Jon's voice was the best thing about this performance. And that's not me criticizing the performance...it is kinda weird trying to fit all those 16th note licks over a swinging triplet groove tho...sounds pretty sloppy. This does NOT suck though, by a long shot.
As a longtime fan, this was a bit refreshing. I'll be fine if I never hear the original Roundabout again. I'm just tired of it. After more than 3 decades of playing it, I'm sure they were tired of it too. They are creative musicians having fun with a great, but old tune. Having said that, I'll also be fine if I never hear this version again either!
The original "Roundabout" was a landmark of prog rock, but this version--with honky tonk piano (?!)--is totally ill-conceived. Nothing wrong with the playing per se, but the arrangement is all wrong. Whereas the original had a real driving force behind it from start to finish, this one stumbles along by comparison. Hence a thumbs-down for this performance, though not for the song itself.
Dude, are you high?.......that was fucking awesome!!!! if the crowd is too young as you say...I would consider that a good schooling in music appreciation.Maybe Mom and Dad don't listen such shitty music after all. And I think they are far better with out that Trevor Rabid dude.that is a very good example of YES if you are introducing someone.
I think some of the posts miss the point of this wonderful performance. Life is short. Have fun. Haven't you ever just jammed with people just for the sheer joy of playing? I say bravo!
BTW, anyone notice Chris is using both a pick and his fingers? I think when you've been playing the same song for 40 years you should be allowed to interpret it differently now and then, just to prove you're still creative. I like to think Yes did this because they weren't about doing the same old reunion tour every year to cash in on their past and perhaps find a way to introduce new fans to their music. And hey, it's the original 5 guys who wrote the original arrangement!
@KirkSandall you're right, my bad. All the times I saw Yes I never got to see Bruford with them, but I did catch him on a solo tour with his own group, which was pretty good. For that matter I never saw Wakeman live either, but who knows what the future will bring?
Lots of comments about Yes through the years and there are different incarnations, but Roundabout is supposed to rock not this slow acoustic version falls way short. Way the fuck short.
If I saw the billboard and it stated with guest yes and I payed my hard earned money I would be pissed to hear this rendition ,because nobody goes to the Craig Kilborn show unless there is something or someone of special interest appearing anyhow + Yes should have done another song as Kilborns' audience is not as old as Lettermans' or the tonight shows'.Yes did great stuff all through the 80's and 90's;maybe something off Union instead.
Yes did 2 songs that evening, though the second song aired on another date. There wasn't a billboard. We got tickets by good fortune (and a few connections) and they were free. On tour, that year, Yes did their rock show, then had a shorter acoustic segment in the middle. They played (I think) 4 songs, then went back to rock. I thought it was brilliant.
Union sucked and would not have appealed to the younger audiences at all (it didn't appeal to anybody, really). "Roundabout" still works for any age group because, well, it's a *great song*. And this arrangement is refreshing, god knows they must've got tired of playing it the same way some 1,000 times already.
@blitzspeer Agreed, this rendition is a great disappointment, almost comical, however, it is an interesting alternate 'take' on the song. The only saving grace is that in his solo, Rick Wakeman is not as stiff as he was in his original organ solo on the recording. He has loosened up, and it is refreshing to hear.
Do I know what I am talking about? search 'Les Knoll' on youtube, I have a solo keyboard transcription of 'Roundabout' of my own posted.
To me, a big part of prog is experimentation. This version is just another facet of that. I don't think it's as good as the original, but it's fun to see the band enjoying themselves and trying something new.
How many times you want to listen a song played the same way, over and over again. C'mon guys this was refreshingly different. It isn't like from then they started to play only this version.
I've been a Yes fanatic since January of '72 and am just now seeing this clip for the first time...and in all honesty, I don't care for this at all. I have nothing against Yes "Unplugged," but to turn a classic prog song into a lounge act (a la Eric Clapton with "Layla" & Sheryl Crow with "All I Wanna Do") is about as appealing as an unflavored rice cake. They rarely make live TV appearances & they could have done something fantastic. I wonder whose hare-brained idea this was.
Yes isn't Rush, Rush isn't Genesis, Genesis isn't ELP, etc. etc. They all have their place in history and can live together. I will say one thing though in Rush's defense- "They were never Prog"??? Listen to 2112 and get back to me.
I remember seeing this when it originally aired on TV. I was not pleased with this version at all. It was so lounge-lizard to me! Now that some time has passed and I see this video...I still hate it. Sorry.
I love both Rush and Yes and seen both of them twice in the 80's. Killer bands and no one should try and compare them to each other. I think the only way you can compare then is they each have a killer bass player and singer. No need to say who is better because there is no such thing. Each band is killer Prog at it's best with the members it has. All that aside, a great version of this song, but like the early versions better :)
they are old and have gotten a little sloopy, after all they were so perfect there was only on way to go, like the original super group ....i saw them twice in the seventies and was not disappointed
Hmm... this is really weird to say - because I love Yes - their one of my favorites, and so is the song roundabout. But this version... it just not that great.
I respect Yes, and they are awesome performers and this is good version in its own right, BUT give me the original. Yes is musical art and poetry and long after we are forgotten there will still be Yes fans
First I gotta say...I absolutely LOVE Yes...but this version of Roundabout made me cringe. I've studied and appreciate jazz, but this 'swingin' version just didn't do it for me. It reminded me of David Leee Roth doing acoustic versions of Van Halen songs with banjos....Geez. Having said that, I really enjoy digging up old Yes songs on Youtube. It's amazing what you can find if you look around enough. Enjoy ! ! !
Yeah, from a legit jazz standpoint it doesn't make sense, SDW... but there aren't a lot of progressive rock bands that in their older days are still willing to try out their tunes in different scenarios.
