Close to the Edge [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com essential recording
What's it all about? "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace / And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace." Actually, it really doesn't matter. Later they would fragment and lose focus, but here is Yes functioning for once in the band's tortuous career as an organic unit, and individual elements--such as Jon Anderson's trippy lyrics--are less important than the whole. Even Rick Wakeman's Rachmaninoff-for-Hammond-organ excesses work in context, compensated for by Steve Howe's amazingly fluid guitar (equal parts Charlie Christian and Chet Atkins), in turn counterbalanced by Chris Squire's behemoth Rickenbacker bass and Bill Bruford's jazzy drumming. This is rock music informed by the improvisational spirit of jazz and allied with the grandiosity of the classics. Love it or hate it, Close to the Edge is the definitive prog album. --Mark Walker

Product Description
Digitally Remastered. Same as USA Version.

Close to the Edge,Yes,Atlantic / Wea,Album Rock,England,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Close to the Edge [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: This Album Completes Any Yes Collection. Superb musical art An Art Rock Masterpiece The Best Yes Classic Yes at their peak

Close to the Edge Yes Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Dynasty | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Fragile The Yes Album Tales from Topographic Oceans Relayer Going for the One ASIN: B00007LTI9 Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Close To The Edge: I. The Solid Time Of Change/II. Total Mass Retain/III. I Get Up I Get Down/IV. Seasons Of Man
2. And You And I: I. Cord Of Life/II Eclipse/III. The Preacher The Teacher/IV. Apocalypse
3. Siberian Khatru
4. America (Single Version)
5. Total Mass Retain (Single Version)
6. And You And I (Alternate Version): I. Cord Of Life/II. Eclipse/III. The Preacher Of The Teacher/IV. Apocalypse
7. Siberia (Studio Run-Through Of 'Siberian Khatru')

Album Description

2003 remastered, reissue of 1972 album with redesigned booklet (digipak/slipcase), restored LP art, archival photos and new liner notes. Includes 4 bonus tracks 'America' (single version), 'Total Mass Retain' (single version), 'And You And I' (alternate version) & 'Siberia' (studio run-through of 'Siberian Khatru'). Elektra.

Customer Reviews:

This Album Completes Any Yes Collection........2007-06-08

Back in the day Yes came out of no where with Fragile and got tons of air play with Roundabout. When Close to the Edge was released most of us were anticipating more of the same, therefore it was somewhat of a disappointment because we wanted more Yes rock and didn't even think about Yes art. This album actually defined where most of us were gonna stand on Yes, love 'em or hate 'em. Whether or not it is a great album, like all music, in completely subjective but I can say that no Yes bag is complete without this album. Some music services have provided this album as a "partial" and how ever they picked which tracks are good enough for the "partial album" is beyond me. What an insult!

Superb musical art.......2007-05-24

Tell you what: I enjoy contemporary rock music for sure. But the fact is that, after some 25 years since I last heard this Yes album, it still shaked me from inside as it did before. To put it short: this album is polyphonic, creative, and...effusive. Try it!

An Art Rock Masterpiece.......2007-04-15

This is Yes's finest album . I have owned it since it was first released and consider it one of my top 10 releases of all time . Every musician should hear this recording , it is a masterpiece of creativity and dexterity . The title cut is almost impenetrable in places but is still an amazing piece of work . And You And I is the bands finest , most listenable song . Siberian Khatru may be the weakest cut , but it is still better written and performed that 95 % of every thing ever recorded . This may be the finest example of the Art Rock era .

The Best Yes.......2007-04-12

This is my personal favorite Yes album, in fact one of my all-time favorite albums period. From beginning to end, there is no filler, or boring parts to it. It is a stream of consciousness. You have to start at the beginning, listen all the way through, and see how the album climaxes and declines. You could almost say that about any record, but this is totally different because the record is broken into three parts, and the space between is sort of a logical rest, like intermissions or scene transitions. The musicianship here is top-notch. I can't remember the exact lineup at that time, but it does get quite intricate and they pull it off. Another interesting quality to the album is that it has sort of a vibrancy, a live sound to it. That could be due to how it was recorded, or effects, or both. Anderson's only weakness, and some may not consider it a weakness, is that the lyrics are truely of the style crafted by Anderson: there's no mistaking it. There may be some sort of reason to the words, or logic, but after 15 years of listening to this album, I'm damned if I can figure it out. The upshot to Anderson's wandering hazy poetry is that they were the best lyrics you could have put to this kind of record. It all makes some kind of sense in the end. If you like pop music, or are looking for the Yes of the 90215 days, you'll probably not latch on to this one. When I first got the album, I gave it a listen or two, but I didn't get it. Then I lent it to a friend who was amazed by it. So I went back and tried it again, and then I got it. Some bands are that way: you have to get up to their level before you can understand what they're doing. If you don't at first succeed with this record, give it another try, it will probably start to work after a few more spins. Then the doors open up and you see a new horizon of music.

