Yes - What TOOK THEM so long? - The Making of Big Generator (1987) - Episode 2 - Documentary

[@Jedizen07]

Great job on this. I always felt that " Big Generator " was a lost diamond in the Yes catalog. It wasn't until after " Talk " was released where I truly became infatuated with BG. It's a stellar album. Lovely content. You're doing grand work. Keep it up!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I have a CD copy of TALK, the irony right? Now i want one for Big Generator, and if i had to choose, i'd take BG anyway. TALK has beautiful arrangements and ambitious production, but that one was definitely 8 years too late. Still...maybe i'll do TALK ....:) Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@mattleppard1970]

I agree. The breadth of work on BG is outstanding. From rock to pop to prog. Outstanding - the third Yes album I owned after Fragile and CTTE. I was bowled over that one band could produce all this wonderful music in so many styles 😊

[@greengrass1072]

Great job in making this. I can’t believe the amount of examples and comparisons from other artists and productions you bring up. You are a music fan, that’s for sure. That photo of the band that starts at the 33:53 mark has always been my favorite of this lineup. I always wanted a big poster of it so I could frame it. I’ll never forget seeing that picture in my local newspaper when it was announced they were playing a show near me which ended up being my first big concert I went to as a kid.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you for the kind words! In fact yes, i am a music fan and musician so whenever i'm working on these scripts, i just hear the examples popping in my head and i HAVE to write it down, even at night, i wake up lol, no kidding! The poster you mentioned yeah man, that's the ONE! They look like they are going to break up but still CONQUERING the world! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@CarefulObserver1]

This is a magnanimous, superb album. I was in 10th grade when it came out and was, at that moment, more into the heavy metal and hard rock stuff like G 'n R and Metallica, but I also bought Rush's Hold Your Fire and A Momentary Lapse of Reason that year, and had greatly appreciated Owner of a Lonely Heart four years earlier. It took about a year for Big Generator to grow on me and I distinctly recall my first girlfriend and I listening to BG on cassette tape alongside Pink Floyd's "Momentary" and Delicate Sound of Thunder, The Joshua Tree, Van Halen's OU812, and many more from that year 1987-88. This album has only, to me, grown into its high-vibing, forward looking commentaries on the human heart. Special note: Holy Lamb (Song for Harmonic Convergence) particularly resonated with me as I recall the Harmonic Convergence of August 1987 and all the planets lining up and recall looking back to that very moment my fifteen-year old self had a very "stoned awakening" that was truly stellar and life-changing! Thanks for the BG feature series, JCM. This album is a big one indeed!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

What a collection of albums you had close to you, wow, all these out and you had to choose. that's TOUGH! I believe you on the awakening feel! I don't blame anyone who went for Harmonic Convergence, it's a good thing to aspire to. Owning copies of Bat out of Hell isn't! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@mattleppard1970]

Much like me! BG and A Momentary Lapse were released when I was 16/17. Two new releases from two of my favorite bands was very exciting and I snapped them up and played them nonstop. Also Radio KAOS (which I also like) and then Delicate Sound. Great time of my life and those albums are special😊

[@CarefulObserver1]

@mattleppard1964 Nice, bro. Yeah, that was an exciting time for music - that entire decade, really. There are so many other bands and songs to mention from that time period that instantly take me back to being a stoned misfit teenager but who worshipped at the Temple of Music 🎸✨👍😸✌️💯

[@garydarnellwortham3307]

You’re take on the power of the song holy lamb is something I’ve felt ever since I first heard the song! It’s just that impactful! It’s nice to finally know it’s not just me! Also- HUGE YES FAN! Love your videos and share them with other fans!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

This song is really.....really....IMPORTANT for humanity. Thank YOU so much for watching Gary. The legacy of Yes' music cannot be underestimated. Jon struck gold with this song and i can't help to think, such vibration was in the air at the time. Floyd's Learning to Fly has the same harmony, almost the same....but Anderson DID IT BETTER!

[@Strydr8105]

I saw GTR live in Pittsburgh I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Was this the one? thegenesisarchive.co.uk/tag/gtr-live-review-pittsburgh-1986/ ? I need to check out GTR more!

[@dbaytug]

I saw them at The Apollo in Manchester 👍

[@Mark-oc4un]

Amazing that you put some much details in the colors and art work into the cover art.I never would have noticed so many details.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you enjoyed it! The best one is the Light Blue and Purple right Mark? Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@punker-gamer-trucker-guy]

Thank you! This is bringing a new appreciation for an underrated album!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I am glad it feels this way for you. There's something about underrated and unappreciated albums that DRIVES me to work on them you know? Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@CadenceMusicStudio]

I’ve always loved “Big Generator”

[@mattleppard1970]

@@CadenceMusicStudioMe too. There are more of us it seems 😊

[@oiramsq73]

Amazing! LOVE that you ended on “Holy Lamb” (D’uh - it’s the last song on the album!) I VIVIDLY remember running home from “Strawberry Records and Tapes” with my cassette version in my hand, and listening to it on my Walkman. I was kinda ‘meh - it’s ok’ “Rhythm of Love” and “Big Generator”. “Shoot High/Aim Low” (which I thought could have been an excellent Miami Vice theme) was a big, big moment. “Almost Like Love” was too frantic and trebly. “Love Will Find A Way” - that was huge. I didn’t think it could get better than that. (Then) “Final Eyes” that was beyond what I could have hoped for; it was 90125 meets “And You and I” and “Turn of the Century”… I remember thinking - “Nope - that’s the winner here! There can’t be a better track on this record.” “I’m Running” more than proved that point for about 7 1/2 min! (***THOUGH - if you want to get back to the source of this track and “Lighting Strikes” (The Ladder) perhaps a better starting point is Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba”) (Until) “Holy Lamb” - without question one of my all time favorite Yes tracks. Emotional. Powerful. And more than that - HOPEful. That closing line has been a refrain for me personally for 37 years! Every single time it looks like the $h!t is really about to hit the fan in a big big way I’ll think: “All we need to know is that the future is a friend of yours and mine” and even though the poop does sometime reach the fan-blades and then gets all over me there is STILL always hope! Again JCM - I can’t tell you how much I really love these. You’ve made a ‘happy man very old’. (PG: “But that would mean YES comes BEFORE Zeppelin…” Perhaps it does Peter. Perhaps it does.)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You're right Shoot High would've been great for Miami Vice. They should have tried to get it in for Season 4 for the fifth one in 1988-1990. Great comparison of Final Eyes to Turn of the Century, agree, do you think it's also slightly reminiscent of Madrigal? La Bamba is certainly an inspiration for I'm Running but the motif and rhythm is closer to Tequila. Squire's Bass Line does have some Valens in there and Guantanamera. Holy Lamb's profound message hits you right? Glad we share the same thought here. Maybe i'll play a cover version soon! I laughed at the Peter Grant reference, can only imagine his face when Squire told him that LOL. Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@CarefulObserver1]

Thanks for sharing your BG story. I, too, was a young man listening to it on cassette tape in my Walkman and also it became my soundtrack, in a way, for my first taste of independence with my first place of my own in Spokane, WA, where I saw Anderson, Bruford, et al. play the Spokane Opera House in March 1990. Saw the Union tour in Seattle 1991 and the the Rabin (only) version of Yes in 1994 on their Talk tour. Met Chris Squire in Feb. 2013 in Chandler, AZ where he lived, and who was a completely laid back, non-ego, normal guy who waved goodbye to me as he and his lovely wife left the grocery store where I worked. I'll never forget that.