Only half of these guys are seasoned jazzers, remember that :)
@scottdavidwilcox I think it's more they've played this song hundreds of time and are trying to have fun with it again...There a reason used to refer to the genre as progressive its cause it was willing to grow and intrepret there works when the need or want arose!
good god enjoy them both morons-are you so narrowminded that you can only listen to one & outcast all others??? both are very talented- I like them both alot. Variety...
This version never replaces the original song - and does not have to. It is just what it is: a fun and 'lite' version of the original, and it hold up its own hip jazz water quite well. For one, the guys seem to enjoy it. Even this hayday version beats any Britney any day.
Judge a band on its full merits, not on its last YouTube take.
And yes, it IS possible to enjoy both Yes and Rush for their (incomparable) qualities.
Great someone who Gets it". But not only musically but YES music is more TRANSCENDING.
There is the layering of sounds that takes place in YES, whether it's the harmonic coordination of the instrumentatiion, unique time signatures or the vocal arrangements. Combined these elements blow Rush away. Not to mention the ability to take you into a visceral other worldly dimension. Rush is good, clever and adept but not on the level of YES especially in this respect.
why even talk about Rush or Genesis !This is about Yes the greatest progrock band in history!As far as the video is concerned it was different than what we are used to hearing from Yes,I loved the "unplugged" version of it ,it has a different feel is all.
I kinda have to disagree. Rush is easily better, even though Rick Wakeman has Geddy beat by a mile in terms of keyboards. But in every other aspect...Rush is far better. And Genesis, from what I've seen, is about equal to Yes.
you are comparing apples to oranges and your lame excuse for an opinion is irrelevant...yes is more worldly acclaimed than rush will ever dream as far as musicianship ...Chris Squire and geddy ...right ...go home spectater
Relevant or not. RUSH can hardly be compare to YES in their heydey. YES were the leaders and highest innovators of ProgRock. Rush only exist because of YES and really were not true prog like early Genesis, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, etc. Rush were a Rock band that sometimes dressed up like Prog
Compare any of the musicians in terms of skills...and Rush has Yes Beat by miles. Speed, creativity, and level of technical skill are all superior. Whether you want to admit it or not. Sure, Yes was more popular, and it was well earned fame. But I still contend that Rush is a better band, at least on the level of actual playing.
This is sort of like comparing Lawrence Taylor to Ivan Lendl. But, Rush had a tighter sound and a better production values if you compare the first several albums. But, there was a lot of Rush stuff that was fast, but not too sweet. I think Yes leaned in and played on the edge of jamming more melody and beauty into more of the song. Particularly out of the studio.
But yes, Neil Pert was amazingly quick and played so amazingly tight with the other two. Yes could like (very slightly) sloppy by comparison, but at the end of the day, there is lot more Yes you want to (and can) hum along to. Everywhere you look in Yessongs, its like there is a new melody, new riff new phrasing every 15 seconds. Not quite so with Rush.
You can't say that as fact, that's only your opinion. In the 1970's each member of YES was rated the best at their instrument. They are some of the best at their instruments of all time. I am a huge fan of YES and RUSH and their music is very different. There is no need for comparison.
Haha, I'm just noticing all the "Rush better than Yes" comments. If you really think that, you haven't really listened to Yes I think. Rush never overlaps time signatures. In fact, I think besides King Crimson (which BARELY overlapped sigs in the guitar parts, it was mostly just fripp overlapping). There's an overlapping signature at the end of roundabout, in the keys/guitar in long distance runaround, and in close to the edge the entire band splits up and plays two different signatures... so...
Rush most certainly overlapped time signatures, listen to "Jacob's Ladder", plus listen to recent stuff off of Vapor Trails (like "Fear III") and Snakes & Arrows, Neil Peart plays in 4/4 while the rest of the band is in 7/4, 5/4 or who knows what. I do agree, though, stuff like "Perpetual Change", "Gates of Delirium", "Close to the Edge", that is some serious overlapping meters.
It's the subtlety that makes Yes the favorable band for me man. Rick accents in 5/4 on the verse to Long Distance Runaround. Hell, Five Percent for Nothing is beyond most prog rock bands, except possibly Gentle Giant.
Virtually EVERY Yes song has an overlapping time signature in it. Goes to show how meticulous they are as writers. Gates of Delirium has a morse code bass/drum ostinato under the vocals. Even Roundabout has a hip overlapping section at the end.
I respectfully disagree. YES in their heydey wrote some of the best original music in Rock history. Music that ascended creatively, technically and definately spiritually to a new level not heard before. Their music was a mirrored reflection of the lyrics and visa versa. Even without the unique new age stream of consciousness vocals you still feel their message within the music. The more commercial Rush are technically very adept but never reached the creative level of YES in their prime.
What is with all of these non musicians commenting on something they really know nothing about?beethovens 5th was unfinished ....so Genesis and Rush were better...ridiculous
@jocovo84 You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I can't understand how you could possibly enjoy this "version" (i.e., stripped down to the point of a lounge act doing a BAD cover!) better than the extremely awesome original. I LOVE Yes - they're one of my favorite Prog Rock bands (just below Tull on my ranking scale), but this performance is honestly an embarrassment to their legacy. They can (and have) done MUCH better!
@Fucklenuts I agree with @jocovo84, this is an awesome version that shows the versatility of the band. I was made for a small audience with a completely different rythm but nevertheless awesome. I enjoyed it!
I was at this taping as well. It was great to see them get some exposure on National TV but of course I would have prefered they take the opportunity to show the world just how incredible they are with a complicated firery electric song that kicked ass. Otherwise it was OK
:O) this is an old folk version. Slow, pleasant, and acoustic. I love it. And yet Wakeman still pwns the hell out of that piano. What happened to Howe though!??! He looks so prematurely decrepit. Was he really that much older than the rest of them?
