by Paul Collins

Legally released, but without the knowledge of the band, this two-CD compilation of early Yes appearances on British, French, and German radio shows is perhaps the best that fans can hope for; except for the title track of "Time and a Word," Yes has never bothered to release live versions of songs off its first two albums. Most of these early songs turn up here, and there's even an prototype of "Starship Trooper" in the previously unreleased "For Everyone." Stripped raw of their studio padding, the Time and a Word cuts attain a ragged beauty, especially in redlining versions of "Dear Father" and "No Opportunity Neccessary." The liner notes were clearly a labor of love, with newspaper clippings, posters, recording notes, unpublished photos, and dishy notes by a thoroughly unrepentant Peter Banks. Despite variable sound quality, and an inevitable garage-band grittiness, it's a fine artifact. Released in the U.S. in 1998 as Beyond and Before.