Rick has a great back story about the harpsichord solo. When Rick was at the Royal College of Music, there was a rule that you weren't allowed to play on the harpsichord unless that was your speciality (Rick's was piano). But he'd sneak into the room and play the harpsichord anyway. One day he got caught by an older gentleman whom Rick assumed was an instructor. He asked Rick what he was doing in there..Rick told him he was practicing on the harpsichord. When the gentleman asked him why he chose that particular harpsichord to practice on, Rick told him because it was a Goff harpsichord and Goff is the very best. The man handed Rick his card and told him not to play the harpsichords at the Royal College..instead come to his house. It was Thomas Goff himself. Fast forward to 1972, when Yes were recording Siberian Khatru, and the guys agreed a harpsichord would be idea for the solo in the middle. Rick called Mr. Goff and asked to borrow one of his. Goff said OK, but he'd need to be there while they were doing it. Eddy Offord, the engineer, starts to put mics up inside the harpsichord (as you would for a piano) when Goff says, "What are you doing? You can't mic a harpsichord the way you would a piano because the mics will pick up the plucking sound on the strings. Overhead mics only." That's what they did, and the rest is history.

@hpatss4966

2 жыл бұрын

Great story!

@grahamhowes6904

2 жыл бұрын

Superb

@julianalonso0509

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing such an interesting story.

@josbruls

2 жыл бұрын

Great story, thanks for sharing!

@stevedotwood

2 жыл бұрын

Wow

Squire’s bass playing is just stupendous and in my opinion unmatched

@martinhayward4466

Жыл бұрын

And always loved his contrasting vocal support to Jon.

@6040nick

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree..

@michaeleastes1705

Жыл бұрын

No one else sounds like Squire. Inspired playing.

@Vasily_dont_be_silly

4 ай бұрын

I've never heard bass in rock band sound so prominent and clear in all compositions

CTTE is the best prog album ever recorded, there is not a weak moment on the entire thing, from the fade in to the fade out, like a sunrise and sunset. Fantastic in every way.

@rhalfik

2 жыл бұрын

I personally prefer what happens after sunset, but I like the album too.

@mt-jn2vf

2 жыл бұрын

The look on Doug’s face when he first listens to CTTE is priceless. In fact, the whole video is one stunned mini reaction after another. A delight to watch.

@TheDavidnewkirk

2 жыл бұрын

CTTE is a life-changing masterpiece that has inspired me from the day of its release. I can't "just listen" and take joy in adding harmonies with Jon. The Band Geeks' cover of CTTE proper is so lovingly detailed and true that I tear up on every listen. This music is forever.

@mt-jn2vf

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheDavidnewkirk You read my mind. I agree with you on all points, and highly encourage folks to have a listen to the Band Geek rendition. It’s an astounding accomplishment; a “cover version” for the ages.

@ih302

2 жыл бұрын

I love the album but the order of the tracks seems a bit off, to me it would make more sense if the track order were reversed.

Further proof that Chris Squire's Bass is a lead instrument and Bill Bruford is a percussionist and not just a drummer. One of the best albums of all time.👏👏👏

@markfarrell6810

Жыл бұрын

You are correct! :D

@osvaldo8966

Жыл бұрын

I agree.

@user-jp6in7fx9c

4 ай бұрын

The best in my view.

Lol, “they never do anything the same way three times, do they?” Too true, sir.

@u.v.s.5583

Жыл бұрын

They did at least something three times. They wrote a song for this album. Thrice.

A master piece indeed (from a Genesis fan). No weak point in this piece. 1972, what a year. Yes, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Led Zep,...

@delby66

Жыл бұрын

ELP as well.

Such a great album. All three songs are genius.

@eugenesmith5126

2 жыл бұрын

Absolute greatness !!..

@kacperfornal5998

Жыл бұрын

One of the most beatiful albums i ever heard

As an almost 40-year bass player, this tone is my ideal. I’m still chasing it.

@hpatss4966

2 жыл бұрын

Ig you could say you’re a sound chaser?