Classic Yes at their peak.......2007-03-02

While this album might be a challenge for many people to absorb, it is certainly the greatest accomplishment Yes produced because it succeeded in realiziing the band's vision of longer pieces, collective arranging, and economy of ideas. The dense ensemble textures and extended durations are pulled off wiih a logic that it less demanding than later albums. As a song cycle, the 3 pieces join together to make an album that is difficult to envision as a set of pieces broken apart and distributed on iTunes. "Close To The Edge" is a single volume: once yoou start, you should just stick it out until the end.

Average customer rating: Otherworldly CLOSE TO THE EDGE ! (close to the edge of perfection) The greatest album of all time!!!!! Amazing album the Edge of perfection

Close to the Edge Yes Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Yes Album Fragile The Yes Album 90125 Tales from Topographic Oceans ASIN: B000002J1E Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

1. Close To The Edge; I: The Solid Time Of Change/II:Total Mass Retain/III: I Get Up I Get Down/IV:..
2. And You And I; I: Cord Of Life/II: Eclipse/III:The Preacher The Teacher/IV: Apocalypse
3. Siberian Khatru

Amazon.com essential recording

What's it all about? "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace / And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace." Actually, it really doesn't matter. Later they would fragment and lose focus, but here is Yes functioning for once in the band's tortuous career as an organic unit, and individual elements--such as Jon Anderson's trippy lyrics--are less important than the whole. Even Rick Wakeman's Rachmaninoff-for-Hammond-organ excesses work in context, compensated for by Steve Howe's amazingly fluid guitar (equal parts Charlie Christian and Chet Atkins), in turn counterbalanced by Chris Squire's behemoth Rickenbacker bass and Bill Bruford's jazzy drumming. This is rock music informed by the improvisational spirit of jazz and allied with the grandiosity of the classics. Love it or hate it, Close to the Edge is the definitive prog album. --Mark Walker

Album Details

Digitally Remastered. Same as USA Version.

Customer Reviews:

Otherworldly.......2007-05-16

A timeless masterpiece that transports one to another world. An epic that challenges the mind, fills you with emotion and leaves listeners breathless. A life altering experience.

CLOSE TO THE EDGE ! (close to the edge of perfection).......2007-05-03

Close To The Edge, the 1972 album from Yes, is their greatest achievement, and the group that recorded it, the most adept and charismatic Yes of all time. This is "Classic Yes" in all it's glory. The music on the album is precise, majestic, energetic, and thoughtful. With Chris Squire's powerful bass lines, Jon Anderson's angelic childlike voice and beautifully abstract lyrics, Steve Howe's lightning quick precision guitar, Rick Wakeman's strikingly profound keyboards, and Bill Bruford's enthusiastic drumming, Close To The Edge is an otherworldly experience. The songs paint images rather than express desires, inspire rather than titillate. They provide a backdrop for thoughtful meditation, in a gregarious, sometimes sacred way. The sound is measured, balanced, flawless. If this album isn't perfect, it's close to the edge of perfection!

The greatest album of all time!!!!!.......2007-02-15

I know that is quite a statement to make, but I have not heard an album that approaches the beauty and grandeur that is Close To the Edge. This is classical music for rock and roll fans. The 18 minute plus title track is an epic filled with frnectic moments the opning section and beautiful tranquil interludes such as the `Seasons of Man' section. For over 18 minutes, this track flows seamlessly. At times, ethereal and soothing, at other times,frenetic and surreal. But above all, atmospheric.
`And You and I' is one track that contains some of the most superlative production ever utilized. The mark of a great track is it`s vitality to still sound fresh after almost 35 yers!!!! the Yesmen in concert never matched up to the performance laid here on record. Its simply captivating and awe inspiring. Jon Anderson`s vocals soar.
`Siberian kahtru' is a rockier number that worked better live than in the studio, but it still grooves along nicely. One misses Bruford`s military style precison drumming on the concert versions.
Possibly one of the greatest moments in musical history and not just progressive or rock and roll. This is one of those albums that is astounding and startling on first listen and it only gets better.
An invigorating experience!!!

