Yes "Symphonic Live" (Eagle Eye)

By: Paul Autry

With a 30 year history behind them, I believe it's safe to say that Yes is a band that needs no introduction. So, we'll skip this history lesson and get right into this release, which is a rather amazing DVD if I do say so myself. Now, I've never really been a fan of Yes. But, as I sat here watching this release, two words came to mind...musical perfection. Yes is a band that obviously has it together and, because of that, it doesn't suprise me that they've been around for 30 years. Anyway, this is a live release that features the music of Yes with an orchestra behind them. This seems to be a growing trend these days, especially when you consider the fact that both Metallica and Kiss have done it. But, the music of Yes seems to have been made for a performance such as this and this release will clearly prove it. The European Festival Orchestra, conducted by Wilhelm Keitel, isn't your typical, boring orchestra. As you watch their performance, it's clear that they're really getting into the music they're playing and, believe me, they're really get into it.

Through this musical journey, Yes gave the audience some of their best material. "Starship Trooper," "Long Distance Runaround," and my personal favorite, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" are just a few of the tunes that are featured here. I was rather fond of watching the performance of "Roundabout" at the end of the show. The orchestra comes out to dance with the band and I've gotta say this...there's some beautiful women to be seen here. It's clear that every single person on that stage was having a good time and when you look out into the audience, they felt the same way...especially since they gave the band a standing ovation on more than once occassion.

The bonus disc features a doucumentary, which I thought would've been more involved and a bit longer. It doesn't come close to the concert performance, that's for sure. But, it's a nice addition to this release, I'll give it that much. There's also a video for "Don't Go," which was kind of cool.

If you're a fan of Yes, this is a release that you'll be totally satisfied with. No matter how much you pay for it, you won't be disappointed. It's one of the best musicial DVD's that I've had the pleasure of watching and, you've gotta remember...I'm not that much of a Yes fan. So, that should tell you something.

http://www.yesworld.com


© 2002, BBHrdRpt

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