The ultimate sonic upgrade of Yes album, Magnification…
Yes – Magnification – Mercury/Universal #00602475024736 – 180 gm Half Speed 2 vinyls – 2001 – 62:11 – ****
(Jon Anderson – lead vocals, guitars; Steve Howe – guitars, backing vocals; Chris Squire – bass guitar, vocals; Alan White – drums, percussion, vocals;
Larry Groupe’ – conductor; San Diego Symphony Orchestra; Igor Khoroslev – keyboards; Tom Brislin – keyboards)
Magnification was the 19th studio album from the Prog Rock band, Yes. They have often been referred to as the founding fathers of this musical genre. This album was significant for several reasons. It was the last album with noted lead vocalist, Jon Anderson, and the first album with strings from the band since 1970. Recorded and mixed with Pro Tools, Magnification was also distinctive as an album recorded by the group as just a four piece main band.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Mercury and Universal has upped the ante with a 331/3 half speed remaster on two 180 gm vinyls. This maximizes high
frequencies, and expands both the range and imaging. With the backing of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the sound stage is greatly expanded, and the band’s vocals reach glorious heights.
The symphony’s woodwinds dance and float, surrounding the inimitable vocals of Anderson on the opener title cut. Chris Squire’s bass line is upfront in the mix, while Alan White’s propulsive drumming leads the charge. “Spirit of Survival” provides classic arena rock energy, and the much discussed lyric,
“in this world, the Gods have lost their ways.”
The symphonic intro to “Give Love Each Day,” begins a wonderful dreamy ballad that increases in intensity, and manages to overcome its lightweight lyrics. Chris Squire takes over as lead vocalist next on “Can You Imagine.”
The combination of the San Diego Symphony’s strings responding to Squire’s lyrics is a winning combination.
The plight of refugees (a very timely subject a quarter century later) is featured in a passionate fashion by Anderson on “We Agree,” with great guitar, and orchestral backing. “Dreamtime,” follows and along with the epic, “In the Presence Of,” these are the two standout tracks on the album. Both clock in at more than ten minutes, and let the orchestra and band create magic. “Dreamtime” is a full on Prog Rock production event. and at times expands beyond accompanying strings to a full orchestra.
“In the Presence of” has four sections, and we get the whole package here: soaring guitar lines, peak Anderson vocals (for the last time with the group), and the masterful conducting of Larry Groupe’.
It took 25 years, but we now have the ultimate version of this late period classic Yes album. Well worth the wait…
—Review by Jeff Krow
Tracklist:
Side A: Magnification, Spirit of Survival, Don’t Go
Side B: Give Love Each Day, Can You Imagine, We Agree
Side C: Soft As a Dove, Dreamtime
In the Presence Of:
I. Deeper
II. Death of Ego
III. True Beginner
IV. Turn Around and Remember
Time is Time
