live on as Mozart and Beethoven do.

[@carlpalmer1709]

Right you are, Steve. My eyes often "sweat," too, when listening to great music such as this. And don't forget the superb Annie Haslam and Renaissance.

[@edwarddore7617]

some pop can

[@carlpalmer1709]

@@edwarddore7617 Yeah, I cry if I hear, among other genres of "music" (a term used very loosely here), "harder-edged" teenybopper crap such as say, that spewed by AeroSHIT, Piss (aka Kiss), Motley Crue, Def Leppard, etc., etc., because it's so damned ridiculous and damaging to one's ears. LMAO!

[@MikeCarvin]

@@edwarddore7617 yeah, agree. ABBA!!

[@williamsporing1500]

Gentle giant...saw them open for Wakeman center of the earth tour in Cincinnati, they were very good too

[@veloceracer1]

If you think Close to the Edge is intense, try on “Gates of Delirium” for size off of “Relayer”. It might be my all-time favorite arrangement from Yes.

[@andresfelipearroyofigueroa8570]

Yes! definitely!!!

[@jacksterattacks8326]

Hard guitar part too but astonishing song.

[@satirically-yours]

Yeah I agree. The edge was nice but delirium was reeeeally nice. I think on relayer they pushed just a bit harder to show that we did it before Rick and we can still do it without him.

[@daviddonald9738]

‘Gates Of Delirium’ on Relayer certainly. But flip Close to The Edge and hear ‘Siberian Katru’ Awesome!

[@richardcatalinajr.369]

Gates is a true masterpiece, but I would have really liked to see it composed with Wakeman's influence. I suspect better, but the ending will always bring me to tears. Some of the most beautiful music on the planet.

[@marmpuig]

" A Nature track, I like it" Me: Uuuh, he´s about to go for a RIDE.

[@danieljordan7089]

😆

[@JAS4BG]

Lol. Yep.

[@peterconway6584]

I had to keep an eye on Doug just to enjoy the reactions .

[@allanmartin1005]

It’s a pity you will never have the opportunity of seeing this piece live. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and I knew I had witnessed something extraordinary. Great stuff.

[@dan_polyuha]

I'm so happy you're shifting to prog. Classical composer's comments about prog are very interesting. Thanks for this channel Doug! Greetings from Ukraine.

[@willasacco9898]

Being from Ukraine, are you into the Ukrainian heavy bands like Jinjer and Ignea?

[@petervanbuskirk500]

@@willasacco9898 1914 is really good

[@willasacco9898]

@@petervanbuskirk500 I will check them out. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@petervanbuskirk500]

@@willasacco9898 if you like black/death metal.

[@dan_polyuha]

@@willasacco9898 No, not really. But Stoned Jesus and, as mentioned, 1914 are really worth checking out.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Chris's bass tone = heavy pick on a modded stereo 1964 Rickenbaker 4001, one pickup (neck) going to a clean amp like a Fender or later Sunn, SWR or Ampeg for the clean treble, the bridge going to a Marshall SuperBass and a 4x12 for distorted bass. Those tones, dirty and clean, were blended. The original 4001 (the creme colored one) and the original Marshall amp were in his setup, even touring, until he passed. I hope those are in a museum somewhere.

[@Twittler1]

And he used round wound strings long before anyone else, even John Entwhistle. They’re now so ubiquitous, and we’re so used to the range of tones rounds have offered for fifty odd years, that some forget, or never knew, that until Chris Squire, every bassist in the public ‘ear’ used flat wounds, relatively dull, flat, and colourless (modern flats are much better and have made a comeback since the 90s), even adventurous, more skilful bassists (in the context of pop/rock music).

[@Twittler1]

I think the amping may have been a little different, with the Marshall rig used for the treble and distortion, with the other rig providing a solid, clean bottom. Having had a Marshall Superbass and 4x12, they’re much better at high, distorted tones than clean bottom - those heads are actually much prized by guitarists, much as the original Fender Bassman was/is. At high volume, clean doesn’t happen, and the speakers aren’t up to the job of deep bass clarity. A loud fart is a better description. 😊

[@rflash13]

The look on your face at the 19:30 mark (when the church organ comes in) is absolutely PRICELESS

[@lovergirl1960]

Lord Doug I absolutely love your expressions! It would be difficult for me to let this take me where you are letting it take you the fist time I heard it. Listen to the entire masterpiece 5 or 6 times then move on to tales that will really get ya going no drugs needed. Yes , CTTE ,relayer and tales got me through my teen years and as a grandmother I still listen all the time , I know every word, yes will always be my favorite go to music. I was having a difficult day and of course reached to hear some yes and saw your video had to see your response and it is absolutely priceless!made me smile! Thank you sir!!!

