Yes: Fragile

Fragile is considered by many to be the band Yes’ breakthrough album. The album embarked upon musical experimentation through the rethinking of the relationship between classical devices, idyllic fantasies, and traditional structures, which resulted in what we now know as progressive rock.

MFSL's pressing of this classic album uncovers the band’s artistic excellence and true musicianship. Exacting sonics, brilliant textures, amazing harmonics, multi-dimensional scope, and limitless responsiveness have sealed what is usually only available through live performances into a vinyl pressing.

The crispness, balance, depth, weight, and scale all bring each some to life. This is not showcased more than on the band’s classic song Roundabout. As the liner notes of their CD version of this record states, "All of the Yes elements are here: inventiveness, sweetness, and wistfulness, bright colors that are more Sibelius and Stravinsky than 'pop,' and not without an edge." They are here even stronger in this pressing!

TRACK LIST
1. Roundabout
2. Cans and Brahms
3. We Have Heaven
4. South Side of the Sky
5. Five Per Cent for Nothing
6. Long Distance Runaround
7. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)
8. Mood for a Day
9. Heart of the Sunrise

Primarily because I’d liked to have heard more of the strong vocals that make up this record, I am not a huge fan of the instrumentals. However, it is the strength of the pressing, and the way vocals fill up a room that makes the record worth consideration of the investment.

If you are a Yes fan, this record is a limited pressing worth the investment. If not, there are other options that may make better sense, such as the Analogue Productions pressing from 2006 💵

💰Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass