Yes – Yessongs – 40th Anniversary Special Edition (MVD Visual, 2018)
Yessongs – 40th Anniversary Special Edition is the Blu-ray release of the iconic movie Yessongs by progressive rock stars Yes. The movie was filmed in 1972 at London’s Rainbow Theatre. It was originally released theatrically in the UK the following year with a quadrophonic soundtrack.
At the time, Yes was a consolidated superband, with a new lineup featuring some of the finest artists in the British progressive rock scene: vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and drummer Alan White.
The material on Yessongs – 40th Anniversary Special Edition includes some of early Yes’ essential musical pieces: All Good People, And You And I, Roundabout, and Yours Is No Disgrace.
The group had evolved into a symphonic progressive rock powerhouse. The performances include the previously mentioned full band pieces and solo segments by Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman showcasing their guitar and keyboard arsenals and virtuosity. It’s fun to watch the outfits of the time, with Chris Squire and Rick Wakeman wearing capes.
In addition to the restored film, this edition includes a 2012 documentary with Steve Howe, graphic designer Roger Dean (who designed the cover) and Chris Squire.
Yessongs is one of the essential music films of the early 1970s.