Yes
Relayer (Rhino)
50th anniversary, 180 gram vinyl, gatefold
Originally released in 1974, Relayer is Prog rock band Yes' seventh studio album and it's composed of just three tracks, one on side A and two on B. That mammoth first song is "The Gates of Delirium" and it clocks in at nearly 22 minutes. It's a stunner though; a masterclass in slow build, and long-game reward. Dynamic and evocative, never short of emotion, the song proves that prog doesn't have to be about "clever for clever's sake."
The two songs on side B--"Sound Chaser" and "To Be Over"--allow the group to stretch their legs a little further. Both are glorious examples of a post-Rick Wakeman Yes marching confidently forward into a brave new world.
"Yes’ seventh studio album, Relayer, is filled with grandiose instrumentation and narrative lyricism, furthering the complex world building brought on by previous albums," reads the press release. "The impact of new keyboardist Patrick Moraz is felt throughout with added jazz-funk fusion elements."
The greyed sleeve is still very powerful, and it looks gorgeous on this glossy, think new sleeve. "This set includes a detailed interview with Patrick Moraz by jazz enthusiast Syd Schwartz, chronicling the recording and production of Relayer," they say. "Moraz recommends listening to Relayer 'in the very best possible way, you know, either with the highest quality headphones or with a good stereo system and as LOUD as you can absorb.'"
Bad Company
Bad Company (Rhino)
50th anniversary, 180 gram vinyl, gatefold
Just a year before Yes released their seventh album, Bad Company released their first. The self-titled debut from Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs' supergroup is a bonafide classic.
From the opening "Can't Get Enough," to "Don't Let Me Down," side A is all killer no filler. The quality doesn't dip on B, from the song "Bad Company" through "Movin' On" to "Seagull." It's just blues rock magnificence, Rodgers' voice soaring about it all.
"Recorded at Headley Grange in Hampshire, Bad Company’s debut album, Bad Company, captures the rich spatial sound that brought a raw approach to rock ‘n’ roll and struck a mainstream chord," they say. "The debut record dominated the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the US and No. 3 on the UK Album Chart, eventually being certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. The album includes fan-favorites 'Can’t Get Enough' and the title track, both platinum-certified best-sellers."
As is always the case with these Rhino reissues, the packaging is lovely. The sleeve art is simple, but effective here. Plus, the new sleeve notes are fascinating.
Enjoy!