[@oiramsq73]

​@@CarefulObserver1 I've never got to meet any of the band. In fact, I've only ever met a small handful of celebrities... one of them was David McCullough! (I sat next to him on a flight once and exchanged a few words with him. Then about five years later I was walking down Madison Avenue and saw him and I'll be darned - he remembered me!) I met Lyle Mayes and Pat Metheny after a concert once - all I could do was mutter something like 'WOW! It's YOU - it's YOU!" Pat gave me a pat on the shoulder and said "and you're YOU!" and walked off... I think it has been fascinating to learn some of the stories about different fans' recollections of buying albums/cassettes/CDs... one one talks about downloading songs - do they? BG was an important one - I just started high school a week or so before it came out. Trying to fit in with a entirely different crowd of people, it was really great to get something 'new' from a different group of 'friends'.

[@oiramsq73]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories waiting for the 'Thrilling conclusion'! A cover of Holy Lamb would be great! ... an AI generated Miami Vice chase scene set to Shoot High would be pretty sweet too! If you need help - holler! I have all the time in the world and work for cheap (read as 'free').

[@wisdomhunter3797]

Great work again, man! I appreciate you putting it together for us!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

My pleasure. Hopefully the views will convince the label to put out a Big BOX: The Big Generator Box Set (one can dream right?) Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@Gizathecat2]

Hello! On a dark, cold morning in Western Washington State while enjoying my morning chai tea I clicked on your video. I was a big Yes fan in the seventies, and kind of lost track of them as I enjoyed all sorts of other great music over the years. Then came the Covid lockdowns and You Tube became my escape and I rediscovered Yes. One of the first songs was “Love Will Find A Way” and its joyful sound made me cry a little bit. I quickly and happily journeyed down the rabbit hole of Yes since 90125. And I’m still not caught up! But because of your little documentary I am buying “Big Generator.” Thank you! 😻🎸🎹😻

[@TheChadTI]

Jist finished it. Thank you so much, JCM. Really, this is great stuff. God bless you, brother.🙏

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You're very welcome! Thank YOU for watching man!

[@Jim49265]

Really happy to see the brief story about Jon and Vangelis in there. I first learned of Vangelis watching Carl Sagan's Cosmos series where Vangelis' Heaven and Hell was briefly heard as the Cosmos opening theme and I became instantly hooked on his music. Then all of a sudden Chariots of Fire brought Vangelis to superstar status. Rest in peace Vangelis.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Jim, Vangelis is one of the greatest musicians EVER, his HEART was pure. The only way he could create such UNIQUE compositions. His HEAVEN AND HELL album is SUPERB! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@thespots]

Fantastic research in this episode. I learned a lot!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

My pleasure!! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@Latexhandske]

Thank you for doing this. Big ❤ to you my friend!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

My pleasure! Thank YOU for tuning in! Episode 3, series finale premieres NEXT WEEK!

[@rtaustin316]

Love the little remix bits! Another masterpiece!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you like them man! We need to ask someone to access the master tapes and remix this! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@CommishTV]

Another great video, JCM. So happy that there will be a 3rd episode! ☺️

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hell yeah! Episode 3 will talk about the breakup and i think with how i'll lay down the cards...it's was destined to end :(

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Hi José, 14:04 BERLIN *Count Three & Pray* Hehe. David Gilmour played the lead guitar solo on the last song of the album ‘Pink And Velvet’ (Track 10) and this album was the commencement of my purchasing OCD - purely for the artwork. And then there is Mr. Mister’s *Welcome To The Real World* for technical reasons (tiny pinholes in the aluminium substrate layer) embedded in the polycarbonate material of the Compact Disc. BERLIN is my favourite band from the 1980s, and The Bangles is another group I love. Plus, Belinda Carlisle is a solo artist I also like very much. I remember The Bangles were the opening act for Mr Mister on the band’s 1986 summer tour that year and I managed to score a pair of Front Row tickets for an outdoor amphitheatre show. I have a funny story about accidentally meeting Trevor Rabin in the summer of 1986 at a bar adjacent to a movie theatre. Early one evening, I was having an enthusiastic conversation about musical things with an associate, when I completely fell over after leaning back too far in my Windsor chair. Immediately after falling down on the carpet, a tall handsome gentleman (Trevor Rabin) came over to console me and, at the time, I didn’t even realise it was him until afterwards. Note: I was only enjoying myself and got carried away. I was NOT drunk! LOL! Trever said he was having a bad day too and insisted I come outside with him to the parking lot. He then pointed at his red sports car and said: ‘See those dents? I banged up my car today whilst rushing to work.’ We both had a laugh and went back inside. Because I felt so embarrassed falling over in the bar, it took me several days to realise it was Trevor Rabin of YES! Like OMG!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey @PlatinumBlack90038, I loved reading your comment-it’s full of so many great stories! I never knew about David Gilmour’s involvement on Count Three & Pray, so thanks for sharing that cool detail! And wow, front row for Mr. Mister and The Bangles? That sounds like an amazing night! Your story about meeting Trevor Rabin had me cracking up-what a moment! And it’s so funny how those chance encounters sometimes hit you later. I can only imagine how surreal it was when you realized who he was. Thanks for sharing such awesome memories!

[@blissmaster71]

Bought this album in 87 and loved it. Went to college in 88 and was exposed to pre-90125 Yes for the first time and, being blown away, stopped listening to BG for decades. Not sure if nostalgia is a big part of the reason, but now i absolutely love this album. I made Spotify and KZbin music playlists with all of BG and the Esquire album tracks on it that I play over and over again.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I think records choose us when the time is right. It happened to me with Bob Dylan, now i enjoy his style very much and recently got his 1978 album Street Legal. Oh man what a great idea to mix BG and ESQUIRE!! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@RonG40]

I actually have grown to love 'I'm Running' and it's crazy intro. (Could be the bass tone, which I'm a sucker for.) And I have grown to not be fond of Holy Lamb, which seems tagged on for Anderson's benefit. Whatever the case, I'm still glad that you made this, and draw some attention to an album that is crying for a reevaluation and remix. Great job!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The bass tone on I'm Running is KILLER, i just wished the rhythm and arrangement was different you know? We need a BIG GENERATOR REMIX and Box Set, maybe call it, BIG BOX like Taco Bell's promos? Thanks for watching RON, stay tuned for Part 3!

[@mattleppard1970]

Love it too 😊

[@ChromeDestiny]

It should be noted too that the main riff for I'm Running was written and rehearsed early on during the Drama period when Yes was down to a trio of Squire, Howe and White. You can find their instrumental version on bootlegs.

