Yes Music Podcast

This week we listen to Billy Sherwood’s excellent Chris Squire Tribute album A life in Yes. We also discuss what Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman could have brought to that album if things had been very different - which is a topic suggested by Steven Shinder and not Daniel Krohn as I say later on in the episode - sorry Steven.

Direct download: YMP_episode_360_a_life_in_yes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58pm UTC

This week Mark and I listen to the new 50th Anniversary Tribute collection from Dave Kertzner, Yesterday and Today. We also consider in our two pence whether Yes could do something similar.

Direct download: YMP_episode_359_yesterday_and_today.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm UTC

While we wait for the German version re-issue of Time and a Word on Record Store Day Black Friday, we decided to listen again to the original record and choose our favourite songs. We also muse on the recent trend of private pressings in our 2 pence segment.

Direct download: YMP_episode_358_favourite_taaw_songs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:56pm UTC

As it's half term for me and my family this week, I dipped into the archives and found the episode I released almost exactly 5 years ago. It was recorded in my car as I travelled to Nottingham for work. It tells the story of finding a Leave It 12 inch single in a charity shop and includes my thoughts on the item. It's a bit of a blast from the past! 

Direct download: YMP_episode_357_half_term_replay.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

In a week when Jon Anderson's new solo album 1000 Hands is released for pre-order, we look at 3 old Anderson singles. It's a random selection but hopefully interesting, all the same. We also talk about the Yes plans for Japan in our 2 pence segment.

Direct download: YMP_episode_356_3_jon_anderson_singles.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm UTC

This week we enjoyed choosing and watching some Yes promotional videos - see which ones we went for in a few moments and add your choices below. We also consider what Yes releases on Record Store Day in our 2 Pence segment.

Direct download: YMP_episode_355_promotional_videos.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm UTC

This week we speak to Bob Cesca, cover artist for Magnification and Symphonic Live who also shot, directed and produced the promotional video for Don't Go and a documentary on the DVD. Bob shares all sorts of untold stories which I'm sure you will enjoy!

Direct download: YMP_episode_354_bob_cesca_cover_artist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm UTC

Yessongs the movie - a different beast to the album of the same name, this is an iconic record of the band arguably at their peak. This week, Mark and I watch the film on DVD/Blu-ray and see what we think from the vantage point of 2018. There's also a Roger Dean/Yes 2 pence.

Direct download: YMP_episode_353_yessongs_the_movie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm UTC

Tormato, undeniably the greatest Yes album ;-) celebrated 40 years recently. So this week, Mark and I listen again to the much-maligned record to try and find out what everyone else seems to hate. We also dedicate our 2 pence to the 1978 'classic'.

  • Was the production really that bad?
  • Are there any aspects people who don't listen are missing out on?
  • Are there any decent songs?
Direct download: YMP_episode_352_the_tomb_of_tormato.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm UTC

This week Mark and I have been considering Songs From Tsongas in order to re-live the last time Howe, White, Anderson and Wakeman were together on stage along with the late great Chris Squire. With the recent ARW and Yes live offerings perhaps only offering us part of the story, does Songs from Tsongas now seem like the full picture?

Direct download: YMP_episode_351_the_last_time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm UTC

We're back with an in-depth review of Yes Featuring ARW's live new album. There are several different audio and video versions and it looks and sounds great!

Direct download: YMP_episode_350_arw_live_apollo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:40pm UTC

As promised, here is the second of two short episodes during the time I'm off on holiday. I hope you enjoy re-listening to my Jon Anderson interview from September 2016, in the context of ARW today!

Direct download: summer2018_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:44pm UTC

As promised, here is the first of two short episodes during the time I'm off on holiday. I hope you enjoy finding out a bit about ARW's fist concerts of the new leg of their tour and also about Leonard Bernstein's Yes connections! Thanks to Paul Raybould and Jeremy North!

