Close to the Edge

I get up I get down, I get remastered
I am a huge Yes fan and have been going to their concerts since the 70's and was lucky to see them do this tune a number of times. Close to the edge is one of Yes' best albums, not my favorite, but it has been a mainstay of progressive rock for more than 30 years. Any new fans of the genre should get this new rhino disc and discover progressive rock for what it truly is- thoughtful and intelligent compositions executed by some of the best musicians in rock. However, most of the prospective buyers for this disc are probably seasoned Yes fans who love "close to the edge", know everything about it, and already have this album in one form or another. Most classic rock albums have been out 3 or 4 times... just reissue it and say it's better than ever. As far as the artwork, notes and lyrics go, this is an excellent package- as close as you'll come to the Lp experience in the cd format. That leaves us with the bonus tracks and the sound quality. As mentioned in other reviews, the bonus...

5.1 Steven Wilson remix, not an old remaster
Amazon must have attributed all of the reviews from other remasters to this version. This accounts for the misinformation regarding which remaster this is by some reviews. Here is the real product description as this is a brand new 5.1 mix by Steven Wilson:

A new edition of the progressive rock masterpiece from 1972, the first in a series of Yes albums to get the deluxe remix treatment. Featuring new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes by Steven Wilson from the original multitrack reels, and transferred flat at 96K/24 bit. Also included are a flat transfer of the original stereo mix, instrumental mixes, and other bonus material.

Presented in a mini vinyl replica gatefold card sleeve with booklet featuring new sleeve notes by Sid Smith, along with rare photos and archive material, the album has been mixed for 5.1 Surround Sound from the original studio masters by Steven Wilson and is fully approved by Yes.

The CD features a new stereo album mix, plus...

Close to the edge
I don't think that enough good things can be said about this 1972 album, which many feel was (and is) the definitive Yes album. In fact, Bill Bruford also felt this way and left Yes after Close to the Edge to join the ranks of King Crimson. He was quoted as saying that the band would never top the perfection of Close to the Edge. As a huge Yes fan (they are my favorite prog act), I personally feel that this album is simply superb. Although subsequent albums would also feature greatness, Close to the Edge works incredibly well as a complete work that fuses album cover art, music, and lyrics together in one seamless totality.

The group members at this point include the classic lineup of Chris Squire (bass, vocals); Rick Wakeman (mellotron, moog, Hammond organ, piano); Steve Howe (electric, acoustic guitars); Bill Bruford (drums and percussion); and Jon Anderson (vocals). I should also note that Eddy Offord (as the producer) was also considered to be part of the band and...

Click to Editorial Reviews