Howe looks like a gremlin or an orc. When he was younger he could have passed for Elrond. I don't care what he looks like, so long as he still plays well.
Apparently you are unaware that they 'acousticicized' Roundabout on purpose to give it a fresh new perspective. They are playing it a Chicago Blues styling.
They are old, but they are still selling out shows and their fanbase is truer than true. With YES, either you get it or you don't, and you don't. That's ok, everybody has a choice.
have you ever seen them live before and now. I can't imagine you hae or else you wouldn't make such an ignorant comment. YES are still extremely tight, amazing and can still take an audience to extreme heights. I attended this taping. It was cool but I do wish they were electric and showed nonfans like you that they can still kick ass.
Sorry, this doesn't do it for me, and it was cut short for TV. I prefer the power of the orig. version. I realize playing the song for over 30 years must be kept fresh, but I can't relate too much to this! Still, I love YES
Quite the risk takers with this rendition. I'm waiting for Jon to ask the guy in the first row "Hey , where U from ? Swingin' Groovey Cool Cat Man". Their performance of "Your Move" on the other CG show was a knockout.
While I can certainly understand the boys wanting to revamp this tune after playing it for 30+ years, the "unplugged" version doesn't work for me. That notwithstanding - Yes will one day be recognized as one of the premier musical entitites of the 20th century - and on into the 21st!
If that was a screw up, then they deserve credit for a pretty good recovery. I couldn't tell, to be honest. They may also have gotten the producer's signal? Cuz they sure acted like they knew what to do once Rick made the move.
That wasn't a screw up. The song has a time-signature change there and since they are playing 'acoustic', it couldn't be masked over with the usual electric amp sustain.
So weird to see a classic band like YES on Jimmy Kimbell. They are so above this. Nothing against Jimmy Kimbell, but these guys are legends. At least do Dave Letterman. Love YES though.
Agree. I mentioned that above; who watches the "late late show"? Except, as an "avid hater" of retard Letterman, I'd suggested they should've gone on Jay Leno. I like this version, but don't think it might impress those who don't know the original. Or Yes music in general. Love them!
I wish it was Jimmy but it was Craig Kilborm. Jimmy has a larger audience and a concert stage where they could have played electric and blew all you naysayers minds. preferably with something more intense than Roundabout
think of the years and mileage a tune like this has seen? Think how much music has changed? I know I am just another aging idiot but music today just does not have this kind of quality. How many bands sport about what... 5 virtuosos in them? Wakeman and Howe are just incredible musicians. So good the average person cannot comprehend what they are doing. Oh well. Time moves on I guess.
Spiker, what's the timepoint on that "screw up"? I'm missing it.
Basslow? You gotta be kidding. No offense, but would it kill you to lengthen your attention span? Those songs are perfect the way they are. It comes to mind when the king said to Mozart, "There are too many notes in that piece. Just take some out." And the genius Mozart said "Which notes would you like me to remove."
ask Geddy Lee how he feels about Yes compositions.
i love yes, but i think it wouldn't have killed them to shorten some of their songs, it made them sorta hard to listen to, which is why i tend to lean towards rush as favorite prog rock band
I love rush as well. But as far as the length of Yes songs... I find it gives me more reasons to go back and listen becuase I always end up hearing something I didnt notice before.
Rush is like "imitation ProgRock". I never really put them in the catagory of YES, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Genesis, PFM and others you might not be familiar with. YES are for people who can listen to Sibelius, Mozart and Coltrane without getting bored.
Y'know, being a fan of all of those bands... I wouldn't call Rush "imitation", as much as I'd call them "second-generation" prog. They started as a Zeppelin-esque rock act in '74, and their prog side didn't come out 'til an album or two later.
I CAN'T STAND IT WHEN PEOPLE DO THIS!Genesis doesn't even deserve to be named within 300 words of Yes. If there's any band that's "imitation ProgRock" it was Genesis. They did nothing progressive. THey were just an American Yes....If you don't do something that changes music or brings it forward...you are not a progressive artist. You're just a rip-off. I hate the label of ProgRock, because mainly it just labels orchestral or ambient bands. There is nothing progressive about that.
Great version. Wakeman's piano fills are awesome as are the vocals.
wpollock1 3 months ago
an amazing performance by true pros. how enjoyable. creativity hitting new heights. love it love it love it.
aristotled1 4 months ago
It's like I'm in the lounge of a Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania Holiday Inn.
Bring me another Rolling Rock and order of cheese-chili fries.
violethill 6 months ago
Jon's voice was the best thing about this performance. And that's not me criticizing the performance...it is kinda weird trying to fit all those 16th note licks over a swinging triplet groove tho...sounds pretty sloppy. This does NOT suck though, by a long shot.
mootbooxle 6 months ago
To me TV is too small for Yes.
TheTherese3 6 months ago
@TheTherese3 I agree.
green3825 6 months ago
As a longtime fan, this was a bit refreshing. I'll be fine if I never hear the original Roundabout again. I'm just tired of it. After more than 3 decades of playing it, I'm sure they were tired of it too. They are creative musicians having fun with a great, but old tune. Having said that, I'll also be fine if I never hear this version again either!
DrinkThunderbird 8 months ago
What a great swing/smooth jazz version of Roundabout! Shows the genius of Yes to adapt! Kool!
gigantorrrrrr 11 months ago
The original "Roundabout" was a landmark of prog rock, but this version--with honky tonk piano (?!)--is totally ill-conceived. Nothing wrong with the playing per se, but the arrangement is all wrong. Whereas the original had a real driving force behind it from start to finish, this one stumbles along by comparison. Hence a thumbs-down for this performance, though not for the song itself.
