Jon Anderson: Survival & Other Stories

Yes? Definitely.

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Enjoying a full release after previously only being available at Anderson’s on-tour merchandising stalls, this will sound as exhilarating to Yes diehards as the title (referencing his anthem from the band’s 1969 debut) will prove evocative.

Collaborating on the internet with a range of musicians (how modern!), he surfs a wave of positivity and blissed-out euphoria, which might on one level whiff of hippy patchouli but on another reveals what a huge influence his music has been on the likes of Flaming Lips and Devendra Banhart.

If the cyber-world recording technique means that his distinctive voice occasionally leaps startlingly out of the mix, that undimmed near-falsetto sounds luxuriously at home on the splendid blend of guitars and operatics of New New World, the flickering, techno-tasting acoustics of Unbroken Spirit and the eight-minute hymnal Incoming.

Big Buddha Song may be a leap of faith (and religiosity) too far for some, but his Zen and zeal are warm, infectious and hugely likeable.

Chris Roberts

Chris Roberts has written about music, films, and art for innumerable outlets. His new book The Velvet Underground is out April 4. He has also published books on Lou Reed, Elton John, the Gothic arts, Talk Talk, Kate Moss, Scarlett Johansson, Abba, Tom Jones and others. Among his interviewees over the years have been David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Bryan Ferry, Al Green, Tom Waits & Lou Reed. Born in North Wales, he lives in London.