YES
Paramount Theater
Denver, Colorado
August 9, 2014

the band:
Chris Squire
Steve Howe
Alan White
Geoff Downes
Jon Davison

lineage: Canon Vixia HF R300 (SD)>MPEG (using Pinnacle Studio 14)>VIDEO TS (using Ulead) (can be burned to a DVD DL disc)

notes: Brand new camera, only used once previously, and I somehow set the video to standard definition, which also resulted in the video pausing every 30 minutes which, in turn, took me until the 3rd time to realize what was happening - fortunately, not much was missed (cuts are noted below). Generally speaking, this came out very well, the sound is clear, the video is generally focused and well-framed, though, there are occasional ducks and checks that result in no or blurry picture. The audio is complete, save for the noted cuts.

This is the third time we've seen Yes at the Paramount and it was easily the largest audience they've drawn to this venue. Saturday night, new album, radio station giveaway? Perhaps a combination of all three; the crowd was largely into it, with the expected bathroom breaks when the new songs were played. Attending with me was my wife, who assists in the filming in ways that go way beyond watching for security - without her, this would not exist.

I asked a notable local taper if he had captured audio and he advised that he skipped the show, disappointed that Yes would end a performance with Owner of a Lonely Heart; I understand this sentiment and, in some ways, feel the same way, but, at the on the other hand, I came to Yes in the 90125 era, as did my wife, who absolutely loves that album and she was thrilled that they would encore with their only #1 hit. Frankly, I'd be fine if they added some more YesWest material - they've really heavily featured the classic albums the last several tours, and some Rabin or (even better) Drama material would be a fresh alternative to the old warhorses. If you're not going to have Jon Anderson in the band, you might as well as spotlight the material he didn't write (or write as much of).

Still, I'm happy to have Yes touring; prior to the show, we met up with an old Yes friend of mine, and we spent an hour or so debating whether a band can be called Yes without Jon Anderson. My wife says 'no,' my friend says 'as long as Steve Howe is there' and I'm wishy washy: To me, Yes is Jon Anderson's vision. But, in my view, versions of Yes without him (or with him in a supporting role) have put out inspired (and inspiring) music, which, to me, ranks those along side the classics ('Changes' or 'Machine Messiah' or 'Tempus Fugit' come to mind). They've put out a new album (largely written by the new lead singer) that is better than anyone could've possibly expected (which is not to rank it with the classics, in anyway) and are (for now) playing songs from it.

Play on, I say. And, if you, too, are interested in Yes 2014, this will be a video that you will want to see.

Disclaimers: this is not intended for sale or profit; this has been preserved for fans by a huge fan. Please enjoy and share it freely.

Any comments upon viewing welcome.
Namaste.

setlist:

01 intro
02 Siberian Khatru
03 And You and I
04 Close To The Edge (brief cut at 30:00)
05 Believe Again
06 The Game
07 Roundabout (1st minute cut)
08 Cans and Brahms
09 We Have Heaven
10 South Side of the Sky
11 5% of Nothing
12 Long Distance Runaround
13 The Fish
14 Mood for a Day (brief cut)
15 Heart of the Sunrise
16 I've Seen All Good People
17 Owner of a Lonely Heart

data information:
Menu: No
Chapters: Yes
Artwork: No

Format: MPEG Video
W/H: 720x480
Display Aspect Ratio: 16x9
Frame Rate: 29.97
Standard: NTSC

Format: MPEG Audio
Channels: Stereo
Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
Bitrate: 224 kb/s