Direct download: summer2018_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

After thinking about Patrick Moraz last week, this week we've turned our attention to what happened after he left the band. Rick Wakeman returned and Going for the One was created. We listened to the studio recordings and the live recordings of the three Going for the One songs on Yesshows and discussed what happened when Yes changed once again.

Direct download: YMP_episode_349_going_for_the_one_yesshows.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm UTC

With the 'news' that Patrick Moraz might be joining Yes live in 2019 to play the whole of Relayer, Mark and I discuss the possibilities and challenges this presents. We listen to/watch recordings from when Moraz was in the band playing the songs from Relayer and then have a chat about it all.

  • How could Moraz be integrated into the current Yes band?
  • What instrumentation is needed for Relayer?
  • Are the songs similar to other Yes music?
Direct download: YMP_episode_348_relayer_2019.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm UTC

I report back from the amazing YES 50 Plaque unveiling ceremony in London where I met Bill Bruford, members of Chris Squire's family, Chris Welch and many other Yes fans.

Mark and I chat about the significance of he event and there's a 2 pence about the Patrick Moraz Relayer rumours and how Yes could perform and record as a collective in the future.

  • How did the plaque unveiling go?
  • Who turned up?
  • Should we expand the idea of what Yes is?
Direct download: YMP_episode_347_plaque_unveiling_legacy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

A short discussion of the new music by Yes featuring ARW entitled 'Fragile' which has been released unofficially on YouTube.

Direct download: YMP_episode_346_fragile_arw.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

Neither Mark nor I were able to get to the YES50 FanFest in Philadelphia but we took part as well as we could remotely. This week we are reflecting on some of the performances and the general feel we picked up remotely. We also have a two pence about whether Yes are playing too often these days.

Direct download: YMP_episode_345_yes_fanfest.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:37pm UTC

I catch up with Dave Watkinson in a secret Westminster location to talk about YES50, his article about The Warriors in Record Collector magazine and a competition connected with it. Listen for details of how to win yourself a copy of The Warriors live in concert CD!

Also, Mark and I discuss some current Yes topics as well as James Bond themes!

Direct download: YMP_episode_344_dave_in_the_basement.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm UTC

We've (finally) reached the end of the Yes singles series with Heaven and Earth which didn't really have any proper singles at all. However, it does give us a chance to think about Yes' latest studio album again and we also have a bass focus in our 2 pence segment.

Direct download: YMP_episode_343_yes_singles_part_20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

We consider the singles (if any) from Fly From Here this week and talk about this difficult time in the band's history - a bit. There's also a Two Pence segment where Mark is disappointed with his latest Pledge Music acquisition...

Direct download: YMP_episode_342_yes_singles_part_19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm UTC

This week I'm preoccupied with arrangements for the family funeral but I managed to meet up with Mark to discuss a selection of Yes topics which I hope you will enjoy. Please do add your answers to the various questions I posed in the comments.

Direct download: YMP_episode_341_yes_miscellany.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30pm UTC

We consider the singles (if any) from Magnification this week and talk about that album alongside Symphonic Live. There's also time for a Two Pence segment on the ARW revelations this week!

  • Were there any singles from Magnification?
  • Does the orchestra work well?
  • Did the band miss a keyboard player - including live?
Direct download: YMP_episode_340_yes_singles_part_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

A very short episode this week as I was unable to fit anything more in due to bereavement.

Direct download: YMP_episode_339_a_short_set_of_messages.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:41pm UTC

Both Yes and Yes featuring ARW are out on tour so this episode contains some set list spoilers - you might want to skip this one if you don't want to know what's being played. We also look at the singles from The Ladder and discuss in depth those set lists in our Two Pence section.

Direct download: YMP_episode_338_yes_singles_part_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:54pm UTC

In a week which was supposed to be a holiday for me, we actually managed to speak to Tom Brislin about his new band The Sea Within as well as about YES50. Mark reviewed the self-titled album and we then got together to compare notes. Phew!

