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Album Details

• Artist: Yes
• Album: Something's Coming
• Label: WEA International
• Year of Release: 1998
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-02-11

Yes – Something’s Coming

Something`s Coming

Review by Gary Hill

This album is actually a compilation of audio recordings Yes performances on various television and radio programs from the 1969-1970 era. The personnel on this album are Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Peter Banks, Bill Bruford and Tony Kaye. Since Peter Banks was only on two albums, live performances from this lineup are rare. It should be noted, though, that this collection has been released under different titles with different covers. For that reason, when purchasing any collections of old Yes live recordings, check it carefully. Completists like myself will want all the releases providing there are some differences, even in packaging, but more casual fans are likely to feel ripped off by getting multiples of the same recordings. So, it’s definitely buyer beware.

One track on this set was never released before this album in any form (studio or live). That one is a track called “For Everyone.” Recorded live on the Sunday Show March 17, 1970, the song is wonderful. Essentially a new old Yes song, much of this piece reminds me a lot of Yes` version of Paul Simon’s “America.” Therefore it seems to be a bit ahead of its time. Although I love the work that Steve Howe has done with Yes, and the sound that he has brought to the band, this track really has me wondering what would have been had Peter Banks remained with the band. This is a very superb progressive piece, albeit a bit rough edged at times, and features the "disillusion" section of The Yes Album's “Starship Trooper” (with some slightly different lyrics). This cut is really a gem and, even by itself, would make this album a welcome addition to any Yes collection.

Beyond that hidden treasure, much of the music here is very similar to the original version, and in fact, similar to the other version present here (in many cases there are multiple versions of the same songs – recorded at different shows – on the two CDs). However, it is nice to have a record of these performances as they capture the psychedelic exuberance and early progressive sensibilities of this band so well. It is also interesting to note how similar the guitar styles of Peter Banks and Steve Howe really were. Not only that, but the inclusion of “For Everyone” makes this album a must have for any diehard Yes fan.

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