This evening I listened to the second album by Yes, Time and a Word, from about 1971. Did it take me back? Perhaps, but maybe not to the actual 1971, but to the alternate world they created with their music in 1971.
I feel the same way about the Beatles, heard most recently on CBC1 as we drove home from North Bay. Timeless -- but the music was timeless then.
The Professor has exquisite taste in music!
ReplyDeleteThe best tracks off Time and A Word are I believe Sweet Dreams and Astral Traveller.
The power, passion, and originality.The incredible musical talent and of course the sound! YES!
Time and A Word was released in 1970.
Check out this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0aXTN_AeKw
The section from 2:09 to 2:54 is almost hypnotic, ecstatic, and transcendent? in its depth and explosive energy. Keyboard starts solo then guitar comes in , then bass, all playing different melodies! It is Bach counterpoint in rock music.The layering of the sound, the build up in intensity and crescendo. Bravo!
Music that is still impressive 40 years later.
Where else did you hear this in 1970? No one else did this.
The next album 'The Yes Album'(1971) when Steve Howe joined and was the real breakthrough album.
And YES the rest is HISTORY as they say.
Early 70's Yes,Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Genesis etc. Prog Rock rules!