"South Side of the Sky" - YES -- Drummer reacts! (2023 Album Showdown 2nd Place!)

[@MrDuneedon]

'Fragile' is an absolute monster of an album, with some far-bigger (radio friendly) hits, but for me, THIS ONE is the true gem.

[@L33Reacts]

This song was so good! After CTTE and Roundabout.. it's my favorite! Lol

[@jeffschielka7845]

YES❗️Greatest band on this or any other planet❗️😎

[@pwethman1]

Rick Wakeman once said that Jon Anderson was the only person from another planet trying to save this one🤣

[@lindazee]

I feel the joy too! One thing that this song particularly highlights is how incredible the vocal harmonies are by YES. They really have very sophisticated arrangements and the tone quality is impeccable. Great job reacting.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Now you are going down the Rabbit Hole of YES!!!

[@L33Reacts]

How can I not?? They’re amazing!! 😂🤘

[@Macstick]

You need to do " Heart of the Sunrise " 😎 Same album

[@vmaxbabe]

Absolutely, the multitude of different musical themes is crazy but it all falls into place. And the guitar playing, out of this world!!!

[@BarrySanchez]

You need to watch YES’s 35th Anniversary Concert DVD called “Live From Tongas” there’s a live version of South Side of The Sky that’s unbelievable, actually the whole DVD is incredible, my brother & I saw them 2 weeks before in Atlanta. I’ve seen YES many times through the years & they NEVER disappointed but that show was simply unbelievable.

[@gpg9516]

Been loving this album for 55 years but you pointed out the piano by Rick Wakeman and I realized something I hadn’t noticed. When he introduces the middle section, he’s playing the same notes in descending octaves; when he closes that section he’s playing those same notes in ascending octaves. I was so attuned to the beauty, I never realized what I, as a die-hard fan, should have noticed all those years ago. Thank you. Learning never stops if you’re lucky. Completely unrelated and I don’t mean to remark on things that are outside my business but you are where you are on your journey and sometimes when you’re in an open frame of mind as this kind of music tends to foster, you’re able to appreciate now when you compare it to then. Being too hard on yourself is as bad as rationalizing your weaknesses. Don’t do it, progress is all that matters.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Even though I use to run into Alex and Geddy and chit chat with them I would have voted for Yes. Geddys favorite bass player. South Side of The Sky is a brilliant tune. 🙏🍁

[@L33Reacts]

Dude this song is amazing. So much energy and positivity flowing through inspired music. It’s a great combo ☀️

[@chrisloncar3398]

The bassist, Chris Squire RIP, was a monster! Large influence on Geddy Lee. 2nd best bass player in my book. Review the album 90125.

[@L33Reacts]

He is so awesome at bass he has instruments named after him :)

[@caroleann_2142]

THE FISH WAS THE BEST🖤🔥🔥🔥😉

[@firebreathingleviathan3280]

Great reaction! The YES catalog is quite large and exceptional. YES, in my view, is Anderson, Squire, and Howe in the band. Classic YES. I find it hard to find a song they skimp on. Hope you dive deep, Peace.

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you my friend! I Appreciate it. These guys are just magic together. I really enjoy listening to them make that magic 😊🤘

[@JJ8KK]

Alan White was a great drummer, but the Squire/Bruford "rhythm section" was _special._ YES' three best albums featured Bill as the drummer: *The Yes Album, Fragile,* and *Close To The Edge.* Though Bill didn't appreciate it, Squire's dominant Industrial-Melodic inspirations on the bass presented the perfect bottom-end canvas upon which Bill could experiment freely against in response & it stood out magnificently. At the time I considered him to be my favorite drummer. But I can honestly say that I didn't care all that much for Bill's output after he left YES for King Crimson. He did well on that one Genesis Tour, but to me he just became one of a million jazz-fusion drummers who had some skills. It blows my mind to this day that he didn't realize how crucial Chris was to his art at that time. Ironically, while his name will be remembered 100 yrs from now because he was the drummer on the Close To The Edge epic, which will be praised as a supreme musical accomplishment a century hence, he was thoroughly aggrieved by the many hours spent perfecting the mix at the sound board, which was 100% The KEY to its eternal appeal. While I don't get the guy's decisions/perceptions, I'll always sing the praises of his contributions to YES' 1st five albums...

