Yes's 1972 3-track recording masterpiece, “Close to the Edge”, presents a snapshot of an adventurous rock band at the peak of its powers, daring to push itself musically, both as individuals and as a unit.
The first half of the 1970s was an especially fertile period for British progressive rock, laying claim to classics such as “Tarkus”, “Selling England by the Pound”, “Larks' Tongues in Aspic”, “The Dark Side of the Moon”, and “Thick as a Brick”. Collectively these and other works represent the best British progressive rock had to offer. Yet, many reviewers cite “Close to the Edge” as the ultimate prog rock album.
The album's centrepiece is the 18-minute title track, with themes and lyrics inspired by the Herman Hesse novel “Siddhartha. Side two contains two non-conceptual tracks, the folk-inspired "And You and I" and the comparatively straightforward rocker "Siberian Khatru." Original drummer Bill Bruford found the album particularly laborious to make, which culminated in his decision to quit the band after it was recorded, to join King Crimson.
“Close to the Edge” became the band's greatest commercial success at the time of release. It peaked at No. 4 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, the highest position Yes has reached on the latter chart. In 2020, “Close to the Edge” was ranked at No. 445 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with textured stock by Stoughton Printing.
We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.
Title
Side 1
1. Close To The Edge Pt. 1
a. The Solid Time Of Change
b. Total Mass Retain
Side 2
1. Close To The Edge Pt. 2
c. I Get Up, I Get Down
d. Seasons Of Man
Side 3
1. And You And I
a. Cord Of Life
b. Eclipse
c. The Preacher, The Teacher
d. The Apocalypse
Side 4
1. Siberian Khatru
