Record Reviews

YES ~ PROGENY: SEVEN SHOWS FROM SEVENTY-TWO RHINO 081227956417 (Barcode: 081227956417) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015 This monstrous Box Set comprises of seven 2CD sets, which present seven concerts recorded between October 31, 1972 and November 20, 1972 during the North American YesFind albums by this artist tour promoting "Close To The EdgeFind albums with this title", their fifth album. The band at the time comprised of vocalist Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve HoweFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris SquireFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and the new drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist. These concerts had an almost identical set list, which is of course reflected herein. Some of these recordings were already used in the past to compile the "YessongsFind albums on this label" live album released in 1973 but most are previously unreleased. By the time Yes recorded "Close To The Edge", there was absolutely nothing left of the initial spark of genius that was reflected by their first two albums. They were deeply into overblown and self-centered world, which had almost completely lost touch with reality. Anderson´s "mystical" lyrics were dangerously close to gibberish and his hysteric vocal extravaganzas reflected a state of blurred consciousness. Wakeman´s endless keyboard doodling was pompous and arduous, and the rest of the gang just schlepped along. Yes, things could be a lot worse and indeed they would soon be much worse with the release of the forthcoming albums, but it was already truly "close to the edge". Sarcastically, Yes were crowned as Kings of the Progressive Rock, whereas in fact their music completely stopped to progress (i.e. develop) from their third album on. It simply spiraled deeper and deeper into narcissism and arrogance, producing worthless Rococo trinkets hanging in the air. The melodies became simplistic, the endless instrumental passages became intolerably boring and a chill of emptiness took over. Oddly and completely beyond any reasonable explanation the Yes bandwagon keeps rolling to this very day, with this Box Set being a pinnacle of the theatre of absurd. The sheer audacity of releasing this Box Set is of epic proportions, and reflects the complete detachment between Yes and the real world. Even if God Almighty himself had have called upon Moses to come up the mountain to receive the ten commandments seven times in a row, that would have been considered way overboard. But apparently releasing a box of seven almost identical concerts played within twenty days of each other is fine with some people. Every live music performance is unique, true. But some are more unique than others. Box sets that present a series of live recordings captured in the span of a relatively short time and include repetitions of the same material do exist, but they all are completely justified, as opposed to this Box Set. "The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard RecordingsFind albums with this title" is a four CDs Box Set by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, presenting concerts played during four days and includes many repeated tunes. It is a singular most important collection of music ever produced on this planet. But Coltrane was God. "The Complete Live At The Plugged Nickel 1965Find albums on this label" is an eight CDs Box Set by the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist second quintet, presenting music played just in two days. Of course there is repetition, but it is pure genius. And of course Miles thought he was God. "Performance Rockin` The Fillmore: The Complete RecordingsFind albums on this label" is a four CDs Box Set by British Rock Supergroup Humble PieFind albums by this artist, presenting four identical sets played in two days (i.e. each song is repeated four times, with just one exception), but they are miles apart from each other. It epitomizes Rock at its absolute peak, which is purely Devilish. I could of course go on and on listing Box Sets, which present extensive live recordings from every possible genre, which are all perfectly justifiable, make perfect sense and include fabulous music. Sadly nothing similar can be said about this Box Set. It symbolizes pure vanity and complete disregard towards the fans of the band, which are repeatedly requested to pay for the same material again and again, honestly offering nothing in return. The sound quality is of course still very much Lo-Fi, in spite of the great efforts made to improve it. Even the Roger Dean graphics, which I usually adore, look pale and weathered. This is cynical BS and if anybody tells you otherwise, you are being bullshited.

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 28/12/2015

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