Amazing album.......2007-02-04

This album really passed the test of time, it is even better with age !
Three great musical creations "Close to the Edge" is amazing and beautiful with top musical performance. And you and I seems to come from another planet, incredible melody. Siberian Karthru is solid also.
This is one of my top five album that I would bring with me on a desert Island ! The bonus are interesting but should have been putted on a second CD, to let intact the original creation.

the Edge of perfection.......2006-12-08

This record was, and is, the finest example of progressive rock ever produced...period! Are the lyrics ridiculous? Yes they are. Is the organ and synth. keyboard playing of Rick Wakeman WAY over the top? Yes it is. Would Jon Andersons voice be tolerable in any other setting? No it wouldn't. Why then dose it work? It works because this is a great band at the height of it's powers performing three emotionaly charged suites of songs that fit together like a glove,the result is, forty minutes of bliss.
The re-mastering and extra stuff on this CD dosen't add to or detract from the original. The record was already great back in the early 70s when I played the grooves off mutiple copies. So forget the pretentious lyrics and just wallow in the lush overpowering sound of a true classic.

Average customer rating: Great selection by Diamond Rio A Nearly Flawless Diamond In A Week Or Two.

Close to the Edge Diamond Rio Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Diamond Rio Love a Little Stronger IV Unbelievable One More Day ASIN: B000002VLH Release Date: 1992-10-27

Tracks:

1. Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby
2. In A Week Or Two
3. It Does Get Better Than This
4. Sawmill Road
5. Calling All Hearts (Come Back Home)
6. This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet
7. I Was Meant To Be With You
8. Old Weakness (Coming On Strong)
9. Demons And Angels
10. Nothing In This World
11. Close To The Edge

Customer Reviews:

Great selection by Diamond Rio.......2006-10-14

This is the second Diamond Rio album and number one in my book. I first had it on tape then when the tape wore out I hunted for a long time to try and find a CD. Finally bought it here, used, and am very pleased with it.

A Nearly Flawless Diamond.......2002-08-15

Anyone who remembers the roots of country music will surely enjoy this album. From love songs to foot-stompin' tunes, to songs that tell a story, "Close to the Edge" by Diamond Rio spans the entire spectrum. While the title cut is not my favorite tune, it is both the last and one of the liveliest. My favorite cut is "Sawmill Road", which in the tradition of Kenny Rogers' "Ruby, Dont Take Your Love to Town" recounts the life story of three young people raised in rural America, two of whom leave their roots behind for different reasons. I also enjoyed "Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby", "In A Week Or Two", "It Does Get Better Than This",--and it does with "Old Weakness (Coming on Strong)" about a man who's old flame has come back to town. "Calling All Hearts (Come Back Home)" and "This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet" are tunes more in line with today's "Contemporary Country" sound, while "Demons And Angels", a song about a man's struggle between love for his woman and love for the bottle, harken back to country music's roots. "Nothing In This World" livens the pace which crests with the title cut "Close To The Edge." Beginning on a lively note, and ending on one, with a joyful, tuneful ride in between, this album is a nearly flawless diamond. I highly recommend it.

In A Week Or Two........2000-06-26

This Group Debuted In 1991 With "Meet In The Middle". This Is Their Second Album. The First Single Off Of This Album Is "In A Week Or Two". They Talk About 2 People Not Getting Togther And Following One And The Other On "This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet". "Oh Me, Oh My Sweet Baby" Is Also A Good Tune.

Average customer rating: I get up! I get down! I get impressed--this album is the pinnacle of progressive rock Symphonic and unpredictable arrangements and a spiritual overtone! A Pinnacle of Prog Yes put out three great albums in 1972 but this is the best

Close to the Edge Yes Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Yes Album Fragile Trick of the Tail The Yes Album Foxtrot ASIN: B00000DOZ9 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Close to the Edge: The Solid Time of Change/Total Mass Retain/I Get Up
2. And You and I: Cord of Life/Eclipse/The Preacher the Teacher/Apocalypse
3. Siberian Khatru

Customer Reviews:

I get up! I get down! I get impressed--this album is the pinnacle of progressive rock.......2006-10-18

Words simply cannot describe the wonder that is `Close to the Edge' (1972). Yes--at this point consisting of vocalist Jon Anderson, drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman--were trying desperately to top their breakthrough release `Fragile,' also from 1972. The result was a bastion of musical synergy that had not been topped before then and would not be topped afterward by anyone, even Yes themselves (in any permutation of their lineup, which shifted several times after this album).

On this album, the band functions more as a unit than in any previous release. Gone are the individual showcase works, the indulgent solos, and the restraints inflicted upon the band by record producers. Now insanely popular and possessed of two very solid releases, Yes decided to shelve the mantle of popular expectation (something to which they never really adhered in the first place) and simply make music for music's sake. Instead of truncating their powers of musical expression into cookie-cutter formats (even considering that music written on the scale of Yes's "standard song format" would be epic-worthy in the hands of most other bands), the band took their time on this album to say everything they needed to say, whether or not the music ever made it onto the radio.

