Ok, we have an abundance of live recordings to choose from, and frankly some should never have seen the light of day. This isn't one of them.
But first to the reviewers who felt mislead. There have been two Keys to Ascension CD's, both double, with live and studio tracks and a DVD, featuring just live tracks. Five discs in all. This offering is called Keys to Ascension and has exactly the same track listing over 4cds and 1 DVD, I don't really think it takes a genius to work out that it is a repackaging! But 5 discs of some fantastic music, played by a group at their performing peak, can't be bad.
The studio, offerings are a bit hit and miss, but it does include Mind Drive, which should really be included in any ultimate Yes canon.
The live cds are beautifully played, with all members at their peak. We could argue about inclusions and omissions, but this is a fair selection and they flow together well.
I'm going to focus on the DVD, because this is one area were us Yes fans have been sold short over time.
I would say, if you only get one live DVD, this should be it. Why? Well it's not perfect but:
Jon Anderson may be wearing something you wouldn't ever get away with in Hull, but vocally he's on great form. His ramblings between songs never reach the banality of some offerings [maybe America!] and his hand gestures and mannerisms fit well with the music [usually!]
Visually, we hit the usual pitfalls. Don't get me wrong, it's well filmed, but it would have been great if someone with basic musical understanding, could have just pointed out to the editor, who was playing. We have fun watching the editor cut to various shots of Rick's hands, only to find it's Steves mandolin in Time and a Word. There are good few examples of this, but hey ho, it adds humour.
I know some people don't like the slide images and animations, but I like to think, it is like my attitude to the LP covers for the albums. They help set a mood and direct your imagination. I'm sure it is not about trying to explain the song [I think that is way beyond just about anyone].
What we have with this DVD, is a selection of Yes's best songs, not only played well, but with a real passion. These aren't musicians, going through the motions. You can feel the enthusiasm and enjoyment.
So anyway enough ramblings. |Go and spend under £15.00] and get hours of enjoyment, that will last for years.
Enjoy, and smile in the right places. And please, please, don't use it for fashion tips.