[@RonG40]

That's wild. I just gave that a listen (as well as the 'Alternate Generator' version.) That riff had been floating around for quite a while I guess. I wasn't aware, so thanks! I was always curious to see what Yes as a power trio would have come up with. (I've heard the Drama demos with them as a trio.) I loved the Drama era, and was always disappointed that Anderson had no interest in playing some of that stuff live.

[@mattleppard1970]

@ Totally. I’ve tracked down all those alternative mixes and looking forward to them.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

JCM, always proxies the goods! Hail and salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Abe! So glad to read your comment, Hope you are doing well and enjoying great music!

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@ . It’s your channel they has reinvigorated my playing of the guitar.

[@TheTwangKings]

Great documentary again! The 80s brought in tons of new sounds, from hard rock to post-punk and synth-pop. A lot of it soaked into the Yes, Genesis and Rush sound at the time.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The parallels for Genesis vs Yes...they were on a quest for riches! Thank YOU for watching man!

[@dummytree]

I got "Big Generator" on vinyl as a 9 year old in 1988 when my uncle gave it to me after replacing it by purchasing the CD (this is how it went in the late 80s). I was already familiar with classic Yes. This album has a special place in my heart because of all the memories ("Holy Lamb" reminds me of that melancholy on late sunday afternoons when I'd be listening to the album, coming down from it with the final song, and there was school the next day) but also because I think it's much more proggier and epic than critics and people have said, especially side 2. I love this album.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Late sunday melancholy, i hear you, 100%. It HAS Prog in there, people judge it harshly i think by the album cover prejudice. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@dummytree]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I'll be there! I've been watching and enjoying your videos a lot lately, I'm a Zeppelin fan, too. I was blown away because I love "In Through the Out Door" too and you're literally the first person I've come across who's so enthusiastic about it. I'm glad! Oh yes, the album cover screams 1987, so that's probably part of the reason why BG has a bad reputation. I'm french, so "I eat at chez nous" was amusing to the 9 year old i was when i got the album. I stillhave my old LP, and also got in on CD.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh man i am glad you've enjoyed the videos! I have 61 copies of In Through The Out Door at the moment hehe. I think Big Generator's album cover, really hurt them. Funny how visuals can turn off people big time! I need to get my CD copy!

[@SOALNightLive]

Love your buddy's Giraffe shirt. Big Kevin Gilbert fan here.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

FranticDav is an EXPERT on Prog, he sure loves Gilbert!

[@FranticDav]

and it's all because of _all of_ you! keep on proggin

[@SOALNightLive]

@@FranticDav You are living in joytown.

[@TheChadTI]

13:25 YES. (no pun 😅) 14:35 It's like you're pushing the "Good" button. 24:00 So great..

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It's all about puns and creative use of language heheh!

[@Dave-Gear32]

Great work digging on all the behind the scene stuff.I was hooked on this band in the 80’s and they didn’t get the mainstream MTV coverage like all the hair bands, Madonna etc.This is great stuff 👍🏻

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

MTV...wow what a double-edged thing for artists. In the end Zappa was right, it was the beginning of the end for the substance! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Nice documentary, thanks for putting it together. My first Yes concert was the “90125 Tour.”I also enjoyed “Big Generator,” however, when Pink Floyd released “Momentary Lapse Of Reason,” I soon forgot all the other music out at the time. Kudos for your mix, it sounded SUPERB!🙏🏻🎧

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I can't blame you for sticking to Floyd in 1987, Learning to Fly just takes you into a special place. As much as i am not that much of a fan, i respect a great record when i see one. Thank you for watching and your comments on the audio mix :) ! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@howardduck2851]

Very well done. I bought this CD the day it hit the stores. Not my favorite Yes, but it was exciting and fitting for its time. Clearly the age of Rabin.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Rabin was a hero right? I love the albums he made, except Union which nobody still knows WHO did what hehe. Thank you for watching Howard! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@tjzini]

Yes was getting ready to kick off their Big Generator Tour. They, or someone, decided they needed a dress rehearsal before heading off on their nationwide tour of big cities. On short notice, they booked the Convention Center in Springfield, IL. I was stoked. I called up my brother and we headed up there. Let's just say, good thing they had a practice night. They had these two big smokestack looking things that were pumping out smoke. It reminded me of Spinal Tap. One stack was wavering, the other one never climbed into position, bent over in the middle. I think there was a big gear wheel spinning in the back. When they did Roundabout, the drummer just took off at jet speed. One of the guitar players was trying to catch his eye, stomping his foot trying to slow things down. No chance, he was "in the zone". It was still fun and great to see the real deal. All the bands today are getting caught lip syncing or auto tuning. This was the authentic and I loved it. I consider Yes one of the few "super groups".

[@CarefulObserver1]

Absolutely, they are! I've seen them four times (once as Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe, but "virtually Yes"). Awaken live was the pinnacle for me, but also was meeting Chris Squire in AZ where he lived. Cheers

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You're right, THESE GUYS really PLAYED live. Very complicated music, even the "pop" stuff is SO TRICKY to do....damn! Thanks for watching! Episode 3 on the 1987/1988 tour and breakup premieres November 23rd

[@tjzini]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories When I got married in '79, my wife brought maybe five albums into the marriage(neither one of us had ever had much money so I didn't have a lot either). One of them was StarCastle. I'd never heard of them before. I do remember them getting some flack for being a Yes knock off. I really liked the album, Lady of the Lake, I think it was called. At least that's the main song I can remember from it. You might enjoy them.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh yes i know StarCastle! First i heard them i was very much impressed by their deep studies on the Yes sound!

[@joerich1629]

The Meatloaf joke had me rolling 🤣

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Meat Loaf Convergence man hahahahaj

[@Weatherhill1]

Fantastic!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@jimtatro6550]

Shoot High, Aim Low is my favorite song on Big Generator

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It should've been on a Miami Vice episode! GREAT TRACK! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@scottmcrae3355]

@@jimtatro6550 mine too. Probably my favourite Rabin era song full stop. Great song

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It really takes you places, there's much power of intent behind it!

