Yes
“In The Present- Live From Lyon”
Frontiers Records
Tracks: 13
Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
“In The Present-Live From Lyon” is the latest live release from the classic rock group Yes. The album was recorded during the bands performance in Lyon, France on December 1st, 2009. The album is being released on Frontier Records as a 2 CD/DVD combo as well as a 3 LP set featuring a limited edition gatefold sleeve.
Yes are no strangers to the live album concept as this is the bands 5th live release since their inception in 1968. “In The Present- Live From Lyon” is packed full of classic Yes tunes from all era’s of the bands career. Tracks such as “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart” are featured on this 2 CD or 3 LP release. Vinyl purists should take note that the 3 LP versions do not include the 55 min. DVD which accompanies the 2 CD version of the album. However the vinyl release does feature a limited edition gatefold sleeve.
I found the recordings contained on “In The Present- Live From Lyon” to be missing some of their drive. Each of the 14 tracks sounded very thin and lacked bass and definition. Historically Live albums are just as they say…Live which can account for diminished sound qualities. However in today’s day world live recording technology allows almost as much flexibility as a studio setting. I think a lot more could have been done to increase the bands over all sound. It really is just a shame that such great playing is over shadowed by poor sound quality. That aside diehard yes fans will still want to add this release to their collections.
Track Listing: Disc 1
1.) Siberian Kathru
2.) I’ve Seen All Good People
3.) Tempus Fugit
4.) Onward
5.) Astral Traveller
6.) And You And I
7.) Corkscrew (acoustic solo)
Track Listing: Disc 2
1.) Owner of a Lonely Heart
2.) Southside of the Sky
3.) Machine Messiah
4.) Heart of the Sunrise
5.) Roundabout
6.) Starship Trooper
Does this live recording feature Jon Anderson or Benoît David? And how was the DVD? Just wonderin’.
I’m a big fan of Anderson, so I might consider snagging this if he’s on lead vocals. Likewise, the DVD would be worthwhile if it shows lots of Chris Squire working his magic on the bass. He’s one of the best rock bassists the world has ever known and he always makes complex scales look so damn easy to play! (And – believe me – I’ve tried. They’re sooooo not easy!)
Unfortunately we didn’t receive a copy of the DVD to review. This recording features Benoit Davis. I also agree Chris Squire is a killer musicians. Thanks for reading