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Week 7:

Yes

Artist Introduction

Without realizing, my next choice has a common theme with my first choice, as Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull was my first ever concert. My second band choice, YES, was actually my second ever concert, and they're fronted by Jon Anderson (I thought coincidence was pretty funny). So, on to YES. There is so much context, but i'll try to keep it (somewhat) short. YES ruled throughout the 1970's, and their progressive sound, along with other bands (Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP) was like nothing heard before. The main lineup, which my choices mostly centered on, was Jon Anderson (vocals), Chris Squire (bass), Steve Howe (guitars), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and Alan White (drums). These names, while probably not familiar, were monsters in the game. So huge in fact that every year, Rolling Stone and Cream magazines held annual fan voting in the 70's and Squire, Howe, and Wakeman were consistently ranked in the top for their prospective instruments. Now, as a band, YES can be self serving, long winded, tedious, and repetitious, with many of their songs lasting well over 8-10 minutes, with each musician given free reign to show off his chops. And let's face it, Jon Anderson sings like a dwarfed elf on helium. But if you can get by this, the music, for me as a teen and young adult, is really good, and it's the first band in which I really paid attention to the lyrics (you should too). *DISCLAIMER*-This is not a rock band. There will hardly be any rock formatted verse, verse, chorus, verse songs. This is YES.

Dad Cascella

Roundabout

Everybody knows this song. Funny that the first song listed is fairly close to rock format verse, verse, chorus. As you'll find out, this song, as with many YES songs, has no lyric til at least a minute in. Featuring heavy bass and electric keyboard thru out. It's one of the bands most commercial songs, and to me, it's good, not great, but it should get your blood flowing. Yup.estimated 8 1/2 minutes.

I've Seen All Good People

A short song (by YES standards) at 6 1/2 minutes, this song is another FM radio staple where you begin to get a glimpse of Anderson's amazing lyrics. Though only a few words throughout the song, who else can use a chessboard as a metaphor for living life. Could they have trimmed 2 minutes off the song? Absolutely, but hell, this is YES afterall. These first two songs have held up after almost 50 years, so props to them.

Owner Of A Lonely Heart

As close to a rock song, I guess, that you're gonna get from YES, with power chords and verse, chorus, verse, chorus. With good, solid lyrics telling people don't be lonely, get out there. This was later YES without Squire, Howe, and Wakeman, and to me, it's an OK song.

Personal Favorites

Heart Of The Sunrise

OK gang, buckle up and get ready to take a deep dive into the progressive world of YES. A behemoth of a song, over 10 minutes, with intricate lyrics. And not a lyric until almost 4 minutes in (please hang in there). The beginning is classic YES, with guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums jamming like their hair is on fire. Then come the lyrics, including one of my favorite YES lines, "Sharp, Distance, How Can The Wind With Its Arms All Around Me". Again, not many lyrics in this monster, but what he sings is beautiful and haunting, with his best voice at the 9:30 mark. This song, also following a YES pattern, is all over the fucking place, with multiple and multiple changes of pace, leaving a listener scratching his head thinking where are they going next. This song screams Progressive.

And You And I

Yup, sorry, another 10 minutes tour with YES, I highly recommend reading the lyrics while listening, cause I believe these are some of Andersons best. The song starts off very slowly, but again, hang in there. It's a very simple song with very intricate, and deep lyrics, about people connecting thru life's journey. It features very simple chord progressions, and it's a bit spacey at points (ELP, P. Floyd), but it's truly and beautiful song, and sung masterfully by our little elf Anderson. "In the end we'll agree, we'll accept, we'll immortalize. That the truth of the man maturing in his eye. All complete in the sight of seeds of life with you". As Vincent once said (PARAMORE ref) "If you don't like it, you're wrong".

Yours Is No Disgrace

A rock song by YES? It's close, with power chords throughout this 9 1/2 minute epic, with the band really jamming before any sung lyrics (what else). This song has great rhythm throughout, with Howe's guitar leading most of the way (which convinced me to put in favorites category. Great thru headphones, with multiple changes throughout (of course).

Unique Songs

Starship Trooper

While it's in the unique category, this song is very much classic YES. 9 1/2 minutes long, with a real cool bass riff throughout and very interesting lyrics. What makes it unique are 2 things. At 3:15 mark there is a very unexpected change, with very nice guitar work and harmonizing. Then at 5:15 mark there is a very long, drawn out interlude, which leads to a pretty cool guitar lead. Nobody else in the music world can get away with ending a song with no lyrics in last 4 minutes (I'm not sure if YES could either).

Wonderous Stories

Unique in that it lasts under 4 minutes, this is a beautiful soft, song (also unique) with spiritual and fantasy lyrics. Andersons lead singing is voiced over by himself thru most of song, which really works for me. Great lyrics, tho I have to admit, I have no idea what he's singing about. I read somewhere that this song is YES's most popular in the U.K.

