Review of Yes Speak: 35th Anniversary (Two Disc set)

Introduction

Formed in 1968, and arguably reaching the nadir of their musical career during the mid-1970`s, this DVD release has been timed to coincide with a 35th Year anniversary - and a reunion of their most enduring line-up.

`Yes` have become synonymous with `Prog-Rock`, which, until a major culling by Punk Rockers in 1977, reigned supreme in the UK (amongst students chiefly) from 1970 onwards. But unlike others in their genre, Yes mixed their complex instrumental compositions with heartbreakingly beautiful melodies carried by the high-pitched vocals of Jon Anderson. The Yes offering was greatly enhanced by a series of magical Roger Dean created album covers that perfectly reflected the mystical dream-like qualities of their music. And for a while it seemed that they could do no wrong. The music became increasingly complex and experimental, the stage concepts more and more elaborate. But Punks arrival wasn`t like the slow dissolve from one musical style to another that we`re accustomed to today. It was a hard cruel axe blow that toppled the mighty virtually overnight. Most never recovered - but the core members of Yes continued doggedly onwards, offering up their complex music in stark contrast to the new sounds of the day. Somehow, against all the odds, they survived and prospered. 35 years on they have almost come full circle as new bands (like `The Mars Volta`) shamelessly plunder the Yes treasure trove of musical ideas and make it their own.

This DVD (running for some three hours across two discs) catches up with the band during a pan-European tour celebrating their 35th year. Entitled `Yesspeak, ` it really does what it says on the tin. Divided into ten distinct chapters, this DVD features some lengthy interview segments with all the members of the band, as well as a healthy dose of cutaway material from the tour, captured rather well on Digi-Video.
It`s imaginatively cut together, though for anyone other than the faithful, it`s a bit of a marathon journey. Roger Daltry adds a workmanlike voice-over to glue the tale together, and for fans of the band there`s much to enjoy. Interestingly, for my money, Rick Wakeman turns out to be the star of the show with his candid and personal accounts peppered with a uniquely wry humour. Other members suffer from a toe-curling mid-Atlantic drawl that finds drummer Alan White referring to Bournemouth as `Born-Mouth`. (It`s to the Director and the bands credit that gaffs like these (including the interviewer`s laughter) are allowed through to the final cut. But that`s probably just a UK gripe.

There`s precious little live footage that doesn`t get spoken across - but seeing Rick Wakeman manically maul his Moog, and Steve Howe`s virtuoso guitar playing is enough incentive to check out the `musical extras` also included on the disc. The over-riding impression throughout the DVD is of a band thoroughly re-invigorated and enjoying their legacy with fresh enthusiasm, despite the fact that most the set is comprised of songs more than 20 years old.

Video

16:9 PAL All Region DVD, Nicely mastered from Digital Video rushes.
The pictures are of a high standard, though lack the obvious stylistic advantages of film. However, this fits the documentary style of the programme very well and reflects the honest, open and immediate feel the Director has achieved.

Audio

You can select either Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS and both offer crisp results. Peculiarly, my only gripe with the set is the over-powering volume of the music during Jon Anderson`s interview segments, making it nigh impossible to concentrate on his input. I guess the thinking here is that they wanted to reflect the vocal segments of the music during these segments but the mix was positively intrusive.

The 2 hours plus of live audio music included on the disc is of a very high standard and is accompanied with slides throughout. For many fans, this will be the most enduring aspect of the package and one worth revisiting.

Features

The real standout feature here is the two-hour plus audio only (with visual slide support) of an entire live set which will prove irresistible to fans. Also has an intuitive chapter menu and the usual EFIGS subtitles.

Conclusion

Overall, with the inclusion of over two hours worth of live audio (see audio features) included, and superb packaging comprising a high quality Digi-Pack and sleeve, I think for hardened fans of the band, this represents great value. It`s a credit to Classic Pictures that they felt able to invest in this high level of production value for a DVD that clearly has a limited potential market. Strongly recommended - but only to the already converted, and I suspect that`s where it`s aimed.