Last issue I reviewed the second part to this series, so I find it only fitting to revisit the first part which captures the years 1969 through 1981.  As with the second installment, this one is a beautiful hard-cover coffee table type of book with sturdy pages that contain many previously unpublished photos of the band.  There is also a day-by-day element to the writing that is loaded with quotes from the Yes members themselves.  While there is a whole lot of information in these pages, it does not read like a biography and instead, almost like a checklist of important dates that matter to Yes-o-philes.  While not everything will be new to the hardcore fans, it is nice to have it in one spot for reference.  For someone who is new to the band or just a casual listener, there is a ton of material that you will find new and interesting.  You can tell Martin Popoff is a fan because he filters through all of the clutter so that what is left is truly worthwhile reading.

I can’t recommend this book enough as it is a great addition to all the other Yes books out there.  Not only will you get a host of new pictures, you will also get a great selection of photos of memorabilia that doesn’t stop at record covers.  I love the print ads from old magazines that feature album releases and tour dates.  Like part two, this one is the perfect accompaniment to listening to their albums and flipping through the pages.  That is exactly what I am doing as I write this review, and it has rekindled my love for this era of Yes.