Yes -Close to the Edge (#445)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats podcast, hosts Carl and Dan take on the "chewy" and virtuosic 1972 masterpiece Close to the Edge by progressive rock legends, Yes. Ranked at #445 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, this three-track epic is a masterclass in musical ambition, featuring complex symphonic movements, spiritual themes, and world-class musicianship. The duo breaks down the album's demanding structure, its diverse influences ranging from Sibelius to Eastern philosophy, and why it remains a definitive "alpha album" that set the bar for the entire prog-rock genre. Key Points The Virtuosic Lineup: Deep dive into the "classic" lineup featuring Jon Anderson’s ethereal vocals, Steve Howe’s eclectic guitar styles, Rick Wakeman’s keyboard wizardry, and the legendary rhythm section of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford. Bruford’s Swan Song: Insight into why drummer Bill Bruford left the band for King Crimson immediately after these grueling sessions, feeling he had reached the apex of what he could contribute to the Yes sound. Spiritual and Classical Roots: How the lyrics were influenced by Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and the compositional structure was inspired by the symphonies of Jean Sibelius. Technical Highlights: Analysis of Chris Squire’s aggressive "lead bass" tone, Rick Wakeman’s recording of a real pipe organ in a London church, and the "Siberian Khatru" riffs that later inspired Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. Music References Simon & Garfunkel Cream Rush Genesis Emerson, Lake & Palmer Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull Jethro Tull Symphony No. 6 by Sibelius Symphony No. 7 by Sibelius Sibelius Wes Montgomery Allan Holdsworth Kansas Marillion The Beach Boys AC/DC Grateful Dead Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven Ode to Joy by Beethoven Beethoven Snarky Puppy The Mars Volta Scorpions Devo Brother Louie by The Stories The Stories Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder The Mamas & the Papas The Monkees Nate Smith Christian McBride The Fearless Flyers Pink Floyd Stravinsky Bo Diddley Steve Vai Robert Fripp John Frusciante Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers Red Hot Chili Peppers Taylor Swift Bad Bunny The Weeknd Bonnie Raitt Linda Ronstadt Wicked Garden by Stone Temple Pilots Plush by Stone Temple Pilots Stone Temple Pilots Brandon Boyd Incubus Scott Weiland Wolfgang Van Halen Van Halen Join us next week for Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple .