Yes – Close To The Edge [2LP] (180 Gram 45Rpm Audiophile Vinyl Stoughton Jacket)

Yes’s 1972 3-track recording masterpiece, Close to the Edge, presents a snapshot of an adventurous rock band at the peak of its powers, daring to push itself musically, both as individuals and as a unit.The first half of the 1970s was an especially fertile period for British progressive rock, laying claim to classics such as Tarkus, Selling England by the Pound, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Thick as a Brick. Collectively these and other works represent the best British progressive rock had to offer. Yet, many reviewers cite Close to the Edge as the ultimate prog rock album.Author and music journalist Will Romano writes: “Yes had previously penned epic tracks for The Yes Album and Fragile, but nothing on the magnitude of the musical gems appearing on Close to the Edge. It’s something of a small miracle – perhaps even magic – that the virtuoso quintet crafted such a cohesive and compelling album during an often-hectic recording process that very nearly relegated this monumental work to the dustbin of history.”The album’s centrepiece is the 18-minute title track, with themes and lyrics inspired by the Herman Hesse novel Siddhartha. Side two contains two non-conceptual tracks, the folk-inspired “And You and I” and the comparatively straightforward rocker “Siberian Khatru.” Original drummer Bill Bruford found the album particularly laborious to make, which culminated in his decision to quit the band after it was recorded, to join King Crimson.Close to the Edge became the band’s greatest commercial success at the time of release. It peaked at No. 4 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, the highest position Yes has reached on the latter chart.In 2020, Close to the Edge was ranked at No. 445 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with textured stock by Stoughton Printing.Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!Yes’ 1972 Atlantic Records masterpiece!180-gram 45 RPM double LPMastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original master tapePressed at Quality Record PressingsTip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with textured stock by Stoughton PrintingTracklist:Side 11. Close To The Edge Pt. 1a. The Solid Time Of Changeb. Total Mass RetainSide 21. Close To The Edge Pt. 2c. I Get Up, I Get Downd. Seasons Of ManSide 31. And You And Ia. Cord Of Lifeb. Eclipsec. The Preacher, The Teacherd. The ApocalypseSide 41. Siberian Khatru