Album of the Day

Keys to Ascension and Keys to Ascension 2, by Yes (1996/1997): Here's a great scam to fleece the fan base - one I fell for whole hog. In 1996, Yes reformed in one of (by my count) their three "classic" lineups (Anderson, Squire, White, Howe, Wakeman) for a series of shows in San Luis Obisbo, California and to record some new material. The reunion was the first one of one of the mid-70s lineups since, well, the mid 70s. A live album memorializing the occasion was appropriate. In addition, there was a full album's worth of new material. What to do? Most folks would say put the live stuff on one 2-disc set, release the new material separately. But no, the Yes guys decided to stretch the material together over two 2-disc sets, each one containing live and studio material.

It's hardly a rip off, but it still grinds my gears a bit. The new material stands on its own merits pretty well. It's hardly Close to the Edge or Relayer, but it's far closer to classic Yes than anything put out during the Rabin years. And, honestly, while the live stuff isn't my favorite performance, I would have bought the separate live set, too (hell, I own the DVD anyway!).