[@markmurphy558]

Can you imagine ANY record company releasing a masterpiece like this today. Of course the audiences don't have the attention span to get through it, which is a shame.

[@bostonseeker]

No one sits and listens to a whole album, over and over, to absorb it. Anyone under about 40 or so is just not used to it, like reading and absorbing lengthy books.

[@e.lectrochef295]

@Shaquille Oatmeal Do yourself a favor - jump back a few decades. The modern classics started in the early 60's (mostly pop/short songs) and slowly, but surely, transformed into amazing works of art. Keep listening, don't give up! Recommend: More Yes, ELP, Moody Blues, all Motown and funk...OK, that's enough. When you need more, call me back!! ;-)

[@rjakobej]

I'll be dropping my second album this year and it's going to open with an almost 26 minutes long song :) It's a sequel to an almost 15 minutes long closing track from my debut, if you're interested, check it out - Iako Bei - Pursuits in 1ife :)

[@green917]

I love that he hears "pet sounds" from the beach boys in parts of this. I think that's 1 of the things that makes this song so brilliant... It pulls from multiple genres: jazz, orchestral music, victorian music (the organ mimicking a harpsichord through parts of it), to late 60s pop music to it's contemporaries. It's a masterpiece!

[@8591bobby]

The music is transcendent. I think it would frighten people today.

[@MickLoud999]

20:05 You are correct in your assessment about the organ. Rick Wakeman recorded that passage on the pipe organ of London's St Giles-without-Cripplegate church.

[@hepenypacker]

That was a very nice catch. Always thought it was a synthesizer of some sorts

[@MickLoud999]

@@hepenypacker Thanks for reminding me about this. Here is a pic of the actual pipe organ used commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Giles-without-Cripplegate,_London_07.JPG#/media/File:St_Giles-without-Cripplegate,_London_07.JPG

[@hepenypacker]

@@MickLoud999 You're welcome. Oh man, that is so cool. Thank you for the link.

[@jdmresearch]

Correct. Wakeman also recorded there "Jane Seymour", a track from his "6 wives..." album. He also tells a story that, although initially he was not charged for playing there, when he arrived the vicar mentioned an appeal to restore the roof. When installing the mikes to capture the ambience sound, the vicar mentioned there was another fund for the church's microphones... And so on. So the myth is that eventually the "6 wives" album was responsible of restoring the whole church.

[@MickLoud999]

@@jdmresearch I can't believe people were not paying the church to record there. I guess the vicar said "enough" and encouraged tax free donations? haha jk. Thanks for the info.

[@nsgobbi]

I'm 62 and basically listen to the same stuff of my teens and my wife simply does not understand (yet). How can you listen now to the same music you listened when a teen ? Simply: I'm the same, the music is still superb, and nothing else (or very few) made afterwards it worth listen to..... I'm greatly privileged, that is it.

[@johnmurray8056]

My wife doesn't understand either. She is missing something I love.

[@jeffstevens9729]

My wife and son will NEVER get this. And that’s okay. It’s my thang.

[@martinabernathy205]

I was the same, thinking none of today's music can make me feel the same as this. Then I found Nightwish. To me, Nightwish is the natural musical ancestor of Yes and Rush.

[@nsgobbi]

@@martinabernathy205 ancestor or successors ?

[@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912]

You've got more chance of getting your wife to appreciate Spinal Tap than to get this song!

[@DanThibodeau1]

My mom showed this to me when I was 12 years old. Summer 2005 riding with my family in the suv onto Chapin beach at low tide with this song in my headphones was a complete awakening for me. I'm going on 30 now and this song has remained a guiding light ever since. Thanks mom 🙏 also beautiful video, thanks Doug.

[@bungopony]

The odd thing is, they do this even better live on "Yessongs". If you thought it wasn't humanly possible to do this live, they do it and make it even better.

[@morbidmanmusic]

nah, to bombastic, even though white is a great drummer. This lost to much with his cave man approach. Here is my version soundcloud.com/morbidman/close-to-the-edge-yes-cover

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros4419]

They have done this live multiple times. Amazing experience seeing them live even now. You see these old guys and think they can't pull off some crazy songs and they will prove you wrong!