[@stevesipos]

Never heard of Esquire before.Great job!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

An album worth checking out! To the Rescue is definitely it's Owner of a Lonely Heart but the rest has good musical moments. Thank YOU for watching Steve! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@dr.roberts4508]

Thank you for your In-depth research. And your musical cross references

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

My pleasure Dr. Roberts! I enjoyed working on this series. Hope you enjoy Part 3 "NOT TREVOR RABIN'S FAULT". kzbin.info/www/bejne/qauuoYuEo7hgmpYsi=t1RSvQI8JB61-DT0

[@kevinstimelsky673]

A great album and kick ass tour!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

WORD!!! Thank you for watching Kevin! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@zeppearl]

Jose ...thanks man!!! You have made me want to revisit Big Generator. I was disappointed when it came out and like you said maybe it was a a year or two to late on its release. So now I need to dust off my copy and have new ears to it. Love Will Find A Way was good ...but the rest lost me. I was still a fan but did not run out to see the tour like I did with 90125 tour. Great job brother as always !!!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Fair enough Vance, at least you will revisit this one. I don't blame you sometimes albums dont' click with us (happens to me with Physical Graffiti as a WHOLE, don't tell anyone). But it's always good to come back to the songs and say hi! Thanks for watching! Episode 3 on the 1987/1988 tour and breakup premieres November 23rd

[@dannybursace9151]

JCM…fun fact I was rocking the Rocky IV soundtrack in the background while working out (do it from time to time for inspiration) while watching your vid & you mentioned the songs that were playing..hearts on fire, no easy way out, etc…I was like OMG life is crazy like that! You rock…I do like Meatloaf so I’m not perfect lol but keep up the great work man! Haha another fantastic vid but had to letcha know on that brother! Drago is toast

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Danny question, i have nothing against MEAT LOAF the singer, it's just that one album. I believe Bat out of Hell 2 is a good record. What is your favorite album of his? That's crazy you were listening to ROCKY IV, what an absolute BEAST of a record, i need to get it on CD. Hearts on Fire helped through a very specific horrendus corporate job lol. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@dannybursace9151]

I’ve only heard Bat outta Hell & my mom & cousin loved that album so that’s really the extent of that…absolutely! R4 is fantastic! Really enjoy Sweetest Victory too…sounds great, you rock!

[@geodogg07]

Another excellent video! Providing the context of all the other 80s albums released at that time really takes me back to that era. I love Jon Anderson but it seems that he is responsible for worst album cover decisions when they move away from Roger Dean's art. I thought Yes should have remixed Big Generator like they did with the Steve Wilson remixes. I really like your audio boosted versions. Any chance of releasing those on KZbin? Also it's interesting to compare Yes and Genesis release schedules in the 80s. Not only did Invisible Touch release a year before Big Generator but remember Phil Collins also recorded and released No Jacket Required in 1985 (and toured)! In some alternative universe there is a Big Generator that was released in 1986, with that Esquire song (adapted for Yes), better production and a different album cover. I can't wait for part 3.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I think i FOUND the reason why Jon went for these covers btw, maybe for Episode 3 i'll share it! Big Generator does need a REMIX! You're right on Collins 1985, i mentioned him on Episode 1 but briefly since i did a deep dive on Phil for the 1985 Led Zeppelin Live Aid episode here on the channel. I agree BG in 1986 , a whole different story with YES...TO THE RESCUE! I'm looking for a way to upload the boosted audio in full but for now i made it available via my Patreon site. So whenever you have a chance, you can join for a month and check it out, of course, if want to remain a member i'd be honored!

[@ChromeDestiny]

The best I've heard the Big Generator material sound are the remastered tracks on the YesYears and In a Word Yes box sets, particularly Joe Gastwirt's remaster of Shoot High Aim Low on YesYears.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh Yes! The YesYears set, the equivalent to Led Zeppelin's 1990 Remasters Box Set. I agree, these were done with much care. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Looking forward, I think Rabin did some of his best playing on the Big Generator tour. On the 90125 tour he was still adjusting to the band, on the Union and Talk tours he had some good moments but could also veer off into self indulgence. I wish we had a good soundboard of one of the early shows with Final Eyes and I'm Running but at least we have two great sounding shows from 1988, Houston and Oakland.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes i agree Chrome except the acoustic guitar solo, i enjoy Rabin's take on it on the 9012live Tour much more, because he sounds more excited. But overall...the man was on FIRE throughout. I am with you an OAKLAND boot would be great!

[@jamieflowers1493]

You and rael are my go to guys

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Honored by your comment, i have tremendous respect for Rael. Don't know him personally but his work is AMAZING! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Totally agree on that awful Yellow cover for the tape and cd release. The LP version with the teal green is the perfect cover for the gem of an album hidden inside. Also the original vinyl pressing sounds so much better than the tape/cd. Exceptional in depth review Jose! Bravo & PLAY LoUD 🎸💫✨🎹

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes the vinyl pressing runs much better than the Cd. Something happened in the industry for the CD pressings back then that seems to flatten everything released that year! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@evankeal]

Im Running was dropped because the second half has about 6 million vocal parts (often with overlapping parts of at least 6 vocals each) that were impossible to coordinate backing vox tapes to, every bootleg is a giant train wreck, but I still admire the giant balls.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

6 Million vocal parts, that sums it up hahaha i agree with you. Since they were doing MIDI stuff on keyboards, it was a risky bet. I agree the boots capture the insanity. Giant Balls could be the name for this documentary series lol. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@reinaldofavoreto7160]

Great video. I believe this album would improve with a remix, a less "cold" and "80s" new cover and changing the order of songs ( the first 2 are my least favorite). I really hope some day you make a series about Keys to the Ascention 1 and 2, my favorite Yes albuns after the 70s - specially the studio songs, that I love ( even That, that is )

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Keys to Ascension would be a challenge as i maybe listened to them once, or twice and got Keys to my Car and left the record store BUT....hey, talking about the underappreciated Yes records is fascinating, never say no right? I need to revisit this album you mention. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@markorendas1423]

Great "BIG" FOR THE VID AND SONG... ! i remember how excited i was when this came out

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU for watching Mark! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@stefannelson]

Thank you for making this series. I know that it takes a lot of work and I am enjoying what you do here. I hear what you’re saying about I’m Running but I love the track, it is my favorite on the record. The tequila bit style is cheesy but the chord progression makes it work for me. Almost like love is a hard listen. Regardless I really like the album.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

@@stefannelson with time i've come to enjoy I'm Running. The middle section though i liked it from the get go. Thanks for tuning in Stefan! Episode 3 coming up.

[@iancroft1447]

Funny I always thought BG was a Much bigger Hit than it actually was(the 2 singles were big though). Pretty good album all-around though. Another Great Vid Jose & am looking forward to ep 3 !

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Ian, shocking right? Sales figures were not even Almost Like Love but NO love. Still, it's a Very good album! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@michelforest6329]

If I remember correctly, it went as high as 15 in Billborard's top 200 albums. But compared to 90125 it didn't nearly do as well. When I saw them in Montreal in 1987, the venue was half-full whereas it was sold out in 1984.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yikes Michel, half full venue at Montreal...oh boy that's bad!

[@erik2446]

Another very interesting documentary! Kudos for shining a bright light on this rather obscure album. This may be the most attention it has received since the tour ended. Your theory about the problems with the mix seem to be borne out by the "2024 Audio Boost" segment. JCM Remix sounds much better!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It's probably the most attention it's received since 1988, i agree hehe. But man, what an album, it deserves much Love! Erik i wonder if by 1987 the record industry thought, let's make releases sound like this so fans can use their own stereos to get the bass sound they want? Still, from an audiophile perspective, these don't sound like say, Dire Straits Sultan's of Swing level. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@erik2446]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I agree there appeared to be an industry-wide epidemic of "-Lite" mixes in 1987. Exhibit A would be the Rush-Lite album Hold Your Fire. If it could happen to those cats, it could happen to anyone. Rush didn't fully recover from the "-Lite" sound until Counterparts in 1993. I think the "-Lite" sound was a side-effect of these bands shooting for wider acceptance as pop acts. Ironically, Yes and Rush were two bands who had complete freedom to do whatever they wanted.

