Records

Rip It Up, Issue 149, 1 December 1989, Page 38

Records

ANDERSON, BRUFORD, WAKEMAN, HOWE. Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. ’ (Arista) _ Jon Anderson left Yes ayearago to re-collaborate with these other three former Yes musicians, so now it's like there are two Yes bands on earth with original members ineach. Whether you think this is a big dread or double Christmas, nothing will alter the fact that these master-musos make positive music on a grand scale. - The compositions on this hour-long album are arranged with sub-divided sections intertwining to become one whole piece in a way not practiced since the epic Close To The Edgein 1972, an album to which all these musicians contributed. They even re-assigned Roger Dean who did all the amazing artwork for Yesin the 70s, to do the new cover and stage set. Otherfriends who have assisted them are Vangelis and Geoff Downes (also oncein Yes), who helped co-write the intricate pop single ‘Brother Of Mine'. The songs range from the super-structured ‘Order Of The Universe'to the short and simple ‘The Meeting'. ‘Birthright'is about Aborigines that were living where the British tested an atom bombin 1954 and sounds like it's from the Going For The One period. Teakbois' explores the rhythms of South America. Rick Wakeman's keyboards are prominent

indeed with huge waves of synthesiser and some beautiful piano playing throughout. Steve Howe's guitar and Bill Bruford's drumming alternate from powerful electric to acoustic subtelties and it's obvious why they were and still are such leaders in their field. Anderson, of course, sings in his unique high voice with lyrics of love and freedom. The only ingredient noticeably lacking is the big sound of supreme bassist Chris Squire, though Tony Levin ‘does a commendable job. Instead of joining them all, Squire filed a lawsuit against ABWH for using the Yes name in their advertising. GEOFFDUNN THEDEAD MILKMEN Beelzebubba (Liberation) e As you might know, I'm not really an alternative sort of guy, So there | was, watching the Beasts of Bourbon, in the midst of a blues-induced acid flashback. Having just finished my tenth Elephant Beer (“The Breakfast Of Champions”) it was fime to get to grips with this Dead Milkmen thing. First off, i's a great album cover, with this hunk of American standing next to his machine called Bush Hog, which bought back fond memories of Boss Hog in that intellectual smorgasbord The Dukes Of Hazzard. It also has song titles like ‘Sri Lanka Sex Hotel’ and ‘Life Is Shit'. So | liked the cover and itles, which is where | should have stopped, because it's the sort of record designed for people with brains the size of their dicks. It sounds like the band who

practice in my neighbour’s foilet, the fast guitar strum with tinny snare drum and no brass. Then there’s the vocalist, | use the term loosely, with the post-adolescent whine. The songs are all moaning and groaning about college kids, red necks and art fans. Set up atarget and knock the wind out of it. Pathetic petty bourgeois bunch of losers who with their fourth (countem: 1, 2,3, 4) album confirm Marx’s statement that capitalism creates its own grave diggers. KERRY BUCHANAN OVERKILL , The Years Of Decay (Geffen) Sounds as if the muffler’s fallen off the back of the Holden on this one. And with songs like ‘Time To Kill’, ‘Elimination’ and ‘I Hate’, it must be an expensive fix up job as well. Speed metal for the hard core. Not my cup of teq, butthen again | have a suspicion these guys are more inclined to eat the cups anyway. BRUCEHUDSON