It didn't, but that doesn't matter. Die-hard Yes fans, and just fans of profound music in general, fell for this album hook, line, and sinker. There is something genuine about this music that captivates; the length of the title track, for example, is not forced but necessary. The lyrics are presented more as an instrument in themselves than as the main vehicle of expression; the actual instrumentation serves as much or more to the effect of broadcasting just what the band were trying to say.

I could write a novel about this album, but now I will attempt to describe, in detail, each of the tracks on the original album. Significant of the time, there were only three.

1. "Close To The Edge" - Words fail me when trying to explain the appeal of this absolute masterpiece among masterpieces. I must warn prospective listeners that this track might not seem very appealing the first time you try it. Make sure you listen to it free of interruptions and distractions the first few times. By the third time, I assure you, something will click, and you will finally "get" it. Oh, I envy those who embark upon this journey on that magical time when it finally opens itself to them. Even the most complex minds will find this work fully encompassing, and it requires every last one among the brain's slew of resources to totally appreciate this music. This, I believe, is what contributes the sense of nirvana that listeners of this piece of music all report.

The beginning is unassuming enough, a crecendo of sounds from nature, accompanied by a celestial, LFO-derived synthesizer pad. Then comes what might be the most intense entrance in all recorded music, an almost cacophonic wash of sound that seems not to be held together by anything, yet boasts an underlying structure that keeps it from falling apart. Several heavenly vocal breaks stab into this entrance, and then a longer, sustained vocal chord signals the transition to the next movement. A guitar figure--a motif that appears time and again throughout the work--plays triumphantly above a complicated bed of instrumentation. After this figure takes its time asserting itself, a truly irresistible rhythmic figure takes over. This serves almost as an obbligato throughout the piece. Then Jon starts singing. Oh, what singing it is! It has been compared to rap, though I think it is far too high-brow (and, let's be honest--civilized) for that comparison. Plus, there is an actual tone to the words, even if their meaning is totally incomprehensible. At least every second one isn't an expletive (can you tell I disapprove of rap?). Don't waste your time trying to figure out what they mean, and don't read the lyrics when you first listen to the music. This will only distract you; you don't need to know a single word from the song to reach the aural bliss so many have affected from this work.

After this movement is explored to completion, a softer, pensive movement begins after an effective segue. This is the infamous "I get up I get down" part of the piece, the instrumentation of which makes the listener feel as though he or she is immersed in the depths of a clear, calm sea. As this section reaches its double climax, Rick blasts into action on a tremendous church organ (set to full plenum), then employs a trick he used on his first solo album, `The Six Wives Of Henry VIII': He doubles the organ bass--a little thin-sounding in the recording--with the deep growl of one of his Minimoogs. But even before the full impact of this effect is felt, several metallic blasts ensue and the piece propels itself into the next and final movement.

This movement serves as a sort of recap of the others musically, though its beginning is dominated by Rick Wakeman's finest recorded solo. As a keyboardist myself, I realize just how difficult this was to play. Wakeman is without a doubt the best keyboardist in the history of the craft. The climax of this final movement is the most monumental and uplifting in all of music, and its anticlimax/falling action reflects the sounds of nature that begin the piece. Wow! Is everybody still with me? The ride's not over yet...

2. "And You And I" - If "Close to the Edge" was Yes's most complicated epic masterpiece, then "And You And I" was certainly the band's most beautiful work. Written by Jon to his wife, this may well be the most esoteric and gorgeous love song ever penned. Clocking in at just over ten minutes in length, and coming in four parts, this song is breathtaking--the climax will inspire chills. Beginning with the soft sounds of Steve tuning his twelve-string guitar, the piece meanders through myriad musical marvels before ending on a quiet note. I'm a little winded after describing the title track, so you're on your own to fill in the considerable gaps in this description.

3. "Siberian Kahtru" - The words are nonsense. Understand this before you go any further. This song is a straight-up rocker, in that weird brand of rock trademark to Yes. The beginning riff is irresistible, and its permutations throughout the work are never boring. The middle solo section employs some unconventional instrumentation, including a sitar and a harpsichord (played brilliantly by Wakeman). The ending is dominated by an almost jazz-scat type vocal run, then comes a fade-out of instrumentation. All in all, this is an awesome song, fully on par with the other two on this album.

I must point out for the benefit of those viewing this page with the intent of purchasing the specific edition listed here that there exists a remastered edition released by Rhino Records in 2003 that far outstrips earlier editions in terms of sound quality; additionally, the Rhino edition offeres bonus tracks and comes in an attractive digipack/slip cover enclosure. The Rhino edition is the best one to get.

All in all, this is a must-have staple of progressive rock. This album is legendary, and when you hear it to completion, you will know why. Even so, if you're new to Yes, I wouldn't start here. Go for `The Yes Album' (1971) or `Fragile' (1972), both of which are five-star albums, albeit more accessible than `Close to the Edge.' If you like what you hear, then there's no reason why you should dislike this release. In a sense, it's not a departure from the earlier two releases, but an extension. `Close to the Edge' explores just what the band would do in an ideal, limitless format, as opposed to the more radio-friendly arrangement that made the previous releases successful.

