Chris Squire, co-founder of prog-rock band Yes and renowned bass guitarist, has died aged 67. He was the only member to appear on each of their 21 studio albums, released from 1969 to 2014. Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, and was also a great songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes' most endearing music. Albums such as Fragile (1971), The Yes Album (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972) are considered highlights of progressive rock by attempting to push music into new directions. Some fans were disappointed by the pop-oriented path the band took in the early 80s. Owner of A Lonely Heart (1983) reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sweetness (from 1969's Yes)
Heart of the Sunrise (from 1971's Fragile)
Starship Trooper (from 1971's The Yes Album)
I Get Up I Get Down and And You and I (from 1972's Close to the Edge)
Lucky Seven by Chris Squire (from 1975 solo album)
Owner of a Lonely Heart (from 1983's 90125)
Are you a fan of Yes? What do you think of their music? Which are your favorite tracks/albums by the group?
Yeah, this was a big loss. Especially to someone who is a key component to a great band that often gets ridiculed for their pretentiousness. However, how many bands were able to make so much music and keep on going despite all of the line-up changes? Plus, Fragile (not to be confused with the NIN classic of the same name) goes up there with any of the classic albums by many artists. Right now, I think Chris Squire is forming a super-prog rock group with Richard Wright of Pink Floyd on keyboards. They just need a bunch of crazy players to be in that band.
ReplyDelete@thevoid99: Yes did go through a number of line-up changes, and that’s part of what makes the band unique. The group deserves to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a pity they have been snubbed so far. The early 70s was definitely the band’s heyday. I hope Squire is up there composing music with Richard Wright. Listening to the semi-religious "I Get up I Get Down" feels appropriate given the circumstances.
DeleteI have to admit...I'm not familiar with Yes. I'm not even sure I've heard any of their stuff. Maybe I should fix that.
ReplyDelete@Fisti: You can take this post as an introduction to their music. The tracks I shared are my favorites by Yes
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