|  Yes
 
  Yesspeak DVD
 
  Review by Gary Hill
 
  
 This DVD is documentary (remember when these things were called            "rockumentaries") on Yes. It focuses on interview segments with each            of the current members of the band (Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris            Squire, Rick Wakeman and Alan White) but focuses on the entire history            of the band. Narrated by The Who's Roger Daltrey, the video and audio            quality are extremely good. It should be noted, though, that it did            take mea bit of adjusting the audio settings on both my DVD player and            TV to be able to hear the narration and interview segments over the            music playing in the background.  The documentary itself is top notch, interspersing footage of the            band onstage, back stage, on the road and at home with the clips. Each            member gets extensive coverage (in fact a separate section focusing            on each one is included) and the interview reveal a lot, personalizing            the band and give unique perspectives to the history, and future direction            of the band. Parts are studious and others are funny. I think my favorite            bit is a recurring theme of various members trying to find their way            to the stage - ala Spinal Tap. While obviously contrived, this is truly            hilarious.  The 2 DVD set also includes an awesome audio only recording of            a show from their most recent European tour. To give an example of how            well thought out and executed this collection is, when you play the            audio show, rather than get a blank or just static screen, the backdrop            on the TV is a series of still photos. It is also great to have live            recordings of newer material and such underplayed Classic Yes songs            as We Have Heaven and Southside of the Sky. All of these elements make for an excellent DVD offering. What a            great way to start Yes' 35th anniversary year! This review is  available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in       Music Street  Journal: 2003 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/. |