Search - Yes :: Beyond & Before: BBC Recordings 1969-70

Check out the liner notes!!!

Jeffrey J. Waldman | New Jersey | 07/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really cool double disc, although it probably should have been pared down to one, with the best versions of the respective tracks on one disc, instead of alternate takes. There is no question after listening to this CD that Steve Howe was and is the virtuoso as between the two guitarists. It's also clear that Steve got quite a bit of his raw material from Banks, especially the prominent use of the volume pedal/control to produce the signature Yes violin-like guitar sound.What makes this especially interesting is that the tunes are often loose, rambling and improvised, a quality that Yes lost in its lineup after Banks. It's a pleasure to hear, even in this "primitive" incarnation(which was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of complexity at the time), the beautiful counterpoint harmonies of Anderson and Squire melding together the often noisy background. Bruford, as always, is right on the money, in his typical polyrhythmic way. Another joy is Tony Kaye, who weaves more traditional rock organ and keys into the mix.Yeah, the sound isnt terriffic, but it isnt bad either. I'm on my second listen, all the way through, and the sound quality hasnt sent me running for the hills.I have to admit a perverse fascination for Peter Banks' bitter liner notes (he wouldn't shake Steve Howe's hand, yadda yadda). This alone was worth the price of admission. Peter, Yes evolved into something different that you weren't a part of, get over it. This period of Yes music was good, but Yes, like other bands, change with the times. Nobody would doubt that the King Crimson of old is drastically different than the King Crimson of new, and both have their merits. Similarly, this CD is a beatiful time capsule, which should be treasured and appreciated, along with the other Yes incarnations. Love it! Now where did I put Relayer?"

Last song "Beyond & Before" Rocks! Has other good tunes too.

Manunggal | 12/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thank Goodness (or Thank "Sweetness") there are two CDs. The first one has some good songs but for me, it seemed lacking. Yeah "Every Little Thing" is interesting and "Looking Around," "Sweetness," etc. are good songs. Still, there seemed to be something missing. On CD2, I knew why I felt unsatisfied!The version of "Everydays" on CD2 is longer and more of a rocking tune. Speaking of better versions, the version of "Sweetness" is far superior to the previous version discussed. Listen to the different ending on this one! If there was any doubt over which CD is the better, listen to "Beyond & Before"- that is one of the group's best tunes! Wonderful!
(*note -I rated this 4 Stars instead of 5 because about half of the songs throughout are listenable but not very exciting, compared to the better moments that are primarily on CD2)"

Wowwww

Manunggal | Australia | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"wow, you can hear them play live here, and they played the songs perfectly. different atmosphere compared to studio recording, so this album is really a must. it's like we listen to Zeppelin and buy Zeppelin BBC session. Different way in playing and singing!

buy this now!!"