YES’ Controversial Follow-Up: The Making of Big Generator (1987) - Documentary - Episode 1

[@graemelightbody1144]

Obsessed over this album when it came out - big Rabin fan - waited 37 years for this!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Rabin, what a music hero he is. I am glad you waited this long, working on albums like these is exciting! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@andreaslopez2611]

This was the first Yes record I ever experienced. I listened to it endlessly. And once I figured out that this was the same Yes on classic radio singing songs like roundabout and starship trooper, my musical journey with them was in full swing. I'm grateful for this record as it was what began my lifelong appreciation for this band.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A great place to start Andreas and i am definitely grabbing a CD copy as soon as possible. An 80s copy though, 1994 tops, i don't want a remastered post 2000 one. hehe. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@hmsdefiant]

Some might say that it's such a strange preoccupation, but I love your passion and commitment to the music I love. Thank you brother!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

My pleasure! It's a passion project indeed. I like to revist the albums that people tend to ignore! Big Generator rocks! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@RonG40]

I think Big Generator is an underappreciated gem. Too may cooks in the stew, perhaps, but tons of lovely moments. I would love to see a proper remix to reintroduce that missing low end that the outtakes hint at. Excellent job, and looking forward to episode 2.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Underappreciated indeed. I agree, too many cooks, but the pressure was real. I mean CINEMA was really carved out in very different circumstances, like 1983, you don't feel the competition was as NASTY as 1985. Still everyone was making great records while still keeping their ingenuity i guess? I will further explore this on Episode 2 and i think you will enjoy a surprise i have for it!

[@TFTO1973]

Another well done YES doc. Thanks.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@mattleppard1964]

“Yes did not capitalize on its good fortune…” Very clever 😊 Really interesting how Tony Kaye was so involved. I love his work on the first three albums.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Just had to go there hehe. Yes, KAYE really was THE MVP of the album. More than people think! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@mattleppard1964]

Looking forward to this. An underappreciated album.

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

@mattleppard1964 It definitely is. Fragile, CTTE and 90125 have been critiqued to death for decades now. Some love for BG is long overdue.

[@mattleppard1964]

@ Indeed. I loved CTTE and Fragile, and then saw the 9012Live movie on TV and I bought BG - on release (exciting!), and it was the fourth Yes album I owned. Those two albums still blow me away

[@johannesobier2477]

As an admirer of CTTE, Relayer, GFTO I love Big Generator. Never got it why it gets such a low reputation on most Yes reviews.

[@mattleppard1964]

@@johannesobier2477 I’m glad there are more like me with the same opinion 👍🏻

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Big Generator holds BIG musical moments worth revisiting. I hate people trashing this album just because....just like Zeppelin's In Through the Out Door...it needs much appreciation!

[@markkopernicky3489]

Greetings, Another fine episode with lots of interesting information. I am the co-host of the longest running Yes podcast called "The Yes Music Podcast"...so whenever I see episodes like this I'm very anxious to hear how accurate the info is. Your episodes are very well done. ..but just for the record. ..when you were mentioning ..projects outside of Yes that were happening between 90125 and Big Generator. ..you said Tony Kaye was enjoying his time off...while that might be true for the most part...he did in fact do some session work on an album called Pyromania by Def Leppard. ..he was the uncredited keyboard player on that record. It's one of the interesting things we learned whIle interviewing him for the Yes Music Podcast. Keep up the great work. I look forward to future episodes. Mark Anthony K The Yes Music Podcast

[@greggildersleeve3484]

Thanks for the info on Tony Kaye. I had no idea he had worked on Pyromania. By the way, that album came out on January 20, 1983, according to Def Leppard's official site--well before the release of 90125.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Honored to have YOUR input here!!!@ Because it wss uncredited i decided to leave as vacation :) but man i Thank you very much for posting this, it's GOLD. Can't wait to share Episode 2!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Man I love Big Generator! It's my go to Yes album. The production is as 80$ as it gets but, it just has such great songs.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The 80s were trying out new sounds, you can understand that quest, but the songs, are STRONG!

[@commonman317]

As an amateur drummer, the drum groove on 'Shoot High, Aim Low" remains one of my all-time favorites. It sounded even bigger on that original Italian demo. Great job JCM for finding this stuff!

[@fenderstratocastertelecast8479]

​@@commonman317 actually Is a good progrock oriented track, instead of the fame of "pop rock" album that "big generator" adquired. I love this track a lot... I use to mixed it with "the More you live" of union album.... On a YES Rabin kind of playlist

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It sounded bigger at Carimate Castle, so much room sound, too bad it changed. I sense the actual RECORDING was not fine tuned to the later post production plans. I believe it's an influential drum groove like you mentioned. Absolutely! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@commonman317]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Update. I made a short audio file off of the castle version you had in your video. Didn't really edit it much, and it sounds great!

