Yes - Fly From Here

I gotta say I really love Yes, but I can't truly call myself a purist.  I got into the band in the 80's in the Trevor Rabin era, so I had not been privied to all of the great music these guys had done prior.  Sure, I knew Roundabout and the popular tunes, but I didn't know some of their earlier masterpieces.  The band has endured several lineup changes over the years, but the most challenging had to be replacing Jon Anderson (This is actually the 2nd time Anderson has left the band, the first being in the early 80's).  Anderson's vocals are a staple in the Yes sound.   Like many of the classic bands (Journey and Priest for a short time) moving in to the new millennium, Yes recruited a new vocalist, who could emulate the original. 

Fly From Here marks the vocal debut of Benoit David, who was singing in a Yes tribute band, prior to joining the real thing.  David fills the role well, and injects his own style into the vocals.  David does and adequate job vocally, but unfortunately for me, I kept finding myself wanting to hear Anderson.  I have this same feeling with Journey, but that is another story.  This album is the band's 20th and is a return to form of sorts.  The band has gone back to their roots and has created a record that brings back elements from their hay day.  Unfortunately the songs come off a little flat and leave the listener a little bored.  Don't get me wrong, there are some good tracks on this CD, but as a whole this one got me drowsy.

Bottom Line: Yes moving forward with a new vocalist, amongst some controversy.  A solid record, containing elements of the classic sound, but without much punch.  The songs are well written but come off a little stale and a bit of a snoozer.  Good back ground music. (No, I didn't just day that, did I?)

Standout Tracks: Fly From Here Part III - Madman at the Screens and Hour of Need.

-Ragman needs an energy drink about now.