drama vinyl

It sounds like you're asking about Drama, the 1980 album by the British rock band Yes. Here is a breakdown of the album, its history, and its vinyl release. What is Drama? Drama is the tenth studio album by Yes, released on August 18, 1980. It's a pivotal and often underrated album in their catalog for two main reasons: A New Lineup: This was the first album without their iconic singer, Jon Anderson (who left to pursue a solo project) and without original keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The remaining membersSteve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), and Alan White (drums)recruited two new members from the band The Buggles: Trevor Horn (vocals) and Geoff Downes (keyboards). A Heavier Sound: The album is known for a harder, more aggressive, and synth-driven sound compared to the pastoral, ethereal sound of the 1970s Yes. It bridges the classic progressive rock of the '70s with the new wave and pop sensibilities of the early '80s. Key Tracks on Drama "Machine Messiah" (Side 1, Track 1): A powerful, driving, and complex 10-minute opener with heavy guitar riffs and apocalyptic lyrics. A fan favorite. "White Car" (Side 1, Track 2): A short, eerie, keyboard-driven instrumental piece. "Does It Really Happen?" (Side 1, Track 4): A more accessible, almost pop-rock track with a catchy chorus. "Into the Lens" (Side 2, Track 1): A reworking of a Buggles song ("I Am a Camera"). This version is more progressive and dynamic. "Tempus Fugit" (Side 2, Track 3): A fast, driving, and technically impressive rocker that showcases the band's new energy. "Run Through the Light" (Side 2, Track 4): A slower, atmospheric piece. "Does It Really Happen?" (Side 2, Track 5): A bonus track on some reissues. Fun Fact: The working titles for the album's songs were often hilarious. "Machine Messiah" was originally "Moneylenders," "Into the Lens" was "I Am a Camera," and "Tempus Fugit" was "Rope Ladder to the Moon" (a John Lennon reference). The Drama Vinyl Experience If you're looking to buy or listen to Drama on vinyl, here's what to know: The Original 1980 Pressing Label: Atlantic Records (catalog number: SD 16019 in the US, K 50775 in the UK). Cover: The iconic cover art by Roger Dean features a surreal landscape with a strange, beaked figure holding a spear. It is a large, fold-out gatefold sleeve. Sound: The original vinyl is known for its powerful, punchy, and dynamic sound. It has a high-quality pressing with a wide stereo image that really captures the heavy bass and sharp synths. Many audiophiles and Yes fans consider it one of the best-sounding Yes albums on original vinyl. Inner Sleeve: It typically comes with a plain white or black inner sleeve with lyrics printed on it. Value: Original pressings in good condition are highly sought after. A clean copy of the US or UK original can fetch anywhere from 30 to 100+ depending on condition. Reissues (2000s-Present) Atlantic/Rhino Reissues: There have been several reissues, including a 2004 remastered edition (on 180-gram vinyl) and a 2010 "Original Master" edition. These are generally good and more affordable. Rhino's "Hi-Res" Reissue (2020): This is likely the most modern reissue. It's a high-quality pressing but may not have the same "warmth" of the original. Modern Standard Reissues: You can find standard black vinyl reissues for 20-30. The "Steven Wilson Remix" on Vinyl (2012) This is the definitive edition for many modern listeners. Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree) remixed the album from the original multitrack tapes, creating a stunningly clear, wide, and immersive stereo mix. It's a different experience from the original, with more separation and clarity. It was released as a 2-LP set on 180-gram vinyl. This allows for longer run times and better sound quality. It also includes three bonus tracks ("White Car" (single version), "Into the Lens" (single version), and "Run Through the Light" (single version)). Value: This 2-LP set is a fantastic way to own the album. It typically sells for 30-50. Should You Buy Drama on Vinyl? Yes, if: You love classic progressive rock. You want a heavier, more guitar-driven Yes album. You are a fan of the "Buggles" era or Trevor Horn's production style. You want a vinyl record that sounds fantastic and dynamic. You are looking for a key album in the era of "new wave" progressive rock. Maybe not if: You only like the classic Jon Anderson/Topographic Oceans era. You prefer the more gentle, keyboards-heavy sound of Fragile or Close to the Edge. How to Find It Online: Discogs (best for finding specific pressings and prices), eBay, Amazon (new reissues). Local: Record stores. In short: Drama is a fantastic, underrated Yes album with a great, energetic sound that lends itself beautifully to vinyl. A copy of the original pressing or the Steven Wilson remix is a fantastic addition to any record collection.