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

Killing it as usual, JCM.Gave Rocky 4 soundtrack some love. 🔥 "Ah moss break yu."

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Ivan Drago sings BREAK HIGH, AIM LOW? I'd love to know what Bill Lumbergh's thoughts on Yes were. Thank you for watching Michael Bolton! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@findJLF]

Amazing work! Not only a tribute to Big Generator , the extensive background, setting the scene and also showing many of us new music to listen to , in context. I do disagree with you on "I'm Running" - this is Progressive Rock - it draws on many inspirations .. the latin syncopation is quite essential to making this a stand-out track - the highlight of the album for me. I think the reason this was dropped from the Yes, live set-list because it was so hard to perform. The vocal parts alone are probably too much to deliver in live performance setting. The first two tracks on the album are my most frequently skipped - however really the whole album is exceptional. Amazing work!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much! I like I'm Running's middle part, the epic feel there, i'm sure when i get my CD copy of the album i will love it in full, but i'd rather be honest! I enjoy afrocuban latin jazz a lot so maybe this syncopation feels weird you know? It is a HARD song to play on stage, agree! As a whole storytelling experience, the album flows great. Episode 3 premieres November 23rd!

[@gotchaeightiescovered9189]

100% agree with your opinion of To The Rescue. ❤️‍🔥

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I can´t get that chorus out of my head. TO THE RESCUUUUEEEE. The bass work alone is SUPERB! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@gotchaeightiescovered9189]

@ I also really like the signature Alan White 80s drums on this. The fills and snare also make it YES. Check out “Is This Love” by Wetton/Manzanera for similar Alan White drums

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

They do sound similar! Indeed!

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

I love the intro I want someone to make my website like that ...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

If you're interested in a custom theme song let me know, i can sure help you out! Reach me at [e-mail] Thanks for watching Episode 2. the third installment premieres next week!

[@baldyconnolly8577]

Excellent documentary. BG was undoubtedly the victim of over-production, due to Rabin trying to turn the band into Foreigner, clashing with Jon who wanted to go backwards towards their old sound and also wanting to return to his position as the "Napoleon" of the band. I love the boost that you give the sound of the album, it really benefits from an extra set of cojones!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this journey plus the audio boost on the tracks, maybe we'll get a box set one day? Or maybe a remix! Interesting you mention Foreigner, maybe Rabin working with Mr. Mister's Paul DeVilliers took them to Broken Wings terrains on Shoot High Aim Low? Episode 3 premieres November 23rd, we'll go ON TOUR with the band!

[@baldyconnolly8577]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories A BG box set?! Imagine it! Well, we've just had the Talk box set so it's entirely possible. Looking forward to watching the next episode :)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A Box Set by the name of BIG SET or BOX GENERATOR. They should include a 1988 Multitrack recording. We need Rhino to listen to us fans!

[@toyland12]

I was so into this album at the time. It's really underrated.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

An 80s treasure album! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@Albendova666]

I was just enlisted in the navy during its release, and while I was indeed a YES fan there was just tooooo much new and exciting music being released at this time as JCM hit upon that I didn't discover BG until yearssss later.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Such a crazy competitive market, i can't imagine being a record buyer and choosing! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@mattleppard1970]

Been looking forward to these As I said last time, Tony is a star. Love the extra bass you added and the Tracy Morgan ref! Where can I find all the demos and different/early mixes? Also the full long version of Cinema?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Brian Fellows is a hilarious character, i love the fact he states he has no professional training on animals lol! Matt, email me at [e-mail] and i can look up the material online so you can download it for free of course, NEVER buy Bootlegs!

[@macsnafu]

The summer of 1986 brings back a lot of memories, Invisible Touch, Peter Gabriel's So, Emerson Lake and Power, GTR, etc. While it was clearly not the early 70s anymore, The 80s could still remember the glory days of prog. And while Yes in the 80s wasn't the same as Yes in the 70s, it was still good music worth listening to. Big Generator, Talk, and yes, even Union are all worthwhile and interesting albums.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Like you said, Music worth listening to. I hope we get a BOX SET one day! Thanks for watching! Episode 3 on the 1987/1988 tour and breakup premieres November 23rd

[@SOALNightLive]

The bass riff from I'm Running dates back to the Drama era. There's a recording of Howe playing on it back then. Sort of noodling about....

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I'm sure it can be traced to 1980 as Yes 1980s in general maintained a Drama framework!

[@3ggshe11s]

Rush came out with Hold Your Fire in September of '87 also. It was a crowded market for old prog legends trying to find their place in a changing musical environment.

[@terrencereardon6374]

Released on September 8, 1987 the same day as A Momentary Lapse of Reason here in the States. September 7 was a holiday in the USA which was Labor Day.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You are right about this Rush album, it was a crowded place, terrifying really. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@Reynard_11]

Don't forget about "Crest of a Knave". I distinctly remember blasting all 4 of these albums from my car stereo that autumn.

[@mancuniancandidatem]

I think it was a late eighties trend to have treble heavy records. I remember a lot of people were still listening to cassette and vinyl and cd had not really taken off on mass at that point. Cassette Sony Walkmans were massive at that point. Both Van Halen and Dave Lee Roth's solo followups in 1988 both suffer from a lack of bass frequencies. Most people didn't have home stereos with sub woofers and I think the music was being mastered for tinny stereos and walkman headphones.

[@ChromeDestiny]

There were two common mastering practices in the 70's and 80's, one was to check how the material sounded on what the listener would be likely playing it on like say a car stereo, home stereo or something portable, the other was cocaine use which made engineers favor more treble heavy mixes.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You're spot on David Lee Roth's Skyscraper, the record sounds BAD. Even Vai knew when he presented it to the guys at GUITAR WORLD for the article and this is noted by the journalists. Hmm, mastered for tiny stereos, maybe portable Walkmans? It's weird because it kinda sounds mixed for SMARTPHONES! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@TheFunkybert]

Great work on the 2024 boost JCM!! With an album name like Big Generator they certainly needed a BOOST!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It needs a REMIX GENERATOR indeed hehe. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@alexnejako777]

i really like Big Generator and I also like GTR which I have a cassette of.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

GTR....funny how that album was good but they expected it to SELL much more! Howe and Hackett needed to believe in the power of music more!

[@cheesechannel7154]

Big Generator was a good album..I never liked nor agreed with all the negative reviews or opinions of it. And compared to the Yes of today- with no members of 80's Yes either..makes BG a classic Yes as well. It was the Yes in my late 80's high school years.. an so -no it was not going to be 70's Yes. Saw the 90125 tour, but I wish the BG and Union tour would have come to my town, I did not get to see Yes again until 1994 Talk tour.. Glad I got to see Yes in the 80's and 90's and some 2000's when I did. I don't care about Yes anymore to what it is now in 2024. Still good musicians sure, but not for me anymore.. Jon Anderson Band Geek stuff is good, but maybe only for a 1 or 2 album run..