[@jpmnewyork]

^^^ What he said!

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

Most insightful analysis. However, one quibble. Alan White is so unsung. I saw him live with Yes many times, and he may have been less technically capable, maybe, but he gave Yes so much emotion, especially live. It was he who took Close To The Edge on the road. It was he who owned it after so many years, decades. Into the 21st Century.

[@JJ8KK]

@@frankhoulihanfh4972 I saw YES seven times in concert, the first time was when Alan had just replaced Bruford on the drums. I can't diss his talent at all, especially when I think of The Silent Wings Of Freedom...

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

@@JJ8KK He was so powerful. A muscular drummer. Conveyed great emotion from the kit. In some unexpected ways, he was just what Yes needed.

[@spaceknave]

Found your channel from The Warning reactions now your doing another band that played a key role in my life growing up. I'd drive a whole day to see them. Their songs are more complex than they seem. Great stuff

[@L33Reacts]

Glad to have you my friend! Yes is so good. They are the og’s of my favorite genre so I will always show them the respect they deserve :)

[@dolfinpt]

Chris Squire voted #1 Bass Player in the World, Steve Howe-voted #1 Guitar Player in the World(4 years in a row I think), Rick Wakeman #1 Keyboard Player as well! YES!❤ They’re Incredible Live!! 50+ times

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

Heart of the Sunrise--to me--is Bill Bruford's best,most technically complicated drumming..untouchable.

[@L33Reacts]

That will be my next Yes video :) I was either going to do that one or this one for this video so I will just do it for the next one 😜🤘

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

There's an isolated drum track of Close To The Edge out there. You might like that even more.

[@karlzachary8597]

Perpetual Change is steep competition

[@kato0828]

One of my all time favorites. I love Yes. And I love Rush. Just keep cranking through both of those catalogues and I’m here for ya.

[@L33Reacts]

Thanks Mike! Great to have you along for the ride 🙏🤘 I will be doing plenty more! Their is so much to listen too and not enough time in the world lol 😂😂

[@kato0828]

@@L33Reacts plenty of time. I listened to the songs all through my growing up years. Went away, raised a family and now suddenly thanks to KZbin reactors like you I’m listening to all the songs, freshly all over again.

[@gillwaugh7212]

Watching someone with an open heart for music like this, and listening along, is like hearing it for the first time but through your ears! Don't worry about sections where you don't say anything. We can see you're feeling what we felt all those years ago. Can't wait to see your reaction to Heart of the Sunrise. First time I heard that, my socks flew off. Great stuff Lee!

[@L33Reacts]

thank you so much gill! comments like this mean the world to me. I will for sure do heart of the sunrise soon!

[@raybenoit5238]

Interesting that I share the same sentiments as you about bill . Bill did an interview I think about a year ago or so . I submitted a comment to him saying that how I appreciate the work and the era that Alan was a part of , but I let him know That he , for me and many Others is yes . Him and the rest of his era with them . He responded by saying thanks for the kind words .

[@edalisauskas7313]

Heart of the Sunrise from the same album would be next Trust me!

[@L33Reacts]

I already have it downloaded and ready to go for the next Yes video 🤙🏻🤘

[@edalisauskas7313]

@@L33Reacts you gonna like it. Enjoy your reactions. From a me fellow musician (guitar) to another

[@jameshannagan4256]

I love how Bruford swings that is something that is missing on so many rock tracks.

[@wideawakeinotown]

Yes didn't just go out on musical limbs, they planted their own tree, watched it grow and then went out on limbs

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

^ This!❤

[@marksummers1700]

what a great time to have grown up.... so much INCREDIBLE music...

[@happilyeggs4627]

You should check out some of the Canterbury movement bands. Soft Machine, Gong, Hatfield and the North, Caravan. Especially the first two bands. They both have fairly extensive catalogues. You can really see the way that prog developed out of psychedelic pop/rock. Check out Gong's trilogy of interrelated albums Flying Teapot, Angel's Egg, You. Soft Machine: start with Softs 1, and work forward. You'll see how their early psychedelic slightly progressive sound develops. over the course of the early albums, into full blow prog rock/modern jazz rock.

