Rick in "Sound on Sound"
From John Woodworth [woodwjoh@MLE.CO.UK] - July 12
Interesting article on the recording of Return in this month's UK
magazine 'Sound on Sound'. It focuses on the technical aspects of the album, equipment, effects etc and is quite positive ! Only read the article once so far but I think there is talk of Dolby Digital 5.1 version which would be awesome.
Yes MP3's
From: djp [amy_refugee@yahoo.com] - July 12
Here's a url that has MP3's from the Talk and OYE tours: http://sanford.bgroup.org/shazam/.
Steve's Guitar Auction
From: Nick Zales [zales@execpc.com] - July 13
Quoted from http://www.stevehowe.com/auction.cgi.
The following instruments are currently up for auction:
Closes ID No Description (click for info) Bid
08/07/1999 Coupa Martin and Coupa c1845 Serial # unknown $9500
08/07/1999 ES175D Gibson ES175D Custom 1978 Serial # 327081 $19500
08/07/1999 StyleO Gibson Style O c1918 Serial # 50634 $4500
08/07/1999 EH150 Gibson EH150 Doubleneck Electric Hawaiian c1938 Serial # 171-3 $2750
08/07/1999 Jazzmaster Fender Jazzmaster 1960 Serial # 53833 $2250
"The Ladder" Track List
Posted on AMY - July 15
Yes consists of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White and Billy Sherwood, with Igor Khoroshev. Release of the new Yes album, The Ladder (Beyond/BMG Entertainment), is due 28 Sep in the US (and presumably the day before in the UK). Track list:
1. Home World (The Ladder) [9:33]
2. It'll Be a Good Day [4:53]
3. Lightning Strikes [4:34]
4. Can I [1:32]
5. Face to Face [5:03]
6. If Only You Knew [5:42]
7. To Feel Alive (Hep Yeda) [5:07]
8. Finally [6:01]
9. The Messenger [5:13]
10. New Language [9:19]
11. Nine Voices [3:20]
Yes Special at Timelapse Records
From Eddie Lee [eddie_k_lee@hotmail.com] - July 14
I got an email from Timelapse Records that they're having a special on Yes items, the owner Peter Reid is selling part of his Yes collection to raise some money, some rare items there. Take a look at:
http://www.btinternet.com/~timelapse/index.htm
I also noticed that "Keys to Ascension" will be out on DVD in September in their DVD section, don't know if it's a Japanese import or not.
Possible Set List Being Considered
From: Henry Potts [h.potts@ucl.ac.uk] - July 14
SbKhatru@aol.com wrote
"Any inside info on what songs they're rehearsing for the new tour?"
I've said all I'm in a position to say, but as I understand it the set list to be rehearsed for the tour which had been going to begin in Aug was to have included all or most of the new album, some old standards and some less frequently played oldies, including possibly something from _Relayer_. It seems very unlikely there will be anything from _Drama_, _ABWH_, _Union_, _Talk_ or _OYE_. Presuming Yes will be touring later in the year, I see no reason why those plans shouldn't stand. Also see quotes at http://www.bondegezou.demon.co.uk/wnyesm.htm#yes and Howe's recent interview at http://www.planet-interkom.de/skardelke/index.htm.
<Geoff Downes/Asia Update
From: danisol [danisol@chavin.rcp.net.pe] - July 19
Hi, the following post was sent to a Spanish Prog List.
Asia, the reunion that never was!
On the 6th of July, Geoffry Downes officially announced why hedepartured from the Asia reunion project. Here the complete statement, posted on the official Asia website:
Friends,
Whilst I am very sympathetic to the many e-mails and correspondence I have received from ASIA fans around the globe expressing their disappointment over my withdrawal from the reunion project--now that the dust has settled somewhat, and having heard some of the reasons put forward as to why I supposedly resigned from all this--I thought that I should put the record straight here...
The truth is, the organization of this project was turning into a real shambles.