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The album deserves much more praise. So cool you watched the 90125 Tour, they were on fire. I agree modern-day Yes lost its spirit, but i think it's down to religious fanatics to take off their goggles and appreciate the MUSIC for what it is and what's not.

[@mattleppard1970]

Totally agree. It’s total Yes for me😊

[@johnh0595]

@@cheesechannel7154, Union tour was amazing

[@cheesechannel7154]

@@johnh0595 yea, I wish I could of seen that tour.. No internet in those days, harder to get tix- in the nearest town (still far away) tour stop. And, I was a college student then- so no money to travel..

[@cheesechannel7154]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesI was 14 yrs old- (still have my ticket stub) great show.. sounded incredible, blew me away.

[@e.nowbodhi144]

"like the circle of fifths, but for painting"

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU! I love colors...very much and painting of course. Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@benbrownjr.7626]

I never liked this album, and was 18 when it came out. Regardless, this documentary is quite good. Excellent research.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Fair enough, you stick to your opinion and i respect that Ben! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@mauricerobillard612]

Your nailed the audio low boost

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That's great to read Maurice, i wanted to amplify Squire's FAT Bass tone! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@JohnHancotte]

You've inspired me to add some EQ to these tracks. I have used Audacity in the past to embellish my mp3s. Not state of the art, but fairly easy to use. I know it needs more bottom than top end, although it sounded as though you added some top end as well. A fairly flat sounding digital release that brings out the un-warm characteristics of that medium. Your content overall is superb!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey John that's great, Audacity can definitely help us music fans ot experiment with our record collection. Like you said the bottom end was boosted as well as the top! I hope someday we'll get a remix from the master tapes! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@taraemory]

Oh hey you snuck American Psycho in there touring with Genesis I nearly laughed my Cheerios out my nose!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Do you know Phil Collins? Before Duke, Genesis was too artsy for me. :)

[@greggildersleeve3484]

Your audio enhancements make a world of difference! I still hear "Love Will Find a Way" and "Rhythm of Love" occasionally on the radio. While they sound like Yes, I can't help thinking the band was struggling to repeat the commercial success of "Owner." I felt the same way about Jefferson Starship's "Modern Times" album; after the surprise success of "Jane" and "Freedom at Point Zero," they struggled to figure out what worked and to repeat the formula. (That said, "Find Your Way Back" is a killer track.) I'll have to give the other songs on BG another listen; it's been years since I heard them, and your video makes me look at the album in a new way.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Gregg, glad the audio enhancements shed light on the WHAT IFs for the album. I mean, we can't change the mixing or compositions themselves. but as a storytelling piece...the album is SO effective to sum up the times and where society headed out to! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@RobertFisher1969]

As a recall, in the eighties just about all consumer audio gear had some EQ presets with a bass boost among the choices. And I remember a lot of people choosing to use that. I wonder if the reduced bass in some albums was intentional to offset this.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

This is interesting yet the 70s had this approach to an extent since people had compressors and such but 1987 really over did it. It's like they REALLY cut the fat 100%. They sound sorta VEGAN rock hehe. Thanks for watching! Episode 3 on the 1987/1988 tour and breakup premieres November 23rd

[@seansheppard8635]

Holy Lamb is my favourite on this album, along with Shoot High Aim Low and Rhythm of Love, but on the whole, I like Big Generator more for nostalgic reasons. It is a very good album. Looking forward to Episode 3.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Holy Lamb yeah, it's an 80s anthem, i still can't believe Anderson didn't carry the spirit onto his solo albums past 1982. Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@colinburroughs9871]

Holy Lamb is straight embarrassing. Who's not aware of this? lol, gosh

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Disagree Colin. Bat out of Hell IS embarrassing.

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories that too, lol

[@TimC2-q6o]

Part two much better than part one. It’s about the Making of Big Generator. 👍😎

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I don't cut corners for research so part 2 needed the previous installment :) Thank YOU very much for tuning Tim! Episode 3 will be the series finale!

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I'm guessing lot's of people clicking would like the Union (yikes) treatment or Talk (there's not enough press or general interest here, but core fans probably would like to see what you could cook up).

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Colin i think both those albums are a Saga of it's own. Need to ask my Patreons first hehe. With enough financial support trust me i can Devote myself to EVERYTHING on these records.

[@davidlipnicky8713]

I've always liked this album, and this great doc reminds me why, and why it was it was seen a failure... The right album, but at the wrong time.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

They say winners don't like losers talking about history...and sometimes, losers are nothing but bad timing where winners are sometimes...time keepers! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@davidlipnicky8713]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories - I loved ep. 3 just as much as 1 & 2. Thank you!

[@zoso73]

Please do a vid on Esquire. That 1987 album is the greatest album that no one ever heard.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I'love the sound of the instrumental side of things. While the vocals maybe be an acquired taste on some tracks it's a GREAT record like you said. I'd love to interview some of the bandmates. What is your favorite song on it outside of TO THE RESCUE?

[@DrTomoculus]

Today is the first time I have heard Esquire - To the Rescue. This is disgraceful as an avowed Chris Squire fan that I have not heard it until your mention of it here. And you're right. That song would do well being on Big Generator. Using vinyl, I uploaded my version of BIG GENERATOR 5 years ago to KZbin. I worked on that album from that source for 3 years. This is Shoot High, Aim Low kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaPVgmmbjKiSeJosi=F2ycMUiIa3Zmx5my

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I am with you, i hadn't heard ESQUIRE until i worked on this series. To The Rescue...such a great chorus, can't get it out of my head. I'll be honest, the rest of the album has a minor issue of the vocals slightly out of tune but instrumentally, it's worth checking out. I checked out your remaster and it definitely adds a much needed punch center that was not present on the orignial. Happy to know you're into this too! Congrats on your work! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@DrTomoculus]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Thanks for checking it out! One of the best things to ever happen to Yes was the union of Chris Squire and Trevor Rabin. Those two can do no wrong in my mind! ;)

[@JianLakerson]

I absolutely love "I'm Running," probably my favorite on BG.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The chorus is powerful, i could hear it on LOOP!

[@Lance37a]

I remember hearing To the Rescue, and I thought it was the new Yes album. I still want to get that cd

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yeah i'm on the same boat as you, i want a copy of the album. Thing is....vocally speaking, with all due respect, the other tracks outside of the single, are a bit weird. I don't think production and ARRANGEMENTS were as carefully crafted as the lead track! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@Lance37a]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories great work on the videos. I saw them on the Big Generator tour, it was awesome.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Nice man where at? The tour had a strange pace though!

[@Lance37a]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories it was at the Omni in Atlanta, I saw Pink Floyd there as well good times

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I've always thought from the pictures, the Omni looked like the future!

