I'm 66 and grew up listening to both Simon & Garfunkel and Yes. The first time that I can remember hearing this song was this version. I may have hear the S & G version earlier but it was probably just background music and just registered as a nice tune. This version just flat out jumps out of the speakers and punches you in the face. This is one of my top 5 Yes songs and more often then not it holds the #1 spot.
I’m 65, I knew this song by heart, and could do it A ca paella long before yes recorded their version. When I first heard YES did a version I thought it was a sacrilege, until about the third time I heard it and now the song belongs to YES. Not that I don’t still live the SnG version, this one is just so!!
You have to be so dedicated, not only to create such wonderful music but to go on the long grueling tours and play with such passion. They are really are the most consumate and meticulous band ever. Their professionalism and longevity is astounding.
Early in YES' development, when they had created few original compositions, to fill up an entire concert's worth of material, they would cover other bands for the purpose of turning them into jams for their concert audiences. This was one of those, which they continued to develop over a couple of years of touring. Their "America" jam finally got so developed that they finally decided to record it and this was the result: an effing masterpiece of their musicianship & creativity. I consider it to be one of their Top Eight best recording of all time. It's just truly special....
"America" is a very special song for me. I think you can hear the fun, passion and joie de vivre that the musicians have from every single note. There were and are a lot of bands that make music at a high level (Genesis, ELP, Gentle Giant, Rush, Tool ... I can't list them all here), but Yes is the only band that 100% touches my soul.
A couple of trivia tidbits about this YES cover of "America". This version was recorded for an Atlantic Records compilation album called "The New Age Of Atlantic" released in 1972. It was not available anywhere else for a few years. Another song on that compilation was "Hey Hey What Can I Do" by Led Zeppelin, which was also not available on any Led Zeppelin album - just as a b-side to the Japan issued single of "Immigrant Song". So, that compilation was highly collectible solely for those two songs. Second - YES guitarist Steve Howe met Paul Simon in the early 80s and asked him if he had ever heard YES's cover of "America". Paul replied that not only had he heard it, but that he liked it a lot and told Steve that he should have taken a writing credit for his amazing guitar solo!
Although a cover song, this is easily one of my top favorite Yes recordings, and considering their many amazing pieces, that's saying a lot. A few weeks ago you listened to the original America by Simon and Garfunkel. It didn't work for you, although I love the original, but we can both agree that Yes turned this easy-going stream of consciousness folk-pop song into a fantastic journey beyond its original boundaries. I especially love the bass and drum synthesis. Oh how I miss Chris Squire!
There was I, admiring your willingness to accept a band like Yes, then, out of the blue, you shout out Gentle Giant??? Dude!!! It's like, OK! This guy gets true musical greatness from bands that have no desire to pander to the masses.
If you want Yes live then YesSongs from 1973 is the place to go. Back in the day it was a 3 album set. There isnt a weak link on the entire set. This was when Yes was young and aggressive (they mellowed over the years). The concert opens with the ending to Stravinsky's Firebird suite as a lead into Siberian Khatru, which just steam rolls the audience. Steve Howe and Chris Squire at their most aggressive. From there they never let up... Amazing performances. Steve Howe and Squire just go off during the guitar solo in Yours is No Disgrace, jaw dropping. As a former bass player, Squire is off the hook on every song but his bass solo in the Fish... You just have tot listen to it, and keep reminding yourself --- this is the freakin' bass player!
You are absolutely spot on in your evaluation of how much yes has altered the scenery for music. I didn’t think many people remembered Gentle giant I saw them a few times as well. If you add Genesis the Peter Gabriel years in there then you’ve got the nucleus of what formed progressive rock
Of the many times I've seen them perform, about ten or so years ago at a tribal casino in Snoqualmie, WA, they brought on a school drum corps of teens to perform a song with them, there was a magnificent drum session going on with Alan trading drum riffs with the drum corps, this went on for a good ten minutes, we went nuts & the kids got a long standing ovation, wish you could have seen the look on those kids' faces! Chod I wish you could have seen them back in the day, they were PHENOMENAL virtuoso musicians who loved their music and their audiences, they delivered every time.
Believe it !!!!!! From someone who has seen them do it live at least 30 times since 1971 .... I have always called them my five man orchestra . Ridiculous !!!!!! And my #1 band too 👍🙂
In the intro and you being a drummer, I saw your eyebrows raise at the drums, and then I saw the expression on your face at the changes. And that was just in the intro. This album came out in '72 when I was 17. They didn't get the accolades they deserved. I think it might have been too cerebral for some people who don't understand how difficult playing or even producing something like this is. I listen to this and picture the hours/days/months required to put out something of this caliber.
