Comments on: Total 5.1 Mass Retain: Steven Wilson on Mixing Yes’ Close to the Edge in Surround Sound

By: Mike Listman

Mike Listman — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 09:43:30 +0000

I was 18 or 19 when CTTE was released and, being a Yes lover at the time, purchased the vinyl, but never really appreciated the work–it seemed overblown to me and at the same time the middle section of the opening track depressed me. I’m now in my early 60s and, driven by the interest of my youngest son who discovered Yes in 2013, have gone back and listened to CTTW…and listened…and listened again. Of course it’s extraordinary in every regard; sublime, amazing…there must be other words out there. Confess that what I’ve been listening to is a YouTube upload of Steve’s masterful remix (I feel less guilty because I DID actually purchase the original vinyl, in its day) and at 4 a.m. this morning woke up (again) with pieces of the music running through my head (God…it’s been happening repeatedly lately!) and went on www looking for reviews and stories about how the work was made. This interview with Steve about what he did and why was really illuminating and thanks; I think I can understand what he’s talking about when he describes the compression of the original and how he gave it air. I’m going to finish the beer I opened (it’s 0425 now) and try to go back to sleep so I can get up for work in the morning, but just thought you’d enjoy this story from someone who lived the times (grew up in Detroit and so had very diverse early influences including Motown, the incredible local and regional garage scene, add the Beatles and other UK invaders, add Dylan and folk-rock + roots, and then into the “mind-expanding” music eventually called prog rock [yes, king crimson], and the journey goes on to things perhaps you and Steve have never heard [listen sometime to the original Playa Girón compositions of the Cuban singer/composer Silvio Ródriguez...]. Anyway, I don’t make a living off of it, but music has been the axis of a long, interesting life and this article and Steve’s contribution to CTTE has burnished a gem my spirit will carry to the inevitable edge we’re all approaching (and hopefully beyond!). Best wishes, and thanks again.

By: SoundBard – Heart of the Surround Rise: Steve Howe on Relishing Yes in 5.1, Playing Full Albums Live, And What to Expect From Heaven and Earth

Sat, 10 May 2014 21:57:31 +0000

[…] was very appreciative of you when he and I spoke about Edge in 5.1. He said having your input was invaluable to help keep things as faithful to the original as […]

By: Heart of the Surround Rise: Steve Howe on Relishing Yes in 5.1, Playing Full Albums Live, And What to Expect From Heaven and Earth | SoundBard

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:37:35 +0000

[…] He was very appreciative of you when he and I spoke about Edge in 5.1. He said having your input was invaluable to help keep things as faithful to the original as […]

By: Foundational prog albums - Close to the Edge - Kuyperian Commentary

Foundational prog albums - Close to the Edge - Kuyperian Commentary — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 11:00:50 +0000

[…] to the Edge as a reference. Wilson spoke recently about his approach to remixing this iconic album here. If you can spring for the Wilson remix (especially the Blu-Ray version) it is well worth the […]

By: Yes: New Album, Old Album Remixed, and a Tour Stop in Madison | Up the Downstair

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 19:16:53 +0000

[…] previously remixed Close to the Edge (Here’s an interesting interview with him about that project) and the rumor is that Going for the One is […]

By: Tammi

Tammi — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 04:55:58 +0000

That’s right, April 14th for The Yes Album.
Details at
http://stevenwilsonhq.com/sw/headphonedust/yes-the-yes-album-cdblu-ray/

By: Mike Mettler

Mike Mettler — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 16:02:34 +0000

Thank you all for the kind words. Much more surround-related writing to come from these quarters, guaranteed.

Good news: It looks like the next 5.1 Yes Blu-ray release will be The Yes Album, currently slated for late April… so get your ears ready, everyone!

MM
The SoundBard

By: Albert Sadler

Albert Sadler — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 10:21:21 +0000

Wonderful interview Mike! Steven Wilson’s work on the CTTE Blu-Ray is nothing short of awesome and still gets regular play in my listening room. I eagerly await his excellent work on the other Yes titles. Although Relayer and Tales of Topographic Oceans top my personal wish list, any one of Yes’ other albums in 5.1 will be just fine with this long time fan. Keep the great interviews coming, Mike.

By: Father McKenzie

Father McKenzie — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:42:20 +0000

Great interview ! I think SW did a brillant Job here. Love the 5.1 mixes.

By: The Cord of Life: Steven Wilson on the Prog Bible | Progarchy: Pointing toward Proghalla

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:26:50 +0000

[…] Steven Wilson interviewed about his 5.1 mix of Close to the Edge: […]