[@markallison3894]

I was blown away the first time I heard it live all I could do was sit there in disbelief, it truly touched me.

[@philmanson2991]

"YESSONGS" was my introduction to YES in 1974, other than "Roundabout" being on the radio; the AM version. "YESSONGS" changed my life. I became a guitar player b/c of Steve, who, IMHO, is the most versatile guitarist in rock. Don't take my word for it, Watch "Steve Howe and Les Paul from the Iridium Club" here on KZbin. Steve can play all that chord-melody and chicken-pickin' right there with Lester...a phenomenal display of guitar mastery.

[@dee_be]

totally agree.

[@eduardoferreira1963]

There are Awaken and The Gates of Delirium in the same level of emotional and technical peace.

[@Pjaypt]

Absolutely!

[@cblevins62]

Awaken is the pinnacle of prog rock.

[@chazm3]

Gates of Delirium is the one YES composition that is better live at Cobo Hall in Detroit than in the original studio recording. I think it’s amazing that they could play it all live at such a high level of accuracy. The greatest moment of Patrick Moraz with the band.

[@scifiwriter98]

@@chazm3 Chris Squire said in an interview that those shows were filmed but they never got the tapes. He looked for them for years. Sad, because I was there on one of the nights and it was awesome.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Possible the greatest song of the genre. Definitely the most mature and dynamic.Not only is this a “journey” of an epic song, but it starts out as a sonic exercise to clean your ears pallet to go on the journey. It’s brilliant and genius.The absolute apex of Yes’ career and creativity. And I love the majority of their offerings.

[@guitarman430]

This song is the pinnacle of progressive rock! The musicianship is amazing. Even the vocals and Harmonies are excellent!

[@JohnWilliams-zu8wg]

I grew up with Yes. My older brother was a huge Yes fan. Heard all their albums repeatedly. Imagine a 4-5 year old singing along with Jon Anderson while his older brother plays along with Steve Howe. That was my childhood.

[@mvunit3]

My younger brother heard all the stuff I was listening to . . . . Through my closed door :p (I did that only because I listened to my stuff _relatively_ loud enough to hear everything clearly. My parents didn't mind my music). Its too bad we don't get along these days :(. But we had seen Yes, Rush, Primus, Maiden and other bands multiple times. When he was younger, I'd beg my parents if he could go on school nights :).

[@amk59369]

I was 12 and I would hear my brother playing it in his room. As soon as he left for work I would go in his room put on the headphones and be so careful not to scratch the album and put it back exactly the way he had it. Or do I thought.

[@PaddyMacVicker]

It is interesting to see today's musicians react to Yes and make reference to old books, like Siddhartha. These were things of my youth. Our reactions to new Yes songs and albums of the day was always strong, but never analytic. You didn't listen to Yes that way. You listened to them to experience something surreal, otherworldly, fantastic. You let them take you on a voyage that needed no destination. You checked out with them in your ear. And then, the next day you did it again and again because its vividness, its fantasy never diminished. Fifty years later now, it still doesn't. There is no need to ask for the meaning. There is no need to ask how or why. Only live for a moment in the fantastic. It will relieve you of order and logic.

[@williambenson]

Yes sir!

[@BraddersMusic]

Sad to say but some people never got into Yes! How odd!

[@peterbyrne178]

Have to agree don't think about it too much.. My older brother got the yes album back around 73 I was 11 and loved it. Then he got Fragile which we loved but when he bought Close to the edge we knew we were stepping in to new territory... I can still remember when we got a decent stereo and putting the speakers at either end of the room turning off the lights and lying on the floor and just being mesmerised by the music.. I m 59 now and still love Yes as much as ever and still hear something new every time

[@windtunnel5267]

Well said.

[@kineahora8736]

@@peterbyrne178

[@JA51711]

Absolute genius how they deliberately contrive a supposed chaotic hanging on The edge feel in the beginning of the song and gradually become a cohesive and logical piece- deliberately engineered- incredible musicianship

[@lenwehrung1626]

"Okay, we're not in Church anymore." brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate your 'Listening' to a song and a band I have revered since the 1970s.

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

Masterpiece of prog rock. Yes has been my musical companion since I was 10 years old, when my brother brought in their 3rd album released in 1970, the YES Album, I had never heard music like that and became an instant fan, I am 61 now. Love that you caught The Beach Boys connection, Jon Anderson met Chris Squire in London at a bar and immediately started making plan to start a band. They were both influenced by The Beach Boys, the 5th dimension and the Everly Brothers, they decided their new band was going to focus on harmonies and complex vocals from the very beginning. There is another masterpiece that you would enjoy by Yes called the Gates of Delirium from their album Relayer, it was based on Tolstoy’s War and Peace, it is an extraordinary piece of music.