LOL I FEEL YA! YOU ARE ME 45 YEARS AGO, SCRATCHING THE HAIR FROM MY HEAD. But I was fortunate to see the magic Live every year and with the fully flamboyant stage sets, YES were something to behold!
Yes has been my number one band since 1987 and seeing them live just elevates them so much higher. I've seen every tour since that date plus ABWH and other offshoot and solo tours. You'd enjoy watching/listening to some live DVDs I think.
Reaffirmed . This one's still in my top 5 Yes all timer . Lost count of the insanely brilliant transitions every time I've listened since it came out .
Yup, and it doesn't end here with Yes. You like surprises? Try 'Soundchaser' followed by ' Endless Dream'. Both long form, both Masterpieces and you would never guess they were from the same band. Yes are for me the G.O.A.T. 😊
Yes IS THE BEST! I’ve tried to turn everyone into a Yes fan, for almost 50 years. Too many don’t get it. I’ve been a DJ forever, played Yes constantly, and had my followers of Yes fans. 😁. But not everyone gets it. Watch Awaken from Montreux’03. A-mazing! The epitome of perfection!!
You Tube with all these reaction channels has accomplished what I failed too do. Turned on thousands upon thousands of new fans onto Yes. Don't get me wrong, I was successful hundreds of times since I was 14 years old some 48 years ago, but nothing like I am seeing now. I gave up a few decades ago when I basically said, "fuck it", I have done enough. You either "get it", or you don't. I think You Tube is taking away my guilt I felt for quitting "my job" of turning on newcomers.
This band is so amazing 🤩 Bruford and Squire are my favorite rhythm 🥁 section ever! I never knew about this cover for a long time because it wasn’t on an official Yes album, just the compilation album Yesterdays which I never had. America is one of their best!
I noticed you have not listened to "Turn of the Century". I have looked over the YES tunes you have reacted to and for something even more different and beautiful, "Turn of the Century" should be your next listen. Your love and appreciation for this mystery of music called Yes will deepen hugely!
Chod. I think you're ready for Tales of topographic oceans. Take one side at a time fella. Watching them live is also a brilliant experience. I have been a Yes fan for over fifty years and lost count how many times I have seen them live. Truly amazing
New subscriber here! I love that you wait until the end of the song - that's respect! Yes has been my favorite band for 50 years now. Yeah I'm an old lady!🥰 Gentle Giant is another one of my favorites! I love music that challenges us and really bends our ear!
Yes has been my favorite band since my first listen about 47 years ago. So thankful that concerts are coming back. I'm going to see Jon Anderson and the Paul Green School of Rock perform a night of Yes music in a couple months.
Speaking of dissecting the song, did you catch when the bass quoted the song “America” from “West Side Story?” Chris Squire often did that kind of thing. Yes started out playing mostly covers - insane psychedelic maniac jazz covers. You’ve got to hear their covers of The Beatles “Every Little Thing” (there’s another quote to listen for in that one), and “I’m Down” (which is a live cut from 1976). You can tell how much fun they’re having!
I've still not noticed, tell me where in the tune does this happen? I know West Side Story by heart, when I was a kid the more popular movies were often re-released & would run for a few more years, so I remember many nights being in my footy jams in the back of a station wagon ('56 chevy nomad wagon) at the Sunland drive in while the parents were yet again watching West Side Story.
The S&G original had a completely different vibe. Imo both versions are equally brilliant but in very different ways. This is how I like covers to be done, approach it from an another angle so it’s like an original song. All it has in common with the original are the lyrics, in many ways it’s similar to what Zeppelin did with their blues coves
I have always loved the yes version of America since the early 70's on the radio. I am sure it was one of the first Yes songs I heard back then. So I ended up buying their albums and for Yes to become my number 1 band. If you want some real Yes magic try Yessongs that entire triple album set is amazing. It was recorded live and really showcases this band's truly amazing talent on stage elevated compared to the studio versions. The Yessongs ride is just over 2 hours but it is so enjoyable it will slip past in no time. For me I can listen to 2 and half LPs no problems but side 6 is incredible, so amazing normally I play it twice. The Yessongs experience will enhance and elevate your opinion of this great band. If you like Yes then you are guaranteed to be very impressed.