Changes

This is later YES, again without the main players. Real cool opening, leading into a somewhat rock song, with such a wild, offbeat jam among the band. Good rhyming lyrics, but it's a little too much like Jefferson Airship, especially the chorus. Not my favorite.

Conclusions

Sorry I was so long winded, but listening to this great catelogue of YES (was very difficult to pick our 9 song restriction) was difficult, as they do have 23 studio albums. As I sain in opening, YES can be repetitious, with drawn out compositions extending their songs longer than many need to be. I believe they just wanted to show off their musicianship, as each member was very highly proficient. YES is most definitely NOT for everybody, but their sound, style, and lyrics were leaders in the forefront of progressive music, for which they must be applauded. Would I go see them? I saw them in MSG (in the round) in their heyday, est 1977 or 78. Todays version, without the original members, probably not (I think I'll settle with a good cover band). Tough call on the rating cause as much as I'm a solid YES fan, their sometimes extra long compositions, especially live, must be acknowledged. I'll go with an 8.5, because more than probably any other band, these guys practically invented progressive rock. *FINAL NOTE*-To all you vinyl collectors, no collection is complete without at least one YES Album I suggest FRAGILE, THE YES ALBUM, or GOING FOR THE ONE for studio, and any live YES album with at least 3 songs from my choices.

Cascella Family Reviews

Vin Cascella

First mistake, I tried starting my first listen once I got to work before the coffee hit. This selection is THICK and needs a clear head. I want it to be noted that I had to take multiple breaks to get through this week’s selection. Roundabout: I have Fragile on vinyl, so I know this song well. One of the most iconic basslines of all time. I try to be a hipster and not think a band’s most popular song is their best song, but this song is close to perfect. Defines an entire genre. I’ll be saying this a lot throughout the review, but their instrumentals are ridiculous. Harmonics on the guitar, basslines and insane drums throughout. And the vocals aren’t bad. Why is a prerequisite for Prog bands to have high pitched vocalists? I’ve Seen All Good People: Oh I know this one too! Didn’t recognize the name but knew it from the first note. First half reminds me of Genisis and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The second half reminds me of Jethro Tull. The entire song could also be an Electric Light Orchestra song. More generic than Roundabout but still an overall fun song. Owner of a Lonely Heart: Every time I hear this song the first few chords trick me into thinking that it’s going to be a shitty hair metal song. Right as I get prepared for a Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Poison track I get reminded that I’m listening to flamboyant Rush. Also, what’s going on with the little Michael Jackson breakdown? Last note for this song, you told us to check out the lyrics. Is this a shitty self-help book? Heart of the Sunrise: I think this is the last song that I will know on the list so I’m looking forward to what the last 5 songs have to offer. I’m sure they wont each be 5 songs mashed into 11 minute monstrosities. I want it to be noted that it’s not fair to choose songs with 5 sections and call it a single song. Fragile is a 9 song album that really only has 4 songs, the two selected on this list add up to half the album’s length. Joe averaged 3:33 on his tracks with Post Malone and then Dad more than doubled that with 7:52. This song rips and I think I would love to get lost in this song live. Do I have to add Yes to my drunk live music video playlist? The bass rips in this song. So does the keyboard. They’re nuts. Reading about them on the wiki and it mentions so many times that they are influenced by symphonic music and classic composers. Outside of like Chopin, Debussy, Vivaldi, and Bach (saw his works done at Carnegie Hall, I fell asleep) I know next to nothing about classical composers, but sure… Sounds like a very Prog rock thing to be influenced by. And You and I: While listening to this I felt like I was listening to 5 different songs. Little did I know the song is broken up into multiple chapters! Once again, not fair sneaking all those extra songs into a single track. That being said the first 30 seconds are wild… harmonics on an acoustic guitar are ridiculous and I can’t think of another example of someone doing anything like that until Polyphia in the modern era. You have all the metal bands of the 80s/90s (Pantera specifically) doing harmonic pinches on heavily distorted guitars but it’s kind of cool hearing it on something acoustic. Ahead of their time. Then you have another acoustic section that kicks in after a minute which reminds me of a lot of Zepp…and then GLORPING Bass is back! I don’t think I explained myself during the Jethro Tull review. I would describe glorping as the sound that comes from stepping on a frog. Wet and bouncy. Here is an extreme example: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHmBFGDdHw/ . Besides that, yeah, this song is great. Across most of their music the tone of their instruments is fantastic and they’re all ridiculously talented on their respective instruments. Yours is No Disgrace: I like this song less for no other reason than the last 5 songs all had elements of this song. Maybe a little bit of fatigue setting in with their sound. Bass was really cool as per usual. Starship Trooper: Is this song unique from the rest of their catalogue? Not sure about that. Maybe there’s a little more story telling. The last few songs kind of remind me of Tool a little. Feels like the lyrics are an extension of the music sometimes. Oh it becomes a country/bluegrass song for a little bit. Musically it switches to a country/bluegrass song but lyrically it sounds like everything else I’ve heard so far. I liked the ending instrumentals, less prog rock and more hard rock, the double kicks on the drums at the end were cool. This song I could leave, doesn’t really add anything new for me. Wonderous Stories: A sub 4 minute song!? Is that the pre-requisite for being unique with this band? Again, this track has a lot more storytelling. The last two songs of this list (Stories and Changes) confuse me. They’re both less technically proficient and more spacey/dreamy. You don’t do drugs so what’s the point of this band? Just makes me think you used to do drugs. Changes: Hey, did this band just get back from Jamaica!? A bit hokey for me (see what I did there). Most unique song so far. Once the song kicks in the tone is the closest to Rush I’ve heard so far. Actually, this song is the closest to hair/glam metal. It’s as if Whitesnake and Scorpions were good. Little insider secret…Coheed and Cambria is very high on my list for band selections but after this week’s choice I think I’m going to avoid progressive rock for at least another few weeks…Or do I just lean into it and force everyone into another long nerdy listening experience? I’m trying to figure out how to rate them. Similar to Jethro Tull its not my style but I think I rather listen to this than Tull regularly. Just not sure if I can do more than 2 songs at a time… I don’t have that much time on my hands. Musically this is the most proficient band we’ve explored by a mile (maybe Avenged Sevenfold’s drums and guitar match up but a completely different style) and their tone throughout all their music is so good. Great listen in a vacuum, don’t think I could listen to them regularly. 7.2/10