[@Reynard_11]

14:30 Point of note. Back then we all had graphic eq's in our stereo systems so the final mix was never that big of a deal. It was all massaged to our personal tastes similar to what you did. 😉

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I also tried the Graphic Eq and the album has a sonid defiency still! Compare it to an Elton John 1975 record...back when stereo business was not as greedy as the 80s :)

[@Reynard_11]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Oh for sure, not even close to something like GYBR. It's late 80's shrill through & through but I still dig it.

[@jonnyups2312]

I love the non pop tracks on this album and 90125 but this album proves that when you cater to the pop crowd and succeed, they're not going to wait around for a follow up. There's no loyalty there. You're fans of solid music will always be there

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The non-pop tunes are revelations i agree. Yes had to take the chance. I just wish they did it in 1991...you know? And just play the game in 1987. The 90s saw the classic rock revival and prog bands really benefitted from touring both old and new markets of DEDICATED fans, their mainstream radio competition was gone. Heck that's why both YES and ELP visited my undisclosed country haha in the 90s! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@moonmonkey303]

Love this album! Thank you for these insightful documentaries! Only one feedback, that subtle ambient track you use underneath you talking is a bit ominous. Doesn't match the tone of a music doc.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for the feedback on the ambient track. I didn't use these before but then i thought it sounded a bit dry. What would you recommend i use instead? Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@MissMX]

Thanks again - enjoyable overall, but two purely musical points: [26:28] “The fact Rabin wrote the string arrangement for the intro [Love Will Find A Way] confirms he is one of the greatest rock musicians who ever walked this planet.” The fact of such an absurdly overblown statement appearing in a “documentary” rather confirms there are times when you allow your personal enthusiasms to cloud reasonable judgment. No such grandiose claim can be made on the basis of 8 bars of string quartet music (the movie scores came much later). Wait - Take your time, think it through! LWFAW is the cheesiest song (musically and probably lyrically) of the entire Rabin-era Yes, and much more suited to his more mainstream solo albums. [30:30] Your reservation about the success of mixing “a bold acoustic version of tequila” with metal [ “I’m running”] is on more solid ground and was a 'jagged little pill' for some of us Yes veterans. Strange then that you don’t mention how even more incongruous the "classical" string quartet intro to Love Will Find a Way sounds before the ensuing AOR song - the two musical concepts are never integrated subsequently, and seem to have no common musical content either. Fortunately the intro was axed from both single and video.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The score for Love Will Find a Way is not easy. My opinion comes as a classic guitar and composer myself with deep studies in avant garde material.. Writing a concise overture like this is HARD, never mind on a YES record. My admiration for musicians like Mr. Rabin comes from both a listener and craftsman. Thanks for tuning in! Episode 3 will talk about the 1988 breakup!

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

Anderson's accent has gone now. Coverdale had the best voice both speaking and singing pre mid 70s

[@uiliumpowell4684]

Idk if you necessarily put low end on a mix when everyone has stereos with equalizers in 1987 that boost the low end already and you don't want ppl to have to turn it down for your song then have to turn it back up again.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Brothers in Arms has more low end. 90125 too so BG has some issues in that regard.

[@ultraviolet9863]

holy lamb was a very touching song. thanks again for this wonderful series.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

If i could play a song on guitar with Jon Anderson, it would be this one! Thank you for watching Ultraviolet! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@christiancazabonne]

Excelente video, como de costumbre! Pues si: Se tardaron mucho, Trevor Rabin es un músico increíble pero el perfeccionismo extremo llevó a Yes a la ruina, no económica sino de ideas! Igual yo siempre preferí el Big Generator al 90125 sobretodo desde ése día de 1987 en que fui a una tienda de discos y recién habían salido 3 magníficos álbumes: Pink Floyd - A Momentary lapse of reason, Rush - Hold your fire y Yes - Big Generator, yo tenía 15 años y me llevé los 3 a casa!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

La novela de Televisa, "Los Chicos Afirmativos"? Que buena selección de discos en 1987. Necesito redescubrir el de Rush, honestamente creo que nunca lo he escuchado! hehe

[@christiancazabonne]

​@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesRush es así: O te gusta o lo odias 😂😂 Éso si: Fueron una gran influencia para muchos jóvenes que empezaron a tocar música en los años 80, como yo.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Escuché Hold Your Fire. Me gustó pero definitivamente mi album favorito de Rush es Grace Under Pressure puedes creerlo?

[@christiancazabonne]

​@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesY yo sé porqué: También era el preferido de mi hermano quien era guitarrista ya que él decía que era el mejor trabajo de Alex Lifeson como guitarrista! Y él era gran fan de él, y de Steve Howe, Buck Dharma y David Gilmour! Y para mi sería como el segundo, o tercero preferido de Rush, es difícil decidir cuál disco de Rush para mi es mejor, pero como bajista y tecladista Hold Your Fire es en donde hubo más de los 2 instrumentos 😂

[@kc0lif]

good pop album. peter Gabriel left genesis years ago took genesis prog with him. big generator kinda like 90125 part 2.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I would love to see the Genesis camp face when they heard Peter Gabriel's SO. Pretty sure somebody shouted, THAT F..... hahahahahahahahah Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@michelforest6329]

Very interesting and even a hardcore Yes fan like me learned quite a few things about Big Generator. I've never liked that album much, after 90125 I felt it was a big letdown in terms of sonwriting. What's also notable is that this was the only Yes album for Atlantic that was not rereleased in a remastered version in the 2000's. My main problem with that record is the production, which is dreadul. After Horn's exceptional work on 90125, this album sounds like it was recorded in one big tin can, there's no bottom end whatsoever. I wish they would have someone else (i.e. not Rabin) remix it. Your 2024 remix is interesting, but what would be better would be a real remix from the master tapes.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You are right Big Generator was not remastered in the 2000s....very strange, i wonder what the issue may be, i mean they own the rights, or don't they? Maybe someone didnt' green light it. I agree the production is not like 90125 but it's really down to mixing. Oh yeah i'm with you, i want a remix from the master tapes. I just did my test to give us an idea! Thank YOU for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@michelforest6329]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I sure will be watching. I saw the tour on December 8, 1987, at the Montreal Forum.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Nice! The very few shows in Canada took place in 1987. You were lucky indeed to catch the tour :)

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories it doesn't need a remix, frankly lot's of 80's recordings that have a high degree of digital properties don't need more digital fiddling across the board (they knew what they wanted had the tools that we're still screwing around with, in different iterations), but that's just my take.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Juts maybe a Remix, i mean take the master tapes and add some nice, modern low end, in this sense technology HAS improved. Look at the ATMOS mixes!

[@dbaytug]

Remember Rabin's sister is a violinist if I recall...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

This i didn't knew, so it runs in the family! Thanks for watching! Episode 3 on the 1987/1988 tour and breakup premieres November 23rd

[@drewgeraci8434]

I loved 90215 and I wanted to like Big Generator, but the latter sounded like so many other bands. 90215 benefited from reworking a rich bounty of Trevor Rabin songs. BG sounded forced to me and the least Yes-sounding album. Thanks for a peek behind this era. The cover had the neon design that really dates it in the 80s.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A rich bounty of Rabin songs, you are right! He pretty much developed these over the years starting with his solo records. I am glad you checked this out even if it's not your favorite Yes record! Thank YOU for watching Drew! Stay tuned for Episode 3, series finale!