[@johnringoo756]

As usual another superb documentary.. . You deserve a couple rounds of Guinness. Thank you from New Jersey.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh man i remember Guinness, i tried it for the first time years ago. I don't drink now but i could have a couple rounds of espresso? hehe. Thank YOU for watching John! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@OutOnTheTiles]

This was another great episode. Loved it. Thank you,Jose. I bought this album when it was released. I saw them on the previous tour in Toronto and loved 90125. Cheers

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Tim! So cool you got this album when it came out. I need to get my hands on an 80s CD copy or 1994 remaster tops. Hope you are doing well! Episode 2 will further explore the mystery behind BG!!!

[@Skycladatdusk78]

When this came out in 1987 I was just getting into music and this album was one of the first I ever bought. Was recently listening to both Shooot High Aim Low and Rhythm Of Love in my car and they both sound massive and incredible still. Makes me now want to visit all the Rabin era Yes albums again.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The Rabin era albums are a great story, start to finish. Union as weird as it is, that's really more Anderson's fault. Trevor R served the band WELL, he is a HERO!

[@commonman317]

1985. The year I met my wife, and graduated high school. Sting had "The Dream of the Blue Turtles", Plant had "Shakin N Stirred", and Rush had "Power Windows", which I played over and over. Pretty decent times back then.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Cheers to you man! Great times, great music, great life!

[@TheChadTI]

What a treat to see today! Thanks JCM, God bless 🤙

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you enjoyed it! I can't stop listening to this album now!

[@kbearstudio]

You're an amazing storyteller ... thank you so much for this

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You are so welcome! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@stevetobin7495]

Love this album

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It's a fascinating record! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@greggildersleeve3484]

I knew dimly about the difficulties of recording Big Generator, but this video truly puts things in perspective and provides a deeper look at the activities and personalities of those involved. The pressure to come up with a follow-up after a hit record must be enormous, and I don't think Yes had experienced that pressure before. As primarily an albums and arena rock band, they were used to calling their own shots. Not so when you've got a hit record and big money involved. I'm interested in learning more about the internal workings and relationships within the band. To many, it seems like Chris Squire was the spiritual "father" of the band, the only constant member. Yet you state that he had mentally checked out of the creative process to indulge in the LA fun scene. A pity: It looks as if no one was really in charge, leaving the new kids (the two Trevors) to pull things in their own directions. I guess that's why BG seems less centered to me than 90125. Of the three albums with this lineup, it's my least favorite. Perhaps you might do a video on Talk at some point. I'm very interested in how things came back together on that record.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Gregg, thanks for watching and sharing your valuable comments on the album. The reason i took so much time to discuss the context side of things is like you said, for perspective. One thing is to record a follow up but we also gotta see the other albums coming out, i can't imagine listening to Tears for Fears knowing the industry expects one tops 90125. The band's dynamics for Big Generator did change...a lot. Squire was the arranger i believe, as his bass parts lead the way of the whole thing. The elephant in the room is the fact that Drama was the last real YES effort and they relied on Trevor Rabin a lot. Living in Los Angeles in the mid 80s was dangerous for a millionaire rockstar. Yes hadn't really experienced THIS good fortune before. I think Big Generator is a JAM oriented album that took too long to see the light of day considering it is not Close to the Edge in arrangements. I love the album now, really do, but like Zeppelin's Presence, it brings more questions to the table than answers! I think Classic Yes members ignore BG much more than 90125 because it's a miracle it HAPPENED at all. Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@mikearchibald744]

There really needs to be more interviews with management, because it really was management that held YES together. People forget that artistic and musical people are not always the most 'together', and its usualy the managers doing the heavy lifting. Even David Gilmour admits that left to his own devices he likely wouldn't do much much more than play music with family FOR family.

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Love your work JCM

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you enjoy it Man! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@michaelb.42112]

I was a senior in high school when Big Generator came out and really liked the album. The 80's had a lot of great albums, is an understatement.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes, the number of 80s productions that carefully paid attention to details is amzaing! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@findJLF]

I'm loving your documentaries. This definitely set the scene for your next video - we wait with baited breath! Amazing detail and love for music on display. I even like your album title puns. Your personality shows through, wonderfully. Moreover your production skills are really rocking. Love your 'Big Documentary' them song - well done.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey man, thank YOU for watching! I like to take my time on these, some folks say i spend too much on context but i feel this is necessary to understand the final product so much more. Humanity as a whole is energy in motion. Stay tuned for Episode 2, there's a LOT coming up :)

[@wisdomhunter3797]