Joe Cascella

Roundabout – Iconic intro, such a cool sound and that immediate fast paced build is truly awesome. There’s a lot happening here with the bass ripping the whole time and then all these little keys areas of fun, while maintaining the core of the song. Pretty cool flow and rhythm. The mid portion of the song around the 3:30 mark is very odd. Not sure how much I’m loving it. The song could’ve also ended a the 5 min mark and that would’ve been appropriate. Overall, it’s a very fun song and a good intro into what should be a fun listen.

I’ve seen all good people – Another song I knew immediately off the rip. This sounds like a combo of Queen and Bowie to me. Spacey and exotic, but very performative like Freddy. The comparison of the game of chess to life is fun and different. Classic chorus, good rock n roll here

Owner of a Lonely Heart – 3/3 on knowing the intro of the song. I wasn’t sure if I knew any of them, but obviously their sound sticks out to me. This song is catchy and has okay moments, but it’s also corny as hell. A bunch of yows followed by a little guitar solo. Cmon now, worst song yet!

Heart of the Sunrise – A good jam to start this one off. Love a jam that continues to build so that’s cool. Besides that, I don’t know if this sound is for me. There’s a lot happening here, but it’s kind of all over the place in my opinion vs being coherent and coming together and complimenting each of the sounds. It’s like one instrument jumps in outta nowhere, has a hard cut, and then another one starts. I feel like I’m listening to a jump scare song. I didn’t love it.

And You and I – I feel like this is the second song where the lyrics are hidden behind the music. I went to turn my volume up, but it’s already high, and the singing is just kinda hard to hear. Anyone else notice that? I also forgot I was listening to this song, so I might have to try it again, lol. I don’t know, not totally my style.

Yours is No Disgrace – I like this intro a lot. I feel like I’m playing a Mario Kart game and I’m racing through Rainbow Road. This is groovy and I like it quite a lot. It’s getting very trippy as we continue. Oh and I actually recognize this instrumental in the middle of the song, pretty neat. Still very long and unnecessary, but this might be my favorite song yet

Starship Trooper – I don’t think these last 2 songs have been anymore unique or different than everything else I have heard so far. It’s nice to hear a lot of good bridges, that’s a lost art. I guess it makes sense when each song is 10+ minutes.

Wonderous Stories – Hey a normal length song… but overall it’s nothing special at all. Unique music, fine writing, don’t really love it

Changes – There really is a video game/dragon ball z type of sound to a lot of their music. That’s not a bad thing, there’s been a lot of great video game music. Once the vocals kick in, this is a more classic rock sound. Strong vocals, and a really well put together song here. This is one of my favorites from the band, and a solid ending to an overall decent listen.

Overall Review – Good band, another specific niche interest band I feel like. I’m sure their fans love them. The popular stuff makes sense to why it’s the most popular. The unique is no more unique than the rest of their music. I would trim some songs down but overall this was a fun listen, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I think most of my specific reviews are written alongside each song, but this is tough to give an overall grade because I know they’re good, but I don’t personally love all of it. I’ll give it a 7.1, decent stuff.

