And You and I: Cord of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse

Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of And You and I: Cord of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher The Teacher / Apocalypse by Yes from their seminal album Close to the Edge. This ten-minute prog rock epic, released in 1972, is a four-part journey that showcases the band’s intricate musicianship. The song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, and Steve Howe all contributing. Drummer Bill Bruford noted in interviews that his input was minimal, describing it as “a handful of chords and a sliver of melody” at specific points in the track, like at 3:45 and 8:11. Lead vocalist Jon Anderson called it “The Protest Song” during live performances in 1972, hinting at its lyrical depth, which explores themes of human connection and cosmic unity. Guitarist Steve Howe opens the track with a 12-string acoustic, his voice faintly audible at the start, setting a reflective tone with natural guitar harmonics.

The song’s structure is a masterclass in progressive rock, moving through its four movements with fluidity. The Eclipse section features Rick Wakeman’s Minimoog, weaving a melody that echoes the opening Cord of Life, while Chris Squire’s bass interlude in The Preacher The Teacher adds a dynamic shift. In a 2016 interview with AficionadoMusic, Steve Howe shared that Close to the Edge allowed Yes to “stylize the group for each song individually,” highlighting the album’s experimental freedom. A 2022 post from @yesofficial celebrated the album’s 50th anniversary, calling it a “masterpiece” and linking to an Ultimate Classic Rock article that dives into its legacy. The song’s first two parts were released as a single edit, peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare chart appearance for such an ambitious piece.

Yes formed in London in 1968, born from the psychedelic rock scene. Jon Anderson and Chris Squire, the band’s core, met through their earlier project, Mabel Greer’s Toyshop. Joined by guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford, they started with a mix of original songs and covers, blending rock, pop, blues, and jazz. Their first two albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970), laid the groundwork, but it was 1970’s shift toward progressive rock that defined them. The addition of Steve Howe and later Rick Wakeman brought virtuosity, leading to classics like Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972). Their collaboration with artist Roger Dean, who designed their iconic logo and album art, cemented their visual identity. Over the years, 20 musicians have been part of Yes, with the current lineup featuring Jon Davison, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Yes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where the band shares tour updates and anniversary posts. Fans also gather on sites like Music Video Wiki and in communities like the Yes Fans Facebook group, where devotees discuss the band’s history and share rare live recordings. For deeper dives, check out Wikipedia or the band’s official site for discography and tour details. Keep those dials locked to THE ZOO as we ride the waves of And You and I!