Great stuff, man! I had no idea things were tense within the band at that time. Hell, they had the world by the tail but that seems to be the theme for a lot of influential bands - everything is magnified at the pinnacle and band members are just people and we all handle stress differently. A lot of them start splintering off with their own friends and doing their own thing. And then there’s the distorted reality some have thanks to drugs. Great music has come out of a band’s inner turmoil many times in history.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes had a different pinnacle in 1985, one that they never really reached in the 70's if we really think about it. The downfall was inevitable but the way it happened though...history repeating itself. Hopefully this series will paint the full picture! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@Raberje]

Love this album. Brings back a lot of memories.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

More stuff coming up! Part 2 will discuss 1985, 1986 and 1987 :)

[@davidpinnington213]

I discovered Yes via 90125 but Big Generator is my favorite Yes album - had it blasting out on a caravan site recently in what was the 2 hour british summer

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

the 2 hour British summer? just 2 hours? Wow! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@peterjoslyn1]

I admire you for going where most would fear to tread

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you Peter! It's a challenging topic but the reward is BIG.I know it's not best for business....but it's just the type of investigations i LOVE doing!

[@MykeLewisMusic]

"Shoot High, Aim Low" is my favourite track from Big Generator. Those Taurus bass pedals are just beautiful.

[@zoso73]

BG is a bit of an uneven album -- but there are some great songs on it. I am looking forward to your take on "Talk", which is my favorite of the 4 Rabin-era Yes albums.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I happen to own a CD copy of Talk and man...that record is kinda forgotten right? But it's a VERY good album where Union is....ONION. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@greengrass1072]

I’ll never forget hearing Love Will Find a Way on my way to work when it first got released. The part when Jon sings love will find a way 3x after the chorus is sung the first time and then he sings it for the fourth time but Trevor comes in and sings, “a way” and it then kicks in blew me away, I was hooked. I bought 90125 and Big Generator and became a Yes fan for life. I eventually got in to the older stuff and loved everything. Looking back on Big Generator, I never really liked the title track or Almost Like Love. If there was two better songs and maybe another good tune added to the 8 song track list, I think Big Generator would be a little more highly regarded. That said, I still love I’m Running, Final Eyes and Shoot High Aim Low and when I’m in the right mood, LWFAW and Rhythm of Love will sound fantastic to me.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That part "a way" with that cut of the rhythm...is killer YEAH! So good to start here in the 80s and then go back, can't blame you for doing so, YES is addictive!!! Interesting choices on your least favorites. I think for me these would be I'm Running (the latin groove part). The rest i LOVE every second of it. Almost like Love does have that R&B feel. I broke up with my GF of many years so i am confident Love will find a way, IF I WANT IT TOO hehe. Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@greengrass1072]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Thanks for making this and the 90125 one. You did a great job and I look forward to part 2.

[@007fredh]

JCM thank you so much for this installment on another yes story. I can’t wait for the next installment.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Episode 2 will shed light on many details that complete the puzzle, just before they went on Tour for this!!! Thank you for watching!

[@nicklleite]

Man, I have to say... the number of awesome bands I discover just watching your docs is amazing! Hope you get even bigger in the doc segment... you're a true masterpiece craftsman!

[@nz1229]

This is so in depth. Can't wait for the second installment.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for watching NZ! Stay tuned for Episode 2! A lot more coming!!!!

[@edwinwise6751]

Rhythm of love never disappoints. One the best videos ever

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A great opening track for a misunderstood album!! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@gordonbarranger4087]

JCM,you have to admit,Yes showed their sense of humor with the line "We eat at Chez nu"lol.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

They did, and i will explain WHAT it means on Episode 2! You'll see!

[@ministerofdarkness]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories favorite lyric ever! Next to “ I saw a lion he was standing alone with a tadpole in a jar”

[@iancroft1447]

Another Great Vid Jose as U make Excellent Non-Zep Ones too for sure. Thanx man !

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much Ian, i know i need to work on Zepp stuff, but it's just so rewarding to do other bands too!

[@JMK65]

Superb!!! Thank you JCM!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you enjoyed it! more stuff coming up, the 80s continue! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@JMK65]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I just can't wait!

[@danjack-son4871]

This album sparked my interest in YES, and although I was getting into them later than most, I then made it a point to purchase their entire discography up to 1987 from A&B Sound with each paycheck, creating wonderful memories.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That's awesome man, the feeling of discovery with every title. Glad you started here, i am definitely on the lookout for a CD copy, an 80s pressing ideally hehe. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@danjack-son4871]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I'm so looking forward to episode 2

[@TheTwangKings]

Spectacular! Bravo. As for the album, it's nice, but fails where its predecessor succeeds - breaking new ground, making a radical departure. 👍

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU for watching! Big Generator was a tough job, i mean, how could they possible top 90125? I bet they were nervous hehe. Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@TheTwangKings]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Looking forward to it!! Also, I was shocked to learn how they took the best parts out of Rhythm of Love.

