Yes - Fragile ( 1972)

[umbertino]

Fragile was Yes' breakthrough album, propelling them in a matter of weeks from a cult act to an international phenomenon; not coincidentally, it also marked the point where all of the elements of the music (and more) that would define their success for more than a decade fell into place fully formed. The science-fiction and fantasy elements that had driven the more successful songs on their preceding record, The Yes Album, were pushed much harder here, and not just in the music but in the packaging of the album:the Roger Dean-designed cover was itself a fascinating creation that seemed to relate to the music and drew the purchaser's attention in a manner that few records since the heyday of the psychedelic era could match. Having thrown original keyboard player Tony Kaye overboard early in the sessions -- principally over his refusal to accept the need for the Moog synthesizer in lieu of his preferred Hammond organ -- the band welcomed Rick Wakeman into its ranks. His use of the Moog, among other instruments, coupled with an overall bolder and more aggressive style of playing, opened the way for a harder, hotter sound by the group as a whole; bassist Chris Squire sounds like he's got his amp turned up to "12," and Steve Howe's electric guitars are not far behind, although the group also displayed subtlety where it was needed. The opening minute of "Roundabout," the album opener -- and the basis for the edited single that would reach number 13 on the Billboard charts and get the group onto AM radio in a way that most other prog rock outfits could only look upon with envy -- was dominated by Howe's acoustic guitar and Bill Bruford`s drums, and only in the middle section did the band show some of what they could do with serious amperage. Elsewhere on the record, as on "South Side of the Sky," they would sound as though they were ready to leave the ground (and the planet), between the volume and intensity of their playing. "Long Distance Runaround," which also served as the B-side of the single, was probably the most accessible track here apart from "Roundabout," but they were both ambitious enough to carry most listeners on to the heavier sides at the core of this long player. The solo tracks by the members were actually a necessity: they needed to get Fragile out in a hurry to cover the cost of the keyboards that Wakeman had added to the group's sonic arsenal. But they ended up being more than filler. Each member, in effect, took a "bow" in mostly fairly serious settings, and Squire's "The Fish" and Howe's "Rolling Stone (3/16/72, p.56) - "...Gorgeous melodies, intelligent, carefully crafted, constantly surprising arrangements, concise and energetic performances, cryptic but evocative lyrics...a powerful and moving emotional experience..."

Rolling Stone (3/16/72, p.56) - "...Gorgeous melodies, intelligent, carefully crafted, constantly surprising arrangements, concise and energetic performances, cryptic but evocative lyrics...a powerful and moving emotional experience..."

Rolling Stone (3/16/72, p.56) - "...Gorgeous melodies, intelligent, carefully crafted, constantly surprising arrangements, concise and energetic performances, cryptic but evocative lyrics...a powerful and moving emotional experience..."

Spin (01/04, p.48) - "...Art kids still feel its power..."

Uncut (6/03, p.117) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...Recorded swiftly in patchwork fashion, FRAGILE avoided the over-meticulous arrangements of previous efforts, allowing Bill Bruford's frenetic jazz drumming to skitter behind Jon Anderson's choirboy voice..."

Uncut (6/03, p.117) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...Recorded swiftly in patchwork fashion, FRAGILE avoided the over-meticulous arrangements of previous efforts, allowing Bill Bruford's frenetic jazz drumming to skitter behind Jon Anderson's choirboy voice..."

Personnel: Steve Howe (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Chris Squire, Jon Anderson (vocals); Rick Wakeman (grand piano, electric piano, harpsichord, organ, Mellotron, synthesizer); Bill Bruford (drums, percussion).

Recorded at Advision Studios, London, England in September 1971. Originally released on Atlantic (19132).

1 Roundabout

2 Cans And Brahms

3 We Have Heaven

4 South Side of the Sky

5 Five Per Cent of Nothing

6 Long Distance Runaround

7 Fish, The (Schindleria Praematurus)

8 Mood For A Day

9 Heart Of The Sunrise

10 America

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search?q=Yes+-Fragile

http://www.mrtzcmp3.net/Yes___Fragile_1s.html

[umbertino]

I was lucky enough to see them at the Oakland,CA Coliseum in October 1977 during my first trip to the US... Donovan Leitch opened the Concert.... In the air there was a huge cloud of dope smoke.. I think that everybody was smoking but me.. But I ended up semi stoned obviously... "Passive smoker" alright..

All'n'all it was a memorable 3 hr long concert....

Edited January 22, 2012 by umbertino

[vvalley]

This is my favorite album by any band of all time Thanks umbertino for posting Veronica

[umbertino]

This is my favorite album by any band of all time Thanks umbertino for posting Veronica

Thank you Veronica for listening and for your kind comment.

[easeandpeace]

Ok ya'll I will put this song up as one of the best "tales from Topographic Oceans".....yes the instrumental and the vocal are in this youtube ......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmaPJYMoaFk

I got get out of this music vortex and go to the gym and then yes folks to my flute lesson...check out my teacher Tbird Luv....

interesting footage of her flute singing

Have a great Sunday!! GO RV

[umbertino]

Ok ya'll I will put this song up as one of the best "tales from Topographic Oceans".....yes the instrumental and the vocal are in this youtube ......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmaPJYMoaFk

I got get out of this music vortex and go to the gym and then yes folks to my flute lesson...check out my teacher Tbird Luv....

interesting footage of her flute singing

Have a great Sunday!! GO RV

"Tales" is a good Album somehow underrated imo. Thanks.

[zantac]

Umbertino

What country you from mate, you do have a fantastic knowledge of the music industry.

I was wondering if you do not live in the UK have viewed a legend of a TV show called

Top Of The Pops, seen a load of clips only last night from the 80s.

Oh boy I was a rocking my butt off for hours

Keep it up mate loving your posts

[umbertino]

Umbertino

What country you from mate, you do have a fantastic knowledge of the music industry.

I was wondering if you do not live in the UK have viewed a legend of a TV show called

Top Of The Pops, seen a load of clips only last night from the 80s.

Oh boy I was a rocking my butt off for hours

Keep it up mate loving your posts

Thanks for your comment, my Friend.....I'm from Italy... ... I certainly know "Top of the Pops".....Used to watch it when I'd visit England ( eons ago)...Great Program.

And .. Just for clarity..I do post the Music I know and that I like but those detailed reviews I post .. I take from specialized sites..It's not me writing the reviews.

Edited January 23, 2012 by umbertino

[Butifldrm]

Loved Fragile still have it. My favorite song From Yes was from "The Yes Album" "I've Seen All Good People"

Great you and your ex-wife are alive and ok . Glad to see you back umbertino.

[zantac]

I take from specialized sites..It's not me writing the reviews.

What a gentleman you are honesty is the best policy.

Look forward to your next detailed post, see you soon Umbertino

+1 from me everytime

[umbertino]

Loved Fragile still have it. My favorite song From Yes was from "The Yes Album" "I've Seen All Good People"

Great you and your ex-wife are alive and ok . Glad to see you back umbertino.

Thank you my Friend for the kind words...

This is for you ( and all who like Yes Music)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y430vq9wI7w