Don't waste another minute. Buy this release at the next opportunity, and just say "Yes!" to what is undoubtedly the finest progressive rock album ever recorded.

Symphonic and unpredictable arrangements and a spiritual overtone!.......2006-10-15

Close To the Edge is not only considered to be one of the greatest progressive records of all time it's also considered by many to be one of the greatest records ever made. Personally I didn't know about the popularity this record has gained when I first started to listen to it. I saw the a live version of the song Close To the Edge on the Yes DVD Keys TO Ascensions and was struck by the mix of progressive fussiness leading into melodic tightness, the symphonic and unpredictable arrangements and spiritual overtone that filled the almost 20 minutes long epic. To be honest I had never heard anything like it before and absolutely nothing that was so progressive and "weird" at the same time as it was filled with melodic melodies and was beautiful. What differs Yes from Genesis for instance, and many other groups, on this record is their ability to go far away from anything that even resembles a rock or pop song and instead take their music to another level of spirituality and a symphonic and cosmic level that can't be heard in any other musicians' music. Supper's Ready with Genesis for instance is a good long song, but more of different smaller pop song all turned into one. Close To the Edge has more of wholeness and arrangements that leads into each other.

The record starts of with the sound of nature and a river leading into Steve Howe's weird and jazzy guitar solo where I think he almost uses all the tunes on his guitar. The music is just flying everywhere and it sounds like total chaos. On the bottom of this we hear Squire's pumping bass striking, what it sounds like, 20 tunes per seconds and Wakeman's keyboard tunes on the same fast level. Suddenly the music stops and is filled Jon Anderson's song for maybe two seconds, whereby the listener understand that the musicians knows exactly what they're doing and that it's not some weird jam session by high and at the same time extremely skilful musicians. And this goes on leading to an almost orchestral orgasm where all the tunes is flying everywhere and then..... Steve Howe's memorable guitar riff, giving associations to the music of Vivaldi and other classical music, and the music is brought together on a balanced and beautiful level for the listener's who dared to stay after the chaotic intro. After this we have the verses and choruses that are filled with a symphonic rock sound, time changes, unpredictable arrangements and on top of this Jon Anderson's beautiful singing leading into one of the most memorable choruses in progressive history; "Close To the Edge, down by the river." After almost 20 minutes of beautiful, melodic and progressive arrangements turned up on a cosmic level the song ends with a beautiful sing along chorus where the music is turned up on its highest level bringing tears to the eyes on the Yes fan if she or he is in the right mood. Continuing the record with And You and I doesn't make things easier to handle for the one who's easily touched by music. Here Steve Howe's slide guitar solo is put on an even higher cosmic level making this song, what I think, to be the best and absolutely most pompous progressive love song ever written. The last song of the record "Siberian Khatru" also has the ingredients that characterize the two previous songs but is also more of a rock song which has made it a good concert starter for the band during the years.

All three songs, where at least one can be considered an epic, differs from eachother at the same time they all have the ingredients that characterize Yes music. It makes Close To the Edge an album that is a must for the fan of progressive and experimental music at the same time that a fan of emotional and symphonic music in general can find something that they will like. But don't expect to like it right away; it may take some listening before you get it, if you do.

A Pinnacle of Prog.......2005-03-20

Many Yes fans and prog fanatics rate Close to the Edge as the greatest of all Yes records and one of the finest prog albums ever. I agree on both counts, placing CTTE up with Red and Selling England by the Pound as the three greatest prog CD's ever.

Having already stormed the charts and filled arenas worldwide with The Yes Album and Fragile, Yes entered their "epic" stage that would last 3 albums. The songs now filled whole or half LP sides, the musical pretentions reached symphonic proportions and the lyrics got more and more cosmically weird. Somehow that all comes together on CTTE in a glorious statement of purpose that reached the very pinnacle of prog.

The epic title piece begins with watery nature sounds just like Can's "Sing Swan Song" from the same year. A tight, almost fusiony section leads into the rocking main theme that carries through the first two sections, "The Solid Time of Change" and "Total Mass Retain." An atmospheric segment led by the keyboards segues into "I Get Up, I Get Down" with the band's famous harmony singing on full display. The band skillfully builds tension despite the tune's prettiness, until the harmonies spiral upward and you just know you're in for it. Sure enough, Wakeman's church organ enters, drops out, then roars back in with full prog majesty, joined at the end by a soaring Moog. Steve Howe, Chris Squier, Bill Bruford and Wakeman then storm through a variation on the original theme, leading to a fine Hammond solo that leads into the grandiose "Seasons of Man" with those full, triumphant "I get up, I get down" choruses that define this piece for many people. Never has so much cosmic nonsense sounded so great!

