Yes, there have been a multitude of live Yes DVD's on the market over the past few years, with Symphonic Live perhaps being the cream of the crop, now followed closely by Songs From Tsongas-Yes 35th Anniversary Concert. Recorded in May of 2004 in the New England area, this lavish 2DVD set features the classic line-up of Howe, Anderson, Squire, Wakeman, and White, performing a full set of Yes classics on a stage designed by Roger Dean (the DVD also has a brief interview with Dean regarding the set up of the stage). Given that the band has been around for over 35 years now, and their best days as far as album sales and arena tours seemingly behind them, watching the band on a large stage with the Roger Dean designed set up is almost like a step back into a time machine to the Relayer or Tales From Topographic Oceans tours. It's proof positive just how loyal Yes fans still are today.
As a whole, the show itself is quite good, although the gig I saw at New York's Madison Square Garden was a little tighter overall (and the crowd certainly more frenzied), the band was still spot on this night. Seeing Steve Howe rock out on his Stratocaster to "Rhythm of Love" and duel with Rick Wakeman on "South Side of the Sky", are two great examples of the role that the guitarist plays in this set. While Wakeman still shows plenty of flashy brilliance on the Moog, organ, and piano (there are moments where he seems a little unhappy with the sound), it's Howe who steals the spotlight, especially on acoustic/classical guitar, in songs like the stunning "And You and I", "Turn of the Century" and "Sweet Dreams". Anderson continues to amaze, as his vocals have held up so well over the years and actually seem richer and stronger. White and Squire, well, what can you say, the duo are perhaps the best rhythm section in progressive rock. Squire's sinewy, melodic bass lines are an integral part of the band's sound, and he resonates all over each song in this set. Fans of the song "Mind Drive", one of the strongest tracks the band recorded in the 90's, will be happy to know that parts of it are played here, and one only wishes they would write more material like it.
The drawbacks-well, minor ones actually. Awaken is one of my favorite Yes songs, and sadly it's not played here. Also, the acoustic medley where the band gives a bluesy, reggae feel to a couple of tunes gets a little tiresome after a viewing or two. Overall though this is over 3 hours of Yes expertly filmed and recorded, that is highly recommended.
Track listing
Disc 1 (65:17)
1. Intro/Firebird suite (1:56)
2. Going for the one (5:20)
3. Sweet dreams (6:34)
4. Your move/I've seen all good people (6:37)
5. Mind drive Part 1 and 2 (6:56)
6. South side of the sky (9:56)
7. Turn of the century (7:50)
8. My eyes/Mind drive part 3 (6:51)
9. Yours is no disgrace (12:17)
Disc 2 (85:14)
1. The meeting room/The meeting (3:24)
2. Long distance runaround (3:28)
3. Wonderous stories (4:05)
4. Time is time (2:32)
5. Rounabout (5:45)
6. Show me (3:56)
7. Owner of a lonely heart (4:30)
8. Second initial (5:00)
9. Rhythm of love (5:13)
10. And you and I (11:08)
11. Ritual (19:01)
12. Every little thing (4:53)
13. Starship trooper (12:19)
Total Time: 150:31
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