"My basic approach was I didn’t understand guitar teachers at all and I didn’t know anybody who taught guitar and I didn’t really want to be taught. I wanted to discover it myself. So that self-discovery was a fairly slow initial progress even though after a couple of years I was playing pop songs with a band (laughs). So I knew that was quite a big thing, that I was making progress and I always felt if I’m not doing something good in ten years then maybe I shouldn’t have jumped on this. But funny enough, I was in Yes three years later (laughs). So I got that self-reward, if you like, of being in a group that I loved all the guys and respected them as musicians and it was a lot of fun. I worked with very powerful talent." - Steve Howe
I feel this is the best cover Yes ever did. The band took a great song, which is in essence a musical short story, and turned it into a novel. The sound and energy the band put into this song is phenomenal. Bruford and Squire work so well together through all of the grooves and transitions. Anderson’s vocals are characteristically his, but still true to the original song. Howe is at his best and fronts a great sound that maintains forward momentum as the band expands its ideas and carries the listener into new territory. It was fun to see you following the time changes and visibly reacting (2:44) to the unpredictability that defines the band and its musicianship. Thanks for doing this one!
Every time I went to their concerts I would tell myself they weren't as good as I remembered and then they would absolutely astonish me! Best band anywhere.
The live versions of this Yes were playing at their last 70's shows with Tony Kaye in early 1971 are next level. You can hear for yourself on Yes' The Word is Live box set.
I've been waiting for you to get to this song. Just insane playing all the way around. Some of Bruford's best drumming with Yes, Squire just playing the hell out of his bass, Steve Howe putting to many styles into this one song, Wakeman's keys percolating along behind everything. And of course Anderson's voice. Another good example of why you need to listen to every Yes song five times, so you can track one instrument all the way through each time.
Chod doesn't have to convert me! He's preaching to the choir with me! YES is my favorite band of all time, in a photo-finish tie with The Beatles! And Chod is correct that, up through 1979, YES truly was/were "a freak of nature"! I feel that way about The Beatles too, but AGAIN, it's such a close tie!
I just saw your reaction 😅🤣🥰 to America Everything they do it pristine. As musicians were left, with our jaw dropped. I've seen & heard all the Greats Chad, but YES IS BY far my Favorite!! You mentioned Gentile Giant, who I just love, and have their vinyls. I've seen YES in Philly so many times....Its nearly embarrassing 😅 from 1972. There are still people in the World who don't know who Giant are!!! Loved your facial expression, that's how we felt but got used to the surprises lol
It's great to sit back and listen to these monster players wind out, and then there's a strange but compelling take on a fantastic song woven in there too. Wow!! 😮💎💎💎✌😘🎶🎤🎹🎸🔥💞💥
One of the most impressive re-arrangements of a classic song by prog-rock kings Yes - what unbelievable musicians they are - RIP Chris Squire one of THE all-time bassists of rock!
CHOD!! You get Yes!! You're as passionate about them as many of us LONG TIME fans of this band. I didn't get to really begin to know and appreciate them until 1974 when I was 15. Ironically, that was the year the album, 'Yesterdays' was released that opens with "America." Chod, just like you, this song blows me away every time I hear it! The interplay of the masterful guitar work of Steve Howe (yeah, I know he played 2 different amazing tracks) and the jammin' bass play of the incomparable Chris Squire just gives me chills. No, I didn't miss the jazz drumming of Bill Bruford, the soulful pipes of THE voice of Yes, Jon Anderson and the minimalist (for him) keyboard playing of Rick Wakeman. Yes and Rush are pretty much tied for my #1 band. I only hold Rush a tad bit higher because they recorded relevant albums for FIVE DECADES! I have all the studio albums by Rush and all of them by Yes except the 'Keys of Ascension' 1 & 2 combination ones (which I will be buying soon). ✌😊🌞❤
Bit of Leonard Bernstein's America there as well. Please check out Yes's song "Survival", from their first album. It arguably presents the original line - up at their best.
Yes was my number 1 in the 70's. Howe and Bruford inspired me to become both guitar player and drummer. I've discovered much since the 70's, so will you. I've got great suggestions for you.
