Close to the Edge

The first half of the 1970s was an especially fertile period for British progressive rock laying claim to classics such as ETarkusE ESelling England by the PoundE ELarks' Tongues in AspicE EThe Dark Side of the MoonE and EThick as a BrickE. Collectively these and other works represent the best British progressive rock had to offer. Yet it's Yes's 1972 three-track masterpiece EClose to the EdgeE that 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. In this absorbing chronicle which draws upon dozens of original and archived interviews and features rare photographs and an extensive discography acclaimed music journalist Will Romano examines why EClose to the EdgeE is the ultimate prog rock album.THYes had previously penned epic tracks for EThe Yes AlbumE and EFragileE but nothing on the magnitude of the musical gems appearing on EClose to the EdgeE. It's something of a small miracle a perhaps even magic a that the virtuoso quintet crafted such a cohesive and compelling album during an often-hectic recording process that very nearly relegated this monumental work to the dustbin of history. So potent was the power of EClose to the EdgeE that even before its release it had forever shifted the personal dynamics of the group and the course of progressive rock. Rarely had Yes or any rock outfit for that matter been simultaneously so expansive and concise spiritual and savage profound and nebulous.