Shoot High Aim Low

The Zoo Crew is spinning the trippy vibes of Yes's "Shoot High Aim Low" from their 1987 album Big Generator, a track that’s a favorite among Zoo Freaks for its cosmic blend of progressive rock and 80s polish. This song, clocking in at over seven minutes, showcases the band’s knack for layering intricate instrumentation with dreamy harmonies, a perfect fit for the Crew’s psychedelic airwaves. In a 2014 interview, frontman Jon Anderson called the song “magical” in live performances, hinting at its ability to transport listeners to a higher plane, which aligns with the Zoo Freaks’ love for mind-expanding tunes. Interestingly, despite its popularity among fans, the track was never played live by Yes after the Big Generator tour ended in 1988, a fact that’s sparked endless debates on fan forums like the Yesfans Facebook group. The song’s complex structure, with Trevor Rabin’s soaring guitar riffs and Anderson’s ethereal vocals, made it a standout, yet its absence from later setlists remains a mystery, adding to its cult status.

Another tidbit from the Big Generator era reveals the song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Rabin and Anderson weaving contrasting themes of ambition and restraint into the lyrics, reflecting the band’s own struggles to balance commercial success with artistic integrity. Fans on Yes’s X account have shared how the song’s duality resonates with them, often citing lines like “shoot high, aim low” as a mantra for navigating life’s highs and lows. The Big Generator album itself stirred controversy, with some critics arguing it strayed too far from Yes’s 70s prog roots, but tracks like this one proved the band could still deliver intricate, soul-stirring music. The Zoo Crew likely picked this track to spark that exact debate among their listeners, knowing the Freaks will be calling in to share their own takes on its place in Yes’s legacy.

Yes began in London in 1968, born from the creative collision of Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The two met at a Soho club, bonding over their love for harmony-driven bands like Simon & Garfunkel and a shared vision to push rock into uncharted territory. Anderson, a former milkman with a penchant for singing, and Squire, a choirboy-turned-rocker, recruited drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks, and keyboardist Tony Kaye to form the original lineup. Their early gigs in London’s underground clubs, like the Marquee, built a buzz around their ambitious sound, blending classical influences, jazz, and psychedelic rock. By 1969, they released their self-titled debut album, but it was 1971’s The Yes Album and Fragile, with guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman joining, that catapulted them to global fame. Albums like Close to the Edge cemented their reputation as prog-rock pioneers, a legacy that still fuels the Zoo Crew’s playlists.

Fans can dive deeper into Yes’s world through their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and archival goodies. Their Facebook page keeps the community buzzing with throwback photos and album anniversaries, while Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of current tours and band rehearsals. On X, Yes engages directly with fans, often retweeting Zoo Freak-style enthusiasm for tracks like “Shoot High Aim Low.” For those craving fan-driven content, the Yesfans Facebook group is a vibrant hub where thousands discuss everything from setlist predictions to rare vinyl finds. Another gem is the fan site Relayer, packed with discographies, live bootleg reviews, and tributes to the band’s ever-evolving lineup. The Zoo Crew and their Freaks are clearly in good company with this passionate fanbase.