[@shamancolin]

Agree completely. Of Yes's long epic songs, Gates of Delerium is probably their second best followed by Awaken. But Every. Fu*king. Song. On Close to the Edge is just amazing! I've never tired of it in the 25 years since first being introduced.

[@jfloresmac]

One time, me and some friends were playing this, kinda loud in the outskirts of the city. The area was semi rural. When the song finished, we opened the door and there was this congregation of chickens outside, standing in order and quietly...

[@edwarddore7617]

Were they close to the edge of the property line/fence?

[@timcotton1782]

Within all of your reactions, I'm saddened that you don't give more attention to Steve Howe's mastery. He plays so many styles in this one piece; there are classical segments, Spanish segments, blues segments, metal segments, and times when he's playing his Gibson as if it were a mandolin. And he maintains the flow throughout all of the "chaotic" bits, tightly glued to Bill Bruford. Easily the most under-appreciated virtuoso guitarist of the generation, and he's still at it.

[@ganazby]

I second that motion! Steve is superb. And what a composer, too

[@dbc7772011]

Steve Howe is incredible! His playing in the opening is phenomenal!

[@mrnobody3161]

Steve Howe won The UK Best Guitarist Award 9 Years in a Row until he personally requested to not be considered for the award to give others an opportunity for recognition. If you mean Steve Howe is underappreciated in the USA, that's true, but is that really valid? Most people in the USA appear to have little awareness that there's this thing called a planet, named Earth, that has other countries with individuals who have Exceptional Abilities.

[@jaimelambton1809]

@@mrnobody3161 yes, but what was the competition? It’s not like the UK has ever produced any decent guitarists! 😉

[@tbdmn83]

Under-appreciated? No, through the 70s Steve Howe repeatedly won guitarist of the year awards. I think it was 3, 4, or 5 years in a row for his work with Yes and as a solo artist.

[@IcarusHollow]

I'm glad you enjoyed this so much. One of my favorite songs in general by one of my favorite bands. I was lucky to see them live just before we lost Mr. Squire in my early 20's. It's great seeing a professional experience such amazing music for the first time. You were really informative and insightful about the guts of everything too, which is great. I'm looking forward to watching more, especially the Yes and Dream Theater videos. I want to suggest some more you may love and hopefully haven't really heard from Kansas' self-titled album, but I'll look in to some top picks first and comment on another video a few of their songs. Along with Yes and Dream Theater, Kansas is probably my top 3. There's just something about progressive bands from that era; and Kansas is one of those bands that had a few hits but the rest of their works are arguably much better and I never see them get any love.

[@lotswifemusic9965]

Howe’s blistering guitar solo during the intro is often overlooked due to the raging chaos of the band. Truly a G.O.A.T.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

I feel like he exemplifies the chaos, almost like he's fighting with the music behind him.

[@moogmike1]

This band defined Prog Rock Seeing them as a 17-year old I was awestruck but then I realized I saw the same band two years before in the MarQuee club in Wardour Street London with Tony Kaye on keyboards. Everyone knew they were going to be big. There is no question in my mind that the UK is the home of Prog Rock.

[@claudio130]

Let’s be very direct: this song in particular (and this album) marked a before and after in rock and many genres of music in general in many levels

[@GibsonMarco]

It did mark a before and after in my life, that's for sure. One of the first album I bought when I was 13, along with Nursery Crime and A Best of Zappa, ahaha.

[@drivehard2395]

Before and after YES. Before and after Pink Floyd. Before and after Peter Gabriel. Before and after Frank Zappa. Before and after The Residents. Before and after Sun Rah. Before and after Tom Waits. Before and after Laurie Anderson... Hell, I'll even toss in before and after Metallica. There have been many pivotal albums in my life.. pulling me through genres I never thought I'd get into.

[@rhanlon70]

I think 1972-1974 was the pinnacle of artistic achievement in rock music. This was also the period that gave us Dark Side of the Moon, Brain Salad Surgery, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and the three King Crimson albums with Wetton and Bruford.

[@MarcoWriedt]

Prog Forever! My favorite Rock/Metal Subgenre! Close to the edge….a true classic! Thanks for the video Sir!

[@martinbreeson9637]

I love that you noticed the Beach Boys elements in the vocals. I mentioned this to a few Yes fans back in 70s, they all thought I was crazy.