[@evankeal]

Innovation is not a measure of music to me. Good songs are nothing more than that.

[@2TV1]

Beautiful opening theme!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Big DOCUMENTARYYYYY! hehe. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@Raiderblack]

Big Generator is unfairly maligned... Some awesome songs and a great tour!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It sure is. The same critics who probably vilified Zeppelin's In Through the Out Door, an album i own 61 copies of.

[@AnnaDavidMerz]

That was fascinating! Can’t wait for part two!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2! We'll go into 1986/1987, the moment of truth, the release of the album!

[@JonGallon]

6:29 OMG, Jon Anderson is flipping the bird. It's the sign, the Apocalipse is near.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Ha! Good catch there. Maybe he was feeling total mass exhaustion from touring? Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@geodogg07]

As an 80s kid this was the era that got me into Yes (the same with Genesis). I actually didn't buy 90125 until Big Generator was released. I remember the songs being all over rock radio and MTV at the time. I think the band did the best they could not repeat the 90125 formula while still making a concession to their new fanbase with Big Generator's version of Owner of a Lonely Heart: Rhythm of Love. I think Big Generator is a better follow up to 90125 than Tormato is for Going for the One. I had never heard those early demo tracks before, you've inspired me to check out more of them. Keep up the great work, I can't wait for part 2!

[@wilkinsnl]

I like BG. Shoot High, Aim Low is so awesome.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A wonderful track it is! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

1985 saw Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason release his second solo album Profiles in collaboration with 10cc guitarist Rick Fenn and featured guest vocals by David Gilmour on “A Lie For A Lie” and ex-UFO member Danny Peyronel on the Bowie-esque Israel. The rest of the album was instrumental. As for Gilmour he guest appeared on albums by Supertramp (Brother Where You Bound on the 16 and a half minute title suite where David plays the two soaring guitar solos using his fiesta red Fender Stratocaster), Bryan Ferry’s Boys and Girls and played with Ferry at Live Aid and Pete Townshend on White City (on Give Blood and White City Fighting which David wrote the music and Roy Harper with Jimmy Page recorded the same music in a slowed down tempo as Hope on Whatever Happened to Jugular the year before).

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Great stuff, as always i am learning so much about Floyd through you man!

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Thanks for documentary....love this album....and great high Dynamic Range on the mastering of this album...ie not squashed! Huge fan of this one as well as 90125 and Talk! Add to that Cant Look Away, Trevor Rabin album. 👍

[@bobfitzpatrick8952]

I liked you mentioning your birth. The Beatles released their first album, "Please Please Me" four days after I was born. This album here - I got to meet a studio musician that played on it, and told me about the album months before it was even released.

[@jamesharris5416]

this is so good. yes is the soundtrack of my life…90125 started it when i was in middle school. First concert was the Big G tour. saw them (or abwh or some variation) several times.

[@miguelbass]

Beautiful work, JCM. I am looking forward to part 2, thinking about what you did for 90125, I’m sure it’s going to be great!

[@Strydr8105]

I wore out my Big Generator CD out Totally loved it.

[@oiramsq73]

THIS is going to be great! T.I.A.!

[@mts9996]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@Dave-Gear32]

Looking forward to episode 2 on big generator.I have a feeling you might take on the union and AWBH era and hopefully Talk Great job

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Slowly but surely! It's a matter of finding a balance between rating, views and good fortune! hehe. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

A Momentary Lapse of Reason by Pink Floyd and Hold Your Fire by Rush were released on September 8, 1987 here in the USA. The latter was the first Rush album to miss the US Top 10 since Hemispheres nine years earlier. The former was the first Pink Floyd album without Roger Waters and the first Top Five album for the band since The Wall in 1980 as The Final Cut missed the Top Five due to a lot of competition from Styx with Kilroy, Men At Work’s two albums (Business as Usual one week and Cargo the next), Journey with Frontiers, Def Leppard’s Pyromania and the late Michael Jackson’s juggernaut Thriller was anchored at Number One. Four years later Bad and Whitesnake ‘87 kept Momentary Lapse out of Number One in the States. I was 11 and listening to Pink Floyd and Momentary Lapse was the first album of theirs I got the week of release and I got Roger Waters’ Radio KAOS two days later on ironically the day you were born. I was told I came out of the womb with the aahs ala the end of A Saucerful of Secrets (my brother was like an American football player and my black sheep half brother like the alien in Alien). In addition to Pink Floyd I was into Zeppelin, The Who, AC/DC, Ozzy, Styx, Bad Company, The Beatles via the cartoons that were being rerun on MTV, Boston, Steve Miller and also got into Iron Maiden and Metallica by the end of 1987 and also was the year my parents divorced and I went to live with my dad and he ensured that I never got into alcohol, cigarettes or drugs (been teetotaler my whole life) and realized that my Autism Spectrum Disorder would have worsened with the dreaded cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Also I met my best friend Dennis a week before you entered the world on the first day of Junior High School (6th grade) so it was a unique time for me.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh yes man, i will talk about this album by Floyd. A game changer...it really killed Yes' chances hahaha.

