Customer Reviews

Yes: Yesyears

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It was produced in 1991, yes I know, but Atlantic records produced it correctly and professionally. Interviews are excellent. Archival footage is the best I've seen. Bill Bruford is also on here. This is the documentary for which others are judged. This documentary coincided with the YesYears Boxed CD Set and Around the World in 80 dates world tour. Many shots from that tour are on here with a snippit of all 8 members of that tour performing Awaken. It was quite breathtaking. This documentary puts the newest DVD, "YesSpeak" to shame due to poor editing and pruducing and choice of Roger Daultry as the narrator. YesYears was produced correctly and with the proper funding by ATLANTIC records at the time. I highly recommend it.
Dave Carlin, Philly

To my ears, there are a handful of English bands who are true pioneers in their stylistic pursuits. The Beatles, Yes, ELP, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, The Police and Dire Straits (sorry if I omitted one of your favorites...this is, after all, my opinion) all have musical and artistic refinement that seems to be lacking in many musical aggregations on EITHER side of the Atlantic. Quite often bands will disintegrate at the pinnacle of their success, either because of artistic restlessness, or, loss of a key member. Yes encountered both of these unbinding threats and, through recruitment of what turned out to be only temporary replacements (Bill Bruford is the exception here), managed to survive and mature. In fact, portions of this documentary were filmed during a Yes "Union" tour in which ALL former members of the band participated (with the exception of original guitarist, Tony Banks). Every member has recorded solo albums but the musical vision of the band seems to hold the strongest attraction to those involved. There have been some complaints voiced by other reviewers about the lack of actual performance footage or bonus booklets in this DVD. I, for one, didn't have to have any frills to appreciate the intent of the filmmakers. Nor do I feel shortchanged because the songs were incomplete. In my opinion this should not be regarded as a performance DVD. It is a documented historical account of one of England's finest, most artistic and long-lasting bands.

Not the tedious YesSpeak. This is a very thorough review of the years prior to 1991. Ironic in light of what has come after it. To hear Rick inferring that maybe the Union line-up could continue into the 21st century is quite touching in a way, considering the number of times he himself has come and gone in that time. I don't have a problem with the fact that there are no complete songs here... that's not the purpose of this. It does beg the question, is there any more of this archival footage? Sad that whoever was waving a camera about during the Close To The Edge sessions didn't have the sound recording switched on.

If you're not familiar with the music of Yes then you will find this DVD very frustrating as it doesn't contain any complete songs. For fans of the band it's a must. Interviews with all of the band members, as of 1991, with no holds barred in terms of conflicts and issues that occured within the band during it's history. At times the guys come off as a bit arrogant, but why not, in a genre that rewards mindless drivel they were willing to push the envelope and wound up succeeding.

If you want to get to know this band, in their own words, you must see this video. It takes you through all the years up until their extended-family performance in Pensacola, Florida, which I was lucky enough to attend. It features scenes that I've never seen before, such as an acoustic version of "Long Distance Runaround" and studio work for "Awaken" and songs from "Tormato." You cannot go wrong with this video, no matter which band members you like the best. They are all here, old and new. This is definitely the gift for the YESfan that has everything else already.

This programme gives an enjoyable overview of Yes' career from their beginnings up to 1991 - the year when they toured as an eight piece. Because of the number of band members handy during filming, there are a lot of faces on show, however this being Yes there are another 4 or 5 members who are not spoken to. It becomes notable especially when the programme shows clips from their 1975 solo albums and discusses the same with only 4 of the 5 members from that year. It would also have been nice to have Peter Banks talk about the early days. Also annoying is the continual use of live clips featuring Alan White on drums being used to illustrate music from the Fragile/Close to the Edge times - especially grating when a shot of Bruford describing his playing style is immediately followed by Alan White playing with the band. Still these are minor gripes. The film is very interesting. The fact is that there are indeed eight of the band here, and listening to the story told in this way is fun. There is a lot of interesting footage too, especially the stuff where the band is having arguments while recording "Tormato" (which also features a very good alternate take of "On the Silent Wings of Freedom"). I'd highly recommend this video to Yes fans and I'd say anyone would enjoy watching it.

I've always enjoyed watching this documentary of Yes from time to time. It spans the entire history of the band up to the Union album and tour. Yes Years is more than worth the money paid for it. You can learn a lot about this original great band.

This video, which apparently is not being printed for the time being, is one of the most interesting manners to showcase a band and its music. It takes the viewer from the very beginnings of the band, highlighting each of the band members' origins as they come and go from the band, while at the same time keeping tab of the musical developments that such personnel changes produced. Asides from the interviews with perennial members Anderson, Squire and White, as well as Wakeman, Bruford and White, the viewer gets to hear information about the members' different reasons for departing the band that, even if it's old news, it is nonetheless interesting to hear from the source. Their personalities also come out loud and clear, as contrasting traits surface: what may be inspiring music composing to one member may be chaos to another. The only reason this tape does not get a full five-star applause lies on the lack of substantial music. Even if music is not the showcase in this tape, this is clearly a tape geared toward the fan of the band and any Yes fan would love to hear a little bit more music than what is contained in this tape. Even if you are not familiar with the band, you will enjoy the direction and production of this tape. It is high quality and tasteful, typical Yes fare.

The segments are great and each artist is given a section in whch they express their thoughts and ideas. it is a story of how the band was formed and how they lived threw the 60's to the 90's! Awsome and informative!! Great video to own! Must see for any true Yessfanatic!

Throughout the years, Yes has given us some of the most incredible, progressive music in the field of rock. From their first LP, Yes, to their most recent, Open Your Eyes, we've seen various personel changes, changes in style, and ,overall, some trully powerful music. This video captures every aspect of the band, their experiences, and, of course, their incredible music. A must see for any Yes fan, and a must try for any music fan