Direct download: YMP_episode_337_the_sea_within_tom_brislin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm UTC

Mark and I have finally both received our remarkable box sets of the deluxe edition of Chris Squire's progressive masterpiece, Fish Out Of Water. It's an expansive set so we get stuck into as much of it as we can this week.

Direct download: YMP_episode_336_fish_out_of_water_deluxe_edition.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm UTC

We cover the Keys to Ascension albums as well as Open Your Eyes this week in our look at the Yes singles. It's a complex and unclear picture!

Direct download: YMP_episode_335_yes_singles_part_16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

We've reached Talk in our survey of Yes singles. It's a fairly sketchy picture but we know there was at least one single from this great album and possibly a couple more - as usual if you have copies of these singles, please do leave a comment int eh show notes!

In our Two pence segment we also have a chance to think about whether Yes have released too many live albums.

Direct download: YMP_episode_334_yes_singles_part_15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:59pm UTC

What was going on with Union? It’s a question which has baffled fans and riled members of the band ever since the record was released. This week, we take a look at the singles from Union and talk a bit about the politics as well. There’s also a contentious 2 pence about the forthcoming Steven Wilson mixes box set so get your commenting fingers ready!

Direct download: YMP_episode_333_yes_singles_part_14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30pm UTC

Depending on your point of view, this week we take a detour from Yes - or not. It's time to look at Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe and the singles from that self-titled album. There are plenty of variations to consider and we also have time to think a bit about Lee Pomeroy and ARW as well.

Direct download: YMP_episode_332_yes_singles_part_13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

Big Generator took a long time to create but, fear not, this episode isn't quite as long as that process was. We look at the singles generated by Big Generator and we also consider what extras might be included on new studio albums today.

Direct download: YMP_episode_331_yes_singles_part_12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm UTC

We are finally back to the YEs singles series and we have reached 90125. It's an amazing set of singles plus a plethora of different versions and remixes. We also have a chance to reflect on the YES Featuring ARW 50th Anniversary announcements - wow - it's quite an episode.

Direct download: YMP_episode_330_yes_singles_part_11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:55pm UTC

As I’m currently on holiday with the family, Mark and I will be returning to full episodes next week hopefully with the singles from 90125.

In the meantime I’ve been having a bit of fun listening to old episodes of the podcast and my wife came up with an idea for a quick quiz.

Direct download: YMP_episode_329_a_quick_easter_quiz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:15pm UTC

This week I feed back from the amazing YES50 Fan Convention organised by Brian Neeson and Dave Watkinson. It was a fantastic day and I've tried to capture some of it to give you an idea of how it all went if you were unable to go.

  • Who turned up?
  • Who played?
  • What was the atmosphere like?
Direct download: YMP_episode_328_yes50_fan_convention.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm UTC

We are taking a break from the Yes singles episodes because of the YES50 celebrations over the next couple of weeks. In an unusual episode this week, Mark interviews me about my own YES50 concert experience in Birmingham. There's some time for a brief news section as well.

Direct download: YMP_episode_327_yes_live_brum_2018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm UTC

John Holden has created a wonderful album for his debut release, featuring, amongst many other excellent musicians, Billy Sherwood and Oliver Wakeman. I spoke to John about his inspiration for the music as well as how he put it together - in musical as well as technical terms.

It's a great conversation and there are extracts from the album interspersed to whet your appetite!

Direct download: john_holden_special.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:45pm UTC

Produced by Robert Nasir, Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier

It's Drama this week which fits in well with the forthcoming launch of Fly From Here - Return Trip at the #YES50 Fan Convention in London next week. Mark and I also get to bang on about the set list for the first two concerts of the #YES50 tour and there is a huge amount of news!

Direct download: YMP_episode_325_yes_singles_part_10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

We have reached 1978's Tormato in our survey of Yes singles which means listening to Don't Kill the Whale and couple of other songs.

There's also news of Yes' contribution to Record Store Day which has prompted a Two Pence section and there's a rising sense of excitement about #YES50!

