Yes - Yes [Japan Ed.] [6 bonus tracks] (1969)

Year: 25 July 1969 (CD 2003)
Label: Rhino Records (Japan), WPCR-11442
Style: Symphonic Rock
Country: London, England
Time: 79:48
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 487 Mb

When Yes recorded their debut album, King Crimson had not yet released the genre-defining In The Court of the Crimson King. Like Genesis, Yes’ debut album is instead psychedelic pop – not dissimilar to The Zombies. There are hints of jazz and progressive rock as well – the songs are sometimes lengthy and the group’s instrumental chops are evident, particularly from the rhythm section of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford. But the songs are relatively straightforward – it’s noteworthy that two of the most accomplished songs are lengthy adaptations of pop tunes from The Beatles (‘Every Little Thing’) and The Byrds (‘I See You’).
The opening riff-based tune, ‘Beyond and Before’, originated from Squire’s time in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop – the band would eventually turnover members and rename themselves Yes. It’s straightforward compared to what would follow, but still effective. ‘Harold Land’ is another strong original, dominated by Kaye’s organ. The lengthy workouts on the covers are the record’s most enjoyable aspect – ‘Every Little Thing’, which also references ‘Day Tripper’, is a rare Beatles cover that improves on the original. The group’s softer material – ‘Yesterday and Today’ and ‘Sweetness’ – isn’t as effective, even though Anderson’s vocals are pretty, while the attempt at an epic closer on ‘Survival’ lacks edge.
Yes gets lost in the shuffle of great 1969 releases, but it’s still a very promising debut from a band who’d shine in the next decade.
(albumreviews.blog/reviews/1970s-album-reviews/yes/)

01. Beyond And Before (04:55)
02. I See You (06:52)
03. Yesterday And Today (02:51)
04. Looking Around (04:19)
05. Harold Land (05:46)
06. Every Little Thing (05:46)
07. Sweetness (04:35)
08. Survival (06:22)
09. Everydays (Bonus Track) (Single Version) (06:23)
10. Dear Father (Bonus Track) (Early Version #2) (05:51)
11. Something's Coming (Bonus Track) (07:09)
12. Everydays (Bonus Track) (Early Version) (05:18)
13. Dear Father (Bonus Track) (Early Version #1) (05:31)
14. Something's Coming (Bonus Track) (Early Version) (08:02)

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