Search - Inside Yes: A Critical Review 1968-1973 on DVD

Interesting Addition to the YES DVD Catalog

Kevin Caffrey | Fredericksburg, VA | 03/30/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What's this? A DVD focusing on a band in which critics say *negative* things as well as positive things? Well, that's right -- "Inside Yes" features lesser-known musicians/rock critics/producers/engineers commenting--good and bad-- on Yes' first six studio albums--"Yes," "Time & A Word," "The Yes Album," "Fragile," "Close to the Edge," and "Tales from Topographic Oceans." There's a good balance between those who praise and dismiss elements of the music, so that is probably the most interesting thing about this DVD. The archival footgage is mainly from "Yessongs," so don't expect to see anything new visually--unless you're a newcomer to the band's work. Regarding interviews with actual bandmembers, there are just a few snippets of Howe circa 2003/2004. Towards the end of the DVD, it's fun to quickly go from one critic calling an album a "masterpiece" and another calling it "rubbish." There's not much "meat" to this DVD, but it makes a nice appetizer."

Almost Good - Better with Earlier Yes than Later

Mark D Burgh | Fort Smith, AR United States | 05/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Inside series so far is worth viewing, but not excellent for several reasons. Among them is there are no interviews of the band members being profiled, which might offer a counterpoint to the various critics and musicians who have a go at the albums of the band in question. Not so here, however, as Steve Howe appears, looking oppressed, sitting in a hotel room expounding on some of the aspects of Yes under discussion. I thought this gave "Inside Yes: 1968-1973" an edge over the other Inside DVD's I've watched.

As always, there are too many British rock critics (what, Americans don't have anything to add? or Italians, or Japanese) no women (no surprise), not enough footage of the band, and less detail than I would prefer, but given this is only an hour long, I don't know what more could have been done.

Good points: a clear demonstration of how Yes grew up adding Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman; an idea of how important harmony-singing was to the early Yes and why; a good digest of Steve Howe's technique; supporters of Tales, along with detractors.

If you like Yes, and are interested in a relatively honest view of their work by interested artists and writers, then I would recommend this DVD to you."

Only an hour of Yes

K. Gittins | CA USA | 03/31/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The DVD is fairly interesting, but is only an hour long. Snippets (mainly) from session musicians and so-called critics are interspersed with live footage. Only a small contribution from any band member (Steve Howe).

It briefly covered the bands first 6 albums, culminating in my favorite Yes album (and only one I have on CD), "Tales From Topographic Oceans", which had mixed critical reviews. "Fragile" and "Closer to the Edge" were much better received and do have some classic Yes songs, but the magic, mystery, philosophy (however indecipherable) and sheer presentation of "Tales" far outshines them I think.

They should have added more content, or reduced the price.

"

Nice Surprise

Peter H. Kistemaker | Helmond, Noord Brabant Netherlands | 01/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Strolling through the centre of Utrecht I came up to a record store: Plato. Inside, killing the time I had to spare, I always look at the section where you can find the music of Yes. Most times I find nothing new or rare but this time my eyes cought the cover of a DVD I was not familiar with. The name of the DVD: Inside Yes 1968 - 1973. Release date 2003. I turned out that this DVd was part of a series of DVD that talk about the great bands like Genesis, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin in depth review supported by excerpts of live shows. This could be very interesting and the back cover gave as information the following:
Nothing divides the world quite like yes music. For the fans it's a sublime journey into melody and form. For the critics it's an abominable noise
Using rare archive film we trace the development of the band from it's first album through to the controversy surrounding the release of Topographic Oceans and the departure of Rick Wakeman. Featuring in depth interviews with Steve Howe and archive footage of performance of from every album, a leading team of critics and musicologists critically assess the music to discover the essence of Yes and the reasons for the band's phenomenal success.
The DVD sold for ? 20 and I took my new assett back home. After starting the player the journey started at the first album and works it's way all through TFTO. The critics are supported by Steve Howe in their comment and addional guitar examples of how some parts of the music are structured and give a good insight in the complex music of Yes.
I, myself, thought the DVD gives a good view in the starting of this band and the first 5 years. Very good help for Yes starters and a nice insight for the die-hards under us.
"