The return of the real
The 1980's was a very dismal time for lovers of "Prog" rock. Music has becaome so perdictable & commercial one was leaning toward the new sounds of House & techno for insparation. Jon anderson having gone down the road of follower not leader with the 80's YES returned himself to his proper thrown of cosmic guru with reuniting with the core of the 'real' YES. to produce this record.
Recruited for the band was none other than origional drummer Bill Bruford, the first time they worked together since 1972. Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. The writing shifted back to those days gone by and the sound is truly amazing. Tony levin plays bass on brufords invitation. A real jem to love & to cherish.
Ummm, dude.... you cut up the album cover reproduction??? I think you should have amazon remove your review, I think it's keeping others from reviewing the CD, because they must either be fainting or they are laughing so hard they can't type when they read what you did...Anyway, when ABWH first came out I was disappointed... now, how ever many many years later, I think it's pretty cool, just a different time and place for "Yes" (Pllllease don't anyone tell me it's not Yes, it is...) Not my fave, but cant go wrong with this nice Japanese release I think.
They were really trying to redefine their sound and make it even more futuristic, but different than the 90125/Big Generator sound. Well, I wouldnt trade ABWH for 90125 and/or Big Generator....
There was a little mini disc single I got when ABWH was just out, "Brother Of Mine" I think, it had the extra song, "Vultures In The City". I like it a lot, actually kind of foreboding and threatening, believe it or not... at least part of it.
YES
As I write this YES will be playing in Sydney in about 2 months - after 30 years. ABW&H have brought back the fabulous sound of classic YES. Jon Anderson's voice (an aquired taste) is as good as ever, with Wakeman providing that unique YES sound whether on piano or synthesiser.
This is a very 'YES" album without Chris Squire; but you can appreciate the contribution Chris Squire makes to the YES sound giving it a definite fullness via his base. 'Themes', Brother of Mine' and 'Order of the Universe' are terrific but would benefit greatly with some more base undertow.
A bit disappointed with the LP style cardboard-style sleeve but this was soon remedied by some astute cutting and a CD case purchase.
A great CD - well worth the outlay (as was An Evening of Yes Music Plus by ABW&H)
Full Title - Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. Japanese limited edition 24-bit digitally remastered reissue of 1989 album packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Arista. 2003.
Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.