Galantski 1 year ago
Fucklenut is a Moron
MrJeffyh 1 year ago
This should have been a bonus feature on The Tsongas DVD.
Colddeed 1 year ago
the harmonies are incredible!!!
jocovo84 1 year ago
This is brilliant. Any criticism is really not valid...
jocovo84 1 year ago
A different take on a Yes classic
crc126 1 year ago
Different and beautifully played!
Thanks for posting :)
ScudoBR 1 year ago
Yuk!
floouk 1 year ago
Dude, are you high?.......that was fucking awesome!!!! if the crowd is too young as you say...I would consider that a good schooling in music appreciation.Maybe Mom and Dad don't listen such shitty music after all. And I think they are far better with out that Trevor Rabid dude.that is a very good example of YES if you are introducing someone.
onlymehaha1 1 year ago
I remember when the booed Dylan for going electric. Yes Rules
gofnas3 1 year ago
Doesn't sound like YES at all. Too slow.
Mitsy1212 1 year ago
never heard it done like that before, sounds good to me, Yes fan since 1970. Did someone miss a bar going into the finish?
xvirg 1 year ago
I think some of the posts miss the point of this wonderful performance. Life is short. Have fun. Haven't you ever just jammed with people just for the sheer joy of playing? I say bravo!
MojaveMark 1 year ago 2
GREAT !
asdfasdfas9 1 year ago
BTW, anyone notice Chris is using both a pick and his fingers? I think when you've been playing the same song for 40 years you should be allowed to interpret it differently now and then, just to prove you're still creative. I like to think Yes did this because they weren't about doing the same old reunion tour every year to cash in on their past and perhaps find a way to introduce new fans to their music. And hey, it's the original 5 guys who wrote the original arrangement!
TheFred156 1 year ago
@TheFred156 Actually, it's not the original 5 guys. The original drummer was Bill Bruford, not Alan White.
KirkSandall 1 year ago
@KirkSandall you're right, my bad. All the times I saw Yes I never got to see Bruford with them, but I did catch him on a solo tour with his own group, which was pretty good. For that matter I never saw Wakeman live either, but who knows what the future will bring?
TheFred156 1 year ago
AMAZING! Still sounding unbelieveable. Kill the stones anyday of the week.
Bigturns33 1 year ago
glad i found this
prog rock classic rearranged into a shuffle
nice
pzolsky 1 year ago
Lots of comments about Yes through the years and there are different incarnations, but Roundabout is supposed to rock not this slow acoustic version falls way short. Way the fuck short.
nat00ben06 1 year ago
An interesting experiment that for me fails terribly.
floouk 2 years ago
pure genius an amazing version !
klnine 2 years ago
Who's brilliant idea was it to do this classic as a shuffle? Even icons have crummy ideas!
wonekawa 2 years ago
Jon said it best in one of the documentaries: "[In the early 70's] They used to call us boring old farts...now we are."
DrinkThunderbird 2 years ago
JON IS YES
RICHARDTRICHMOND 2 years ago
of course all the songs were written by him
the other guys( fantastic guys) develop "around"
suratof 2 years ago
They also had to fit it into the talk show format, and those shows only allow 4 or 5 minutes a song (at most).
JackBlair2 2 years ago
But if you saw this on youtube as I did you would see it from my point of view because not everyone there got free tickets.
blitzspeer 2 years ago
As far as I understand, the tickets for broadcasts are free to all.
yesmuseum 2 years ago
If I saw the billboard and it stated with guest yes and I payed my hard earned money I would be pissed to hear this rendition ,because nobody goes to the Craig Kilborn show unless there is something or someone of special interest appearing anyhow + Yes should have done another song as Kilborns' audience is not as old as Lettermans' or the tonight shows'.Yes did great stuff all through the 80's and 90's;maybe something off Union instead.
blitzspeer 2 years ago
Yes did 2 songs that evening, though the second song aired on another date. There wasn't a billboard. We got tickets by good fortune (and a few connections) and they were free. On tour, that year, Yes did their rock show, then had a shorter acoustic segment in the middle. They played (I think) 4 songs, then went back to rock. I thought it was brilliant.
yesmuseum 2 years ago
Union sucked and would not have appealed to the younger audiences at all (it didn't appeal to anybody, really). "Roundabout" still works for any age group because, well, it's a *great song*. And this arrangement is refreshing, god knows they must've got tired of playing it the same way some 1,000 times already.
mtopper66 2 years ago
@blitzspeer PUNK!
Don't every tell an artist how to interpret their own work.
You'd be pissed?
Yeah... Tell me when your tour is coming so I can not buy a ticket.
nanderson1965 1 year ago
@blitzspeer Agreed, this rendition is a great disappointment, almost comical, however, it is an interesting alternate 'take' on the song. The only saving grace is that in his solo, Rick Wakeman is not as stiff as he was in his original organ solo on the recording. He has loosened up, and it is refreshing to hear.
Do I know what I am talking about? search 'Les Knoll' on youtube, I have a solo keyboard transcription of 'Roundabout' of my own posted.
steamrocks 4 months ago
@steamrocks you are comical not yes
pauljeffreymiller 4 months ago
deepsussex is on the $
SteveSparx 2 years ago
little error at 3.59,rick false!
cavitibe 2 years ago
To me, a big part of prog is experimentation. This version is just another facet of that. I don't think it's as good as the original, but it's fun to see the band enjoying themselves and trying something new.
Also, good Lord, Wakeman is a beast.
stabbitymax 2 years ago
Rush is awesome but is not in same category as Yes Crimson or ELP . They came AFTER the First Movement of Prog .
Chris Squire is the original Geddy Lee .