Chris Squire on bass & Rick Wakeman on keyboards were no slouches. I’m a drummer & mess with guitar. Steve Howe is amazing & Bill Bruford is one of my favorite drummers. Bruford, Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, Steve Gadd & Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band are probably my favorite drummers. Steve Howe gets some recognition but he rarely is in “Top Guitarists of All-Time” lists or discussions. Bill Bruford NEVER gets mentioned. He is insane: efficient, controlled, creative & innovative. Now Howe totally rips it on songs like South Side of the Sky, Close to the Edge, & Heart of the Sunrise but America is one of my favorite songs where Howe really shows off all of his ability. He paints a masterpiece here. Textures, sounds, speed, precision, everything. Casual listeners won’t realize all the polyrhythms, syncopations, harmonizing & syncing all these guys do here. Yes like Rush sounds as good live as they do on their studio albums. That is hard to do & rarely pulled off. They are that good & that in sync. They are masters of their craft. By the way, So glad to see more people & young listeners discovering other music besides modern stuff or the common famous classics. Yes’ “America” cover is so insane. It’s a cover song but they made it very much their own. Great reaction🙂👍
I always thought that the Simon and Garfunkel version was wistful in that they wanted to see the America that lived up to what they had been taught it was supposed to be, and the Yes version was by foreigners coming here for the American dream.
I am always thrilled to see how enthusiastic you are ;-) As a big and long, longstanding Yes fan, I understand that of course. An example of a song that touches me as deeply as songs by Yes is "The Endless Enigma" by ELP.
Produced a staggering output for 50 years+ as well as solo songs and albums, I must have close to 90 albums across the band and various members, & I haven't got 'em all (yet) by far! VBW x
They are even better live, try Perpetual Change live. The Yessongs live album is amazing, it is hard to imagine a band could be this good but I saw them when I was 15 (1979) and was blown away. I have never gotten bored with them, I have listened to the live album more then anything else by far. Best musicians ever assembled!
Cool reaction. Chod, you clearly enjoy Yes music. Just do their complete discography and then check out their live music as has been suggested. You certainly won't be disappointed. Love the channel.
I come here to feel the YES love, and I'm not disappointed!
Welcome aboard.. thank you and God bless you for hearing and seeing.. one of me favorite groups, since 1969...
Simon & Garfunkel did the original in under 3 1/2 minutes. So YES really did make this their own.
I'm 66 and grew up listening to both Simon & Garfunkel and Yes. The first time that I can remember hearing this song was this version. I may have hear the S & G version earlier but it was probably just background music and just registered as a nice tune. This version just flat out jumps out of the speakers and punches you in the face. This is one of my top 5 Yes songs and more often then not it holds the #1 spot.
I’m 65, I knew this song by heart, and could do it A ca paella long before yes recorded their version. When I first heard YES did a version I thought it was a sacrilege, until about the third time I heard it and now the song belongs to YES. Not that I don’t still live the SnG version, this one is just so!!
You have to be so dedicated, not only to create such wonderful music but to go on the long grueling tours and play with such passion. They are really are the most consumate and meticulous band ever. Their professionalism and longevity is astounding.
Early in YES' development, when they had created few original compositions, to fill up an entire concert's worth of material, they would cover other bands for the purpose of turning them into jams for their concert audiences. This was one of those, which they continued to develop over a couple of years of touring. Their "America" jam finally got so developed that they finally decided to record it and this was the result: an effing masterpiece of their musicianship & creativity. I consider it to be one of their Top Eight best recording of all time. It's just truly special....
You are correct. Paul Simon admired this version.
Steve Howe Guuitar and Bill Bruford Drums are just scientist with their instruments
"America" is a very special song for me. I think you can hear the fun, passion and joie de vivre that the musicians have from every single note. There were and are a lot of bands that make music at a high level (Genesis, ELP, Gentle Giant, Rush, Tool ... I can't list them all here), but Yes is the only band that 100% touches my soul.
I'm 65 now and I can remember my friends were into Led Zep and thought I was in a world of my own. That was 50 years ago. Thanks for the great mem.
A couple of trivia tidbits about this YES cover of "America". This version was recorded for an Atlantic Records compilation album called "The New Age Of Atlantic" released in 1972. It was not available anywhere else for a few years. Another song on that compilation was "Hey Hey What Can I Do" by Led Zeppelin, which was also not available on any Led Zeppelin album - just as a b-side to the Japan issued single of "Immigrant Song". So, that compilation was highly collectible solely for those two songs.
Second - YES guitarist Steve Howe met Paul Simon in the early 80s and asked him if he had ever heard YES's cover of "America". Paul replied that not only had he heard it, but that he liked it a lot and told Steve that he should have taken a writing credit for his amazing guitar solo!
This is Yes, back in the days they were riding high. This is a fabulous version of the song! Man they were magnificent!
I love this version of this song. They take a three minute song and make it a ten minute song. But so worth it. Steve Howe, master guitar player.
