"Yes vs. Genesis"

Do you want to start a debate? Then the quickest way is to join a forum or group for progressive rock and naively ask which band, Yes or Genesis, is the best. You will not receive any scorn, hateful comments or death threats. Progressive rock fans are kind, reflective and forgiving. You will probably start a polite academic discussion with arguments and counterarguments. Of course, with a few reservations or qualifications. My first encounter with Yes and Genesis was in the mid 1970s. I was listening to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple at the time. My neighbour of the same age had skipped the "Big 3" and went directly to listening to Yes and Genesis. In my eyes, very refined and sophisticated. But, I didn't get it. Pretentious song titles, stochastic tempo changes, weird song structures and high-pitched vocals. Not my cup of tea, which was doom and gloom. My second encounter with Yes and Genesis was in the early 1980s during my university studies. More people that had skipped the "Big 3". My initial repulsion had diminished somewhat. But it didn't really take the second time either. However, since then my interest has grown slowly but surely. In my collection today; "The Yes Album", "Fragile", "Close To The Edge", "Tales From Topographic Oceans", "Relayer" and "Going For The One", "Trespass", "Foxtrot", "Selling England By The Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway". In the coldly analyzing monologues in forums and groups the average progressive rock fan (and it's always a man) normally conclude: "It's close, but I have to go for Yes". Not me. Genesis is the best band. Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.