[@howardduck2851]

Around this time, Trevor Rabin also did a very fine solo album - Can’t Look Away - I believe with Bob Ezrin producing. I imagine the Yes guys wondered why Rabin didn’t save some of this material for them. (particularly Something To Hold Onto)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Howard, Trevor did make a solo album but this one came out in 1989 past Yes' unfortunate hiatus with Anderson leaving the band in 88'. Rabin is a MONSTER player indeed! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@MedardKrzisnik]

The documentary very well described the hardship that Yes were going through to follow on the heels of the success of the 90125 album. Indeed, they had an enormous burden on their shoulders and uncertainty about their final creation, as the narrator carefully and thoroughly explained. I perceive this album as a great move forward after 90125. It exhibits a great determination and a struggle of all involved in its production for self-improvement, sound enforcement and seriousness of the subject matters, especially in the songs Shoot High Aim Low, Big Generator, Final Eyes and Holly Lamb. It is a better album than 90125. I still listen to it from September 1987, when it was released, up to now. I like it a lot. All the best, especially to Trevor Rabin.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I am glad we think alike in the fact BG was a step forward from 90125. Sure was! Thank YOU for watching man! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@3ggshe11s]

I discovered Yes with "90125," and I remember waiting and waiting for a follow-up. The "9012Live" VHS and solos CD were attempts to tide over the fans, but I think everyone was aware they'd lost their momentum by the time "Big Generator" finally came out. I remember hearing the lyric "break high, let go" and interpreting it to mean that Yes was deciding to break up. They were going out on a high note, and "Big Generator" would be the end of the road. And it kind of was, since Jon left following the tour. His '88 solo album "In the City of Angels" gave you an idea of where his headspace was, which made ABWH in '89 sound all the more incongruous, with Jon trying to marry his pop mode to old-fashioned prog-rock structures. Despite all the problems making the album, I thought it was pretty good. Not as good as "90125," but still good. But I'll always wonder about that "break high, let go" line. Was Jon trying to tell us he had one foot out the door, was he subconsciously expressing how he felt, or have I been reading something into it for 37 years that was never there? Love these documentaries. Thanks for doing them.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Break High...Let Go, that is ON POINT, a fantastic observation. Jon's actions in 1988 are strange, i mean i understand he wanted to try different things but, it seems he wanted the Old band back, that STYLE back. The more we look into this, the more Rabin was both the hero and scapegoat you know? What happens past TALK is really...well...telling. I know, they have no hard feelings now, but i'm really enjoying this research to find answers we are all looking for! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@Chudhole]

If you want to hear the real follow up to 90125 listen to Esquire. Alan and Chris make it sound like a Yes record.

[@mattleppard1964]

Thanks for that - I have never tried that 😊

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I will talk about this album on Episode 2 :) The singing though...it's complicated outside of TO THE RESCUE.

[@VolodyaVolodenka1981]

now I see why, despite its beauty, most of it is just fatiguing to listen to. amazing dive Jose, thanks a million

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I think the album could have sounded much better, the songs themselves were strong, but i am sure Episode 2 will answer this and more! As always, Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@TheChadTI]

That theme song is awesome 😅

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks so much man, long time no see! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@mikewest1542]

Love your videos , and I’m not even a Yes fan. ! P.S please let’s have some more ELP videos 👌

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Mike i will do more ELP! got them on my whiteboard plans! What a band right? Man i thank you for watching!!!

[@bradhardisty1652]

Trevor Rabin was in a position of trying to live some duality of what he was like solo and also what sounds like a progression of Yes. Trevor has some great solo stuff. I worked at West LA Music back around 89-90. I'd stop by for years after I moved on. We got to know a lot of these guys. I specifically remember when Patrick Moraz was coming around a lot for like half a year in his solo years. He had his Sales guy but we would get to know him and help out. Kristen got to be friends with Trevor. She had some of his demos around 92 and showed me some things he was working on. I just remember she really wanted to work with him at that point. She grew up around the music business in Detroit with her Dad's music store and knew people like Ted Nugent as a child. She was in her early 20s when she came out to LA. She was really talented and got into the business side of Keyboards but she desired to do the music side.