[@brucebarth847]

As stunning as the composition is on vinyl, what makes it even more impressive is that Yes played this entire song in concert, for many years, in near-studio quality. Their musicianship and talent was absolutely amazing. These guys could play. The complexity of their music, coupled with the virtuosity of their performances, made folks like me (and lots of other fans) line up every tour to watch them in person. And their opening number in those years, blended into a symphonic recording the rapturous finale from “Firebird Suite,” was the second song of side two of this album, “Siberian Khatru”. You would have enjoyed the performance even more than the tracks….

[@BarbDonnelly]

Very true! Probably the best show I ever saw. I was shocked by their live performance. I felt like I was in the presence of great musical geniouses.

[@sergekarbanenko7716]

I went to their CTTE concert, waaaay back then. Still consider it to in my top 3 concerts ever. That's how good they were.

[@richardstevens4953]

Pre Firebird, they used to play ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra,’ stage lights off, and then lights on, and rip straight into ‘Yours is no Disgrace.’ Great days indeed. This album is just so perfect. Hardly surprising he liked it.

[@jaustin777]

Saw them in 75 with Alan White. Santa Monica Civic. Staggering show of brute musical genius and accoustical awareness. From tiny bird sounds to crescendo of lyrical and harmonic rhapsody.

[@edwarddore7617]

While I love listening to it on LP, I also suggest the Steven Wilson 5.1 Yes remasters, or any of his 5.1 remasters of his own, or various other bands.

[@anthonyblakely399]

YES is the greatest Prog Rock n' Roll group that ever Existed!!!!! This is one of their Epic Masterpiece!!!!!! There are many many more.....But I encourage you to listen to YES without stops...Hear the whole music ...the whole Compositions.........because you don't get the fluidity when you stop the music!!!!

[@bobsquires4521]

Whisky might work - there are probably other things that work really well too. lol Steve Howe was the driver - and Jon Anderson operated the lyrics and tenor with Chris Squire on the low end and Bill Bruford kept the ride steady and creative. Rick Wakeman was the 'atmospherist' with a whole lot of classical training and chops! But Steve Howe was not classically trained so his innate sense of composition and unparalleled mastery of the electric guitar (all facets of all types of guitars,) was unique unto himself, exciting and brought a perfection for Yes' achievements. I'm looking forward to hearing this full album again - AND IF YOU THINK THIS ONE IS IMPRESSIVE - (well, it is,) but it would be cool to see your reaction to "Relayer" - that was one or two albums later. It advances their ranking among the finest of the progressive rock bands from the '70's. They were great live as well. And Jon's voice soared above the aural beauty. Interestingly, one of our Bostonian friends, a Russian immigrant 'Ivan' passed a Yes audition for the keyboardist - standing in for Rick Wakeman, and he wrote most of their 'next' album. I lost track, becoming real busy with school and the guitar by that time, but how cool for Ivan!!!

[@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270]

I heard Close to the Edge played by Yes at the Free Trade Hall Manchester in 1974.

[@UngaBunga1966]

I have listened to this song countless times over the years. Getting your perspective gave me a new understanding/perspective on it. Thanks for your observations!

[@PumaTwoU]

You are spot on, the message was indeed looking within to reveal yourself. I can't express to you how much this album mattered to me as a teen in high school when it came out. This remains a particularly sentimental and important album of music in my life. It connects me directly to personal moments and experiences. That's the real bass sound BTW. I've seen this live. You get this piece, but I assure you, listening to it in an altered state of mind is even better, and NOT Beach Boys, but Yes was all about harmonizing voices. I still sing along with this piece.

[@johnhitchens5632]

Anderson and Squire were huge Beatles fans, which is where you are probably getting the Beach Boys vibe- three-part vocal harmonies, and the Beatles drew inspiration from the Beach Boys. I think Squire was running his base through a guitar amp to get that trebly sound

[@cybore213]

Run through both bass and treble amps!

[@markjacobsen8335]

Yes were directly influenced by the Beach Boys as well.

[@ChrisLawton66]

Anderson has mentioned the Beach Boys as an influence. They were a huge band. Every professional rock musician of the time was either influenced by them or didn't like them. You didn't have to go through the Beatles to get to them.

[@joeleberhardt2150]

Specifically Clapton’s Sunn amp

[@Metal_Auditor]

We Yes fans have all come to terms with the fact that the lyrics usually only made sense in Jon’s head. Please check out “Awaken” next.