[@TheTwangKings]

I kind of get the different cover colors. It's a very 80s thing, when bright primary colors and pastels were very trendy. Genesis did this on Abacab.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yeah Genesis tried this, you're right! But their timing was right, 1981 made sense for THAT record!

[@TheTwangKings]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories actually, that makes me think... some bands varied the album covers even earlier, and I don't mean different issues. A really badass example is "In through the out door"! I lost count of how many versions they created!

[@hogne]

Great job, I learned stuff even I didn't know. My only complaint: Why do you put that horrible color filter on everything in the video? To avoid (C)-issues? Anyway, I did not know there is a Vangelis bootleg with his LA concert in 1986, one of VERY few concerts he ever gave. I've read articles about it, and Jon only appeared on a few songs during that gig, if they are to be believed. The reason for the gated sound on Big Generator is simple: It was 1987. We lost all feeling of bass in that period, and today it sounds like you play those albums via a bad telephone line. This is especially noticeable on I'm Running, during the last part where the big vocals come int. It's like your speakers are ruined.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The "horrible filters" are my personal preference because i love color and i think flashbacks in one's mind work like this, they have tones, textures and all that. I am glad you enjoyed this installment! The 1986 show by Vangelis yes, it was a RARE instance for the Maestro. Do you think 1987 albums thought, "well let's have the record buyer EQ their stereos for bass frequencies? Or maybe technology at the studio gave them the wrong image? Stay tuned for Episode 3!

[@kalles8789]

"Big Generator" was typical 80s AOR stuff.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

But still miles better than Bat out of Hell! Thanks for watching!

[@mariovuksanovic5077]

They needed to put out a follow up album in 1985 another in 1987 and a third in 1989....were there personality conflicts?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A follow up in 1985 was definitely the best choice! I recommend checking out Episode 3 or "NOT TREVOR RABIN'S FAULT" for the answer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qauuoYuEo7hgmpYsi=PP_s2G70NqQWee8R

[@charlesnolan7602]

1986 Emerson Lake & Palmer Tangerine Dream Underwater Sunlight GTR Johannes Schmoelling "Wuvient Ruit" David Sylvain "Gone to Earth" Peter Gabriel " SO"

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I enjoy ELP's 1986 album but sometimes i don't know how to feel about it!

[@drummer78]

Big Generator and Hold Your Fire share similar sonic space

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I will check Rush' album! It's been a gazillion years, i am not sure i remember it! Thank YOU very much for watching!

[@eschalecdesign2009]

Where can I get this audio enhancement to BG you made, it sounds great!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you for watching Episode 2. You can check out the complete enhanced album on my Patreon site: www.patreon.com/c/calvomonturiol . Stay tuned for Episode 3! The series finale will be all about DRAMA!

[@strettoasino9006]

For a band the seemed so ethereal in a mind space, YES became mortal in later years ...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You can't do Relayer 10 times, it happens! But Big Generator was one of the hardest albums to replicate live ironically!

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

Momentary Lapse is a good album but the songs are better live as Nick Mason was playing drums and Rick Wright was playing the keyboards like they should have on the original album. Nowadays I listen to the Updated and Remixed version of the album as Nick re-recorded all of the drums, Rick Wright’s Hammond Organ and keyboards from outtakes and live performances replaced the dated 1980s sound.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Didn't Mason play on the original album? Now i'm shocked man, WHY was this? Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the series finale Episode 3!

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

@ Nick played on two tracks on the original as his drumming was lagging (he used drum machines on his last solo album Profiles). On the original album Carmine Appice played on The Dogs of War, Jim Keltner played on One Slip, On. The Turning Away and Yet Another Movie. Sorrow had a drum machine. Mason did all of the sound effects. Once the tour was underway Nick mastered the drum parts and was playing with a renewed passion and Wright was on Learning to Fly, On the Turning Away, Terminal Frost and Sorrow on the original.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

OMG. That's a shock! Now did Nick get his fair share of royalties for the album still? Carmine Appice? What. Did he get Appice of the royalties?

[@TJR-ClassicRockCorner0124]

@ Yes Nick did get paid and Carmine got paid a session fee for playing on The Dogs of War. Nick did all of the sound effects. What happened was Nick was out of practice because he was into his hobby of auto racing and Roger had reduced Nick on The Final Cut. By the time the Momentary Lapse Tour was underway Nick mastered the drums and the versions of the Momentary Lapse material was better on the live Delicate Sound of Thunder album and Rick Wright returned towards the end of the Momentary Lapse sessions and added extra keyboards and he was credited as a session musician because of Roger Waters suing David Gilmour and Nick Mason for carrying on without him. David helped build back the playing confidence of Mason and Wright and by the time Delicate Sound of Thunder was released Wright was fully reinstated and credited with Gilmour and Mason as an equal partner. Also Rick played all of the main keyboards on Delicate Sound. I am with Pink Floyd what you are with Zeppelin. Also learned that David has never smoked cigarettes after his dad made a pact with him that if he didn’t smoke cigarettes by 17 he would teach David how to drive a car and get his license. Dad forgot about the deal but David never touched cigarettes but the odd joint was smoked but not to the extreme of The Grateful Dead. David’s voice has held up and at 78 still sings well. Roger on the other hand despite giving up cigarettes he threw his voice out from the singing and screaming on Animals, The Wall and The Final Cut and his Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking album.

[@fletchbg]

/vigorously rubbing hands/

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Rub High, Aim High!

[@fletchbg]

Dude, not that kind of rubbing, ew

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I meant Hands man come on hahahahah

[@thebrokerofbrokerstv68]

Dream rock changes.. Jagger leaves and Page joins. Coverdale and Hughes form a supergroup Lenny wolf replaces Plant in Zeppelin. Nirvana never form a band Japan continue in the 80s to be one of the greatest bands Ray Gillen becomes the lead singer for Rainbow Prince and Jackson made an album together. Kiss make a second Creatures after the first with Vincent. As mentioned Gabriel joins Yes..

[@mariovuksanovic5077]

Jon Anderson is the most prolific member of Yes by far.....in 1985 and 1986 he kept busy releasing solo albums. The proof is today, almost 2025, Jon is busy with his band....The band geeks.... leaving the other members way behind. Trevor lost his performance skills and quit performing ...making music in his studio for movies. Jon is out there live playing for the people.....by far the greatest member of Yes ...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Squire was the greatest member of Yes (RIP), Anderson is the second greatest and he would even tell you. Back in 1968 it was Chris who had the musical chops first :)

[@doctordetroit4339]

80s were simply too crowded.....too much talent on earth at one time. It was criminal really. God should have spread it out more. To the rescue is a great tune thanks for the suggestion!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Criminal amount of talent hehe, agree 100% Please check out ESQUIRE'S album in full, while To the Rescue IS the best cut, the rest has very interesting musical moments!