What was originally presented to me in January by Carl Palmer's management was, that there was to be a "substantial" summer US tour for the Original ASIA lineup in June, July, August, comprising of some 40 + dates. This was then to be followed by major concerts in South America in October, Japan & The Far East in November, culminating in a "big" event (possibly in China) for the Millennium. At the time, this all sounded like good news, an ambitious plan, and one that we could all work towards. But as time went by, the reality was that the US tour kept getting pushed further and further back (probably due to poor response from the promoters), to the point where it became no longer viable, and was canceled. A short, small theatre tour was then suggested as an alternative later in the year, in October or November, with a package of ASIA, Ronnie Montrose (!?), & Gary Wright (!?). In the meantime in August, there were a few dates in Japan offered by a little-known promoter, who had not worked with the band before, and who was suggesting we perform at some US army bases (eh?). And, to fill in time later in August, Carl Palmer "had a friend," who could get us a handful of dates in Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela & Argentina. And the "China", thing? Never heard another word about it.
Now you are probably beginning to get the picture... A cartoon picture that perhaps conjures up a well-known Disney character with the surname "Mouse." This was the way it was heading, except there was no financial backing behind it. I pointed out that without this, it would not be possible to organize such a scattered array of low-key dates without losing a considerable amount of money...and where nearly breaking even would have been a huge bonus. It just did not add up to me and still doesn't. Hence the so-called "financial" reasons given on the Official Reunion web site. But this web site was a joke too! After the initial announcement in March advertising the first date of the tour on June 11th, there was nothing. And June the 11th came and went, and still there was nothing. Maybe the picture you are now getting is more "Spinal Tap" than "Mickey Mouse!!"
Also, if ASIA was to be going out as the Original lineup, then I felt it should go off with a major bang. But not this. This was fizzling out before it had even got off the ground. And more importantly, it would have done no good for the band's reputation nor rekindled any real interest. As there was no new music to perform, it would just have been a nostalgic trip down memory lane, for a few isolated fans, with material only taken from the albums between 1982-1985. And, the substantial plans that had been projected, had turned into nothing more than a small club tour. I did not fancy this, because it was going nowhere. It would have been humiliating for all concerned. Those fans who saw us in our heyday would not have relished witnessing the band years later, performing in such smalltime circumstances. And indeed--neither would I. It was a farce.
And so, I quit.
Furthermore, you have to take into account the fact that I was harbouring two other major reasons for not wanting to take it any further anyway. One was my allegiance to John Payne, and what we had built up as the New ASIA (which neither Carl Palmer nor John Wetton recognized). We had already started work on another album with Ian Crichton & Chris Slade, and it was sounding very exciting and fresh. I did not want to wreck or delay this opportunity any more than necessary. Secondly though, I had nagging doubts about a true reunion of ASIA which did not incorporate Steve Howe, and for this reason, I do not honestly foresee any type of reunion that could happen without Steve in the future.
However, I came to the conclusion, that rather than getting buried in any negativity over all this, I would immediately get on with some more positive elements, such as my solo album -The World Service (now completed), the new ASIA album with John, and a few other things I am working on at the moment. So really out of everything, at the end of the day, there's plenty to look forward to, I hope.
Finally, I should say though, that I do not hold John Wetton or Carl Palmer responsible in any way for how these events turned out, and for my decision to quit the proceedings. But for whatever reasons, I feel that somehow it was just not meant to be, this time. I send them my best wishes for the future.
And most of all, thank you for your continued support. Stay with us...
Regards,
Geoff Downes
Art of Noise archival release / Trevor Horn Autograph
From: Roy DeRousse [relayer@iname.com] - July 19
I just received the new album by The Art of Noise, _The Seduction of Claude Debussy_. This is the first AON album that Trevor Horn has been on since the early '80s, so that is notable enough right there. But there's more.
My copy came autographed by all four current members, presumably including Trevor Horn. (It's hard to make out all of the signatures, but one of them looks like it could be Trevor's.) I know that many people collect signatures of past and present member of Yes. (I'm not really one of them, but it's cool anyway.) Trevor Horn's autograph was always considered to be almost impossible to get. Well, here's your chance!
Also, there is a limited edition bonus CD of dance mixes included. But probably the coolest thing is the custom CD that you can make once you order Seduction. If you're a fan of the original AON, circa the "Into Battle" era, you should be interested in this:
"Art of Noise find themselves in a position to be officially pleased to offer all our on line fans a one-off chance to create their very own Art of Noise customer concieved CD. Just purchase 'The Seduction of Claude Debussy', through July 31, and you will be able to build your own CD, choosing from 12 rare, quite strange and, in many senses, hard-to-find tracks from the past, present and future. There are also a choice of 3 titles and 3 covers for you to choose from as you attempt to achieve the personal production of an Art of Noise album that no one in the world owns. That's really putting the into into interactive.
