Yes: Long Distance Runaround

Our Friday Flipside comes from the 1972 “Fragile” by Yes. The song proper was the “B” side to single featuring “Roundabout.” Album radio generally tracked the next song “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)” with “Long Distance Runaround” as there is a natural segue of the two tunes.

It is said that Jon Anderson wrote the tune after becoming disillusioned with the Anglican Church. The song features the classic line-up of the band with Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe – guitar, bass by Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman playing keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums.

The single “Roundabout” was the band’s second to chart in the Top 40 and first to chart within the Top 20, as it peaked at #13. Other Top 40 singles for Yes include the following: “I’ve See All Good People: Your Move” at #40, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” at #1, “Leave It” at #24, “Love Will Find A Way” at #30, and “Rhythm of Love” at #40.

Album Version with The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)

The long version also includes “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)” and was composed by Chris Squire. It was often used by the band to give Squire a vehicle for which to solo.