Yes' Keystudio
Thomas McGee | North Shore, MA USA | 11/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When discussing great bands of the 1970s it is almost a rule that discussion of their work stops sometime around the dawn of the 1980s. Not so with Yes. Unlike many (most) of the bands of their era Yes has continued to put out not just albums, but interesting, different and creative albums. Keystudio stands as one of the highpoints of Yes' 1990s output. Originally released in 1996 and 1997 on two live CD's, this collection, issued in 2001, brings together all of the extra new studio compositions that were spread between those discs onto one album. And what an album that is!
Being the first recording of the Anderson/Squire/Howe/Wakeman/White lineup of Yes on their own since 1978's Tormato (they had worked together, sort of, for 1991's Union), Keystudio harkens the return of the original Prog Rock sound that Yes was so well known for. Among the highlights of this album are Mind Drive and That, That Is and Foot Prints. If you were a fan of Yes during it's 1970s hayday you will feel right at home with Keystudio."
A great compilation!
Johnny Boy | Hockessin, DE | 03/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes' 'Keystudio' isn't really a compilation, but it's not an album, either. This set, which happens to be an import, features the studio tracks from Yes' 1996 live record 'Keys To Ascension.'
The live tracks are great, but I think the real reason Yes fans like me bought 'Keys' was for the studio tracks. These were the first studio tracks featuring the classic five (Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White) since 1978, two decades ago.
And, boy are the songs great!
'Footprints' could have fit really nicely on a record like 'Going For The One.' 'Sign Language' features relaxing guitar from Howe, and 'Bring Me To The Power' is an interesting song.
Overall, if you want to buy 'Keys To Ascension' for the studio tracks, now there's an alternative. This record is the perfect solution for those fans.
Highly recommended for any Yes fan. ENJOY!!!"