@Nik163

2 жыл бұрын

Chris collaborated with Rickenbacker to develop his unique sound

@hpatss4966

2 жыл бұрын

@@Nik163 Chris created his sound 😂 rickenbacker just happened to be the bass he fell in love with and played for years

@robertweinmann9408

2 жыл бұрын

Saw an interview with Squire in which he explains that he always uses a pick, and holds it so that his thumb nail just grazes the string. I think he said it creates additional harmonics.

@marshallross3373

2 жыл бұрын

@@robertweinmann9408 I've heard the same, and you are probably right about the harmonic effect. As for the bass, I'll add that CS used to paint his bass, then get it stripped, and repainted as per his mood; it was a psychedelic thing. Happened a few times, and I think this process changed the thickness of the bass body a bit. Anyway, when he released his Chris Squire signature bass with Rickenbacker, they measured his bass precisely to get the same dimensions. Who knows, maybe this has an effect. I heard CS once mention that his pickups were key, too. I'm sure whatever preamp/overdrive/compression/etc. circuitry is happening makes a big difference too. But, ya, Squire's tone is a big part of why Yes music is so appealing, imho.

Terrific song, Doug, and it was the opening song to many of their '70s concerts; however, it wasn't really the opening song. The band always introduced themselves with a recorded version of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite Finale, and, as the ending faded, the band would come in with this song and the crowd would go wild. Yes fans always got a little dose of classical music with each concert, back then. I thought you might appreciate that little factoid.

@gregaustin7257

2 жыл бұрын

70s and 80s they opened that way every time I saw them.

@hpatss4966

2 жыл бұрын

@@lesblatnyak5947 Alan’s cymbals, ricks synth flashes and Steve’s slides all over this classical music.

@mrmusic248

2 жыл бұрын

J. Jennings: They headlined a 3-act show in Detroit in the fall of '72, which I attended. Not only did they open with the Stravinsky music, we got the shock of our lives when a skinny, blond-haired kid came out and sat at the drum kit. I had not yet heard of Bruford's departure, and it made me think, at first, that the show wouldn't be up to snuff, with the new guy on drums. Boy, was I wrong !!! There were many instant converts, besides me, to the Alan White(RIP) Fan Club, that night. He had 3 days to learn those arrangements before they hit the road. A fact that still stupefies me. There were also a few new converts to the opening act that night, a band from L.A., with their 1st album being recently released, Eagles. A strange pairing to be sure, but when you consider the middle band, Gentle Giant, was also unknown to the US, there was a lot of newness @ that show. Yes' new drummer, the new band that opened, and the really unknown new band, in between, that played in Detroit for the first time.

@Zack419

2 жыл бұрын

When I saw them in Atlanta, 6/25/1979, Firebird Suite was replaced with an excerpt of Close Encounters. Enjoy the show Doug....I saw Jon in Atlanta on 4/6/2002.....fantastic show....Jon's voice AND spirit is 'Heavenly'!!

@FVD

2 жыл бұрын

And still a fantastic memory to savour when I saw Yes for the first time, at the then Sydney Entertainment Centre back in 2003 - and with Wakeman included too! Oh, the smile on my face when they kicked off with Khatru. Made me admire the song more than ever! I've only seen Yes twice in my life and I'm so satisfied (I'm on my way) especially while Squire and White were still alive. R.I.P., both you legends!

Chris Squire and Bill Bruford. Best rhythm section ever. Just incredible.

@NewBritainStation

2 жыл бұрын

I think Bruford/Wetton and Bruford/Levin give Bruford/Squire a run for their money…

@JohnWilliams-zu8wg

2 жыл бұрын

One of my top 5 all time favorite drummers.

@clambeandip

7 ай бұрын

Agreed, I love the combination of Bruford & Squire. And then, it's fascinating to hear hints of how they personally weren't as in sync as they seemed musically.

Hey Doug I saw Yes in February 1974. Part one of the show was the entire Close to the Edge album and part 2 was the entire Tales From Topographic Oceans album. Interestingly it was ten years to the day after the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. In one short decade we went from I Want to Hold Your Hand to the Revealing Science of God!!

@williamburkholder769

2 жыл бұрын

I saw them that year, too, February 12, 1974 at Roanoke, VA, Civic Center. I was with a fellow Davidson freshman, Terry Hummel, a future (brief) editor of RollingStone Magazine. It was probably the best concert I'd ever seen at that point. All of Tales and all of CTTE, plus Roundabout.

