As much as I admire Chris Cutler, I don't understand his criticisms of Yes. Calling them "a Vegas band" is ridiculous. Of course there was a showbiz element in progressive rock - there was always loads of arty showbiz in Pink Floyd shows, a band Cutler admires. Cutler doesn't have to like Yes, but his criticisms of them seem to me to be unreasonable. Yes's music was far from slick and safe. Jon Anderson's lyrics were largely embarrassing, but the music itself was often rhythmically adventurous and full of imaginative tone colours and memorable melodies. Yes enjoyed huge commercial success, which is an astonishing achievement given the complexity of their music. I hate to say this, but I can't help thinking there's a whiff of professional jealousy about Cutler's criticisms of Yes.
Thank you so much for this. There are so few interviews with Chris and his intelligence and articulacy are such a rarity in Rock.
You're welcome!
Geweldig! Hartelijk dank voor dit interview!
Fijn dat je het leuk vindt, Bence. Groet Bas
As much as I admire Chris Cutler, I don't understand his criticisms of Yes. Calling them "a Vegas band" is ridiculous. Of course there was a showbiz element in progressive rock - there was always loads of arty showbiz in Pink Floyd shows, a band Cutler admires. Cutler doesn't have to like Yes, but his criticisms of them seem to me to be unreasonable. Yes's music was far from slick and safe. Jon Anderson's lyrics were largely embarrassing, but the music itself was often rhythmically adventurous and full of imaginative tone colours and memorable melodies. Yes enjoyed huge commercial success, which is an astonishing achievement given the complexity of their music. I hate to say this, but I can't help thinking there's a whiff of professional jealousy about Cutler's criticisms of Yes.
I fully agree, Yes was often equally radical and adventurous than Henry Cow.