In August 1997, Elliott Smith was on the cusp of gaining wider recognition in the indie rock scene, having just released his self-titled album "Elliott Smith" earlier that year. This album marked a significant moment in his career as it was his first solo effort after his work with the band Heatmiser. The live recording of "Say Yes" from the Yoyo A Go Go festival captures Smith during a pivotal period as he was beginning to build a devoted fanbase and receiving critical acclaim for his introspective songwriting and unique sound. Notably, "Say Yes" has become one of his beloved tracks, showcasing his knack for blending melancholy themes with melodic hooks. This performance exemplifies his raw emotional delivery and the intimate atmosphere of his early shows, which resonated strongly with audiences and laid the groundwork for his later successes in the music industry.