CLASSIC YES

	Classic Yes
	Compiled by Chris Squire
	Released on November 30, 1981
	US CHART POSITION #142
	Find it at GEMM
82687-2 cover

This is the first and, arguably, best attempt at collecting the band’s greatest music in a condensed format. Classic Yes was actually assembled by cofounder Chris Squire -- a refreshing change from compilations put together by jilted labels (ahem, Yesyears). Not only are the choices eminently informed, but the track order makes a real difference. Rather than warming up with early stuff, the album immediately kicks things into high gear with “Heart of the Sunrise.” A respite is offered with “Wonderous Stories,” then the majesty of The Yes Album is allowed to sink in, followed by another track from Fragile and the entire version of “And You And I.” Two live tracks from the 1978 tour (originally released as a free single with the elpee) appear at the end. Twenty years later, this is still the band’s classic music: from The Yes Album to Yessongs (with Going for the One earning an honorable mention). The 1994 digital remaster from Atlantic sounds great and features additional artwork from Roger Dean. Read the review at All Music Guide.


SD 19320 front cover	SD 19320 back cover

TRACK LISTING

HEART OF THE SUNRISE (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Bill Bruford) 10:32
WONDEROUS STORIES (Jon Anderson) 3:45
YOURS IS NO DISGRACE (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Steve Howe/Bill Bruford/Tony Kaye) 9:41
STARSHIP TROOPER:   9:26
a. Life Seeker    (Jon Anderson)
b. Disillusion    (Chris Squire)
c. Wurm    (Steve Howe)
LONG DISTANCE RUNAROUND (Jon Anderson) 3:33
THE FISH (SCHINDERLIA PRAEMATURUS) (Chris Squire) 2:35
AND YOU AND I:    10:07
a. Cord of Life    (Jon Anderson)
b. Eclipse    (Chris Squire/Bill Bruford)
c. The Preacher The Teacher    (Jon Anderson)
d. The Apocalypse    (Chris Squire/Bill Bruford)
*ROUNDABOUT (LIVE) (Jon Anderson/Steve Howe) 7:23
*I'VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE (LIVE):    7:00
a. Your Move    (Jon Anderson)
b. All Good People    (Chris Squire)

CREDITS

YES & Eddie Offord -- producer (8,9)

return to YES discography

REGION	RELEASE DATE	LABEL	MEDIA	ID NUMBER	FEATURES
UK	November 30, 1981	Atlantic	LP/CS		LP incl. free 7" w. live tracks (*)
US	November 30, 1981	Atlantic	LP/CS	SD/CS 19320	LP incl. free 7" w. live tracks (*)
JPN	1981	Atlantic	LP	P6482	insert
UK	December 1986	Atlantic	CD
US	1988	Atlantic	CD/CS	SD/CS 19320
US	Sep/Oct 1994	Atlantic	CD	82687	digitally remastered w. bonus tracks (*)