Bill Bruford is the original Neil Peart .
Alex Lifeson is underrated .
Yes and Rush both have singers that can
be annoyingly high pitched sometimes but are still two of my favorite bands .
deepsussex 2 years ago
How many times you want to listen a song played the same way, over and over again. C'mon guys this was refreshingly different. It isn't like from then they started to play only this version.
vivelavidarocka 2 years ago
I've been a Yes fanatic since January of '72 and am just now seeing this clip for the first time...and in all honesty, I don't care for this at all. I have nothing against Yes "Unplugged," but to turn a classic prog song into a lounge act (a la Eric Clapton with "Layla" & Sheryl Crow with "All I Wanna Do") is about as appealing as an unflavored rice cake. They rarely make live TV appearances & they could have done something fantastic. I wonder whose hare-brained idea this was.
oliasdoug 2 years ago
Yes isn't Rush, Rush isn't Genesis, Genesis isn't ELP, etc. etc. They all have their place in history and can live together. I will say one thing though in Rush's defense- "They were never Prog"??? Listen to 2112 and get back to me.
Analogkidwow 2 years ago
This must be the slow short version.
boanerges144 2 years ago
Oh, it's curious ...
Cause, now/2009, is so easy to say ..
Hey man, no news about this old song ...
But, who was in 1976 to realize this music in "jazz mood" ?
Remember,
Progressive Rock was to behold like a "SACRED THING" ..
Never in a million years ... the 70's age fans will be to imagine this Roundabout's version !!!
SPECTRE1961 2 years ago
alot of their original songwriting tempos were
jazz and classical - aaahhhh progressive!!!!
frododarg 2 years ago
I remember seeing this when it originally aired on TV. I was not pleased with this version at all. It was so lounge-lizard to me! Now that some time has passed and I see this video...I still hate it. Sorry.
bergerdrum 2 years ago
I love both Rush and Yes and seen both of them twice in the 80's. Killer bands and no one should try and compare them to each other. I think the only way you can compare then is they each have a killer bass player and singer. No need to say who is better because there is no such thing. Each band is killer Prog at it's best with the members it has. All that aside, a great version of this song, but like the early versions better :)
buminbeer2 2 years ago
An.....interesting version. One thing's for sure, they sound excellent.
Pacisdiligo 2 years ago
they are old and have gotten a little sloopy, after all they were so perfect there was only on way to go, like the original super group ....i saw them twice in the seventies and was not disappointed
sailinpeace 2 years ago
Disagree. Blues is not perfect. Neither is jazz. - this is a bluesy jazz version or a jazzy blues version, not prog
udreksuh 2 years ago
Hmm... this is really weird to say - because I love Yes - their one of my favorites, and so is the song roundabout. But this version... it just not that great.
keznh 2 years ago
@keznh I like the feel of this version better than the original
jocovo84 1 year ago
He sucks. Craig Ferguson is so much better.
jasondh22 2 years ago
I respect Yes, and they are awesome performers and this is good version in its own right, BUT give me the original. Yes is musical art and poetry and long after we are forgotten there will still be Yes fans
dwilson36316 3 years ago
what da fuck is this version? i thought they woule be trying to sell albums
joeglimmix 3 years ago
First I gotta say...I absolutely LOVE Yes...but this version of Roundabout made me cringe. I've studied and appreciate jazz, but this 'swingin' version just didn't do it for me. It reminded me of David Leee Roth doing acoustic versions of Van Halen songs with banjos....Geez. Having said that, I really enjoy digging up old Yes songs on Youtube. It's amazing what you can find if you look around enough. Enjoy ! ! !
scottdavidwilcox 3 years ago 6
truth
enemymouse 3 years ago
Yeah, from a legit jazz standpoint it doesn't make sense, SDW... but there aren't a lot of progressive rock bands that in their older days are still willing to try out their tunes in different scenarios.
Only half of these guys are seasoned jazzers, remember that :)
jazzpsalti 2 years ago
@scottdavidwilcox I think it's more they've played this song hundreds of time and are trying to have fun with it again...There a reason used to refer to the genre as progressive its cause it was willing to grow and intrepret there works when the need or want arose!
MichaelRivetteTV 11 months ago
I think Rush with a lot of practice and a few extra musicians could play Sound Chaser, but they couldn't write Sound Chaser.
independentguy45 3 years ago
LOL and besides, could Rush ever play Sound Chaser??? LOL
jazzpsalti 3 years ago
LOL swing????? are you insane????
jazzpsalti 3 years ago
I dunno, I kinda dig this "groovy" vibe to the old classic...fun.
caspianrex 3 years ago
i dont like the swing feel to this version
guitarmogz21 3 years ago
@guitarmogz21 That's my favorite part
jocovo84 1 year ago
gweat band
thepossessor 3 years ago
the groove kinda has a Van Morrison - Moondance thing going on!
remoman 3 years ago
Chris Squire without frets lol!!!
Sounds quite nice actually... totally opposite, but nice nonetheless
billindelicato 3 years ago 3
interesting acoustic version, very refreshing.
sqonk77 3 years ago 2
And very mellow as well, just beautiful to be with a girl, rather romantic.
610920 3 years ago
it is romantic isnt it
sqonk77 3 years ago
You've got it, you know
610920 3 years ago
i know
sqonk77 3 years ago
a great jazzy version of roundabout! just shows what talent these guys have!
ttuu01 3 years ago 2
What is all this mention of Rush, and how they are better than Yes? and all this nonsensical babble by (I'm assuming) non-musicians?
This place has gone to the trolls
matthehat 3 years ago
I like this version, it's a nice refreshing twist to an old song
matthehat 3 years ago
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In the wise words of Eric Cartman:
"lame.."
So sad, I like the psychedelic version Art Bell plays much better
graphx311 3 years ago
Yeah, I got an acoustic show (video) from this same year. I might post some of it here if I don't see any duplicates ;o)
VUTDEVUK 3 years ago
I love how Rick is clearly enjoying this!
LeoHareMusic 3 years ago 2
Been a fan for over 30 years. This is just sad. Rick, 'cmon! You allowed this?!?!?
hoestreicher 3 years ago
Nice version. Does anyone know what type of bass Chris is playing?
Troymo 3 years ago
looks like an acoustic one
jimusgrimus 3 years ago
that's a Martin custom bass for him ( i guess because it's the only one i've seen). It follows the shape of a 000-28 Martin Guitar
beatlesdylanyes 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
come now, Rush and Yes both suck balls and you all know it!
dkongvert7 3 years ago
Poor evil. What are you doing here sucker ?
610920 3 years ago
good god enjoy them both morons-are you so narrowminded that you can only listen to one & outcast all others??? both are very talented- I like them both alot. Variety...
GROW UP
turfguy87 3 years ago 2
a perfect comment
js08guyjs 3 years ago
There is no fucking competition between Rush, Yes, and ELP. Anyone who says "X is better than Y because the bass guy is cooler" is a fucking moron.
scyen 3 years ago 8
This version never replaces the original song - and does not have to. It is just what it is: a fun and 'lite' version of the original, and it hold up its own hip jazz water quite well. For one, the guys seem to enjoy it. Even this hayday version beats any Britney any day.
Judge a band on its full merits, not on its last YouTube take.
And yes, it IS possible to enjoy both Yes and Rush for their (incomparable) qualities.
hminkema 3 years ago 4
rush is amazing.. Do not say rush is bad. but yes are also amazing
jarhead12343 4 years ago 2
Yes is waaaaaaay more musically inclined than Rush.
Solumic 4 years ago 6
Great someone who Gets it". But not only musically but YES music is more TRANSCENDING.
There is the layering of sounds that takes place in YES, whether it's the harmonic coordination of the instrumentatiion, unique time signatures or the vocal arrangements. Combined these elements blow Rush away. Not to mention the ability to take you into a visceral other worldly dimension. Rush is good, clever and adept but not on the level of YES especially in this respect.
wigginsdesign 3 years ago
This version must have been te reason why Rick Wakeman took off (again). lol... Get the live-dvd Symphonic Yes which is surprisingly very very good.
powermichiel 4 years ago
after their career they could play any version they want regardless of what anybody thinks lol
beaverliqour 4 years ago 2
why even talk about Rush or Genesis !This is about Yes the greatest progrock band in history!As far as the video is concerned it was different than what we are used to hearing from Yes,I loved the "unplugged" version of it ,it has a different feel is all.
tmcarkuss 4 years ago 2
I kinda have to disagree. Rush is easily better, even though Rick Wakeman has Geddy beat by a mile in terms of keyboards. But in every other aspect...Rush is far better. And Genesis, from what I've seen, is about equal to Yes.
Tomcat54 4 years ago
you are comparing apples to oranges and your lame excuse for an opinion is irrelevant...yes is more worldly acclaimed than rush will ever dream as far as musicianship ...Chris Squire and geddy ...right ...go home spectater
tmcarkuss 4 years ago
Relevant or not. RUSH can hardly be compare to YES in their heydey. YES were the leaders and highest innovators of ProgRock. Rush only exist because of YES and really were not true prog like early Genesis, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, etc. Rush were a Rock band that sometimes dressed up like Prog
wigginsdesign 4 years ago 2
Compare any of the musicians in terms of skills...and Rush has Yes Beat by miles. Speed, creativity, and level of technical skill are all superior. Whether you want to admit it or not. Sure, Yes was more popular, and it was well earned fame. But I still contend that Rush is a better band, at least on the level of actual playing.
Tomcat54 4 years ago
This is sort of like comparing Lawrence Taylor to Ivan Lendl. But, Rush had a tighter sound and a better production values if you compare the first several albums. But, there was a lot of Rush stuff that was fast, but not too sweet. I think Yes leaned in and played on the edge of jamming more melody and beauty into more of the song. Particularly out of the studio.
prahudka 4 years ago
But yes, Neil Pert was amazingly quick and played so amazingly tight with the other two. Yes could like (very slightly) sloppy by comparison, but at the end of the day, there is lot more Yes you want to (and can) hum along to. Everywhere you look in Yessongs, its like there is a new melody, new riff new phrasing every 15 seconds. Not quite so with Rush.
prahudka 4 years ago
Who the fuck cares if someone can play fast. Playing fast isent playing music...it's just playing fast.
Solumic 4 years ago 9
your dumb to say that.
Solumic 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You're dumb for not knowing how to spell.
I think I'm done trying to convince people Rush is better...it's obvious I'm not going to change anyone's opinion. Bye all.
Tomcat54 4 years ago
You can't say that as fact, that's only your opinion. In the 1970's each member of YES was rated the best at their instrument. They are some of the best at their instruments of all time. I am a huge fan of YES and RUSH and their music is very different. There is no need for comparison.
mjhrpgiv 3 years ago
Haha, I'm just noticing all the "Rush better than Yes" comments. If you really think that, you haven't really listened to Yes I think. Rush never overlaps time signatures. In fact, I think besides King Crimson (which BARELY overlapped sigs in the guitar parts, it was mostly just fripp overlapping). There's an overlapping signature at the end of roundabout, in the keys/guitar in long distance runaround, and in close to the edge the entire band splits up and plays two different signatures... so...
jazzpsalti 3 years ago
Rush most certainly overlapped time signatures, listen to "Jacob's Ladder", plus listen to recent stuff off of Vapor Trails (like "Fear III") and Snakes & Arrows, Neil Peart plays in 4/4 while the rest of the band is in 7/4, 5/4 or who knows what. I do agree, though, stuff like "Perpetual Change", "Gates of Delirium", "Close to the Edge", that is some serious overlapping meters.
balddanny72 2 years ago
It's the subtlety that makes Yes the favorable band for me man. Rick accents in 5/4 on the verse to Long Distance Runaround. Hell, Five Percent for Nothing is beyond most prog rock bands, except possibly Gentle Giant.
Virtually EVERY Yes song has an overlapping time signature in it. Goes to show how meticulous they are as writers. Gates of Delirium has a morse code bass/drum ostinato under the vocals. Even Roundabout has a hip overlapping section at the end.
As for 80s, I don't think they did.
jazzpsalti 2 years ago
I respectfully disagree. YES in their heydey wrote some of the best original music in Rock history. Music that ascended creatively, technically and definately spiritually to a new level not heard before. Their music was a mirrored reflection of the lyrics and visa versa. Even without the unique new age stream of consciousness vocals you still feel their message within the music. The more commercial Rush are technically very adept but never reached the creative level of YES in their prime.
wigginsdesign 3 years ago 10
Not really crazy about this version.
But the fact is, they wrote it; they've played it for over three decades, it's theirs and they
can abuse it, too.
Wakeman doesn't make much of a jazz piano player.
eternalcolonel 4 years ago
Not much of a "jazz piano player"????
First of all, this is not jazz. It's Roundabout with a jazz feel. When you have a solo career and play half as well as Rick, get back to me.
AllStarBugler 4 years ago
I agree totally...Its just a different feel to a great old song which probably netted more revenue than FLY BY NIGHT OR ABACAB
tmcarkuss 4 years ago
What is with all of these non musicians commenting on something they really know nothing about?beethovens 5th was unfinished ....so Genesis and Rush were better...ridiculous
tmcarkuss 4 years ago
@eternalcolonel This version is amazing. Sounds better than the original to me!
jocovo84 1 year ago
@jocovo84 You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I can't understand how you could possibly enjoy this "version" (i.e., stripped down to the point of a lounge act doing a BAD cover!) better than the extremely awesome original. I LOVE Yes - they're one of my favorite Prog Rock bands (just below Tull on my ranking scale), but this performance is honestly an embarrassment to their legacy. They can (and have) done MUCH better!
Fucklenuts 1 year ago
@Fucklenuts It's brilliant
jocovo84 1 year ago
@Fucklenuts I agree with @jocovo84, this is an awesome version that shows the versatility of the band. I was made for a small audience with a completely different rythm but nevertheless awesome. I enjoyed it!
chilitocgy 1 year ago
I fucking hate this Roundabout version!!!
7syn 4 years ago
@7syn WHY??
jocovo84 1 year ago
Chris and Jon's vocals sound just as good as they did in 1971 when this was recorded.
jackeminor 4 years ago 2
I know they're trying to pull off a hip swing version, but it sounds a bit like activities hour at the old folks home.
mojotronix 4 years ago
Only one minute of my life wasted - whew, got out of there in time!?!?!!!?!!!!
dwalkmusick 4 years ago
I was at this taping as well. It was great to see them get some exposure on National TV but of course I would have prefered they take the opportunity to show the world just how incredible they are with a complicated firery electric song that kicked ass. Otherwise it was OK
wigginsdesign 4 years ago
:O) this is an old folk version. Slow, pleasant, and acoustic. I love it. And yet Wakeman still pwns the hell out of that piano. What happened to Howe though!??! He looks so prematurely decrepit. Was he really that much older than the rest of them?
pood2thenoobie 4 years ago
macrobiotic diet.
GBJPhotoWorks 4 years ago
Howe looks like a gremlin or an orc. When he was younger he could have passed for Elrond. I don't care what he looks like, so long as he still plays well.
matthehat 3 years ago 2
what the fuck is with that weird vocal shit over this?
metalgod2347 4 years ago
@metalgod2347 what weird vocal shit are you talking about? The harmony vocals?
jocovo84 1 year ago
This is the laziest performance ever recorded. These guys are so goddman old this is pathetic- they should hang them sleves.
FLYAWAYFILMS 4 years ago
Apparently you are unaware that they 'acousticicized' Roundabout on purpose to give it a fresh new perspective. They are playing it a Chicago Blues styling.
They are old, but they are still selling out shows and their fanbase is truer than true. With YES, either you get it or you don't, and you don't. That's ok, everybody has a choice.
YESFanDJSalt 4 years ago
Yeah that's it... I didn't get it. But I watched it again and now I do,
thanks, you are not only a super fan, but a genius.
FLYAWAYFILMS 4 years ago
have you ever seen them live before and now. I can't imagine you hae or else you wouldn't make such an ignorant comment. YES are still extremely tight, amazing and can still take an audience to extreme heights. I attended this taping. It was cool but I do wish they were electric and showed nonfans like you that they can still kick ass.
wigginsdesign 4 years ago 2
Totally. These guys are so damn talented, they could reach 80 and still outplay any of the musicians of today.
overthehillsnfaraway 4 years ago
Yes is a band that has REALLY held out. Chris Squire- amazing bassist. Rick Wakeman- ...nuff said. Lol
jolive91 4 years ago
Why does everyone have to wear black all the time? Zappa died over 10 years ago - let up you know..
zappatx 4 years ago
Very refreshing. Are they under the same management as Eric Clapton (i.e. Layla acoustic)
mojoheyjoe 5 years ago
I don't really like it... the song lost its magic. Except for the pianist there's nothing outstanding anymore. I prefer the original version!
