What's Happening?
Spirit Of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records have announced the upcoming release of 'Keys To Ascension: The Studio Recordings,' a new collection featuring all studio recordings from YES's original 'Keys To Ascension' albums. This compilation will be
available on January 29, 2027, in multiple formats, including a gatefold double vinyl edition, a limited yellow double vinyl edition exclusively through the Official YES Store, and a studio CD edition. Notably, this marks the first time these studio recordings will be released on vinyl. The original 'Keys To Ascension' albums, released in 1996 and 1997, combined new studio material with live concert recordings. The studio sessions took place in San Luis Obispo, California, during 1996-1997, coinciding with three live shows by the reunited band in March 1996. This new 2LP set will compile all seven studio tracks from both original albums, totaling approximately 75 minutes of music, including tracks like 'Be The One,' 'That, That Is,' 'Mind Drive,' 'Foot Prints,' and 'Children Of The Light.'
Why It's Important?
This release is significant for fans of the progressive rock band YES, particularly those who value physical media and the vinyl format. The 'Keys To Ascension' sessions hold a unique place in the band's history as they were the first studio recordings from the classic quintet of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White, and Rick Wakeman since their 1978 album 'Tormato.' Furthermore, these sessions proved to be the last studio recordings from this celebrated lineup, making the material historically important. The availability of these tracks on vinyl for the first time caters to collectors and audiophiles, potentially driving renewed interest in this specific period of YES's discography. The inclusion of new artwork by Roger Dean, a long-time collaborator with YES, and new liner notes from Prog magazine's Jerry Ewing, adds further value and context for fans, enhancing the overall package and its appeal within the music market.
What's Next?
The 'Keys To Ascension: The Studio Recordings' collection is scheduled for release on January 29, 2027. Fans can pre-order the various editions, including the limited yellow double vinyl, which will be exclusively available at the Official YES Store. Following the release, the collection is expected to be reviewed by music critics and discussed within the progressive rock community. The availability of these recordings on vinyl for the first time may lead to increased sales and potentially introduce this material to a new generation of listeners. The renewed focus on this specific era of YES's music could also spark interest in other re-releases or archival projects from the band's extensive catalog. The involvement of Roger Dean and Jerry Ewing suggests a comprehensive and curated package, which could set a precedent for future reissues of classic rock albums.
Beyond the Headlines
The release of 'Keys To Ascension: The Studio Recordings' on vinyl highlights a broader trend in the music industry: the resurgence and continued demand for physical media, particularly vinyl records. This trend reflects a desire among consumers for a more tangible and immersive listening experience, moving beyond purely digital formats. For YES, a band with a long and influential history in progressive rock, this re-release underscores the enduring legacy of their music and the loyalty of their fanbase. It also speaks to the artistic and historical value placed on specific band lineups and recording sessions. The decision to compile and re-release these particular studio tracks, especially given their historical significance as both a reunion and a farewell for a classic lineup, emphasizes the importance of preserving and re-presenting musical heritage in new and accessible ways. This move could also inspire other legacy bands to revisit and re-package their own historically significant recordings for contemporary audiences.