Mom Cascella

Sorry for late review for YES. I know YES from my high school days, the guys loved them, the girls did not. Disco was big during this time, and YES was anything and everything opposite disco.

ROUNDABOUT- I definitely know this song, and I like it. Like the great guitar start, good rhythm and beat. Like the bass lead midway. Good introduction to YES.

I’VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE- another familiar song. Has a folksy sound, like JETHRO TULL, but much better (no flutes, thank God). Singer has high pitched voice, but it works. Liked when band broke out.

OWNER OF A LONELY HEART- Surprisingly, I know this song too. Fine lyrics, got me moving. OK song.

HEART OF THE SUNRISE- Liked the start, good jam. But waited a long time for song to kick in. But jam just kept going, and going, and going. This song is all over the place. Went to put in laundry midway thru, and it was still on. Oh Lord!!!

AND YOU AND I- Pretty intro, but again, too long. Another folksy song? Really liked his inflections when singing.

YOURS IS NO DISGRACE- Wow!! Another long intro? OUCH!!! I’m getting bored. They’re all starting to sound the same. Getting YES overload.

STARSHIP TROOPER- this is supposed to be different? NOT!!! Waiting for something different. Middle part does change to different, but not good for me.

WONDROUS STORIES- Softer, nice start. I don’t mind it, but still feels the same vibe. Somebody shake me, I’m falling asleep.

CHANGES- very different beginning. More rockish, I guess. But again, with long intro wearing me down, but when is he gonna sing? Ok song, liked when it kicked in. I’m really trying here, thank God this one didn’t go off the rails for 10 minutes.

This was not easy. Definitely not my style of music. After I got through the first 3 songs, which I liked, everything after seemed to blend together. On so many of the songs, the music was all over the place. I get what and why the band is doing what they do, and I’m sure they’re very good at what they do, but just not my style. So the next time I have trouble falling asleep, I’ll put on dad’s favorite, HEART OF THE SUNRISE, and be sound asleep before the lyrics start. Because I liked first 3 songs, I give YES 5.5

Uncle Vin Cascella

Let me start by saying this band will always have a special place in my head because of the musicians involved. Squire is insane- one of the best from that era (if not the best) of an incredibly musically adventurous time. Strong, melodic and all sorts of nuanced beats, his work is the indelible stamp of the Band. Squire played a Rickenbacker bass. I played one too- end of similarity! Howe and Banks are ridiculous- insanely talented and diverse. Kaye was great, Wakeman, along with Keith Emerson of ELP, are the GOATS of the C-3 Organ. Both Bruford and White are tremendous drummers who hold it down and add some flair with sneaky nuance. And lead singer Jon Anderson always seemed like the perfect voice for this Band- high pitched, often soft and contemplative. I listened to YES constantly in College- and smoked a ton of weed doing so!

ROUNDABOUT: only one of the greatest Rock n Roll (progressive wing) EVER! An absolutely perfect song.

I’VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE: An unbelievable sound and production for 1970- released in ‘71. Similar time frame of the band ELP. Insanely talented MFs yo! At least two songs rolled into one. Strong vocals and socially aware lyrics. Tremendous listen.

OWNER OF A LONELY HEART: the band members changed and so did their sound, but this is still a great tune. Power chord, straight RnR. Some really fun stuff going on musically.

HEART OF THE SUNRISE: WOW, feel free to jump to it boys- don’t be shy! Lots of structure and sound changes, including a hint of free form Jazz! An epic song that goes a bit long- a YES constant. Toward the end they do a bit of a mash of the previous different sounding sections- something I respect but even I got a little tired!

AND YOU AND I: Cool intro (of course), wonderful vocal and lyrics. Some very heady instrumentals- these guys love showing off their talent with “look what I wrote” type artistry. It can be a bit tedious, especially after a bunch of their songs back to back. Verse 3 has a fun guitar and lyric- if you’re still there!

YOURS IS NO DISGRACE: what a surprise- a cool intro! Good jam song- again, as usual! It was at this point that I realized that I smoked a bunch back in the days of listening to this band. I haven’t smoked (more than a hit or 2 per year) in many, many years- maybe my love for YES has waned as the THC wore off! LOL. Some beautiful sections in this one, and Squire’s work- Bravo, sir!

WONDROUS STORIES: Pretty tune- definitely fits the “different” aspect: time wise and with no jamming. Fun vocal production- repeat lyrics-wise.

CHANGES: I had forgotten about this song. Great to hear it again. 80s sound. Some seriously fun timing stuff goin on. Power chords. Great exit ramp. And some lovely guitar work. Nice.

*** Some great song structure changes, but when done constantly they kinda lose their mojo and surprise. Some insane production. As I said in my opening statement- some of the best ever at their individual instruments. Some very esoteric lyrics sung by Anderson- who I love. I’m gonna give it an 8.0.

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