Political Beats Episode 135: Brad Birzer / Yes [Part 1] – Detailed Summary

Released on June 3, 2024, "Political Beats" hosted by National Review's Scot Bertram and Jeff Blehar delves into the musical passions of political figures. In Episode 135, titled "Brad Birzer / Yes [Part 1]," the hosts engage in an in-depth conversation with Brad Birzer, exploring his profound appreciation for the progressive rock band Yes. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest ([02:14] – [02:47])

The episode opens with Scot Bertram and Jeff Blehar introducing Brad Birzer as their guest. Birzer is a distinguished academic holding the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College, a prolific author, and the lyricist for the progressive rock band, the Bardic Depths. His extensive involvement with music—particularly his biography of Rush drummer Neil Peart and his admiration for Yes—sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the band's legacy.

Brad Birzer:
"I've actually been at Hillsdale now. It'll be 25 years this summer. So really my professional career has been here. And I'm a historian as well as a professor of American studies..."
[02:47]

2. Brad Birzer's Journey into Yes ([03:04] – [05:09])

Brad Birzer shares his long-standing relationship with music, beginning in 1975. Born in 1967, Birzer credits his older brothers for introducing him to progressive rock giants like Yes, Jethro Tull, and Kansas. His deep connection with Yes was sparked by their seminal 1973 album, "Yours is No Disgrace," which captivated him not just with its musicality but also its album art by Roger Dean.

Brad Birzer:
"The very first album that ever moved me, both in terms of its music as well as the art, was Yes's 'Songs'..."
[05:04]

3. Overcoming Prejudices and Embracing Yes ([05:09] – [12:39])

Jim, the third host, delves into his initial disdain for Yes, influenced by the prevailing musical prejudices of his youth. However, his perspective shifts during college when he immerses himself in Yes's discography, particularly through the "Yes Years" box set. This transformation underscores the band's ability to transcend early criticisms and establish a unique sound.

Jim:
"What happened to me when I was a kid... I started off with a prejudice against them... But what happened is I need to get the rest of the albums... God help me, I'm a Yes fan."
[10:00]

4. The Unique Essence of Yes ([12:39] – [15:55])

Birzer articulates what sets Yes apart: their earnestness, intellectual depth, and unparalleled musical chemistry. He highlights their distinctiveness, noting that despite lineup changes, Yes maintains a sound that's unmistakably their own. The integration of Roger Dean's visionary artwork further amplifies their unique identity.

Brad Birzer:
"I think one of the things that Yes always does is they're just utterly earnest... They are very inviting, very intellectual."
[15:55]

5. Analyzing the Debut Album "Yes" ([15:55] – [29:33])

The discussion transitions to Yes's debut album, "Yes," released in 1969. The hosts examine the album's eclectic mix of covers and original tracks, emphasizing the band's early experimentation. They critique the production and varying songwriting quality but acknowledge tracks like "Looking Around" and their Beatles cover, "Every Little Thing," as standout performances showcasing the band's potential.

Jim on "Looking Around":
"It's big. It's just all Tony K, really. It's all organ, you know..."
[29:33]

Brad Birzer:
"I really like it. I think it's great... Especially on the second album..."
[30:08]

6. The Evolution with "Time and a Word" ([29:33] – [35:35])

"Time and a Word," Yes's second album, introduced orchestral elements, aiming to create a grander sound. However, the inclusion of strings received mixed reviews due to perceived mismatches and production inconsistencies. Despite these critiques, Birzer appreciates tracks like "Time and a Word" and "Sweet Dreams," recognizing the band's ambition to expand their musical horizons.

Brad Birzer:
"I really like this album and the strings don't bother me at all... It's very creative."
[35:35]

Jeff Blair:
"There's some nice accents towards the very end of the track... Time and a Word is just a very lovely melody."
[53:47]

7. Steve Howe's Arrival and the Third Album "Yes" ([35:35] – [62:58])

The conversation shifts to the pivotal moment when Steve Howe joins Yes as the new guitarist, marking a significant evolution in their sound. The third album, self-titled "Yes," became a breakthrough, featuring hits like "Yours is No Disgrace," "Starship Trooper," and "I've Seen All Good People." The hosts praise Howe's versatility and the album's polished production, attributing the band's ascent to Howe's guitar prowess and the improved synergy within the group.

Jim:
"Steve Howe becomes the guitar show for Yes... There's a really good reason for that."
[61:55]

Brad Birzer:
"Yours is No Disgrace... Starship Trooper is just... such a great song."
[67:49]

8. The Masterpiece "Fragile" ([89:17] – [103:30])

"Fragile," released in 1971, is heralded as one of Yes's most iconic albums. With Rick Wakeman on keyboards and Roger Dean's stunning artwork, the album boasts classics like "Roundabout," "Heart of the Sunrise," and "South Side of the Sky." The production quality, intricate compositions, and standout performances are lauded, solidifying "Fragile" as a cornerstone of progressive rock.

Brad Birzer:
"I love Fragile, Roundabout... That's my top five albums of all time. And in no order, Close to the Edge by Yes..."
[90:56]

Jim:
"Fragile is a fantastic record. It begins with 'Roundabout,' which is the moment where Rick Wakeman first makes himself heard."
[90:51]

9. "Close to the Edge" – A Prog Rock Pinnacle ([110:13] – [134:45])

"Close to the Edge," Yes's fourth album, represents the zenith of their progressive ambitions. The album's title track, an 18-minute epic, showcases intricate musical structures and thematic depth, earning widespread acclaim. The hosts debate its standing as one of the greatest progressive rock albums, highlighting its complex arrangements, lyrical mystique, and the dynamic interplay between band members.

Jim:
"It's like listening to an Italian opera... I consider 'Close to the Edge' to be... nearly perfect."
[160:00]

Brad Birzer:
"Close to the Edge is pretty much perfect... It is the album that launched Yes to mega stardom."
[121:25]

10. Live Performances and "Yes Songs" ([137:38] – [159:58])

The discussion moves to Yes's live performances, particularly highlighting the live album "Yes Songs." Despite initial skepticism about live albums, Jim and Jeff express appreciation for the energy and authenticity captured in these recordings. They emphasize how live renditions of classics like "Starship Trooper" and "Yours is No Disgrace" offer a fresh and exhilarating experience, underscoring the band's prowess on stage.

Jim:
"I just think this is where the genius of that album is focused in a very fittingly. It's right around the center of the record."
[75:49]

Jeff Blair:
"And, you know, what I noticed immediately, too is..."
[68:00]

11. The Controversial "Tales from Topographic Oceans" ([160:00] – [164:22])

Wrapping up Part 1, the hosts tackle "Tales from Topographic Oceans," Yes's ambitious double album infamous for its lengthy tracks and perceived overindulgence. While acknowledging moments of musical brilliance, they critique the album's structure and execution, debating its place in progressive rock lore. Birzer describes it as a "brilliant failure," appreciating its intent but questioning its practical realization.

Jim:
"It's a prisoner of its format rather than the ideas that would have far better served it."
[168:53]

Brad Birzer:
"It's one of those albums... a brilliant failure... but I'm glad it exists."
[164:22]

12. Recommendations and Closing Remarks ([170:13] – [176:34])

As the episode concludes, Brad Birzer recommends essential Yes albums and tracks for newcomers, emphasizing "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge" as must-owns. He also highlights standout songs like "Yours is No Disgrace," "Roundabout," and "Starship Trooper." Jeff Blair and Jim offer their own selections, ensuring listeners have curated entry points into Yes's expansive discography.

Brad Birzer:
"The two albums that I think are absolutely essential are Fragile and Close to the Edge. Just incredible. And the songs for me... Roundabout, and Starship Trooper."
[170:41]

Jeff Blair:
"My two albums are the Yes album and Fragile... My five songs... 'Yours is No Disgrace,' 'Perpetual Change,' 'Roundabout,' 'Close to the Edge,' 'Siberian Katru.'"
[170:41]

Conclusion

Episode 135 of "Political Beats" offers a thorough exploration of Yes's formative years, dissecting their musical evolution, lineup changes, and seminal albums through the insightful lens of Brad Birzer. The hosts navigate both praise and criticism, providing listeners with a balanced perspective on why Yes remains a pivotal force in progressive rock. As the conversation wraps up Part 1, anticipation builds for Part 2, where the discussion will continue with the album "Relayer" and further delve into Yes's enduring legacy.