@jamescpotter

2 жыл бұрын

@@williamburkholder769 I was there also! remember the quadrophonic sound system as the concert bounced or ping ponged from front to back from left to right etc? I loved that concert.

@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270

2 жыл бұрын

That tour began in UK in late 1973...I saw them at Manchester Free Trade Hall in the November...same set.

@stationtostationcb

Жыл бұрын

I was 14 and saw YES in november 1974 in Rotterdam. I discovered Yes when I was 12 and listened the first time close to the edge. I stopped after Tormato when Yes became NO

This and Genesis’ Foxtrot are the Desert Island discs for me.

@pompeomagno5916

2 жыл бұрын

Sir, I hope to end up on the same island with you (well, it would no longer be deserted, but still)

@Leonhavenify

2 жыл бұрын

@@pompeomagno5916 Bahrain isn't deserted either.

@BenjWarrant

2 жыл бұрын

Ooh, greedy - you're only allowed singles!

@carlpeterson8182

2 жыл бұрын

This one Foxtrot, the Yes Album, and so many Rush albums are for me.

@thewal1ofsleep

2 жыл бұрын

Same. The expanded version of Camel's "A Live Record" makes mine as well.

Just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green rock orchestra perform Close To The Edge last night..... Just great to watch a legend performing with all these kids and watching the joy on all faces, both on the stage and in the audience.... Its just what music is supposed to be about. Not pretentious, not always perfect, just live and raw and wonderful. I cant explain the feeling of being able to experience things like that... it was just great, it filled this old mans soul.

@Doug.Helvering

2 жыл бұрын

I was there. It was a great show.

Fun piece. I love love love Chris's bass in this. The world still misses his presence. I am thankful for this excellent music.

@Nosnerwal

Жыл бұрын

I bought my first bass because of this song.

The best Yes album of all times in my opinion

@dpstrial

2 жыл бұрын

I think Bill Bruford and Rick Wakeman felt the same.

@joseresendiz3814

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. And the best YES formation: Anderson, Squier, Howe, Wakeman and Bruford!

@yellfire

2 жыл бұрын

Nah, Yessongs for me

@XanAxDdu

2 жыл бұрын

@@yellfire that is a live album sort of official bootleg i think we have to consider normal studio albums tubular bella? you by gong? joni mitchell's mingus? LOL a lot

@Tomversal

2 жыл бұрын

@@XanAxDdu It's fucking perfect for a live album though

Coincidentally wore my Close To The Edge shirt today. A woman at a museum told me it was her husband's favorite album. I think it is one of the top 10 greatest albums ever made in the overall rock genre. Oddly enough it is only my 2nd favorite YES album, with Tales From Topographic Oceans being my favorite.

@Kenneth_Fishing

2 жыл бұрын

Tales is amazing

@damianwebzyx6613

Жыл бұрын

@@Kenneth_Fishing Tales is showing their full capacity … it’s unbelievable and one of the best „concept albums“ ever made !!!

This album is the absolute epitome, the nec plus ultra of Prog Rock. They clubber you hard with ‘Close to the Edge’, bring you back with ‘And You and I’, then clubber you again with ‘Siberian Kathru’ when you think they just couldn’t again.

What I always loved about this track is its relentless density. You can hear so many details, intricacies, everyone ist busy at all times, playing riffs and licks in the background that others would be proud to use as solo spots. Topped with multi layered vocals, this is song is so packed it blows your mind. And after CTTE as the ultimate prog song with all twists, turns, quirks and awesomeness, followed by And You And I, possibly one of the most theatrically epic songs ever recorded in it grandeur, this one is like a perfect party that knocks you off your feet.

Steve Howe’s guitar on this song is just sublime. This is my favorite Yes song.

It was a Concert opener..I've seen YES in Philadelphia Pa. From 1972-1984. Every Show. My favorite Band 🤘💘🎸🎶🎵🎶💯

This made my day. Thank you! This song brings out all kinds of Bill Bruford's jazz drumming sensibilities. I also think that this is Yes at their jazziest pre-Patrick Moraz. I wish Chris had lived long enough to see CTTE celebrate its 50th anniversary.

