 |
 |
|
| Yes - Drama |
 Released: 1980 / 1994 / 1995 / 2004 Label: Atlantic / Rhino Cat. No.: 16019-2 / 82685 / 7567826872 / 73795 Total Time: 36:54 | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, March 2004 It always surprises me how few Yes fans own this one, and that many dismissed it because Jon Anderson was not involved. Well, many fans have listened to Yes after the departures of Banks, Bruford, Wakeman, Moraz, then Wakeman (sorry...), so why not this one? Opening with the epic "Machine Messiah," this song has an intensity that was not present on the lackluster Tormato. Howe and Downes run through their lines with a furious purpose. Yes had something to prove to their fans, and this track alone proves the band was correct to continue. My initial reaction was that this was the heaviest (and still is) in the band's history. "Tempus Fugit" contains an instantly memorable bass lick from Chris Squire. Horn and Squire are very compatible vocally, and sound great together. The song is propelled by Squire's bass, but Downes and Howe add a considerable contribution. White holds down a very solid straight-ahead rhythm, but it is what the song calls for, and allows the music to drive. Speaking of bass lines, "Does It Really Happen" also has an excellent bass riff. Howe plays a slashing trebly slide guitar. To me this represents the last truly progressive record the band produced. Howe and Downes would go on to form the multi-platinum Asia and Horn would work with YesWest on 90125 as a producer. If you are a Yes fan, don't let this one fall through the cracks, as it contains some truly great Yes songs. More about Drama: Track Listing: Machine Messiah (10:27) / White Car (1:21) / Does it Really Happen (6:34) / Into The Lens (8:31) / Run Through The Light (4:39) / Tempus Fugit (5:14) // Bonus tracks:* Into The Lens (I Am A Camera) (single version) (3:44) / Run Through The Light (single version) (4:26) / Have We Really Got To Go Through This (**) (3:43) / Song No. 4 (Satellite) (previously unreleased**) (7:41) / Tempus Fugit (Tracking Session) (previously unreleased**) (5:02) / White Car (Tracking Session) (previously unrelesed**) (1:12) / Dancing Through The Light (***) (3:27) / Golden Age (***) (5:55) / In The Tower (***) (2:52) / Friend Of A Friend (***) (3:38) *The Rhino reissue was released on February 24 and features the bonus tracks as indicated. ** Recorded at the Town House, London in April and May 1980. *** from the “Paris Sessions” in November 1979; "Produced by Roy Thomas Baker. Performed by Jon, Steve, Chris, Rick & Alan" (according to the Yesworld site) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.yesworld.com Discography
Interviews
Articles
| |