Customer Reviews

Early Years

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

BODAST was formed after the breakup of Tomorrow, and one can easily see Steve Howe's guitar work continuing to evolve from that band here, into what he'd be doing not long after when he joined Yes. As such, this forms a neat "companion" piece to the 2 early, non-Howe Yes albums, which came out at the time this was recorded.

Putting the lighter, fluffier side of Tomorrow behind him, Howe, together Bobby Clarke on drums, Dave Curtis on bass & lead vocals & Clive Skinner on vocals & acoustic guitar, wove a more serious, somewhat darker, but no less enjoyable set of rockers and moodier songs. "Do You Remember" opens the set in a uptempo manner, before "Beyond Winter" takes things in a more ethereal direction. "I Want You" sounds a bit like Bob Dylan on acid. "Nether Street" features a eerie guitar riff which Howe put to good use as part of "Starship Trooper". But "Tired Towers" is my fave song here-- its upbeat, catchy melody is somehow balanced by almost "spooky" vocal harmonies. While none of this, tragically, was actually released until 1981, this song really should have been a single back in '69!

BODAST met a fate even worse than that experienced by TOMORROW (at least the earlier band was able to release 2 singles and an album before breaking up). But that doesn't take away from how inspired the music they made was.

This album is the best example of Steve Howe's late 60s style rave-up guitar playing ("Do You Remember", "Tired Tower" "Mr. Jones" esp.), plus a couple songs include early examples of arrangements that went on to be included in Yes songs "Starship Trooper" and "Siberian Khatru." Singer Clive Muldoon may be an acquired taste for some, but I found him -- and the entire album -- to be way ahead of its time. I almost liken it to a sort of early REM. It may not have the wealth of bonus tracks as the Tomorrow CD, but IMO this is a must for Steve Howe fans, especially those who enjoy his earlier and more raw electric guitar playing.

Early Years...the own name already says everything. Steve Howe is one of my favorite musicians, and how I already said in another of my comments, I consider Steve one of the best guitarists in the world. I have all Steve's cds and I don't get tired of hearing them. I already had the opportunity of see Steve in shows (with Yes). That is not one of his best works, but even so I recommend. They are not all the music (it is clear) that are good, after all, I am a fan, but not fanatic. " Of You Remember ", " Once in Liftime " and " I Want you ". I still highlight, " Beyond Winter " and " Mr. Jones ". It's not a classic like " Quantum Guitar " or same " Turbulence ", but nevertheless it should be part of collections of many fans. Hear, if you don't like in the first time, hears again, I guarantee that will end up liking...it was what happened with me.