The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection

Great selection!

Before I begin, let me say to all the true die-hard Yes fans out there, "I am one of you". So please don't think that I am just some bitter newbie who joined up with the band in the 80's. Nope, I've been around - buying every album, compilation, box set, and remastered recording that Yes has released, as well as attending every tour for the last 15-20 years. And it is because I have been such a true fan that I am getting so frustrated.Let's look at the facts. Since 1991, Yes has released 4 complete albums of new material (5 if you count Keystudio). In that same time, they have released 6 box sets or compilations which re-hash already released material. And with each new compilation comes a little sampling of new material that forces us to buy the entire catalog of songs that we have already purchased. To make matters worse, Rhino has, over the last year, re-released 11 Yes albums, each with another sampling of new material. So we are forced, yet again, to re-buy all of the same albums we already own. And then, just when we thought we had enough, they give us 2 box sets in as many years and include, once again, samplings of new material. Now, they could have just as easily taken ALL of the new material and put out a disc of completely unreleased material. But then they wouldn't get as much of our money that way, now would they? Of course, it's not all Rhino's fault because this seems to be an old Yes trick (see the 2 live Keys To Ascension albums that had new bonus material thrown on the end or the 3 Magnification releases that each had a different bonus disc of previously unreleased live material).So, aside from feeling completely cheated and ripped off, what is this latest 3-disc compilation really like? Well, the first disc consists of the classic era songs - great of course, but definitely nothing new. The second disc contains the later era songs - right up through Maginification. Now, I love the fact that I have one disc that contains more recent material because I happen to love the 80's and 90's versions of this band. However, the choice of tracks is questionable at best. I don't mean that they chose the wrong songs, but, rather, the wrong versions. For example, they included edited versions of It Can Happen, Big Generator, The Calling, and Homeworld. But, unfortunately, they are terrible edits - cutting where they shouldn't cut and fading out in all the wrong places. And after being treated to butchered versions of these great songs, the disc closes with the full version of Maginfication which, in my opinion, is one of their weaker songs.But the greatest dissapointment, contrary to what other reviewers have said, is Disc 3. This disc includes acoustic versions of Roundabout and South Side Of The sky as well as some other acoustic pieces that were clearly just thrown on to get us to buy "new material". The pieces, in my opinion, show very little creativity and come off as more of an impromptu jam session than as well-thought out pieces of music that the fans of this band have come to expect - and might I add, deserve. And to add insult to injury, the disc is only about 20 minutes long. So it hardly qualifies as a "3-Disc" set. Once again - the fans are cheated.So, in conclusion, I do not mind the occassional marketing trick to get people to buy new albums. But, enough is enough. Again, just do the math: Yes has released 27 albums since Union in 1991, and, including KeyStudio only 5 of them have been new. C'mon guys. We're getting fed up. And we deserve better.So, if anyone associated with Yes cares to listen, let me just say that I will always be a Yes fan, but I am done being a Yes customer.

This is a wonderful collection of some of the best materials put out by Yes. The third CD is a collection of acoustic materials and is completely enjoyable. I have zero regrets about making this purchase and plan to be listening to this as I travel often.

I love this album. It has a little bit of everything mixed into one set. I personally like the older stuff they did back in the 70's. I prefer that style over their newer releases. It has two of my very favorite tracks on it "I've Seen All Good People" and Roundabout. The sound quality is very good. Some remastered. Only thing I don't much care for are "single sdits" which some are but I can live with that. Overall, this is a great collection to have of the most awesome, radical, glorious Yes!I have to add something else here though. Some of you people keep whining and complaining you don't want to pay for anymore of these albums. You don't have to. No one is putting a gun to your head and saying you have to buy every new album. You don't have to own every album to be a die hard Yes fan. In fact, I personally think it's ridiculous having already all the songs why would you spend all the money to get another album you claim have almost all the same songs on it? Just pick the best one with the tracks you prefer on it. Stop complaining about these new albums being released and down grading them just cause they have same songs from other albums. That does not make it a bad album. You don't like it again, you don't have to buy it. Save your money for something else. It's that simple folks. Not trying to come off as rude but I'm getting tired of hearing people whine and complain when they don't have to buy the album. Yes is not telling you to spend your money on their albums you are doing it on your own free will. Also, I don't think Yes would appreciate it that you are calling yourself die hard fans but then calling them "Greedy money hoarders" I mean seriously what kind of fans would say that to a band they really love. I don't think the band would particularly like that and consider you a cool fan. If you love them that much you would just be thankful the music is around and you can obtain it at all. Sadly some of these earlier albums people are mentioning are no longer in print and I wish I could have got my hands on a copy. So just enjoy the music folks. Yes rocks!

Been a major Yes fan all my adult life & my vinyl cabinet has the complete Yes discography. but i grabbed this best of CD as it included some really early work & is a great compilation for listening to in the car for example. however the re mastering is so good (especially evident on disc 1)So mine has been out in the car only once so far, but played to death in the Hi Fi at home!.I could mention tracks that are missing or that should have been included here but to do full justice to the vast body work produced by Yes over nearly 50 years would require a 4 or perhaps 5 disc package.This CD spans the very early to the quite recent & is a great addition to any Yes collection.& as previously mentioned the mix & sound quality is superb as all remastered CD's should sound! Sadly so many these days fall well below the mark.

Sadly I hadn't heard all of the 'history' associated with the YES catalogue but listening to this collection provides virtually every aspect you could want to appreciate their stunning and creative songs A++

Very well compiled collection of Yes's songs Progressive rock masters well on a par with Genesis, etc. Highly recommended.

Prefer the early 70's YES, but introduced me to a lot of earlier and newer material. Some of the tracks really surprising in terms of the style of the band which varies greatly from the late 60's to the mid 80's and beyond, but plenty of the (what I call) good stuff from 1970 to 1974 - going to see them live which is why I bought this compilation.

Something to turn up the volume to from Yes .A good couple of hours of Yes`s greatest tracks .