America (Yes Version)

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 4:05 am

Even though the video is poor quality, I love it anyway. Squires playing and sound is awesome, as is the rest of the band.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3jn_aus63GE&search=Yes

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 4:38 am

yep Chris was really on top of his game at that time ... some excellent playing ... I've always enjoyed that version of the song ... I always thought that the Bruford, Wakeman, Howe, Squire, Anderson lineup was the best version of Yes ... and I like Chris' look before he tried to look like Billy Idol ... and the Ric seemed to have more edge back then ...

ricosound · Post by **ricosound** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 5:51 am

Gawd, they're just kids. Just think Chris' Rick is only 8 years old and still sounding strong. It'd be like playing a '98 now.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:23 am

yep that was before the magnets degaussed ...

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:32 am

I love it when a band covers an amazing song, but they change it completely while still retaining the original feeling . . . I think they did Simon & Garfunkel justice, which is no small feat.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 7:58 am

Awful quality of film onto video, but a great period piece. The instrument tracks seem to be the same as on the record, but slowed a bit. Vocal tracks show some variation. One of my top three Yes recordings.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 11:55 am

America has always been in my top 3 Yes songs. To me it totally typifies the Yes sound, and they are cooking up a storm! I like to play S&G's version back to back with it. Yes omits one verse, also.

Deep Tracks is playing Heart of the Sunrise (live version) as I type..... mofo sure shows us how a Rick should sound and be played!

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 12:24 pm

After watching this video, it verifies what I always heard on the recording - the exuberance and repoire they had doing this tune. Yes at their jamming best. Only criticism is not showing more playing at the last of the vid.

Anyone else notice/remember Frye boots?

Also, it looks like Chris has the volume/tone controls wide open, but the toggle switch up. Neck only?? God I love that boom/growl duality!!

As for speed, did they play it that slow and speed the tape for release or is this an internet anamoly?

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:13 pm

I recently listened to S&G's version, and the bass playing is very good and all over the place. I wonder if this is a reason it appealed to Yes (or more specifically, Squire) and for their cover of it?

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:44 pm

Chris is using alot of distortion.

fran4001 · Post by **fran4001** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 2:11 pm

Wow, just kids for sure! Those are definitely the studio tracks though. That's THE bass sound Hot damn!

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 2:53 pm

Bill Bruford has silly hair in this video too . . . and Jon Anderson has one of the best voices ever!

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:28 pm

Jerry, a couple days ago I had found a mint dusty album of Bookends and had played the S&G version then the Yes version. Both great, just a really good song. I too thought the bass in the S&G version was up front and good, but alas no credits on the album jacket. Man, I gotta clean the basement out so I can put in a music room and get out the tubes, turntables, and vinyl...

XM Deep Tracks is playing Mason Proffit, another blast from the past.

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:30 pm

We seem to have a few boys here that happen to be 54! Of course in June I'll hit the double nickels!

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:39 pm

Hey, I resemble that remark!! Dang fine age, too! Of course I have no recourse, considering the alternative. I always thought Folger's had it wrong - the best part of waking up is waking up!