On the crest of the Obama wave of joy that we are on the verge of greatness as a country again, I learn of the terrible news that Jon Anderson, the lead singer for the best progressive rock band ever is stricken with acute respiratory failure and must cancel the planned 40th anniversary tour.
Yes and Anderson in particular has been a part of my spiritual life ever since hearing albums called Fragile and Close to the Edge when I was in high school. Sure, his voice is described as that of an elf from the planet Zolton, an angel, or of some flake with no visible reaction to getting kicked in the crotch but you can’t deny that the man made the sound of Yes and that no one can sing like him. And I would ask you all to keep this man in your prayers and your thoughts.
My favorite piece of music is the title track to Anderson's solo album "Animation" it describes what it was like to be there at the birth of his daughter and to this day I’ve never been able to listen to it without a tear in my eye.
Over the course of dozens of studio albums with Yes and guest spots with an eclectic bunch of fellow musicians, notably Vangelis, as well as several solo albums, Jon Anderson’s music has created soundscapes and textures that call to mind a whole myriad of imagery.
I realize this isn’t much of a diary and perhaps would better be suited as a comment in an open thread but I wanted to get the word out as Yes is not nearly as popular as it should be and lately I’ve often thought about how Democrats remind me of the two "Yes camps" during the late 80s when there were two compelling versions of the band. Each group had its loyal followers and showed no sign of giving up in spite of the other. In 1991 both camps came together to release an album called "Union" which made a bunch of lawyers a bunch of money but in spite of some interesting tracks didn’t make either bunch of fans very happy (with the album, the tour was incredible!) and which is why a "Unity" ticket leaves me cold.
Now if Obama and Clinton sat down and talked about where they are and where they want to go and the meeting stretched long into the night and each came out of the meeting feeling refreshed and organic with ideas and chemistry than I would reconsider but I don’t see it happening like that anymore than I foresaw the song, Tempest Fugit sung by Anderson on this 40th anniversary tour... That song is from the album Drama; the only Yes recording without Jon's vocals . I believe that just as Anderson freaks like me can accept Drama so can Hillary supporters support Obama.
In short, Obama’s campaign has filled me with hope and possibility not unlike I feel when I hear Jon Anderson’s singing. I hope he gets well and they are able to share with the world the 40th anniversary tour in the fall or at least play at Obama’s inauguration.
"The future is a friend of yours and mine"
P.S. Go find their album "Magnification" and play Spirit of Survival. It was unintentionally cathartic after 9-11. In fact, go check out their whole catalog.