Wait really, what is the 3 min song called?
@@vtv123here6 America by Simon and Garfunkel.
They make it THIER song. The musical elements even SOUND like America.
@@KurtI2525 I thought it was Leonard Bernstein.
Yes will always be my #1 band!!!
Although a cover song, this is easily one of my top favorite Yes recordings, and considering their many amazing pieces, that's saying a lot. A few weeks ago you listened to the original America by Simon and Garfunkel. It didn't work for you, although I love the original, but we can both agree that Yes turned this easy-going stream of consciousness folk-pop song into a fantastic journey beyond its original boundaries. I especially love the bass and drum synthesis. Oh how I miss Chris Squire!
There was I, admiring your willingness to accept a band like Yes, then, out of the blue, you shout out Gentle Giant??? Dude!!!
It's like, OK! This guy gets true musical greatness from bands that have no desire to pander to the masses.
Virtuosity on a level that no other band has attained in my lifetime.
If you want Yes live then YesSongs from 1973 is the place to go. Back in the day it was a 3 album set. There isnt a weak link on the entire set. This was when Yes was young and aggressive (they mellowed over the years). The concert opens with the ending to Stravinsky's Firebird suite as a lead into Siberian Khatru, which just steam rolls the audience. Steve Howe and Chris Squire at their most aggressive. From there they never let up... Amazing performances. Steve Howe and Squire just go off during the guitar solo in Yours is No Disgrace, jaw dropping. As a former bass player, Squire is off the hook on every song but his bass solo in the Fish... You just have tot listen to it, and keep reminding yourself --- this is the freakin' bass player!
Totally agree and for me side 6 is a complete masterpiece and it is live.
You are absolutely spot on in your evaluation of how much yes has altered the scenery for music. I didn’t think many people remembered Gentle giant I saw them a few times as well. If you add Genesis the Peter Gabriel years in there then you’ve got the nucleus of what formed progressive rock
Real rock, got a lot of fun, the guitar is just fire!
Of the many times I've seen them perform, about ten or so years ago at a tribal casino in Snoqualmie, WA, they brought on a school drum corps of teens to perform a song with them, there was a magnificent drum session going on with Alan trading drum riffs with the drum corps, this went on for a good ten minutes, we went nuts & the kids got a long standing ovation, wish you could have seen the look on those kids' faces!
Chod I wish you could have seen them back in the day, they were PHENOMENAL virtuoso musicians who loved their music and their audiences, they delivered every time.
Believe it !!!!!! From someone who has seen them do it live at least 30 times since 1971 .... I have always called them my five man orchestra . Ridiculous !!!!!! And my #1 band too 👍🙂
In the intro and you being a drummer, I saw your eyebrows raise at the drums, and then I saw the expression on your face at the changes.
And that was just in the intro.
This album came out in '72 when I was 17. They didn't get the accolades they deserved.
I think it might have been too cerebral for some people who don't understand how difficult playing or even producing something like this is.
I listen to this and picture the hours/days/months required to put out something of this caliber.
A big smile from me Chod 😀 I agree, let’s convert the world and Universe to YES. Keep those chakras spinning
So brilliant at 3:10 reference to West Side Story - America.
LOL I FEEL YA! YOU ARE ME 45 YEARS AGO, SCRATCHING THE HAIR FROM MY HEAD. But I was fortunate to see the magic Live every year and with the fully flamboyant stage sets, YES were something to behold!
Yes has been my number one band since 1987 and seeing them live just elevates them so much higher. I've seen every tour since that date plus ABWH and other offshoot and solo tours. You'd enjoy watching/listening to some live DVDs I think.
Reaffirmed .
This one's still in my top 5 Yes all timer .
Lost count of the insanely brilliant transitions every time I've listened since it came out .
Yup, and it doesn't end here with Yes. You like surprises? Try 'Soundchaser' followed by ' Endless Dream'. Both long form, both Masterpieces and you would never guess they were from the same band. Yes are for me the G.O.A.T. 😊
🥳
One of my favorites by Yes.
Another beautiful tune with America in the title is Kansas 'Song for America'.
Imagine seeing this performed live. I'd have melted in my seat.
Nice, you did it. Just listen to Bruford on the drums, unbelievable.
The greatest cover ever imo.
Yes IS THE BEST! I’ve tried to turn everyone into a Yes fan, for almost 50 years. Too many don’t get it. I’ve been a DJ forever, played Yes constantly, and had my followers of Yes fans. 😁. But not everyone gets it. Watch Awaken from Montreux’03. A-mazing! The epitome of perfection!!
You Tube with all these reaction channels has accomplished what I failed too do.
Turned on thousands upon thousands of new fans onto Yes.
Don't get me wrong, I was successful hundreds of times since I was 14 years old some 48 years ago, but nothing like I am seeing now.
I gave up a few decades ago when I basically said, "fuck it", I have done enough.
You either "get it", or you don't.
I think You Tube is taking away my guilt I felt for quitting "my job" of turning on newcomers.
This band is so amazing 🤩 Bruford and Squire are my favorite rhythm 🥁 section ever! I never knew about this cover for a long time because it wasn’t on an official Yes album, just the compilation album Yesterdays which I never had. America is one of their best!
music beyond music....perfect..exactly what Yes is...now do No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed
Everyone loved Simon and Garfunkel’s version and then when YES came out with it it was so thoroughly great❤️
A very special unique cover that everyone will say YES to!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️☮️🎤🎼❤️🎸🎹
YAY, you finally did it! Yes' reinvention of the S&G song is not to be missed by any true Yes fan.
I noticed you have not listened to "Turn of the Century". I have looked over the YES tunes you have reacted to and for something even more different and beautiful, "Turn of the Century" should be your next listen. Your love and appreciation for this mystery of music called Yes will deepen hugely!
Chod. I think you're ready for Tales of topographic oceans. Take one side at a time fella. Watching them live is also a brilliant experience. I have been a Yes fan for over fifty years and lost count how many times I have seen them live. Truly amazing
New subscriber here! I love that you wait until the end of the song - that's respect! Yes has been my favorite band for 50 years now. Yeah I'm an old lady!🥰 Gentle Giant is another one of my favorites! I love music that challenges us and really bends our ear!
Yes has been my favorite band since my first listen about 47 years ago. So thankful that concerts are coming back. I'm going to see Jon Anderson and the Paul Green School of Rock perform a night of Yes music in a couple months.
Speaking of dissecting the song, did you catch when the bass quoted the song “America” from “West Side Story?” Chris Squire often did that kind of thing.
Yes started out playing mostly covers - insane psychedelic maniac jazz covers. You’ve got to hear their covers of The Beatles “Every Little Thing” (there’s another quote to listen for in that one), and “I’m Down” (which is a live cut from 1976). You can tell how much fun they’re having!
I always loved that little quote Chris threw in there.
I never noticed that before, but since you mentioned it I caught it this time!
I've still not noticed, tell me where in the tune does this happen? I know West Side Story by heart, when I was a kid the more popular movies were often re-released & would run for a few more years, so I remember many nights being in my footy jams in the back of a station wagon ('56 chevy nomad wagon) at the Sunland drive in while the parents were yet again watching West Side Story.
@@kenbarton2920 Around 3:08 Mr Squire runs through the "I like to be in America" melody a few times...a really nice touch, fantastic stuff
The S&G original had a completely different vibe. Imo both versions are equally brilliant but in very different ways. This is how I like covers to be done, approach it from an another angle so it’s like an original song. All it has in common with the original are the lyrics, in many ways it’s similar to what Zeppelin did with their blues coves
I agree - they are different songs, linked by common lyrics!
Yes are the gods of Classical Rock Jazz Blues Progressive Rock...........The best Rock band in music history!!!!
Sound Chaser is beckoning strong Chod.
YES!!! 🙂
@@Lightmane 😃
@@jeffschielka7845 🙂
@@Lightmane Yes!!! 😁
@@GlobalWarring we can do this all day, lol 😀
I have always loved the yes version of America since the early 70's on the radio. I am sure it was one of the first Yes songs I heard back then. So I ended up buying their albums and for Yes to become my number 1 band. If you want some real Yes magic try Yessongs that entire triple album set is amazing. It was recorded live and really showcases this band's truly amazing talent on stage elevated compared to the studio versions. The Yessongs ride is just over 2 hours but it is so enjoyable it will slip past in no time. For me I can listen to 2 and half LPs no problems but side 6 is incredible, so amazing normally I play it twice. The Yessongs experience will enhance and elevate your opinion of this great band. If you like Yes then you are guaranteed to be very impressed.
A drummers retreat... Ahhh
That's a double treat, 😂
Amazing!
The Beatles changed the game. Yes changed the game AGAIN!
It makes me so happy to see you so enthusiastic about YES!
w00t!
Here we go!