[@mattleppard1964]

One of my first favorites. It’s the harmonies in the middle, bookended by such a heavy riff ❤ The footsteps and the door are part (for me) of a deeper metaphysical story.

[@robertjantzen6545]

There wouldn't have even been a "Rush" without Yes.

[@KarlElvis]

I can’t remember if you’ve yet dipped into the vast deep rabbit hole that is king crimson, but we need to get you there. Bill Bruford, the drummer on this album, went on to join KC and it makes sense to follow him there.

[@L33Reacts]

I have "the court of king of crimson" downloaded and ready to go :D you'll probably see it later this week.

[@KarlElvis]

@@L33Reacts after that, I’d recommend dipping into Bruford/Wetton era (the albums red, starless and bible black) then the Belew/Levin/Bruford era (discipline, beat, three of a perfect pair), then into the most recent tours with the incredible three drummer lineup, where they’re doing older material in inventive new ways. KC has had so many incarnations you could go for days 😆

[@robertjantzen6545]

Geddy Lee bows his head to Yes. Why he wanted to be involved with their Hall of Fame introduction.

[@robgray2973]

Howe's guitar in this song is just wonderful but so are all the other guys, that's Yes.

[@fords_nothere_100]

Fun reaction to a truly original Yes track. Such a great band. And I've noticed 2 bands you don't seem to have reacted to yet - Black Sabbath and Jethro Tull. Those are 2 very influential bands with lots of gems - and from the same era as Yes. Looking forward to more.

[@davep8221]

As Geddy Lee said, "Without Yes, there would be no Rush." It funny what you said about a sunny day because the song is about mountain climbers freezing to death. "Were we ever colder on that day? A million miles away" You begin to feel warm near the end... "Of warmth of the sky Of warmth when you die"

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Yes 👍🤙💪 the best ever. Thx.

[@glenndespres5317]

Yes is the ultimate mood elevator. When taken as directed!😅

[@tommytbone9778]

I think you mentioned this is a "going on a trip " jams...our thoughts exactly when I turned the gang onto my older brothers favorite band....we had 8 tracks back then so on sunday we all would slam into my Lincoln and we went "on a trip " thru the parkway and set up shop for the day with a 8 track case full of our jams (ELP,Tull,Stones,Doors ect...)...your new friends got you headed in the right direction,justkeep on jammin that 70`s stuff young dude...

[@johncase2408]

Yes will take you places.

[@jeffschielka7845]

For a real treat watch Southside of the Sky from the 35th Anniversary video. It will blow your mind❗️😎

[@L33Reacts]

I’ll watch it for sure! Thank you. I bet it’s awesome 😎

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@L33Reacts Let me know right here what you think of it. Thanks and enjoy!😎

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@L33Reacts Was hoping to see a reaction of you watching Southside of the Sky from the 35th Anniversary vid.😎😎😎

[@susangonsalves9636]

@@jeffschielka7845 I love that version. That would be cool.

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@susangonsalves9636 Let's make it happen!!👍😎

[@DallasGunther]

Yeah, this one and "release, release have some really heavy, rockin kind of undercurrents through certain parts. "Sound chaser" is another one that rocks pretty fuckin hard. Chris Squire's bass is really what anchors them in the rock world. Rush lead me to Yes, led me to Genesis, then King Crimson. Jethro Tull was also the shit. There was an incredible amount of creativity happening in music from the 70's. And i got into that era in the 90's. Anyways, everyone likes confirmation of the things they appreciate so its always kinda cool to see younger generations pick up on it. 😊

[@yes_head]

"Reminds me of driving down the road on a sunny day"... The song is about people trying to survive on a mountain during a snowstorm. 😁 "I love the piano"... Rick Wakeman was a well known session player before joining Yes, especially for his piano work on songs by Cat Stevens and David Bowie.

[@stpnwlf9]

Rick Wakeman is a virtuoso on all keyboards but he's a genius with piano and has released multiple piano solo albums. This lineup was five brilliant musicians at their peak. I love this song, but my favorite on Fragile will always be Heart of the Sunrise.

