Steven Wilson Yes "Fragile" Super Deluxe Edition out in June with Dolby Atmos mix!

[esimms86]

Far from it, next year sees the next version of Fragile through a new technology where YES appears in your lounge room and plays the album holographically.

If ABBA can go on a virtual tour as a hologram(I believe Zappa did as well? ) then YES can definitely repackage Fragile for at home holographic playback. Only problem is, they would still package it with vinyl included.

 

[esimms86]

Far from it, next year sees the next version of Fragile through a new technology where YES appears in your lounge room and plays the album holographically.

Tales From Holographic Oceans would be the follow up.

 

[Petr Kropotkin]

Going for $58.33 on Amazon now (or for curious Canadians, Amazon.ca has it for CAD$91.64)

Yes - Fragile

 

[Shermatz]

Vote: 9
Finally got a chance to listen to this. Still haven't bought it since I refuse to play a part in the wastefulness of these overstuffed box sets. The mix is great, very rear heavy which comes off a bit strong but overall I like it. Can't really remember how the 2015 5.1 sounds so just going off the Atmos. So, 3 points for the mix, 3 points for the music, 3 points for the content, and 0 points for the overall package as labels need to move past forcing vinyl on everybody and just sell the individual Blu-ray (or better yet, digital versions).

I understand your objections to being obliged to pay extra for a new vinyl copy, but for us vinyl-era "legacy" fans, these new bundles are pure catnip. The merit of the music is already locked down, we can just bask in the compare & contrast fun of re-experiencing this foundational prog masterpiece in its native format ALONG WITH the new Atmos/5.1 mix. I wouldn't pull the trigger for a "deluxe" re-issue of, say, "Tormato," but "Fragile", ABSOLUTELY (likewise the earlier "Yes Album" deluxe package).

 

[minimumtumbleweed]

I understand your objections to being obliged to pay extra for a new vinyl copy, but for us vinyl-era "legacy" fans, these new bundles are pure catnip. The merit of the music is already locked down, we can just bask in the compare & contrast fun of re-experiencing this foundational prog masterpiece in its native format ALONG WITH the new Atmos/5.1 mix. I wouldn't pull the trigger for a "deluxe" re-issue of, say, "Tormato," but "Fragile", ABSOLUTELY (likewise the earlier "Yes Album" deluxe package).

Sure but I mean, you could also just buy the vinyl and the Blu-ray if that was even an option... probably would still be cheaper than the box set... and gives everyone their choice...

 

[edisonbaggins]

Very curious whether @ForagingRhino can or would wish to express his views on the topic, or those of Rhino records. He might personally want to steer clear of the conversation, might be under NDA, etc.

At least it would be nice to know that Rhino is aware that some patrons do not love multichannel discs trapped in deluxe box sets.

This is sometimes referred to as T.O.M.B.S.
(Tired of Mega Box Sets).

 

[Marplot]

I think that the views of Rhino are obvious, big boxes are better.
Part of it is likely due to the vinyl resurgence and then of course an economy of scale with only having one package to track, display and sell.

But I'm in agreement, as a consumer I wish we had the choice of how to get the surround. At least the Yes prices are better than the Beatles and Rush; the mixes as well.

 

[Thonolan]

But I'm in agreement, as a consumer I wish we had the choice of how to get the surround. At least the Yes prices are better than the Beatles and Rush; the mixes as well.

And not nearly as bulky as the Rush box sets, which I even had in my hands but never bought. I'm fine with the format of these Yes editions actually; I even appreciate the vinyl, because it contains a different (and very, very good) mastering of the original stereo mix, which I always enjoy. I will be less happy about Close to the Edge, since I already own an excellent vinyl pressing of that one, but I can live with that.

But I'm aware that most would prefer separate releases, and that would probably be the right thing to do.

 

[sbrom]

I do enjoy the Fragile release, well worth the price. Waiting for CTTE with bated breath!

 

[srbjab]

It's pretty clear that Rhino is locked into the bloated with vinyl box set approach with the Yes reissues, but at least the similarly bloated launch price for each title has reduced almost by half a few months after release. It's still a painful purchase and a waste of plastic if you don't care about vinyl, but it's something I can live with. I admit I do like the LP sized artwork on these sets. However, I shudder to think what they will be asking for Tales From Topographic Oceans when that comes out.