@dago87able

2 жыл бұрын

You think? I believe several moments on Fragile might be even jazzier.

Can you imagine Alan White's internal groan, when confronted with the prospect of playing this live? It's a wonder he survived!

@peterz4427

2 жыл бұрын

He had left the band for this album, that's Bill Bruford drumming.

@kevincarrigan3083

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterz4427 White hadn't "left the band," Peter Z...he hadn't yet joined the band. You are correct that Bruford co-wrote and performed on the studio recording (no one disputes that). However,. Richard Morse, above, is referring to the reality of Alan's introduction to YES: after joining, AW had just 3 days to learn YES's complex repertoire before embarking on a previously scheduled tour.

Some love for Bill's drumming is due! Especially on this, the finest 40 minutes ever committed to vinyl...

@delby66

Жыл бұрын

He was one of the best at his craft.

@clambeandip

7 ай бұрын

Agreed. And this was basically his farewell to the band.

The live version from Yessongs is absolutely incredible!!

@DannyCollazo08189

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite live version of Siberia is Wembley 1978 they went crazy with the energy

@allyourmoney

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's my favorite version. Perfect flow.

This was always my favorite track off this album. For my first album purchase when I was 14 I bought Close to the Edge, ELP's Pictures at an Exhibition and King Crimson,'s In the Court of the Crimson King. Not what my friends were listening to at the time.

The tone of Chris's bass is amazing 🤩

This is one of my all time favourite albums. Full of life, 5 guys at their creative and performing peaks. The dynamic rhythms, the beautiful melodies, the flawless musicianship, what’s not to like? These songs flow through my head and heart over and over again. I love watching your reactions to this gem. Thanks for sharing your CTTE virginity with us

Love it! I checked the published sheet music. That 15-beat phrase is notated there (probably transcribed by a clerk at the publishing company) as 3 bars of 4/4, then 1 bar of 3/4. It adds up. The other unusual meter that shows up is notated in 7/8 [about 4:39 in your video: "That's really cool."] Steve's repeating that wonderful riff [:C#-B-A-B__D- C#-B-A-B___:] which fills a 7/8 bar, while the bass, starting on the the 2nd eighth note of the bar, is playing staccato 1/8-note + 1/8-rest that spans 2 bars in what COULD be viewed as an off-set 7/4 pattern. Fun stuff! This sheet music has the 1st phrase as Em & the 2nd as Bm, but since bass is playing G-D-G-D-G-D, I think of it as a G6 "chord" tonality.

One of the best bass lines ever. The closing section were Chris let's loose is pure genius. One thing that rarely gets mentioned is the three part Vocal harmonies. They are some of the best you will ever hear. Absolutely beautiful.

@hifibrony

2 ай бұрын

Chris was the fox, with Rick and Steve in hot pursuit.

They were known in their day as a TRUELY co-operative group - each one supporting each other and each allowing each other to be stellar in their own right! BRILLIANT!!!!

For me at 60 I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times & still love it live & in studio, never gets old!

Steve Howe’s guitar solo at the end is perfect, and I love how it essentially floats above the backing track. 🎸 💙

what's even more amazing is they played these 3 songs even better live.

i’ve never thought of the bass in YES as being in the background…

@stevedotwood

2 жыл бұрын

LMAO

Doug, you should listen to "Lizard", the last track from King Crimson's Lizard. Jon sings on part of that. and it's a good one for a Friday. It's jazzy, classical (it has a bolero in it), it's all around simply amazing.

@alesprokopec4753

2 жыл бұрын

My favourite Crimson album.

@jimandlizhudson2501

2 жыл бұрын

@@alesprokopec4753 You are right. And it is often overlooked in the KC catalogue.

@TheDavidnewkirk

2 жыл бұрын

@@alesprokopec4753 I've loved Jon Anderson's voice from the moment I heard it, and then discovering his contribution to "Lizard" was a great treat. Although I already loved KC as a result of their first album, Robert Fripp's solo in "Prince Rupert's Lament" on Side 2 of _Lizard_ so took my breath away that I resolved to follow his work wherever it might go -- and I have gladly done so to this day.