😀
I'm guessing he's going to absolutely love this. Yep. He did 😀
🥳
"My basic approach was I didn’t understand guitar teachers at all and I didn’t know anybody who taught guitar and I didn’t really want to be taught. I wanted to discover it myself.
So that self-discovery was a fairly slow initial progress even though after a couple of years I was playing pop songs with a band (laughs). So I knew that was quite a big thing, that I was making progress and I always felt if I’m not doing something good in ten years then maybe I shouldn’t have jumped on this. But funny enough, I was in Yes three years later (laughs). So I got that self-reward, if you like, of being in a group that I loved all the guys and respected them as musicians and it was a lot of fun. I worked with very powerful talent."
- Steve Howe
Annnnd...a good portion of this song Steve just rips the riffs, & riffs, & riffs, riffs...what joy. I'm a happy miser!
Yes has been my favorite since 1975.
Welcome aboard.
So many more mindblowing tracks await you - "Machine Messiah", "I'm Running", "I Would Have Waited Forever", "Shock To The System", "Parallels"...
I feel this is the best cover Yes ever did. The band took a great song, which is in essence a musical short story, and turned it into a novel. The sound and energy the band put into this song is phenomenal. Bruford and Squire work so well together through all of the grooves and transitions. Anderson’s vocals are characteristically his, but still true to the original song. Howe is at his best and fronts a great sound that maintains forward momentum as the band expands its ideas and carries the listener into new territory. It was fun to see you following the time changes and visibly reacting (2:44) to the unpredictability that defines the band and its musicianship. Thanks for doing this one!
Every time I went to their concerts I would tell myself they weren't as good as I remembered and then they would absolutely astonish me! Best band anywhere.
To me Yes is the most technical band ever. My three favorite bands are Zepplin, Floyd tgen Yes but as far as musicianship goes Yes is the greatest!
The live versions of this Yes were playing at their last 70's shows with Tony Kaye in early 1971 are next level. You can hear for yourself on Yes' The Word is Live box set.
I've been waiting for you to get to this song. Just insane playing all the way around. Some of Bruford's best drumming with Yes, Squire just playing the hell out of his bass, Steve Howe putting to many styles into this one song, Wakeman's keys percolating along behind everything. And of course Anderson's voice. Another good example of why you need to listen to every Yes song five times, so you can track one instrument all the way through each time.
12:16 "I'm going to keep saying this until I convert everyone on this channel to be YES is your #1 band" 😎
Chod doesn't have to convert me! He's preaching to the choir with me! YES is my favorite band of all time, in a photo-finish tie with The Beatles!
And Chod is correct that, up through 1979, YES truly was/were "a freak of nature"!
I feel that way about The Beatles too, but AGAIN, it's such a close tie!
@@MissAstorDancer 🙂
@@Lightmane ;)
I love how you GET Yes. Not easy to do. Many people can't handle Yes because it is too complex. That is exactly why I love Yes.
Its a lot fun seeing you so blown away.
my favorite band during their prime.
I just saw your reaction 😅🤣🥰 to America Everything they do it pristine. As musicians were left, with our jaw dropped. I've seen & heard all the Greats Chad, but YES IS BY far my Favorite!! You mentioned Gentile Giant, who I just love, and have their vinyls. I've seen YES in Philly so many times....Its nearly embarrassing 😅 from 1972. There are still people in the World who don't know who Giant are!!! Loved your facial expression, that's how we felt but got used to the surprises lol
Great reaction Chod...your face at the end said it all
Glad you did this. Radio stations began to cut the hell out of this song, and it was so disappointing to hear half a song.
One of my favorite guitar solos by the great Steve Howe!
It's great to sit back and listen to these monster players wind out, and then there's a strange but compelling take on a fantastic song woven in there too. Wow!! 😮💎💎💎✌😘🎶🎤🎹🎸🔥💞💥
Kick ass Yes song! I love it!
One of the most impressive re-arrangements of a classic song by prog-rock kings Yes - what unbelievable musicians they are - RIP Chris Squire one of THE all-time bassists of rock!
gahhhh this makes me SO SO HAPPY
CHOD!! You get Yes!! You're as passionate about them as many of us LONG TIME fans of this band. I didn't get to really begin to know and appreciate them until 1974 when I was 15. Ironically, that was the year the album, 'Yesterdays' was released that opens with "America."
