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Yes
The Word Is Live
(Rhino)
First Appeared in The Music Box, November 2005, Volume 12, #11
Written by John Metzger
There’s little doubt that Yes is best-known for its studio work, especially
considering that its music forever has been the staple of classic rock radio.
Yet, almost in spite of the many permutations of its line-up, the group also has
managed to exude, throughout its career, a consistently formidable stage
presence. In an attempt to highlight this latter aspect of the ensemble’s
pursuits, its latest effort The Word Is Live culls nearly four hours of
material, most of which is previously unreleased, from concerts that were held
between 1970 and 1988. However, given the array of aural anomalies that plague
the package as well as Yes’ all-too-frequently off-key vocal harmonies, it
quickly becomes apparent that this three-disc collection is geared primarily
towards the band’s diehard fans.
That’s not to say that The Word Is Live doesn’t have its moments. Even
within the bootleg-style sonic qualities of Then and For Everyone,
a pair of tracks taken from a BBC broadcast in 1970, one can hear the raw
intensity of Yes’ youthful ambition as it bridged the gap between The Nice and
Pink Floyd. Given, too, that the ensemble was composed of virtuosic
instrumentalists, it’s no surprise that the best facets of the collection — the
furious, rhythmic chug that propels Siberian Khatru; the transcendent,
theatrical beauty of Awaken; the extra punch that the band lends to
Roundabout; the operatic dynamics of Heart of the Sunrise; and the
intertwining dance of guitar and keyboards that flutters around the edges of
The Big Medley — blossom from within the pretentiousness of its sprawling
compositions. As such, The Word Is Live makes for an interesting, if not
entirely essential, companion to Yessongs. 
The Word Is Live is available from
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Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005
The Music Box
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