The older I get, the more I appreciate psych-era Yes. I'd even suggest I like their first 2 albums better than their much heralded prog breakthrough The Yes Album. The debut has some great songwriting and you can hear Jon Anderson singing in a distinctly British style. Chis Squire's bass is already very prominent and demonstrates his leadership. Love Tony Kaye's old fashioned organ and Peter Banks jazzy solos as well. 'Survival' is the recognized great track here, and I'm with the majority. But there's plenty more to savor including 'Looking Around', 'Harold Land', and The Byrds' 'I See You'. Excellent album throughout.
Ownership: LP: 1971 Atlantic (UK). Gatefold. Second pressing, first with the green and orange label. Recent pickup (2022) from the Denver Record Show from a well known record shop in the area. Interestingly enough I'd never owned this on LP prior. Back when I first discovered Yes as a young teen, I bought Yesterdays on LP, and that ended up being the representation of the first 2 albums until the CD era.
The first CD I owned was a mass produced US release picked up at an outlet mall in Commerce (Los Angeles area 1997). Long sold off.
1997; 1/7/21 (new entry); 10/11/22 (LP acquisition)
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