Chod, just like you, this song blows me away every time I hear it! The interplay of the masterful guitar work of Steve Howe (yeah, I know he played 2 different amazing tracks) and the jammin' bass play of the incomparable Chris Squire just gives me chills. No, I didn't miss the jazz drumming of Bill Bruford, the soulful pipes of THE voice of Yes, Jon Anderson and the minimalist (for him) keyboard playing of Rick Wakeman. Yes and Rush are pretty much tied for my #1 band. I only hold Rush a tad bit higher because they recorded relevant albums for FIVE DECADES! I have all the studio albums by Rush and all of them by Yes except the 'Keys of Ascension' 1 & 2 combination ones (which I will be buying soon). ✌😊🌞❤
you still need to give And You And I by YES great song
That "Ride" patern and the snare in a meter other than!!!
You described Tales of the Topographical Oceans 2 LPs, 4 songs, 23 minutes a song...
Bit of Leonard Bernstein's America there as well. Please check out Yes's song "Survival", from their first album. It arguably presents the original line - up at their best.
Yes was my number 1 in the 70's. Howe and Bruford inspired me to become both guitar player and drummer. I've discovered much since the 70's, so will you. I've got great suggestions for you.
They inspired me to be a guitarist, bass player, and keyboards.
@@ptrlxc Do you know who Bob Drake is? Investigate.
Thank you sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...this is the Fab..Five.....Line-up
Fantastic reaction!!!
LOVED IT
@@Lightmane 😎
Yup it’s hard, YES is one awesome band!
Chris Squire on bass & Rick Wakeman on keyboards were no slouches. I’m a drummer & mess with guitar. Steve Howe is amazing & Bill Bruford is one of my favorite drummers. Bruford, Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, Steve Gadd & Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band are probably my favorite drummers. Steve Howe gets some recognition but he rarely is in “Top Guitarists of All-Time” lists or discussions. Bill Bruford NEVER gets mentioned. He is insane: efficient, controlled, creative & innovative.
Now Howe totally rips it on songs like South Side of the Sky, Close to the Edge, & Heart of the Sunrise but America is one of my favorite songs where Howe really shows off all of his ability. He paints a masterpiece here. Textures, sounds, speed, precision, everything. Casual listeners won’t realize all the polyrhythms, syncopations, harmonizing & syncing all these guys do here. Yes like Rush sounds as good live as they do on their studio albums. That is hard to do & rarely pulled off. They are that good & that in sync. They are masters of their craft.
By the way, So glad to see more people & young listeners discovering other music besides modern stuff or the common famous classics. Yes’ “America” cover is so insane. It’s a cover song but they made it very much their own. Great reaction🙂👍
Rule #1 For listening to Yes. Always expect the unexpected!!!
I always thought that the Simon and Garfunkel version was wistful in that they wanted to see the America that lived up to what they had been taught it was supposed to be, and the Yes version was by foreigners coming here for the American dream.
I am always thrilled to see how enthusiastic you are ;-) As a big and long, longstanding Yes fan, I understand that of course. An example of a song that touches me as deeply as songs by Yes is "The Endless Enigma" by ELP.
The Endless Enigma pt1-Fugue-The Endless Enigma pt 2, it is a package deal.
@@your_local_dummy4137 Thanks. I forgot to mention.
Betting Steve Howe had a lot of fun playing on this one.
I bet they all did! What a true banger! Rock and Roll with a progressive twist! It might be the best cover of any song, ever!
Glad you covered this track. The studio recording is fine but I think you’ll enjoy a live version of it even more
I Love your reaction video's mate, keep them coming.
Another amazing band is Return to Forever. Listen to the Romantic Warrior album. Truly amazing.
You don't have to convince me that Yes is the number 1 band out there. Been on that page since '78
HAHAHAHAHA! Great reaction, that's all I can say!
YES, does a great job on this song. They do a rocking version of THE BEATLES, I'm Down
Gentle Giant? is their any GG track that compares with this?
awesome review my favorite band as well
YES!
Produced a staggering output for 50 years+ as well as solo songs and albums, I must have close to 90 albums across the band and various members, & I haven't got 'em all (yet) by far! VBW x
They are even better live, try Perpetual Change live. The Yessongs live album is amazing, it is hard to imagine a band could be this good but I saw them when I was 15 (1979) and was blown away. I have never gotten bored with them, I have listened to the live album more then anything else by far. Best musicians ever assembled!
They changed the game,
And others didn't take up the sport.
Cool reaction. Chod, you clearly enjoy Yes music. Just do their complete discography and then check out their live music as has been suggested. You certainly won't be disappointed. Love the channel.
There are some great live versions of this song out there. What I love about yes is that they play better live. Please check out Yessongs, 1973 live