 

[Shermatz]

TFTO's gonna be a stretch, that's for sure, but YES, I'll probably clench my jaw & buy it. I was there when it first came out, and it DEFINITELY challenged me as a 15-16 year old still exploring the red-shifting universe of '70's progrock. So "I got history" with TFTO especially, and I'm eager to hear it in full multi-channel bloom once it's ready. Hopefully this will also lead us to "Relayer" eventually, which to my ears was their last "GREAT" album until their West Coast Yes rebirth with 90125. But that's another post & topic!

 

[srbjab]

Yeah, I've resigned myself to buying these big box reissues up through Relayer - assuming they continue with the series - but no further. For me, the quality drop off for the rest of the catalog was pretty steep barring a few titles here and there. I'd definitely be in for some additional title surround remixes, but not if they continue to be locked in big boxes.

 

[Shermatz]

I know it's controversial but my #1 favorite Yes album is still "Talk" from 1994. This one STILL staggers me. Unfortunately, mastermind Trevor Rabin is a quad/surround naysayer, however a great CD/LP reissue was released earlier this year (via UK Burning Shed) & you CAN purchase CD's or vinyl, your choice. Inexplicably "Talk" was a huge commercial failure, but to my ears it was, AND REMAINS, Yes' highest pinnacle. The "Endless Dream/Talk" suite is 1.5 times BETTER than "Close to the Edge" IMHO. I realize I'm really stirring the pot here, but I'll sat it & own it! I know I'm not the only Yes fan standing up for "Talk".

Trevor's solo LP, "Don't Look Away" was also VERY good, essential I think for West Coast Yes fans.

 

[Thonolan]

Yeah, I've resigned myself to buying these big box reissues up through Relayer - assuming they continue with the series - but no further. For me, the quality drop off for the rest of the catalog was pretty steep barring a few titles here and there. I'd definitely be in for some additional title surround remixes, but not if they continue to be locked in big boxes.

I'd buy a box set of Going for the One bigger than my bedroom if that meant I'd get to hear "Awaken" in glorious surround, but unless a miracle happens and they find the multitracks, I won't even have the chance.

 

[srbjab]

Of of the many albums following Relayer, I would most be interested in deluxe/surround editions of Drama, 90125 and Talk (very underrated). Of these, I think only 90125 is likely to make the jump to Atmos. From what I've read, technical reasons (missing multi-track tapes, unsupported digital mixing formats, etc.) are preventing the other two from being remixed. However, I did read a 2023 article in Sound and Vision featuring Trevor Rabin where he talked enthusiastically about mixing Rio in 5.1, and he seemed very open to mixing older Yes titles such as 90125, Union and even Talk in surround/Atmos. At least he wasn't against it.

 

[Farles]

Trevor's solo LP, "Don't Look Away" was also VERY good, essential I think for West Coast Yes fans

You mean 'Can't Look Away', I assume. I remember that album fondly, and specifically the song 'Sorrow (Your Heart)'. Catchy tune!

Our own Bob Ezrin was quite involved too

 

[Shermatz]

"CAN'T Look Away" is correct! Thx for the correction!

 

[zabble]

Our own Bob Ezrin was quite involved too

Are you inferring that BE is a member here? If so, I wasn’t aware.

 

[jimfisheye]

... Tales From Topographic Oceans when that comes out.

Yeah the ultra big box for the ever so popular seller TFTO. When that comes out.
I like the positive thinking a lot though! I might just be inclined to buy such a box for this one if they did such a thing just to support that kind of madness!

I would actually like to hear what Wilson would do with Tales in 12 channels after hearing the last two. Fragile here is somehow again a surprise how good the new remix is. I wasn't expecting this level of improvement. Right on the heels of the 5.1 remixes seemed ridiculous. These boxes with vinyl seemed ridiculous. The new mixes are really good though whatever we might say about all that.

 

[Farles]

Are you inferring that BE is a member here? If so, I wasn’t aware.

Haha, no, sorry...I meant that he is Canadian.