"The various b-sides, outsides, insides and rarities being offered include the b-side to a 'Close (to the Edit)' 7" single called ' A Time To Hear ( Who's Listening )', a 12" version of Close (to the Edit), various diversions of 'Beat Box' including a live in the studio version that goes bang bang bom bom bom bom, and unreleased and once thought lost pieces from the 'Into Battle' sessions such as 'Memory Loss', 'Stucture', 'The Subject Has Moved Left' and 'Resin'.
"This special promotion is currently available to US and European residents only and is distributed by amplified.com to CD Now, Tower, Transworld and National Record Mart."
I ordered my copy through Tower Records online,
but the official AON website, lists a number of other possible sources..
Another interesting thing on that website is the May 12 interview with Trevor
Horn & Lol Creme on KCRW Radio.
[Does everyone get an autographed copy when they order this cd?] I'm not sure. Others mentioned that they got one when ordering through Tower. That's why I tried them. It's not advertised, though. Also, the archival "do it yourself" CD is an additional cost; it is not free, but the song selection sure sounds worthwhile to me!.
<Rick on VH1
From: Paul [Mr Steen@aol.com] - July 20
While channel surfing this evening, I came across Where Are They Now on VH1 and it was on Girl Power. The first artist that was profiled was Bonnie Tyler. They simplified her career in 4 minutes and then showed her in the studio recording her track for Return. There was also a snippet of an interview with Rick talking about Bonnie. And they mentioned that he has recorded the sequal to Journey with Patrick doing the narration.
Update on Trevor Rabin's Filmwork
From: Henry Potts [h.potts@ucl.ac.uk] - July 20
http://www.bondegezou.demon.co.uk/wnyesm.htm#choice.
The #choice tag is to whatever I think is most interesting this week -- so right now it takes you to some news about Rabin's soundtrack work for "Deep Blue Sea". http://www.bondegezou.demon.co.uk/wnyesm.htm#yes will always go to the Yes news, where you will find _The Ladder_ details, which someone
leaked to alt.music.yes a while back.
*******************************************
From: Guillermo R. Sabanes [grsabanes@ciudad.com.ar] - July 22
This note is in the website of Varese Sarabande:
Trevor Rabin: DEEP BLUE SEA - Original Motion Picture Score
Samuel L. Jackson stars in director Renny Harlin's Deep Blue Sea, which opens from Warner Bros. on July 30, 1999. Jurassic Park meets Jaws in this story of genetic engineering gone awry. In the effort to fight brain
cancer, a medical biologist designs a way of genetically enhancing the brain size of sharks so that cancer-fighting enzymes can be harvested for medical purposes. Of course... that bigger brains means
smarter sharks, making nature's perfect killers the smartest ones as well... and they don't particularly care to be caged up, or cut up either.
The score for Deep Blue Sea has been composed by Trevor Rabin. Former member of the group Yes and composer of the score for last year's blockbuster Armageddon, Rabin has crafted a score with the adrenaline of Aliens and the awe of The Abyss.
Steve Howe Interactive CD-ROM
From: Eddie Lee [eddie_k_lee@hotmail.com] - July 20
Here the latest on Steve Howe's CD-ROM from the Beyond Sound Web site:
UPDATE ON THE RELEASE OF STEVE HOWE INTERACTIVE CD-ROM
Just over one year ago, we offered the public a sneak peek of the Steve Howe Interactive CD-ROM at Yestival. We received overwhelming positive response and have been busily working on the title since that time, hoping to deliver a project that both Steve Howe and his faithfil fans would find interesting, engaging, entertaining, and ultimately fulfilling. While we've missed a few announced release dates (an understatement), BeyondSound Ltd. is prepared to release and ship Steve Howe Interactive by August 15, 1999.
This page will be updated as the ship date approaches. Please check back to this page for samples and information. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
BeyondSound Ltd.
USA Today Gives "Homeworld" Thumbs UP
From: Nick Zales [zales@execpc.com] - July 21.
Today's on-line version of USA Today features a review of Homeworld.
http://www.usatoday.com/ They say "the fun is in the getting there." Check
it out: http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/games/games.htm.