[@scottcortmeister4164]

I'm 61 and I discovered Yes when I was about your age, welcome to the family.

[@kevinogracia1615]

I love you young cats exploring and mining. Peace on earth.

[@jandenbrok9574]

Steve Howe!

[@bobfitzpatrick8952]

I was very surprised to find out years later that this song was about snow skiing. I first bought this tape in the fall of 1979 when I started my first job in a fast food joint.

[@ZealZaddy]

You mentioned that the Red Hot Chili Peppers owe a lot to this band. Well, Flea was highly influenced by Chris Squire, and paid tribute on social media when Chris Squire passed away.

[@L33Reacts]

Wow so I was right? That’s crazy! I could totally hear it in the song. He was an amazing bassist.

[@rockturtleneck]

I believe John Frusciante has said that Steve Howe is his favorite guitar player as well.

[@pwethman1]

⁠@@rockturtleneckJohn Fruscianti is a huge Yes fan. He wrote one of the forwards on The Word is Live box set.

[@smithpm81]

amazing song, my fave band

[@joeychicago6436]

Just for tonal fun & timing fun 'Buried Alive' Rick Wakeman & Ozzy, do a WEIRD 22 Count beat, pure fun! Bill Bruford in 'Three Of A Perfect Pair' with King Crimson, just like in 'Southside Of The Sky', Bruford takes a simple beat, and keeps you off center. Chris Squire playing 'Lucky Seven', he demonstrates how great a bass can sound, I've been told he plays a Fender in the song rather than a Rickenbacker. Throw in 'Bach harpsichord concerto in d minor', the pauses in the music are NOWHERE where you'd expect them to be, Bruford would love it!

[@brianvernon249]

This is about being frozen to death in the mountainous area of NJ. Hurricane rain level snow. Not the coast but the first real mts from the coast. Glen Gray & its dam in Northern NJ. Were we ever colder on that day? 12/27/93?

[@brianvernon249]

Dad froze as did I. He re-introduced me to Yes. I knew 90125 due to turntables going round & round @ age 5. But @ age 8 (1986) dad sat me down and asked me: “do you know what the bass guitar sounds like? I’ve been watching MTv since 1982 so I thought, “yeah, I know.” Then he put on roundabout. That single moment washed away his inability to provide for his family. JK, right!

[@randlerobbertson8792]

A creative peak by 5 exceptional musicians, seldom equalled. And your comments are unsightful and heartfelt. The song is basically about of people freezing to death in the ice and snow of some mountains

[@timgrady4630]

More , please .

[@KMAsKorner]

Yes always makes me feel good. That is why they are my favorite band. Awaken is my favorite song and my favorite version is kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ6WlpiaeZKcbcU

[@johng.8517]

No that's just Jon Anderson. This one has all the band members kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHW7lJaLZd2ahNE

[@brianvernon249]

King Crimson was as varied as the Deep Purple Marks. Any Album with Bill Bruford should be owned. He was part of the best years.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

AGAIN 70's YES NEVER FAILS TO SURPRISE, EXCITE and AMAZE. They had such RICH CREATIVELY CLEVER & different ways and style of making music that touches you on many different levels from simple songs like this to the far more complex. This is the early FUNK SIDE of YES. I love your description. They ALWAYS bring so much LIGHT! BTW I cant stand RUSH. lol

[@TigerMtnKing]

Sorry Rush fans but YES is so much better!😁

[@michaelyork4554]

Sound Chaser, a drummers dream track

[@wilecatrexy]

Yes had a great influence on the band Rush. In my opinion, yes is miles ahead of Rush. The intricacy and mastery of every musician is incredible.

[@kurtkish6970]

Steve Howe is monstrously good!

[@garyking6519]

This song is about Shackleton's Antarctica expedition

[@27Hawke]

Also from that time period there were other bands of this type such as Blood Sweat and Tears., The ides of March, Chicago. Tower of power. Also if you want to understand Pink Floyd watch , The Wall. Some insight on what Roger Waters did when he left the band will clear up some things for you about the split and what happened.

[@aprilstewart5929]

Geddy has said that without Yes, there would be no Rush. It's that sinple.