[@troubadour723]

Another great but forgotten slice of progressive pop from 1985 was Arcadia’s So Red the Rose, which like Power Station , was the other Duran Duran spinoff unit. Over the years, Big Generator has become a favorite beach album for me, only with 90125.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

This is a fantastic album, the Arcadia one, i forgot about it!!!! Big Generator has a special vibe to it right? Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@jonnyups2312]

It's difficult for me to hate an album that contains Aim High Shoot Low and Final Eyes. Fantastic songs

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I'm with you. Big Generator doesn't deserve the critics hate! Episode 2 will further explore the 80s avenues of creation!

[@jonnyups2312]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories yes. I'm looking forward to part 2. Fantastic job on this documentary btw 👍

[@Dave-Gear32]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesI can’t wait

[@JohnnyRecently]

YES is my favorite band. Big Generator is a top five YES album in my book. Easily, my favorite from the Rabin era.

[@brianmiller2075]

I love Big Generator

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad to read the love for the album, it deserves it!!! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@christheghostwriter]

"they say I cried in the style of Immigrant Song" got a like and a sub from me. Well played, sir.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hehe glad you enjoyed the reference, welcome to the channel Chris! From Zeppelin to Yes, and everything in between except Bat out of Hell, i don't like that record!

[@christheghostwriter]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I watched some of your Led Zeppelin vids already, I think. Did you start off with a voiceover artist doing your narration?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I used some voiceover help on the first 3 Episodes of ITTOD because i had Covid around July-August 2022. After that i"ve been doing them all :)

[@christheghostwriter]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I thought so. I recall seeing some of your early vids when there was a different narrator. I like your voice better. Nothing against the original V/O artist, but your emotional connection to the music makes your narration much more authentic

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yeah that was just a temp aid. It would be great to have voiceover help but i work with what i have! More stuff coming up! Thanks for your support!

[@leevalasek9251]

. .. … my favorite Yes album!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Wow that's a refreshing opinion on Yes! I respect that! Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@sweetpain67]

Cool…I’m a Sep 17th baby too!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh man that's cool! So you're also suspicious of the WORLD and read between the lines? That happens to me often. Luckily there's MUSIC to find hope!!! hehe Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@colinburroughs9871]

The only thing I've ever thought about BG from the perspective of Yes History is that if the damn thing had come out a year earlier it oddly wouldn't have been quite as out of the trend cycle. Things moved quicker in relationship to "trends" back then than it does post everyone having internet. I teeter on this record between "I don't like it" and "it's a product of it's time with hits and Holy Lamb (wtf)".

[@CommishTV]

Oh, I have no doubt you sounded like The Immigrant Song when you were born! 😊

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hahahahahahah Viking mode!

[@gregoryg3256]

🌠ALWAYS , ALWAYS .GOOD !!!

[@zeppearl]

Jose !!!! Well how about that born on the release date that is cool and now you are doing a documentary on it who would of thought that? I have to say this follow up was a disappointment to me, looking back I am not sure why but I was not all in as I was with 90125. I can't place it maybe it just seemed like it was phoned in or rushed by label pressure IDK. I did not get the album until a decades later in a collection I acquired and did not see the '87 tour which is shocking as I was till a "bIG fAN". I should revisit the album in all fairness but it does not get pulled to play when I am in a YES phase. Your series has made to go back and have new ears to listen to the album. I would of loved a 90125 Live album as you said The Solos is odd and I plan to feature that soon on my channel. I did get the 3 Ships album and Asia which I liked. Really enjoyed this and as I said I will pull the record for a spin with new ears. cheers !!!!

[@klaatuklaatu1]

Man I have no idea what you are talking about. I was 16 when it came out and it was a great album among my friends and lots of air play in New York and it was a success… Rhythm Of Love was played all the time

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It was a success but it wasn't. Thus the documentary will explain all the details behind it. The fact you and your friends enjoyed it, does not paint the full picture in the same way music in my teens has a bigger story outside of my impressions. Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@Latexhandske]

17:25 Poster Scandinavium Fredag 15 JUNI KL 19.30 I was at the front row ❤ (Yes in Gothenburg, Sweden)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I checked other artists that played Scandinavium that year, wow, Simple Minds, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Saxon, Status Quo, Mike Oldfield, Queensrÿche, Dio, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, PRIME DAY IRON MAIDEN, Scorptions.....just incredible. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@e.nowbodhi144]

the Big Documentary theme song you made = better than the whole record 🤪

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hahahahah that's cold man, but thanks! Yes made a great album, trust me!!!