"Homeworld **** out of 4 Sierra Studios Price: $49.95
Requirements: Pentium 200-MHz; 32 MB RAM; 4x CD-ROM drive; sound card;
Windows 95/98/NT 4.0.".
Of course, there is NO mention of Yes. Save your money for the CD..
********************************************
From: Lou Lambruschi [loulamb@cetlink.net]
Hi to all - I found a neat review of Homeworld on CNN.com. Full address: http://cnn.com/TECH/computing/9907/02/homeworld.idg/index.html.
In part:
...I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention the fact that even the sound in Homeworld will kick ass. Relic has lined up the band Yes to do a special song for the game that will also be part of the band's upcoming album The Ladder, which I unfortunately didn't get to hear in the beta. The normal background music during the game is a mellow kind of new-age science-fiction theme....
Rabin on HBO
From: Kevin [Snnrissrvd@aol.com] - July 23.
HBO had one of those "First Look" specials for "Deep Blue Sea" on last night and Trevor Rabin was featured discussing how he approached writing the score. They also show him with the orchestra. It was interesting altho' I missed a few seconds of it. The music sounded good too. Rabin looked a little tired. I'm sure they'll show this program again in the next few weeks.
"The Ladder" Japanese Bonus Tracks
From: Eddie Lee [eddie_k_lee@hotmail.com] - July 22.
"FINALLY" The Ladder Japan release (on Sep.22nd.) bonus tracks have been just determined!.
Two tracks (ISAGP & AYAI) (recorded live in Osaka '98) will be on the 3" BONUS SINGLE CD, which will be included ONLY in the FIRST PRESS of Japan release! Please don't miss it!.
Roundabout was also planned to be included, but the band was not pleased with that take unfortunately..
Also I heard that the promo single CD of HOMEWORLD would be released in US on August including homeworld promo video. (enhanced CD).
The UNION official video & Laser disc (NTSC only) "Yesshow '91" was released tonight! Good relief!.
I was asked to introduce the shop in Japan who sells abroad, and maybe the following shop would be helpful..
BACK TRIP RECORDS in Osaka.
http://www.heatwave-net.com/BTR/index.html.
Best wishes,.
Shoji.
The Ladder Review
From: Javier Olaizola [diapason@adinet.com.uy] - July 24
A friend of mine had the chance to listen to THE LADDER. Here is what he had to say:
"I was so lucky that could get a chance to listen to the advanced tape of new Yes album "The Ladder" last Friday night courtesy of the record company, as we Yes Family Fan Club will write a review of the new album on the forthcoming our fanzine for the promotion of the sales over here in Japan.
They say that the title of the album has not been confirmed yet, thought it would be THE LADDER or HOMEWORLD.
The release date will be September 20th. in UK, 22nd. in Japan, and 28th. in the US. The record company hasn't got the credit of the album ,the art work, lyrics and something like that, but hopefully it will arrive by the end of this month.
Frankly speaking, this album was far beyond my expectation. It should not be compared with OYE album, which was made in a very short term. It is not a 90125 band nor Classical Yes, but this album has brand new sounds of Yes in 21st. century! The sound is very strong and positive with a variety of the rhythms and chorus.
> Also Jon is singing, singing,and singing very much! Wow! It might be possible to call it "a vocal oriented album", though it includes two long tunes with excellent instrumental parts. Also you can listen to much keyboards;Synth/Hammond/Piano /Mellotron(maybe sampling by synth), which were not in OYE, on this album!
1. Home World (The Ladder) 9:33
This is a main song of the album , which is a great long tune consisted of four parts. The soundtrack of the homeworld promo mpeg video is just the first part of this song. In the second part, Igor plays Hammond B3 solo very excitingly. All of the members plays very strongly and powerfully. This is a dramatic tune indeed. The last (forth) part/ ending of this song is a corroboration of Jon and Igor. Jon's vocal with Igor's acoustic piano is very beautiful! Igor's Hammond reminded me Tony but his piano play is quite different from any other keybordist who used to be in Yes. It's great.
2. It'll be a good day 4:53
This song opens with the sound of KOTO (Japanese harp) which features Oriental mood. Beautiful Jon's vocal song with excellent chorus. I imagine Billy had the every chorus of the album very great.