Direct download: YMP_episode_324_yes_singles_part_9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

In an extra episode, I was joined by Mark in Canada and Geoff Bailie in Northern Ireland to share our collective first impressions of the Trevor Horn re-working of Fly From Here.

Direct download: YMP_episode_323_fly_from_here_return_trip_initial.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:41am UTC

We have reached Going For The One in our grand progress through the Yes singles so we listen to Wonderous Stories, Going For The One and their respective B sides as well as mentioning a few oddities!

The Two Pence section focuses on the new Trevor Horn re-working of Fly From Here - Return Trip which has us both quite excited.

Direct download: YMP_episode_322_yes_singles_part_8.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:57pm UTC

This week, I'm on half term holiday with the family so I only had time to record 2 two pences with Mark. However, they will hopefully give you a chance to see if you agree with us!

Direct download: YMP_episode_321_would_you_rather.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

In a detour, we talk about the singles from the Solo albums Yes members produced after Relayer. I couldn't speak live to Mark this week due to work and family commitments but we still recorded our own thoughts.

Direct download: YMP_episode_320_yes_singles_part_7.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:33pm UTC

Produced by Robert Nasir, Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.

No singles were released from Tales From Topographic Oceans - unless you know differently...so we have skipped right along to Relayer and its single, Soon which had an edit of Sound Chaser on the B side. We also discuss Cruise to the Edge and there's plenty of other news as well.

Direct download: YMP_episode_319_yes_singles_part_6.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

Close To The Edge is, for most fans and commentators, the pinnacle of progressive rock music but did it have as much success in single format? We discuss this and also the recent picture shared by Billy Sherwood of a post-Yes-rehearsal meal...

Direct download: YMP_episode_318_yes_singles_part_5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

Fragile elevated the band further than ever before. Rick Wakeman joined and Roger Dean provided the iconic artwork. The single was Roundabout - perhaps 'the' classic song. We also have a 2 pence about ARW's plans for a huge 50th Anniversary concert...

Direct download: YMP_episode_317_yes_singles_part_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

This week we discuss The Yes Album and its single, Your Move. It has plenty of variations around the world. We also manage to speak to Dave Watkinson about the #YES50 Fan Convention.

Direct download: YMP_episode_316_yes_singles_part_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

It's the second week of our exploration of Yes' singles and we have reached Time And A Word.

There's also the announcement of the winner of the DBA3 album and plenty of time for news.

Direct download: YMP_episode_315_yes_singles_part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50pm UTC

For our first episode of 2018 - #YES50! - we start a new series about Yes singles from the first album to the last. This week we consider the two 45s released from the debut album.

Also, there's the chance to win a copy of the Downes Braide Association album, Skyscraper Souls and a show-and-tell session featuring our Christmas hauls - all great fun!

Direct download: YMP_episode_314_yes_singles_part_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:06pm UTC

The second of two short episodes for Christmas and New Year 2017. Mark reviews the year and I present a quick quiz!

Direct download: YMP_episode_313_review_2017_quiz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:55pm UTC

As usual at this time of year, I am on holiday with my family so full episodes of the YMP will return in the New Year. However, I do have time to announce the winner of the Mabel Greer’s Toyshop album competition and there are very brief seasonal messages from Mark and me.

Direct download: YMP_episode_312_christmas_new_year_message.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42pm UTC

I wasn't able to record with Mark this week but I did manage to speak to Clive Bayley of Mabel Greer's Toyshop which morphed into Yes in 1968. The new album, The Secret, features the late, great Peter Banks on the title song and Clive explains how that came about. Mark also gives his recommendations for those interested in investigating what Peter Banks did next...

Direct download: YMP_episode_311_clive_bayley_mgt_peter_banks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

Mark and I have been enjoying watching Yes covers on YouTube this week and we share some of our favourites. Also, the big news of the week is the #YES50 Fan Convention in London next year. We have a good chat about that!

