9012 Live (Dvd) [2006]

Recorded at the 17,000-capacity Coliseum Bowl in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on 28 September 1984, this edited concert film with intercut archival material was among the first feature-length works by Steven Soderbergh - who went on to become justly famous for 'Sex, Lies and Videotape'. It features most of the concert, but omits the solos (which you can hear on the CD-EP '9012Live - The Solos') 'Our Song', 'Hearts' and 'Roundabout'.

Not including the last two was an odd decision from all but a commercial perspective. 'Hearts' was the most traditionally Yes-like cut on the 7 million selling 90125 album, and arguably represented something of a coalescence of the 70s and 80s era bands. 'Roundabout', a traditional and much-loved encore, is thankfully restored as a 6-minute extra on this DVD. Previously a snatch of it had only been available on Chris Squire's 'Star Licks' bass tuition video.

The concert itself is well-shot, but those most interested in observing the performance may find Sodebergh's vintage footage and computer animation somewhat intrusive. It is used to weave a loose narrative based on humanity's ambiguous relationship with technology combined with some cold war angst. Artfully weaved, the film was subsequently nominated for a Grammy, but lost out to Sting that year.

Especially welcome for those most concerned with music and performance, therefore, is the addition on this DVD of the full 'director's cut' - which, introduction aside, is straight concert footage, devoid of Charlex FX. The behind-the-scenes 'Access All Areas' documentary is comparatively rough verite-lite, though mildly entertaining. However the lengthy (albeit clipped) Larry Blake / John B. House interviews with the band members are a great enhancement, setting the event in some historical perspective by going just a tad beyond rehearsed media ripostes.

As to the music - it's tight, theatrical, raunchy and artful in a populist sense. Rabin pays little respect to Steve Howe's guitar arrangements and acoustic nuances on the 'classic' material ('I've Seen All Good People' and 'Starship Trooper'), preferring to milk applause from a younger audience with blues-based wailing and lightening scales. If good taste is what you are after, you may have to avert your eyes at moments like this. But the overall power of the music is undoubted, and there is more than a hint of the majesty and subtlety which the band's more progressive listeners will be seeking.

Technically, the production transfers, and remastering have been well accomplished - especially given the fact that the original 24-track has been lost in the intervening 21 years.

In summary: With a 67-minute concert and over an hour's worth of bonus materials, this is undoubtedly an important addition to the Yes archive. And for out-and-out rockists who don't much like the band's more expository, expansive and sensitive work, it may well be the best way of tapping into magic that is Yes live. To get some idea of the contrast, take a look at 'Yes Symphonic' or 'Songs from Tsongas'.

A year later, the video of the Edmonton, Canada show was released, along with a live "solos" album (on vinyl). It was a short lived release, and I never managed to get a copy of the video.

Now 22 years later, it now gets a legal,decent & honest release on DVD. It has been available from Brazil for a while, but it was a bare bones release, & a pretty dubious transfer at that.

But this...this is the real deal. A great quality transfer, excellent 5.1 sound, and a bundle of excellent extras, including a bonus track of "Roundabout", behind the scenes footage, interviews, and a version of the movie without the visual effects & '50's footage.

With a mixture of 90125 tracks & "classic" YES with a Rabin twist, it is a wonderful souvenir of a wonderful era of YES music.

There is one minor letdown. There are b**tlegs available of this show, which are soundboard recordings, & undoubtedly there is much more footage, but the actual show is edited down,still, to only 67 minutes. Might have been nice to have a bit more bonus material.

But, since I've waited 22 years to have this movie, I won't complain TOO much..........