3. Lightning strikes 4:34
Very impressive song with Caribbean rhythm! You might recall the ABWH's song with Caribbean rhythm. "Golden Forest/Golden Lake/Golden Sanctuary"
4. Can I 1:32
Petit desert with African Rhythm. The"We Have heaven" song in 1999.
5. Face to face 5:03
This is a great tune of positive sound. Chris's high tone bass sounds reminded me their 1st.-2nd. album. Flavor of Yes in the early era. I love this one very much! "Lift Me Up Face To Face/ Shake Me Up Face To face"
6. If only you knew 5:42
Jon's great song with classical music flavor. You can't stop crying!?
7. To feel alive (hep yada) 5:07
Interesting sound arrangement with Steve's Citar and Igor's sampling of flute. You can hear Steve's great steel guitar solo. The "Yeh Yeh"backing chorus is very interesting to me.
8. Finally 6:01
Another winner. This song is consisted of two parts. The former part is a great Rock'n Roll with great guitar solos! Equalized chorus is impressive. The latter part is a beautiful acoustic tune with Steve's guitar
> and Igor's strings. Again Jon sings very beautifully and dramatically. The combination of "Motion" and "Calmness", which has always been one of Yes music's very unique stiles?
9. The messenger 5:13
Very impressive opening with Chris' bass riff and Steve's acoustic guitar. Vocal/Chorus line is dramatic and dynamic again. You can hear the guitar solo battle of Steve (left side) and Billy (right side)!
10.New language 9:19
Another big tune with great instrumental parts. This song begins with guitar riff, which sounds me like "Small Beginnings" of FLASH! The highlights are Igor's keyboards. I love his Hammond and Mellotron(sampling) sounds! Jon sings" one world/one voice/one touch/one light"....
11.Nine voices 3:20
Oh, this is "YOUR MOVE" in 1999! Combination of Jon's vocal and Steve's acoustic guitar... You will laugh when you listen to the chorus, which is a remake of the song from The Yes Album! ;-)
YES Goes Digital
For Immediate Release - July 28
YES CLIMBS THE DIGITAL 'LADDER' TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM
Global Music One's Digital Audio Postcard(tm) Delivers Preview To Fans Worldwide
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - July 27, 1999 - By the time progressive rock supergroup YES releases their new album, "Ladder," on Sept. 28, their fan base worldwide will have been e-mailed a sneak audio preview of the first single, "Lightning Strikes," on a Digital Audio Postcard(tm) (DAP), created by Global Music One (GMO).
Fans will also be able to pre-order the album from Tower Records, purchase a ticket to an upcoming YES tour, and receive a free limited-edition YES poster -- all by simply clicking on the DAP -- click here (Windows only).
The interactive promotion is designed to drive album and ticket sales and to support a nationwide radio campaign. The DAP is a self-playing interactive digital marketing tool developed by GMO. DAPs have
exceptional audio quality and are small enough to send a self-playing e-mail attachment, or download quickly from a web site.
"As YES, we have always enjoyed experimenting with new technologies and the DAP seemed perfect for us and our fans," says Chris Squire, bass player and founding member of YES. "Our fans are Internet savvy
-- they'll love this collectible piece of the new album"
"We're thrilled to provide YES and their management company, Left Bank, with the Digital Audio Postcard to support their new album release and upcoming concert tour," says Susan Brazer, CEO of GMO. "The DAP is a powerful new music marketing tool that enables artists to harness the global marketing reach of the Internet to connect directly with their core audience."
About Global Music One
GMO is headquartered on the Digital Coast in Los Angeles, Calif. The privately-held corporation is a leading innovator of software for the delivery and marketing of music on the Internet, broadband and private network systems. GMO's management team combines the expertise of seasoned music, broadcast and Internet industry executives. The company's business alliances and customers include HBO, Nokia, Aiwa, Warner/Reprise - Nashville, Music Week's dotmusic.com, Solana Technologies and Grand Royal Records. GMO provides production, technical and operational support to AT&T's a2b music(sm) in its execution of numerous on-line promotions with major labels and recording artists such as Alanis Morissette, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Tori Amos, Willie Nelson, Garbage, Lenny Kravitz, SWV and Counting Crows.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.globalmusic.com or contact:
Greg Ptacek or Jeannine Schechter - Global Music One
phone 310-664-9333 - fax 310-664-1183
email greg@globalmusic.com or jeannine@globalmusic.com
