The Ultimate Yes

The Ultimate Yes
To commemorate their 35th anniversary, this progressive rock juggernaut have -- as you might expect -- decided to show their continued willingness to progress. Thus, in addition to two discs packed with favorites as diverse as the embryonic psychedelic venture "Time and a Word" and synth-pop forays like "Owner of a Lonely Heart," Yes outfit this retrospective collection with a disc comprising entirely new recordings. Retooled, all-acoustic versions of "Roundabout" and "South Side of the Sky" pump new life into those old favorites, with some particularly intricate playing on the part of Steve Howe. The guitarist also gets the opportunity to strut his stuff on the solo tour de force "Australia," while singer Jon Anderson takes center stage on "Show Me" (a song that he introduced on Yes's Full Circle tour). And just to -- no pun intended -- bring things full circle, Chris Squire harks back to the band's headiest days with his adaptation of Dvor醟's "New World" Symphony, which closes the collection out on a grand, elegant note. Lovingly packaged and attentive to all the nuances in the band's storied career, The Ultimate Yes easily lives up to its title. David Sprague, Barnes & Noble