@crells670

2 ай бұрын

Interesting, thanks

I love Yes. Grew up listening to them. Complex and emotional compositions, made a huge impression on my young mind. Lyrics were always hard to hear and understand especially when my vinyl lp sleeves had no lyric sheets. Love the vocalists voice but unable to make out the words most of the time. I was left with a fascinating composition but confusing vocals. Now thanks to youtube I can finally get the lyrics.

As a kid I experienced the entire Close to the Edge album as the pinnacle of rock as unleashed by The Beatles. I still do.

The guitar on the fade out of Siberian Khatru is sublime. One of my absolute favourite rock moments.

My favorite song by yes is typically the last one I listened to. This one in particular is pure bliss.

I once went a couple of years without playing this and when I finally did, I still remembered every one of the single word sequence at the end. It would appear to be locked in my brain in perpetuity (or until I develop Alzheimer's).

My very first concert was Yes in the round@Seattle center coliseum May 8 1979, I was 15 years old and just thinking about that evening gives me thrills. Such a great show. Siberian Khatru was the first song of the evening and it was mind blowing. Very special evening in my memory~

Doug- think of the entire Close To The Edge album as a 3-part symphony. The title track is in sonata allegro form. And You And I is the adagio. Siberia Khatru is the scherzo. I think that holds up pretty well.

live version from Keys to Ascension is untouchable

It's a harpsichord built by Thomas Goff, who Rick knew at the Academy. It was actually built in the studio for use on the track.

@Swindonboy56

2 жыл бұрын

Did you ever hear Rick tell the story of when he was a student at the RCM, got to meet Thomas Goff there who invited him to his house in London the next day to play one of his harpsichords.... Sitting there was none other than the Queen Mother who was visiting for tea...She suggested Rick place a bet on a horse that afternoon...it goes on...

@allisonrich5061

2 жыл бұрын

Rick Wakeman is a keyboard god. Bless him.

Squire Lives! 💜 Rickenbacker as Weapon One of Rock's greatest Guitarists, playing Country licks, on a Jazz guitar 💜

The opening of this song is my ringtone. Fantastic song and best album ever.

SIBERIAN KHATRU is RIVETING!!! and one with their MOST RELENTLESS funky GROOVES with beautifully OVERLAPPING multi-layered rhythms throughout the main melody! . I love your expressions during all the CHANGES which are absolutely MAGICALLY DELICIOUS. The intense satisfaction NEVER let's up! OH BTW, I worked with Jon Anderson and he gave me backstage tickets to see him with the School of Rock in LA at The ROXY in 2010(?) SPOILER ALERT: These students are young and NOT YES. OK? so if anyone chooses to attend then be forewarned! It's really just a chance to see Jon sing without the MATURE virtuosity to back him up!

One of the top five best songs of Yes. Astonishing.

It's definitely one of my favorite albums ever. Saw them in the mid 70's at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Awesome concert.

Jon refers to his writing style as "Lyrical Painting" !! He's a real magical fella

Thank you for doing this album, its easily my favorite album. Such a jam session.

I am delighted you were aware that YES liked to open concerts with this song. Before the concert started the stage lights would go down and you have to imagine hearing the finale to Stravinsky's Firebird Suite starting to play and then building to a climax while the band was walking on stage in the dark and then going into this song at the end with the lights coming up to full. Also in concert, instead of a fade out, Steve would finish soloing and then play the opening riff. For years that opening was one of first things I played after tuning my guitar.

My absolute favourite Yes track, off my absolute favourite Yes album!! It's the the perfect track to crank up while out driving on a beautiful sunny day. Interesting that I've been listening to this song since the early 80's when I was 13, and later as a musician, I never paid attention to the odd meter! Thankyou once again Doug for featuring Yes!!

You're the first person I've ever seen pick up on the 15/4 part of the song, which has always been my favorite part of the song.

Bruford's drumming is always so hard for me to follow. He always seems to be (intentionally) off the beat (not sure if ahead or behind), and I can never tell when he's going to add an additional snare or two.

@cobbycaputo3332

2 жыл бұрын

As another poster said on another reactor listening to a Yes song with Bruford on drums, I have been listening to him for 40 years, and still cannot predict when he's going to hit that snare.