Direct download: YMP_episode_310_yes_covers_we_like.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

We announce the winner of the vinyl Topographic Drama competition and review the new Virgil and Steve Howe album, Nexus. It's a lovely collection. There's also time for a 2 pence about ARW headlining a festival in June 2018!

Direct download: YMP_episode_309_virgil_steve_howe_nexus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

As we wait for YES50, we took the opportunity to think about what 80s music could be played by Yes, as suggested by both Steve Howe and Geoff Downes. We also announce a COMPETITION to win a vinyl copy of Topgraphic Drama - Live Across America! Finally, there's a thought-provoking 2 pence...

Direct download: YMP_episode_308_80s_for_YES50.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm UTC

The last album in the main sequence turns 40 this year so we take another look at it this week. There's also the news of the 50th Anniversary and Mark reviews a Bill Bruford record.

Direct download: YMP_episode_297_going_for_the_one_40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:25pm UTC

We finish off listening to The Steve Howe Album this week and there's a bit of a difference of opinion about it! The two pence segment is about the news that Billy Sherwood is working on a new Yes live album and Mark reviews Trvor Rabin's solo outing, 'Wo

Direct download: YMP_episode_281_the_steve_howe_album_part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm UTC

This week we welcome Wayne Hall onto the podast to talk about his ARW concert experience and how he managed to get Rick Wakeman to record an intro to the show! Mark reviews An Evening of Yes Music Plus from ABWH and there's a 2 pence about the set list for the first Yes shows in Japan.

Direct download: YMP_episode_257_ABWH_and_ARW.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:41am UTC

The first of 5 special anniversary episodes of the podcasts featuring conversations with listeners. We start with Ken Fuller.

Direct download: YMP_episode_245_5th_anniversary_pt_1_ken_fuller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:24pm UTC

Mark reviews a bootleg recording and we discuss what Yes can mean by playing Yessongs live in Japan. Also, I continue reading the Bill Bruford Autobiography and I look forward to the 5th Anniversary celebrations next week.

Direct download: YMP_episode_244_bootleg_review_yessongs_live.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:05am UTC

I start to read the Bill Bruford Autobiography and we discuss a fun 2 pence as well as those hideous (or not) electronic drums. There's also the announcement of a Patreon idea...

Direct download: YMP_episode_243_bill_bruford_electronic_drums.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:55pm UTC

This week our 2 Pence is about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and we also discuss our favourite special editions of Yes albums. Kevin comes up with a set of definitions of special editions, Mark delves deeply into the technical specifications and we come up with our two favourite discs. Take a listen and see if your favourites match ours!

  • What makes a Yes album release a special edition?
  • Are there more special editions than the Steven Wilson Remixes?
  • Why are most special editions on CD?

Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!

Direct download: YMP_episode_242_special_editions_albums.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:39pm UTC

Direct download: YMP_episode_231_DVD_part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:17pm UTC

Direct download: YMP_episode_226_heaven_and_earth_revisited.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:07am UTC

Direct download: YMP_episode_225_yes_live_birmingham_2016.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57am UTC

Thoughts about Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman tackling Talk live as well as a review of Talk by Mark and a reminder of what happened last time Kevin went to see Yes live in Birmingham.

Direct download: YMP_episode_224_arw_play_talk_live.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:41pm UTC

I listen to 3 versions of the other track Yes are playing in the Summer of 2016, Ritual. Mark Anthony K reviews Big Generator and there's also news of new band, November Plot, and their debut single.

Direct download: YMP_episode_221_ritual_tracks_through_time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:23pm UTC

Direct download: chamber-choir-plainchant_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:58pm UTC

A review of the forthcoming Mabel Greer's Toyshop Album, A New Way of Life, some exciting Yes news and a track from UK band, Edit Your Hometown - Suddenly...Ghosts!!!

Direct download: YMP_episode_169_mabel_greer_new_way.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:59pm UTC

A recording of the NSF Assessor information meeting

Direct download: NSFAsseessorsMeeting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28am UTC