Moving on to "side 2," "And You and I" opens with a well-known Steve Howe acoustic segment that gives way to a simple, open-D fingering sliding up and down the fretboard. It's a disarmingly simple and effective move for the technically gifted guitarist. The rest of the song builds up around this little riff. The symphonic "Eclipse" section brings on a tempo shift and some mellotron, but soon we're right back at the acoustic beginning. Howe's bright folksy acoustic is soon joined by Wakeman's Moog in a famous section, as Jon Anderson sings "The Preacher The Teacher" and the band builds up to the powerful conclusion with some great vocals and a prototypical symph-prog sound.

The third and final track is "Siberian Khatru," a longtime concert opener for Yes. It's the only piece on CTTE that is not divided into sections, being a more jam-oriented song that hearkens back a bit to The Yes Album, except I don't remember Tony Kaye playing any harpsichord! This is one of those lost gems like "South Side of the Sky" and "Sound Chaser' that makes these classic Yes records just that extra special.

Close To The Edge represents just how far one band was willing to go in pushing rock music. It's a must for classic rock and prog collections.

Yes put out three great albums in 1972 but this is the best.......2003-09-06

"Close to the Edge" is the last and definitely the best of the three albums Yes produced in 1971-1972, when the Progressive Rock group founded by vocalist Jon Anderson was at its creative peak. Back in the good old days of vinyl, the title track was the entire first side of the album and represented the group's formulaic pattern at its best: a nice long instrumental introduction that leads to the song's main figure which everyone in the band takes turns playing. With Anderson the thing is to always enjoy his soaring tenor voice and forget about the inane lyrics; trying explaining "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace/And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace/And achieve it all with music that came quickly from afar/Then taste the fruit of man recorded losing all against the hour." Compare that with how the "I get up, I get down" from the end of "The Solid Time of Change" works a lot better because what matters are not the words but the sound. Anderson's voice and the falsetto harmonies he creates with Steve Howe and Chris Squire are as much an vital instrument in these songs as Howe's guitar or Rick Wakeman's keyboard. Howe's acoustic guitar work is featured on "And You and I," while "Siberian Khatru" features a nice musical duel between Howe on sitar and Wakeman on harpsichord. The promise evidenced by "The Yes Album," and developed further on "Fragile," reaches full maturity on "Close to the Edge." Listen to those three albums again in order and you will reach the conclusion that this was Yes' best album.

Average customer rating:

Close to the Edge Diamond Rio Manufacturer: Bmg Special Product ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B0000668Q1 Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

1. Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby
2. In a Week or Two
3. It Does Get Better Than This
4. Sawmill Road
5. Calling All Hearts (Come Back Home)
6. This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet
7. I Was Meant to Be With You
8. Old Weakness (Coming on Strong)
9. Demons and Angels
10. Nothing in This World
11. Close to the Edge

Average customer rating: Botched remastering

Close to the Edge Yes Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blue Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) Live at Montreux 2003 Traveling Wilburys (2CD/1DVD, Deluxe Edition) The Village Sessions ASIN: B000MTOKZA Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Close To The Edge
2. I. The Solid Time Of Change
3. II. Total Mass Retain
4. III. I Get Up I Get Down
5. IV. Seasons Of Man
6. And You And I
7. I. Cord Of Life
8. II. Eclipse
9. III. The Preacher The Teacher
10. IV. Apocalypse
11. Siberian Khatru

Customer Reviews:

Botched remastering.......2007-06-27

Rhino has a reputation for quality sound remastering, but they've blown it on the 2007 re-release of "Close To The Edge". The 2003 Rhino remastering that included 4 bonus tracks (this one has none) sounded much better...less hiss and a wider stereo image with less abrasiveness. It appears that this latest version recycles the audio mastered in the '90s, which is unfortunate since the album was a state-of-the-art demonstration of recording studio techniques when it was released in 1972, and it's a much loved benchmark of progressive rock and classic rock.

The selling point of this edition is that it duplicates the artwork from the original Roger Dean-designed LP. Big deal. The 2003 version had all the artwork also, and it doesn't make much difference anyway because you can't read the miniaturized text once it's scaled down to the size of a CD. There is also an older Japanese mini-LP edition of the CD, and that also sounds better than this latest version (and includes readable lyrics).

If I were a member of the band or their recording engineer, I'd be pissed that a shoddy representation of their greatest achievement is what's being currently promoted.

Average customer rating:

Time Will Tell Talbot Brothers Band Manufacturer: Talbot Brothers Band ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000CA7UA6 Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

1. Time Will Tell
2. Afterhours
3. Dreamland
4. War
5. Legend of Spoochy
6. Make a Wish Come True
7. Catch Me
8. Exotica
9. Time to Go

Average customer rating: I get up! I get down! I get impressed--this album is the pinnacle of progressive rock DO NOT BUY THIS JAPANESE REPLICAS Classic YES as good as it gets.

Close to the Edge Yes Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005LK1O Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

1. Close To The Edge: I. The Solid Time Of Change/II. Total Mass Retain/III. I Get Up I Get Down/IV. Seasons Of Man
2. And You And I: I. Cord Of Life/II. Eclipse/III. The Preacher The Teacher/IV. Apocalypse
3. Siberian Khatru

Album Description

Part of the 'Yes Original Jacket Series'. Japanese limited edition HDCD remastered reissue of 1972 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve.

Album Details

Digitally remastered HDCD Japanese limited edition release in a limited LP-style cover.

Customer Reviews:

I get up! I get down! I get impressed--this album is the pinnacle of progressive rock.......2006-10-18

Words simply cannot describe the wonder that is `Close to the Edge' (1972). Yes--at this point consisting of vocalist Jon Anderson, drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman--were trying desperately to top their breakthrough release `Fragile,' also from 1972. The result was a bastion of musical synergy that had not been topped before then and would not be topped afterward by anyone, even Yes themselves (in any permutation of their lineup, which shifted several times after this album).

On this album, the band functions more as a unit than in any previous release. Gone are the individual showcase works, the indulgent solos, and the restraints inflicted upon the band by record producers. Now insanely popular and possessed of two very solid releases, Yes decided to shelve the mantle of popular expectation (something to which they never really adhered in the first place) and simply make music for music's sake. Instead of truncating their powers of musical expression into cookie-cutter formats (even considering that music written on the scale of Yes's "standard song format" would be epic-worthy in the hands of most other bands), the band took their time on this album to say everything they needed to say, whether or not the music ever made it onto the radio.

It didn't, but that doesn't matter. Die-hard Yes fans, and just fans of profound music in general, fell for this album hook, line, and sinker. There is something genuine about this music that captivates; the length of the title track, for example, is not forced but necessary. The lyrics are presented more as an instrument in themselves than as the main vehicle of expression; the actual instrumentation serves as much or more to the effect of broadcasting just what the band were trying to say.

I could write a novel about this album, but now I will attempt to describe, in detail, each of the tracks on the original album. Significant of the time, there were only three.

1. "Close To The Edge" - Words fail me when trying to explain the appeal of this absolute masterpiece among masterpieces. I must warn prospective listeners that this track might not seem very appealing the first time you try it. Make sure you listen to it free of interruptions and distractions the first few times. By the third time, I assure you, something will click, and you will finally "get" it. Oh, I envy those who embark upon this journey on that magical time when it finally opens itself to them. Even the most complex minds will find this work fully encompassing, and it requires every last one among the brain's slew of resources to totally appreciate this music. This, I believe, is what contributes the sense of nirvana that listeners of this piece of music all report.

The beginning is unassuming enough, a crecendo of sounds from nature, accompanied by a celestial, LFO-derived synthesizer pad. Then comes what might be the most intense entrance in all recorded music, an almost cacophonic wash of sound that seems not to be held together by anything, yet boasts an underlying structure that keeps it from falling apart. Several heavenly vocal breaks stab into this entrance, and then a longer, sustained vocal chord signals the transition to the next movement. A guitar figure--a motif that appears time and again throughout the work--plays triumphantly above a complicated bed of instrumentation. After this figure takes its time asserting itself, a truly irresistible rhythmic figure takes over. This serves almost as an obbligato throughout the piece. Then Jon starts singing. Oh, what singing it is! It has been compared to rap, though I think it is far too high-brow (and, let's be honest--civilized) for that comparison. Plus, there is an actual tone to the words, even if their meaning is totally incomprehensible. At least every second one isn't an expletive (can you tell I disapprove of rap?). Don't waste your time trying to figure out what they mean, and don't read the lyrics when you first listen to the music. This will only distract you; you don't need to know a single word from the song to reach the aural bliss so many have affected from this work.

After this movement is explored to completion, a softer, pensive movement begins after an effective segue. This is the infamous "I get up I get down" part of the piece, the instrumentation of which makes the listener feel as though he or she is immersed in the depths of a clear, calm sea. As this section reaches its double climax, Rick blasts into action on a tremendous church organ (set to full plenum), then employs a trick he used on his first solo album, `The Six Wives Of Henry VIII': He doubles the organ bass--a little thin-sounding in the recording--with the deep growl of one of his Minimoogs. But even before the full impact of this effect is felt, several metallic blasts ensue and the piece propels itself into the next and final movement.

This movement serves as a sort of recap of the others musically, though its beginning is dominated by Rick Wakeman's finest recorded solo. As a keyboardist myself, I realize just how difficult this was to play. Wakeman is without a doubt the best keyboardist in the history of the craft. The climax of this final movement is the most monumental and uplifting in all of music, and its anticlimax/falling action reflects the sounds of nature that begin the piece. Wow! Is everybody still with me? The ride's not over yet...

2. "And You And I" - If "Close to the Edge" was Yes's most complicated epic masterpiece, then "And You And I" was certainly the band's most beautiful work. Written by Jon to his wife, this may well be the most esoteric and gorgeous love song ever penned. Clocking in at just over ten minutes in length, and coming in four parts, this song is breathtaking--the climax will inspire chills. Beginning with the soft sounds of Steve tuning his twelve-string guitar, the piece meanders through myriad musical marvels before ending on a quiet note. I'm a little winded after describing the title track, so you're on your own to fill in the considerable gaps in this description.

3. "Siberian Kahtru" - The words are nonsense. Understand this before you go any further. This song is a straight-up rocker, in that weird brand of rock trademark to Yes. The beginning riff is irresistible, and its permutations throughout the work are never boring. The middle solo section employs some unconventional instrumentation, including a sitar and a harpsichord (played brilliantly by Wakeman). The ending is dominated by an almost jazz-scat type vocal run, then comes a fade-out of instrumentation. All in all, this is an awesome song, fully on par with the other two on this album.

All in all, this is a must-have staple of progressive rock. This album is legendary, and when you hear it to completion, you will know why. Even so, if you're new to Yes, I wouldn't start here. Go for `The Yes Album' (1971) or `Fragile' (1972), both of which are five-star albums, albeit more accessible than `Close to the Edge.' If you like what you hear, then there's no reason why you should dislike this release. In a sense, it's not a departure from the earlier two releases, but an extension. `Close to the Edge' explores just what the band would do in an ideal, limitless format, as opposed to the more radio-friendly arrangement that made the previous releases successful.

Don't waste another minute. Buy this release at the next opportunity, and just say "Yes!" to what is undoubtedly the finest progressive rock album ever recorded.

DO NOT BUY THIS JAPANESE REPLICAS.......2002-11-20

YES......
THESE REPLICAS ARE ALMOST INCREDIBLE... TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE... THE PACKAGING IS EXCELLENT, BUT.....WELL, MY FRAGILE COPY HAS A DISSAPOINTING ONE CHANNEL MINI DROPOUT IN ROUNDABOUT, ON THE VERY BEGGINING,. THIS IS UNADMISSIBLE FOR A YES FAN THAT PAYS 30 DOLLARS FOR A CD!
MY GOING FOR THE ONE DOES TOO, SO MY CLOSE TO THE EDGE REPLICAS. I HAVE CHEKED OUT AND THIS DROPOUTS ARE ALL OVER SEVERAL OF THESE MINIATURES.
LITTLE DROPOUTS, BUT FOR THIS PRICE, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT ! I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS STUFF ! YOU BETTER GET THE OLD REMASTERS OR WAIT FOR RHINO
YES RE-RELEASES. I HAVE HEARD ROUNDABOUT ON YES' NEW BOX SET AND SOUNDS GREAT, WITHOUT THE DISSAPOINTING SOUND DROPOUTS.

Classic YES as good as it gets........2002-05-19

This 2001 HDCD version is sonically by far the best version available on CD, even if your player doesn't have a HDCD decoder. The dynamics are as good as I've ever heard. I own a copy of the Original Master Recording vinyl edition by MFSL and I must say that this one comes damn close (no puns please). All the original artwork and gate-fold sleeve are replicated in miniaturised form. Very cute.
Bear in mind: "Remastered from the original master tape" means there is going to be the odd dropout here and there. After all, the tapes are 31 years old! It would be a miracle if there weren't any flaws!
So, if you ever hear a "perfect" edition re-master, ask yourself "how was it all repaired all of a sudden?" Hmmmmmmm......
I tend to listen to the music and not get too {uptight} about the inevitable ravages of time. Hell, most YES fans have developed some dropouts of their own!!! How are yours, by the way?

Average customer rating:

Close To The Edge Charlie Dubis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000JLGOGY

Product Description

1996 Independent Release. TRACKS: UWA GI ABUGHI EZI UWA; HEALING SONG; KUZIERE M UZO; DUBIS APPEALETH TO GOD; EZIOKWU; FORGIVENESS; JEHOVAH KA EKWENSU IKE; & MY REWARD IS IN HEAVEN.

Average customer rating:

Livin' Too Close to the Edge Sonny Rhodes Manufacturer: Wild Dog ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music ASIN: B000008JZK Release Date: 1992-02-03

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