I saw the show that you're about to see. It will blow your mind - John is in fine form, and the kids that he's performing with are utterly amazing. They give me home for music's future!

That intro with Howe's riff and Squire's booming and then Wakeman and the drumming is the most amazing thing I've ever heard. My heavens it's off the charts awesome. Thank you. Good lord what a blessed peice of lovely stuff.

You've got to listen to their classic triple live album YESSONGS. They sounded just as awesome live as they did in the studio

That is definitely a guitar through a Leslie. I've always felt that main part as 3 measures of 4 and 1 measure of 3. What a song, I love it dearly. It being the last song, it makes me think of the countless times I've flipped the record, tape or hit replay to hear the whole glorious thing all over again. Yes changed my life with this album by showing me how beautiful, confounding, terrifying and mind blowing music could be at a young age, long ago haha. God bless 'em!

@jasonshort1437

2 жыл бұрын

Doug Helvering, I'd sorta like to see you react to another favorite band, Cardiacs. But I'm afraid you'll hate it haha.

@JohnWilliams-zu8wg

2 жыл бұрын

Ive always counted one measure of 8, one measure of 7. Both are technically correct.

Great reaction to a great Yes song. Siberian Khatru is one of my favorite Yes tunes. I'm glad you did this one on my birthday. Cheers!

One of the things I only just noticed, even having been a Yes fan since the early 1970s when I was just a "yoot" - Jon sings "Hold down the window." On the song, "Going For the One," Chris sings an underlying "Open the window" as a refrain throughout that song. Neat discovery.

There will never be another bass player like Chris Squire. The man was an absolute genius.

The Bass for the extended outro is life - pure Bliss - have a wonderful concert

I am amazed that I still remember and could sing along to all the lyrics. Somedays I can't even remember the 4 part grocery list. Impressionable methinks.

They would come on stage to Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and then kick it up with this song. Makes the hair stand on end just thinking about it and the numerous times I got to see the greatest band ever!

I agree with you about that 8+7 groove. Another fantastic video of an amazing song. This album has been a favorite ever since I first heard it as an impressionable 13 year old. Would love to see you do some King Crimson, particularly 'Starless'! I think you'd dig it. And don't forget to go see Phish live, they're touring the east coast starting tomorrow!

Thank you for investing so much time in understanding Jon Anderson’s lyrics - so that I don’t have to 😅

Chris Squire ruled the Yes sound! Best bass player ever!

@smithmann5616

Жыл бұрын

One bass to rule them all.

The reoccurring guitar part was played through a tape loop that went around the whole studio. Never been before!

This WAS their opening song in 1973 when I saw them at Maple Leaf Gardens on their 'Close To The Edge ' tour . They started strong with that opening guitar lick by Howe and never let up . It remains the best concert of my life .

Ultimate musicianship. Perfect album.

Siberian Khatru is my favourite from Close To The Edge. It's groovy and proggy at the same time, harpsichord solo is fantastic and my favourite all-time Steve Howe guitar solo follows.

Listen to the live version off of Yessongs. It doesn't fade out, it has an ending, and it's very cool. It also has a brief opening that's an excerpt from Stravinsky,'s Firebird 11:41

Hey Doug! I just saw Jon Anderson and the Paul Green Rock Academy on July 8th! It was great! They did other YES songs besides the entirety of Close to the Edge. They also did songs by other musicians which was kind of weird but probably was done for the kids. The academy musicians were really good and fun to watch. The movie School of Rock with Jack Black was based on this academy.

When I saw Yes live in 1976, then bought Yessongs, the live three disc album, my life was changed.

On the lyric front, I don't think you need to go beyond the first line: an invitation to a bird of prey to sing. 👍🙂

Always watch, rarely comment ( just get buried in the onslaught of even more comments). My FAVORITE Yes track from the classic era. For my ears it's perfect.

You described my first time seeing Yes, by suggesting that this song be the concert opener. It was sublime!

Bout time you finished this album.There is alot in this song. The mind can't comprehend it all in one listening. Steve Howe is in his mind over matter zone. The snare fills you mentioned are Brufords jazz background all press rolls. I could go on but I will just say this album changed my life.