Thidrek 5 years ago 2
an honor? ugh. tel-lie-vision.
heartkore 5 years ago
Sorry, this doesn't do it for me, and it was cut short for TV. I prefer the power of the orig. version. I realize playing the song for over 30 years must be kept fresh, but I can't relate too much to this! Still, I love YES
cymbalic 5 years ago 3
no tengo mas palabras que decir ...Son geniales !!!
KungFuPowa 5 years ago
Quite the risk takers with this rendition. I'm waiting for Jon to ask the guy in the first row "Hey , where U from ? Swingin' Groovey Cool Cat Man". Their performance of "Your Move" on the other CG show was a knockout.
Retrogradevids 5 years ago
This version is priceless. Fantastic rendition of an old favorite.
ceucare 5 years ago
@ceucare I totally agree!
jocovo84 1 year ago
when does the mistake happen? i'd like to know too!
crgr345 5 years ago
I can see why they went on the late late show: Figured that may of their fans do not work 9-5
gcior1 5 years ago
I have my own freelance business. I choose my hours and attended the taping with others who thought it worth the trouble.
wigginsdesign 4 years ago
great keyboard player...I would have preferred a new song.
mongolianluv 5 years ago
While I can certainly understand the boys wanting to revamp this tune after playing it for 30+ years, the "unplugged" version doesn't work for me. That notwithstanding - Yes will one day be recognized as one of the premier musical entitites of the 20th century - and on into the 21st!
yesmitch 5 years ago 2
If that was a screw up, then they deserve credit for a pretty good recovery. I couldn't tell, to be honest. They may also have gotten the producer's signal? Cuz they sure acted like they knew what to do once Rick made the move.
djtork 5 years ago
this version sucks
d7man2000 5 years ago
That wasn't a screw up. The song has a time-signature change there and since they are playing 'acoustic', it couldn't be masked over with the usual electric amp sustain.
TriviaDude 5 years ago
So weird to see a classic band like YES on Jimmy Kimbell. They are so above this. Nothing against Jimmy Kimbell, but these guys are legends. At least do Dave Letterman. Love YES though.
overthehillsnfaraway 5 years ago
Agree. I mentioned that above; who watches the "late late show"? Except, as an "avid hater" of retard Letterman, I'd suggested they should've gone on Jay Leno. I like this version, but don't think it might impress those who don't know the original. Or Yes music in general. Love them!
PrZemek44 5 years ago
Gotta agree. Yes is classic. Real musicians. When talent...TRUE talent ruled.
overthehillsnfaraway 5 years ago
I wish it was Jimmy but it was Craig Kilborm. Jimmy has a larger audience and a concert stage where they could have played electric and blew all you naysayers minds. preferably with something more intense than Roundabout
wigginsdesign 4 years ago
haha yeah, i can hear them mess up. It was pretty bad and noticeable, but that's okay. They are human, not music playing robots.
sonicdeath10 5 years ago
think of the years and mileage a tune like this has seen? Think how much music has changed? I know I am just another aging idiot but music today just does not have this kind of quality. How many bands sport about what... 5 virtuosos in them? Wakeman and Howe are just incredible musicians. So good the average person cannot comprehend what they are doing. Oh well. Time moves on I guess.
jimmyp37 5 years ago
They missed the change ..thats why Rick reacts....at 3:58.
The only one who has the energy to play this is Rick.
But I love the band!
JDChicago 5 years ago
Rick is the one who screwed up, Einstein...review the video. Bass and guitar are on.
overthehillsnfaraway 5 years ago
Wakeman is the one who screwed up! Bass and guitar are on. Review the tape.
overthehillsnfaraway 5 years ago
Wow, unreal!
rlozano 5 years ago
Outstanding video and version of a classic song.
CastleStormer 5 years ago
gestalt242, I think it's at 3:58. Rick looks over at Alan, shakes his head, and laughs.
Tarkus7 5 years ago
Spiker, what's the timepoint on that "screw up"? I'm missing it.
Basslow? You gotta be kidding. No offense, but would it kill you to lengthen your attention span? Those songs are perfect the way they are. It comes to mind when the king said to Mozart, "There are too many notes in that piece. Just take some out." And the genius Mozart said "Which notes would you like me to remove."
ask Geddy Lee how he feels about Yes compositions.
gestalt242 5 years ago
i love yes, but i think it wouldn't have killed them to shorten some of their songs, it made them sorta hard to listen to, which is why i tend to lean towards rush as favorite prog rock band
basslow91 5 years ago
I love rush as well. But as far as the length of Yes songs... I find it gives me more reasons to go back and listen becuase I always end up hearing something I didnt notice before.
dandood2 5 years ago
Rush is like "imitation ProgRock". I never really put them in the catagory of YES, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Genesis, PFM and others you might not be familiar with. YES are for people who can listen to Sibelius, Mozart and Coltrane without getting bored.
wigginsdesign 4 years ago
Y'know, being a fan of all of those bands... I wouldn't call Rush "imitation", as much as I'd call them "second-generation" prog. They started as a Zeppelin-esque rock act in '74, and their prog side didn't come out 'til an album or two later.
GBJPhotoWorks 4 years ago
I CAN'T STAND IT WHEN PEOPLE DO THIS!Genesis doesn't even deserve to be named within 300 words of Yes. If there's any band that's "imitation ProgRock" it was Genesis. They did nothing progressive. THey were just an American Yes....If you don't do something that changes music or brings it forward...you are not a progressive artist. You're just a rip-off. I hate the label of ProgRock, because mainly it just labels orchestral or ambient bands. There is nothing progressive about that.
pood2thenoobie 4 years ago
genesis was english, and they didn't rip off yes. if you listen to the lamb then youll see my point.
l33t5p33k3r 4 years ago