As regular surfers of this site may know, I’m not the biggest fan of this independent critical review series. But this is the best one I’ve seen to date and is a thoroughly enjoyable watch for any Yeshead.

And the difference is that it’s put together so much better. There’s loads of vintage footage and the visual presentation is just so much more, well professional.

There’s tasty graphic effects which perfectly supplement the music, picture in picture is used well to prevent reviewers taking too much of the limelight, split screens are used to good effect and some really nice visual effects used to enhance contemporary still pictures.

For once the package doesn’t feel like the main players are the critics and not the band. Here the music shines through and it’s thoroughly enjoyable romp through the band’s first six albums.

And we get insights from past and present band member Steve Howe - which adds in spades to the credibility of the package.

It reminds you what an innovative and wonderful band Yes were - especially around The Yes Album and Fragile period. And it makes you want to dust down the vinyl and get some Roger Dean posters for the study walls. That can’t be a bad thing.

My only complaint (yes, you knew there had to be one) is that most of the reviewers seem to take it all so damn seriously. But there are exceptions - yet again, Les Davidson makes it all look so easy on his acoustic and talks with a fluency and authority that demands you listen. And Jerry Ewing seems like a guy you could have a pint and a laugh with down the pub – his comment about why Tales Of The Topographic was so badly received ‘because it’s a crap album’ is refreshingly direct (and honest). As for the rest, c’mon guys, lighten up - it’s only rock ‘n’ roll.

***

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly