An honourable mention for 'The Yes album' (1971) by Yes. The album's producion is commendably lean with just the right amount of prominence given to each of the featured instruments - Kaye's nicely-judged piano and organ parts and sparing use of synth, alongside Howe's wonderfully versatile and technically brilliant acoustic and electric guitar work. This provides ample room for the band's rhythm section - Squire's throaty, toppy Rickenbacker 6003 bass and Bruford's vibrant, jazz-inflected drumming - to shine through. The original 1994 remaster by Joe Gastwirt is perfectly judged -- bright, open and spacious. Later Yes albums (even the hugely wonderful 'Close to the Edge') sound cluttered by comparison. Yes are a great band and this is their best-recorded album -- a testament to simplicity.