[@e.nowbodhi144]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories you laugh, but I ain't cleaning the kitchen singing about how I eat at Chez Nous, I'm singing "Big Documentary!" over and over in a robot voice 🤣

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hahahha. I recorded vocals at 1am. Luckily i didnt get complaints from the neighbors!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I absolutely love 90125 but Big Generator is cold, sterile and uninteresting. I must say what great video style and editing you do.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

@@KRAZEEIZATION thanks for the kind words. Please stay tuned for Episode 2, the more i dug deep here the final product made sense. I think it was a studio engineering issue...

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

@ Lots of mid to late 80s albums by big 70s artists sounded like this. Freeze dried drums that sound like drum machines. Dry, cold bass. Echo and chorus laden stereo guitars with chorus on the solo parts too. Big reverb on the vocals and chilly synclavier pads.

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@KRAZEEIZATION in defense of some of those things, that was the cutting edge stuff at that point, for better or worse (worse probably). It felt like a more natural progression from the 70's to the 80's than it does looking back now realizing there's some asthetic decisions that didn't benefit rock groups with said technology. And given that most of that post production comes out of the box with many DAW's now, it doesn't have that "how'd they do that" quality anymore- which I think is a bigger deal than we give it credit for at times.

[@mikearchibald744]

I'd argue that the only thing missing from BG was just ONE song with, well, Steve Howe or Rick Wakeman. Other than that, it was the perfect Yes album because it had that 'off radio' songs of Jon Anderson like Shoot high Aim Low and Silent Running, but it had the poppy love tunes that you really can't help but begrudginly like. It wasn't 90125, and was way too poppy, but you combine that with Andersond Bruford Wakeman and Howe and play those two albums together and you really have some great music. I always suspected the lyrics to 'Big Generator" were Jon Anderson getting some digs at "Machine Messiah" that the guys had put out without him. "Here guys, HERE is how you write lyrics". Even though machine messiah were also really good lyrics, it only lost something with Jon not singing them. I wonder if he could be talked into it:)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A song with Wakeman, hmm that's interesting. Do you wish it was a tune like Cinema? Your theory of Messiah and Generator, man, that is Fascinating, you may be onto something. I agree Drama would have been better with Jon! Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@mikearchibald744]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I wish ALL tunes were like Cinema:) But I just mean a song that lets Rick go crazy on the keys in the way only the caped keyboardist can. Look forword to part 2, and second the guy who talks about talk. Big Generator was likely the last time I really listened to YES, but always like to hear talk about them.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Who talked about Talk? I have a copy of Yes 1994 album btw! Episode 2 takes us deeper into the process as well as solo career ventures signaling into what the inevitable fate of 1988 ...

[@mikearchibald744]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories No, a guy suggested you do a documentary about Talk. If only because of the weird cover. But yeah, I forgot about "Onion". I do like 'take the water to the mountain' and 'holy lamb' though. but that will be interesting as well. Always interesting about music because its like a calling, some of these people, mostly guys, can really hate one another, but just have to admit that when it comes to music they know how to deliver the goods so they can't tear themselves away.

[@jeffreycase9497]

" To live and Prog in LA " . Thank you for that .😂😂

[@zeruchofficial]

I actually long preferred this album of any of the Rabin-era.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It feels much more "group sounding" right? Why do critics hate this so much..ugh it bothers me!! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@merrywissemes]

To hear about this so many years later is really weird.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Weird how? Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@merrywissemes]

@, it’s just a huge album in my life. Hearing about all the nonsense that went on to make this album (I guess as per usual Yes fashion) is weird after almost 40 years.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh that's awesome. I have a serious appreciation for BG and this series has renewed my interest. BG gets unfairly bashed by "critics"....screw them. Its a must own Yes album. Unlike..maybe Union? Haha

[@neilmiller2779]

"Beeeg document-ry!" LOL

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You know it man! haha. I sang that at 1am at my studio, the neighbors didn't mind, lucky me i guess? Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@bradhardisty1652]

All the big bands tried the new wave or modem method. They all changed. The first group to really make a left turn to modern, in my opinion, was Gentle Giant when they made Civilian. GG fans really have a hard time with their LA album. I think it was really brave to make that hard turn and I like the music. Also, they really changed even before Genesis went into that big change. The quality of the recording was a leap forward with that Steely Dan level of production. It kind of killed the band but they were brave. I have a promo white label copy of Civilian. It's always hardest on the first pioneers but that's what they were. I think it was 1980.