[@EccentricAuntWanda1]

Steve rocks on this.

[@stofffpv3128]

theres a reason theyr called YES they life and spirit affiirming

[@dominickferrari8368]

Try "Starship Trooper " "Heart of the Sunrise " " Going for the One " :)

[@skyblueo]

Have you ever heard any Bill Bruford solo records? Listen to "Sahara of Snow".

[@reneelyons6836]

I wished I owned Fragile. ......One day ♥🎼🎹🎸🥁🎤🎶🎶

[@L33Reacts]

I am going to look for it at the record shop down the street... that and "Selling England by the Pound" . If I get them, I will show them off in a video for sure haha

[@reneelyons6836]

Show Off!!! haha,🤣 I'm not mad at you.

[@jpmnewyork]

@@L33Reacts I have both of them, the original vinyl LPs that I bought when they first came out. Geez, I guess I'm old.

[@proschoolaudio]

IMHO Rush cannot even be mentioned in the same conversation. Totally different in vibe, instrumentation and presentation vocally. Yes had more feel and litterally take you on an emotional and spiritual journey, whereas Rush's is way more straight ahead and contrived, borrowing from all the elements of prog bands that came before them. I cant argue with their musical abilities, or their success, but that is only one aspect of the equation. They never had the feel of a Yes per se.

[@L33Reacts]

Your right, totally different vibe. The emotion and spiritual side isn't really as there with Rush. They are more "traditional " compared to Yes.

[@timgrady4630]

1. Siberian Khatru 2. Sound Chaser

[@mikeb3365]

Try Siberian Katru off the CLose to the Edge album. It's a banger.

[@L33Reacts]

Ive done it already! Look in my YES playlist:)

[@PaulHilburger]

Yes rule

[@L33Reacts]

They sure do Paul 🤘

[@pwethman1]

I find it kind of ironic that you likened this song to a sunny day. It’s actually about a mountain climbing expedition gone horribly wrong.😮

[@MJM1309]

Bruford

[@MJ-yp3hr]

And the weed were smoking was way behind now....now the acid was way cleaner 😮

[@progperljungman8218]

Try "chamber prog" band iamthemorning for classically trained pianist as a core feature 🙂

[@L33Reacts]

I will! Sounds awesome haha thank you bro 🙏

[@progperljungman8218]

L33Reacts recommending the song Too Many Years

[@blitztim6416]

Were you in Human League?

[@L33Reacts]

You don't want me

[@dolfinpt]

Music is awesome but I think the r lyrics are about dying in war ..

[@edique9772]

You c1ould do worse than highlight every track on this album!

[@aprilstewart5929]

Problem: your voicover is much louder than the music you're sharing. It kinda ruins it.

[@L33Reacts]

Then go listen to the song then... This is a reaction. Not just a song and me nodding my head.

[@aprilstewart5929]

@@L33Reacts Sweetie, I'm trying to help you improve your performance. No need to be an asshole about it.

[@aprilstewart5929]

@@L33Reacts How interesting that you removed my reply. Well, let me elaborate: if you really can't understand the simple concept of changing the volume- if you don't grasp the very basic concepts of engineering and production, and you aren't willing to learn from someone who KNOWS A LOT MORE ABOUT IT THAN YOU DO, you can fuck all the way off. I love reaction vids and guess what: other "reactors" get it. But not you, huh? Well, I guess not everybody can go to Berklee.

[@aprilstewart5929]

@@L33Reacts ....and you still don't have be be an asshole about it. But I guess you have plenty of subscribers, huh? Don't need any more? don't know how to be even remotely polite? I'll bet you're a Trump supporter, too. You could learn a lot from Jon Anderson. Oh wait....maybe not.

[@martinreed5964]

Rush suck compared to YES....just 3 wannabes

[@franciscodiaz183]

I'm not that rude to Rush, but I agree that Yes is several steps up without a doubt.

[@gpg9516]

I’ve never been into Rush, as opposed to this amazing group of visionary musicians. Aren’t we lucky they liked to challenge themselves? Still, no reason to disrespect one group to elevate another.

[@martinreed5964]

@@gpg9516 facts are not disrespectful