Thank you foe completing this masterpiece by Yes. I've been recommending this song for quite some time. The bass sounds from Chris are some of his best.

Concert opener indeed - no concert without it as opener.

As an academician you have to also credit Eddy Offord with producing this record. 1971+ was a time when the recording studio was essentially becoming a musical instrument, being able to over dub and cross fade different mixes. EO had major input in making this a cohesive arrangement. Saw Yes two weeks ago and Howe and Geoff Downes are the only remaining pieces of a yes lineup. I think 2022 is definitely the last go around. There are alot of similiraties between western classical, rock and pop music. The same rules apply. Thats why a hit is a hit is a hit. Even a toothless beggar with beats strapped to his head, living out of a dumpster in Brazil would understand Beethoven's 9th symp was a hit and the same applies for close to the edge- all the knitting EO performed, being central to its success.

Great album, great band! R.I.P. Chris and Allan!!!

Bruford, my favorite Yes drummer. Alan White did a heck of a job filling Bill’s shoes, but……. I was never more disappointed in late summer 72’ when I saw them perform this after a previous show rained out! My idol Bruford was NOT behind the drum kit that night, and I could tell from the first note! @Doug Helvering, I’ll be VERY interested to hear how well John pulls this off this gig without the usual Yes lineup! Looking very forward to hear that! Love your reactions bro!

Great opening song for sure as others have noted. It was the ultimate when they were in the round! The stage would start rotating when they broke into it . . . Very cool.

32 years listining this album and I have always goose bumps. And this guitar Steve is beautiful. Just like David Gilmour. This is the same level of beauty

Absolute all time favorite album…….PERIOD!!!

I saw Yes (sans Jon) perform Close to the Edge and Fragile live several years ago. Freaking amazing concert. Two of the best albums of all time.

Hi Doug. YES opened their concerts by pumping out the last few minutes of 'The Firebird Suite' by Stravinsky. Then they would walk out on stage, to the cheers of the crowd, and the moment the Suite ended, they'd go right into Siberian Khatru. It was an awesome way to begin a concert.

Yep. Please listen to the entire album, uninterrupted. Well worth the experience.

Sometime around 2002 or so Yes played in Dallas. I can’t remember which song it was, but they got a few bars into it and Jon Anderson waved his arms for everyone to stop. He said something like, “We need to start over,” and they did! From the top! Priceless! I really enjoy your informed reactions to music from my teens, thank you!

Another insightful and enthusiastic review Doug! Hope you have a great night at Jon's show!

Was impatiently waiting for you to finally get around to this rock'n gem Doug! Thanks!

My all-time favorite piece of Yes-music. Yes, the opening (and repeating) sections were written as alternating measures of 8/8 and 7/8. There are many (thankfully) recorded live versions of this song. My favorite is the one on Keys to Ascension”. Well worth the listen.

I've loved this song my whole life, and i never realized that 8 to 7 distinction you made (instead of 5,5,5) at 11:00. that little detail helped me click with that part so much more. thanks.

I watched your video on "And You And I" and this piece "Siberian Khatru" consecutively. In fact, I watched all three of your reaction vids on the Close To The Edge album in sequence just now. I've heard this album 1001 times and counting. Because of some of your reactions, I have made new discoveries. For example, for the first time, I connected the line from Khatru: "River Running Right On Over My Head..." to "And You And I Reach Over The Sun For The River."

50th anniversary!!!! Caracoles!! No me di cuenta del paso del tiempo, pero el álbum sigue tan nuevo y espectacular como cuando YES lo compuso. Saludos en 2022

You nailed it... this was YES' opening song, after a brief excerpt from the Firebird Suite ; they'd open their shows with Siberian Khatru for a good 5 years or so. You can hear this on their first live album, Yessongs. 🎹

Great reaction as always Good Sir! That four on the floor groove is one of the coolest things they've ever done. Cheers!

I saw Jon back in 2014 in a very intimate venue. It was just him playing piano, acoustic and some other exotic instruments and singing, of course. He talked about a lot of yes history, as well as many other stories. It was very entertaining, to say the least. Congrats, Doug! You made it to the end!