[@a.debree6771]

I have never liked this album, but looking forward for the next episode. Then I'll give it another spin.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That's the spirit. Even though some albums are not our personal favorites, the stories behind them unravel the dynamics that hide behind "critics" consensus! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@caramanico1]

I've always thought that Songs From The BIg Chair was the best album of the '80s. This is coming from a Beates/Zeppelin/Yes/ELP classic rock fanatic. Sting's Dream Of The Blue Turtles is a very close second. Yeah, there was a huge drop off in Squire's impact from 90125 to Big Generator. There also was a very similar drop off in the quality of the live shows. The show(s) I saw on the 90125 tour were fantastic (I love 9012Live). The show I saw on the Big Generator was just... meh. Not bad, just OK to good, not even close to Yes great. I think they had gotten tired after all the battles for almost 20 years and they didn't much like the musical direction they found themselves taking. Then in the '90 they did a pretty damn good job of resurrecting their prog life with The Ladder, Keys To Ascencion and (especially) Magnification.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Your comment is GOLD as i share the same sentiment watching their Big GeneraTOUR. The vibe changed...a lot. This i will cover for sure. What an album Songs from the Big Chair right? It's ridiculously well done. I think Yes 1988 was tired but also Anderson saw the writing's on the wall you know? They took too long releasing it. Rabin is a HERO in my book! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@CanAlternateLostTape]

There can only be one reason why both Stevie Nicks and Sly Stone would hang out at the Yes house….

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

@@CanAlternateLostTape haha maybe they enjoyed listening to records....Episode 2 premieres Saturday November 16th!

[@MissMX]

Discounting all the entertaining trivia liberally sprinkled throughout this 35-minute video, only about 12 minutes actually relates to the making of Big Generator. Maybe re-title the thumbnail?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Disagree. Music without context is one of the main culprits in revisionists discarding albums. History requires a deep dive in full. Hope you enjoy Episode 2!

[@ArtB414]

12:41 in Chris' case i think it had to do a lot with his divorce at the time. He felt a man's freedom on every fashion and form, and almost choke with it.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It certainly did but his divorce was really underway in 1987. The marriage still had some chances in 85 you know? To live in L.A at the time with so much money at one's disposal.....just...Dangerous haja

[@Strydr8105]

This is what happens when progressive goes pop... Meanwhile Jon Anderson and the geeks just put a new set of music out. I think Jon just had a birthday 🎊

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

Have you heard Gilmours new album not great. The issue with Yes is the lack of personality in its members. As opposed to a Fleetwood mac. Ofcourse the music should realm above and beyond but the persona bands like The Stones The Beatles Rod and David Bowie all gave us more substance. The best group that was copied by Duran Duran was Japan.. What's great about your work is a full tilt of music knowledge. Well done again. Theres no such thing as too much swagger

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

JCM..If worked it out.. Trevor Rabin should have replaced Roger Waters at Pink Floyd. His combination with an in form Gilmour and a big bass drum would have been enormously successful.,Even outgunning grunge..

[@porcupinecraig]

I still love this album. I'd listen to BG over CTTE any day. I just like it a lot. It was probably my first YES album that I played all the time when I was in college.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Wow, BG over CTTE? that's some serious appreciation for this album. The first record...yeah i know the feeling, it holds a special place !Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@colinburroughs9871]

BG over CTTE is hilarious. Like choosing Garfield over Shakespear

[@benjaminleimkuhler6812]

I don't know why I just don't like Tears For Fears. I don't think their songs are that great.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Fair enough, you don't have to like the songs but the production is remarkable, holds well all these decades later! Stay tuned for Episode 2!

[@AnthonyWightman-s9x]

??? To me Big Generator is a better album than 90125. Love will find a way....Shoot high aim low....Rhythm of love...Final eyes are all tremendous songs!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I like your train of thought, can't blame you. The more i compare both albums back to back, Big Generator does feel more like a BAND project where 90125 was a different beast. both great but Generator has a special kind of vibe! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 2.

[@bryanbahantka6969]

The Harmonizer effect saved YES. Funny how in the 80s, music aimed to be futuristic. No, 40 years later, the most authentic rock and roll is a return to roots. Sort of Grunge 2.0.

[@bryanbahantka6969]

Is Telephone Spies still trapped as an XYZ demo?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

People still had dreams in the 80s i guess? hehe. Telephone is trapped as an XYZ demo correct! Man this time period is really strange, it's a miracle the album happened! Hope you dig Episode 2!

[@bryanbahantka6969]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories what are your thoughts on the Mars Volta?

[@geodogg07]

As an 80s kid this was the era that got me into Yes (the same with Genesis). I actually didn't buy 90125 until Big Generator was released. I remember the songs being all over rock radio and MTV at the time. I think the band did the best they could not repeat the 90125 formula while still making a concession to their new fanbase with Big Generator's version of Owner of a Lonely Heart: Rhythm of Love. I think Big Generator is a better follow up to 90125 than Tormato is for Going for the One. I had never heard those early demo tracks before, you've inspired me to check out more of them. Keep up the great work, I can't wait for part 2!