Close to the Edge by Yes (1972).

There are three songs on this album. Side one of the vinyl album consisted only of the title track, a suite of songs that is quintessential bombastic Yes, but to me a lovely demonstration of their instrumental brilliance. But my favorite cuts are the other two songs, on Side Two.

"Siberian Khatru" has a great guitar riff and screaming organ that make it rock. I hum its riff a lot, imagining that I were good enough to play it. I love that song as a combination of catchy rock and sophisticated jazz. To me, it is the highlight song of this progressive rock genre.

"And You and I" is a more ballad-like tune, but "ballad" is really not the word that best suits the song. Like the title cut, this song is a suite that moves from style to style. But like all the music on this album it combines a luxurious musical quality with lyrics that are JUST accessible enough to enjoy. Not all Yes albums can boast that, especially the albums after this one.

I just love this CD because the virtuosity of this band is in evidence, and even though the three songs are pretentious to some extent, they seem to me much less so than the lesser songs from previous albums such as Fragile, and I think the band never played or wrote this well on subsequent albums. Yes is a touchstone band. I think that being able to appreciate their best work while still giggling and tapping your toes to “Kung Fu Fighting” is an indication of true music appreciation.