YES - Yesstory - 3LP Vinyl Album

In the grand narrative of progressive rock, where sprawling concept albums and intricate instrumentals often take center stage, YES' 1989 compilation, 'Yesstory,' stands as a curious artifact, a three-LP vinyl chronicle of a band navigating both their creative peak and the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Let's cast aside the collector's mindset, the obsession with pristine pressings and flawless sleeves, and delve into the heart of this musical behemoth, blemishes and all.

Emerging from the psychedelic haze of the late '60s, YES swiftly established themselves as purveyors of a unique brand of progressive rock, a genre where complex time signatures, virtuoso musicianship, and mystical lyricism intertwined. 'Yesstory,' while not a traditional studio album, encapsulates the band's evolution across their first two decades, from their initial ventures into symphonic soundscapes to the radio-friendly explorations of the '80s.

The album's tracklist, meticulously curated by the band themselves, is a sonic journey, a demonstration of their relentless pursuit of musical exploration. From the expansive, multi-part epics like "Close to the Edge" and "The Gates of Delirium," where Jon Anderson's otherworldly vocals soar above a web of intricate instrumentation, to the more concise, pop-infused gems like "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "Leave It," 'Yesstory' paints a vivid image of a band unafraid to challenge boundaries and embrace change.

Of course, no YES retrospective would be complete without acknowledging the controversies that often surrounded them. The revolving door of band members, the clashes of egos, the accusations of self-indulgence - all of it contributed to the mystique surrounding the band. Yet, amidst the turbulence, YES persevered, their music serving as a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft.

'Yesstory' was recorded at a multitude of studios over the years, reflecting the band's nomadic nature and their desire to experiment with different sonic environments. From the revered Advision Studios in London, where they honed their early sound, to the cutting-edge facilities of AIR Studios in Montserrat, where they embraced the digital revolution, YES left no avenue unexplored in their quest for sonic excellence.

Behind the scenes, a team of talented producers and engineers helped mold the band's sound, from the legendary Eddie Offord, who helmed their classic '70s albums, to Trevor Horn, whose pop sensibilities brought a new dimension to their music in the '80s.

'Yesstory' is not a perfect album, nor is it a comprehensive representation of YES' vast catalog. It is, however, a fascinating glimpse into a band in constant motion, a band that refused to be categorized or confined by genre conventions. So, let the collectors obsess over their immaculate pressings. Let the critics dissect and analyze. For the rest of us, let's simply put on the record, turn up the volume, and embark on a prog odyssey like no other.