[@crabuki1273]

And only in the "enhanced" moment he wrote them. ;-)

[@porcelainthunder2213]

They didnt even make sense to him many times. It was fancy poetic gibberish so the lyric sound and rhythm fit the song.

[@KhordLizardMage]

Agreed with Awaken next! It is one of my favorite Yes songs of all time.

[@axelclaussen5580]

Please don't make assumptions about "all" Yes fans. Your lyrical density might still evolve.

[@AslansAngel1]

When my son set up his recording studio, he said I could pick a song to test out the system. I chose "Awaken." The funniest thing was that he kept thinking the song was over. I kept laughing and saying, "Hon, it's prog rock. It's not over."

[@rhanlon70]

You changed. You are a different person at the end of the video than you were when you started. Go back and look -- there's a twinkle in your eye that wasn't there in the beginning. Maybe it's the Scotch, but maybe it's the experience. I remember my first time listening to this song many years ago...thank you for the privilege of revisiting that with you.

[@johnmoran8421]

Beach Boys? Are you outta your mind? They were stoned when the lyrics were composed.

[@MCanadien2]

Yes has always put a twinkle in my eye. It's my birthday music, every year and I had a blind cat that would come running and tuck herself up to the speakers whenever I put it on. Every time. Trust the cat that loved Yes.

[@garyharrington9968]

When it was released local FM radio played this album start to finish. The same for Pink Floyd , E.L.P., Weather Report et.etc. We would sit silently start to finish as if we had gone to see our local symphony orchestra and reserve comment for a more appropriate time. Thousands filled venues. This was as popular as Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. There was a respect and appreciation for the music, the craftsmanship, the precision, the creativity and the execution. I often hear people today talk as though everyone was high all the time. If that was the case this music would have never existed. Chris Squire was pioneer on bass for his concept of the bass as an ensemble instrument that was important to the rhythm, harmony and melody and not just a supporting by playing I or V . He was recognized by his peers as "That Guy " (if you know what I mean.) Look at how many awards he won from the music comunity(not the fans ) One more thing. Until the eighties most portable synthesizers were monophonic so their use limited to melodies.*** YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS PERFORMED LIVE ***THEN WATCH TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHICAL OCEANS LIVE and your questions about Yes will be answered. I would like to hear your opinions on Weather Report, Hatfield and The North and Soft Machine 4. I think you might change your opinion of the music of that era. Thanks for the review. Keep great music alive.

[@digjoeyt]

@@johnmoran8421 Jon Anderson himself said he was a HUGE Beach Boys fan and the vocals were designed to be similar!!

[@reese8752]

One of the great things about 70s and 80s music was the complexity of the music. YES, Rush, Triumvirate, Genesis and so many others

[@guitarman430]

Listen and learn! These guys were the Mozart’s of their day!

[@avfc1956]

Doug, I arrived at this with low expectations & yet I'm glad to report that I found myself overjoyed as I watched your reactions to this masterpiece of prog rock history. I bought this album on vinyl the day it was released in the UK (I'm 65 now) & still recall to this day the sense of sheer wonderment I felt listening to it unfold. A real life affirming warm glow filled my being & Yes music has that effect to this day. So happy to share vicariously your own listening experience. Thankyou.

[@aeropilot4419]

✨

[@joesmith4222]

Same hear, same age. Went to all their concerts.

[@fluff7uk]

Exactly so. I am also 65 and first saw them in concert in 1969. I loved them then and still do.

[@vitkirunemaster9239]

Chris was the glue. He always brought the band back.

[@jonsaboe2019]

Yes, Chris was definitely the best in musicianship.. He wrote all the vocals -- and his phasing was -- as you say -- the glue.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Bass players are usually the glue!! True champions.

[@BlazinRiver1]

In the top 5 of all time bassist.

[@MatthewKocel]

Chris was my biggest inspiration ans a bass player. Absolutely love his genius and style.

[@matthewmille]

I discovered Yes after 90125 came out. Loved it and saw them in concert, recognized several of their songs and bought all of their albums and lost myself in them. This was all in my senior year in high school and into my first year in college. Doug, you spelled out for me, for the first time, some things about these lyrics that explain why this song hit me so hard at the time. I see you got emotional at the end of the song. I’m glad I’m not the only one! I’m ready to dive head first back into the Yes discography again for the first time in nearly 40 years. One more thing to realize about this music, Doug. These guys were in their mid-twenties when they wrote and played this. Musical genius.