Word Is Live
ELPhas come and gone (twice), whileGenesisis but a fading memory. Yet Yes improbably soldiers on, as much enduring artistic/philosophical state of mind as stubborn prog rock holdout. This three disc, multiple band lineup spanning collection of (mostly) previously unreleased live performances pays apt tribute to that proud, expansive mindset. While it skips almost entirely over the band's mid-‘70s prime (a period already amply chronicled on the double-discYessongs), the band's formative era and first line-ups get showcased on raw ‘70-'71 performances from the BBC and Swedish Radio (the latter pair capturing some of guitaristSteve Howe'sfirst performances with the band) on disc one, a chapter highlighted by their sprawling, if still evolving version ofPaul Simon's"America"and a rare, nearly as grandiose cover ofThe Rascals'obscure "It's Love,"both from London '71.Disc two focuses on arena performances from the late ‘70s, featuring an ambitious "Sound Chaser"from thePatrick Morazline-up, as well as a "Big Medley"of reworked versions of some of their defining songs, withRick Wakemanback behind the keys. The final chapter is the set's most varied, chronicling not one, but two band revampings via a trio of live tracks from the short-lived tenure of formerBugglesTrevor Horn and Geoff Downes and a quartet of performances from the band's surprisingly successful,Trevor Rabin-sparked ‘80s pop reincarnation, including the rarities "Rhythm of Love" and "Shoot High, Aim Low." If the overall sound quality varies considerably, spanning mono radio recordings of indeterminate generation to soundboard cassettes from Howe's collection and professional multi-track (most of disc 2), it's the ever-forceful, often ambitiously reinventive performances they capture that's more the point. The set's ample booklet reinforces the notion that it's a collection aimed squarely a longtime fans, more than a few of whom contribute their insightful reminisces within.-- Jerry McCulley