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Yes: An Authorized Biography
Traces the development of the music of the rock and roll band, Yes, and portrays the lives of its members
145 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 28, 2021
It’s alright though, obviously, a little dated now as the book concludes with Trevor Horn and Geoff Downs joining for the Drama album in 1980. There would be lots more drama and line-up changes to come.
The book takes a little while to get going as it reviews the zillion bands each member drifted through before the classic Yes line-up finally coalesced. It’s mostly interview material with the major players interspersed with Hedges opining on the virtues and limitations of each album.
You do get a good sense of each band member’s personality and the interpersonal dynamics that fueled friction and departures, but also some of the band’s best work.
There’s a collection of mostly black and white band photos throughout as well as a discography (including solo albums). It was a pretty quick and engaging read (despite some odd turns of phrase by the author) and it definitely made me want to go back and listen to the old albums. They really were something back in the day, though they have long since jumped the shark. Big Generator marks where I got off the bus in terms of new material, while the Keys to Ascension albums are the most recent live recordings I’ve listened to (which are pretty good actually, though the studio tracks included with these recordings are dreadful).
Anyways, if you are a Yes fan, this is probably essential reading, if you can find it in a used book store.
The book takes a little while to get going as it reviews the zillion bands each member drifted through before the classic Yes line-up finally coalesced. It’s mostly interview material with the major players interspersed with Hedges opining on the virtues and limitations of each album.
You do get a good sense of each band member’s personality and the interpersonal dynamics that fueled friction and departures, but also some of the band’s best work.
There’s a collection of mostly black and white band photos throughout as well as a discography (including solo albums). It was a pretty quick and engaging read (despite some odd turns of phrase by the author) and it definitely made me want to go back and listen to the old albums. They really were something back in the day, though they have long since jumped the shark. Big Generator marks where I got off the bus in terms of new material, while the Keys to Ascension albums are the most recent live recordings I’ve listened to (which are pretty good actually, though the studio tracks included with these recordings are dreadful).
Anyways, if you are a Yes fan, this is probably essential reading, if you can find it in a used book store.
July 21, 2019
Ten True Summers long, initial it with loving care and there you are; you’ll see Perpetual Change. Now Roan, no more tears, yours is no disgrace. As Fragile as life can be, if you find yourself Close to the Edge, head right on to the Heart of the Sunrise and you will Awaken. In and around the Lake.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews