I bought Relayer today, but I'm going to need a little (lot) more time to digest that album. Here's a review of Close to the Edge instead. In response to criticisms concerning the lack of grandiloquence in recent reviews, I have somewhat altered my writing style for this review.
When I consider Yes's Close to the Edge, I cannot help but think of God on His throne in the year 1971, pondering all He had created to this point. He is pleased, but discontent; "The world of man is missing something!" He cries. "There is grace, there is beauty, there is majesty - but the humans have nothing that is the embodiment of all three!" He considers showing Himself to Man, but such overt actions displease Him. And then, in His infinite wisdom, God says: "Mankind needs a masterpiece. I shall inspire Man to create a great work, and it shall live forever atop the pinnacle of human creation!"
Soon thereafter, God spoke to Steve Howe and Jon Anderson, and thus the seeds of Close to the Edge were sown.
This album is perfection carved in vinyl, two sides of such staggering genius that it is a sheer wonder anyone accomplished anything at all after its release. The breadth of the human experience is captured here, masterfully intoned by Yes, those modern-day apostles of truth. So frighteningly wondrous was the creative energy that drummer Bill Bruford, so as not to be driven insane by constant visions of euphoria, left the band after recording this album.
Side 1 is occupied by the titular "Close to the Edge," a work of such noble perfection that one may believe it is the reason for the Mona Lisa's knowing smile. The initial swell of sound is accompanied by surreptitious synthesizer, played by the nimble fingers of Rick Wakeman, and from this grand crescendo is born a dizzying whirlwind of virtuosity, an avalanche of pure sonic domination, a joyful noise akin to the sound of stars - nay, galaxies - forming amidst the chaos of our universe's creation, shocking the listener's mind and utterly ruining all preconceived notions of what music is and should be.
Now held at rapt attention, the listener is introduced to the astral tonality of Jon Anderson's angelic voice, as he recites such profound and powerful lines: "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace / And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace..." Do not fear, gentle reader, if these words confuse or worry you, for they convey a message that perhaps humankind is simply not read to understand! However, upon reading the poetry, one can certainly sense the genius contained just below the surface, elusive and mysterious. Chris Squire's powerful bass lines together with Bruford's savage drumming conjure images of Thor destroying his foes with booming thumps from his eternal hammer. This aural lovemaking is sometimes put aside for moments of absolute tranquility; one's soul feels suspended amidst the heavens by Rick Wakeman's gentle and delicate soundscapes. And we shall certainly not forget Steve Howe, whose blistering solos are streaks of lighting against this perfect summer night sky.
"Close to the Edge" is a cerebral truthsong, an abstract shadow of God, a mathematical passion play, a perfect reflection of the true nature of the universe - and it is accompanied on Side 2 by "And You and I," a warm and stunningly gorgeous song that is proof of the existence of love, and "Siberian Khatru," a rollocking affair capturing the happiness of friendship and the innocent goodness that lives within us all. Taken as a whole, these three masterpieces are at once life-altering and life-affirming.
As I paw around like a blind man, searching in vain for the proper words to sum up Close to the Edge, I am reminded of the story of Jesus Christ, a mortal with divine power and knowledge, who was willingly slaughtered so that humanity may be saved. So it was with Yes - with Bruford's departure, the band was never the same. They would never again approach such magnificence; perhaps mortals simply cannot handle such gifts of creation. But just as Jesus died to give mankind hope, so too did Yes record this album, the ultimate manifestation of glory, a musical experience that will touch and embolden your soul - if only you shall allow it!
Purchased at Wuxtry Records in Athens, GA
Condition: Ethereal
Yes purveyors of wonder:
Jon Anderson - vocals
Chris Squire - bass, vocals
Rick Wakeman - keys
Bill Bruford - drums
Steve Howe - guitars, vocals
Tracks - Times (Composers)
Side 1
1. Close to the Edge - 18:50 (Music: Yes, Lyrics: Anderson, Howe)
Side 2
1. And You and I - 10:09 (Music: Yes, Lyrics: Anderson)
2. Siberian Khatru - 8:57 (Music: Yes, Lyrics: Anderson)
Back cover:
Inside:
(I really do love this album, but this review is mostly a joke. I would like to believe that I didn't need to say this.)
No comments:
Post a Comment