who hates "Dont Kill the Whale?"

[soulsearcher]

yesfans,
it has been brought to my attention by sonicdeath that most people hate the song "dont kill the whale".
i think this is a gross overstatement.
i would like to see if this is true.
let me know.

[Erdy1]

It is my least favorite song on Tormato. I really like Tormato, but I often skip "Don't Kill the Wale." I don't hate it, though. I reserve my hate for Owner, Saving My Heart, and about half of the songs on OYE. :gok:

[deelovesyes]

I honestly never cared for it, Had a very time listening to it

Until I saw it live last tour, it has now become 1 of my most favorite.
Absolutely love it

Dee

[Faceintheplace]

I don't play the original too much but I like the "Yesshows" version live and they also played it really well when I saw them in Ottawa back in 2002.

[soulsearcher]

the yesshows version is also my fave, probably 'cause jon says "dig it"LOL! also cause he goes into his little shpeel..(sp??) about the band and the crew.
it kind of kicks off the album, and it was the first thing i heard every time, and i listened to that album pretty much every day for ...how many years? 10? and then every other day after that. LOL!

[Ancient Al]

I also was never a fan of the song until I heard it live. What a treat!

[ANTIOCH]

On the 'YES Videos' VHS, Rick explains how the band felt very strong about conveying this message and for that alone; it's worth the listen. And I agree with you all, 'Live' it kicks !!

[Dantalion Rides Again]

I found it weird at first . . . kind of clashes with the catalog up to that point.

But no, I don't hate it. It's not my favorite on Tormato by any stretch, but it's enjoyable enough to me.

[Original_Shifty]

I don't mind the song really. It's not my fav by far, but it's pretty good.

[soulsearcher]

so,.... so far, "hate" is not the key word, thank god, for DKTW.
and yes, the message is key,
and no, it doesnt sound anything like "wind on the water" by CSN.

[yarstruly]

It is a song that has grown on me of late, possibly because of being played live recently. I chuckle at the "Dig It"'s but it was of the time......

[Mr. Holland]

Well, I am the exception then I recon, I have always liked this song, especially the weird sounding keyboardsolo in it and the live version from last year is even better then the studio version, but opposed to a lot of other people this song has, together with OTSWOF and Release Release, always been my one of myfavorites from Tormato.......

[bataisflow]

It's a great song, better live, loved it since it came out as with all of Tormato!

[soulsearcher]

so far it is looking good for "don't kill the whale"....

"you like me, you really like me!!
LOL!

[Silent_wings]

I love it
Always have!

I suppose I love the message more than the song.

The version they did in Cleveland is just awesome!

Everyone should have a copy of that show it's killer.

Thank you Earl for giving me that one.

[gt76yesman]

I always liked the song. I was happily surprised when I heard them sound check it at Konocti Harbor in 2002. Shocked might have been a better word. It rocked. Lady Susan instantly took to it. And the message is paramount!
DON'T KILL THE WHALES!!!!!
:angel:

[tstvbonnay]

I love the song, and this is more for the lyrics than the music. I always felt that the song had MORE THAN ONE MEANING. At one point I thought I had discerned three different layers of meaning, but anyway I think the most important message in the song is not, "don't kill whales," but rather don't destroy in our minds the ancient kingdom of nature and all that. I also think it parallels the thought from another song in the album, "arriving through the eons of time..."
The song is about preserving the Ancient.
Tom
http://www.econspectu.com/songodamonth/Views.htm

[YYY]

Interesting because I like the song better than I like the words. Actually let me clarify that. I love the concept behind the lyrics and I love the fact that Jon takes an obvious stand on the subject but I don't like the poetry.

Usually I prefer YES's more complex arrangements but the music in 'Whale' is filled with YES's uplifting spirit. I love when they transition into the chanting section. Dig it Dig it Dig it. LIVE it kicks be-oote'

[R'tanys]

I've always been quite fond of DKTW, but it really rocked my socks off live. ZOWIE!

[SonicDeath10]

wow i guess i was was off on saying everybody hated don't kill the whale. :)

[yessongs72]

Well, I am the exception then I recon, I have always liked this song, especially the weird sounding keyboardsolo in it and the live version from last year is even better then the studio version, but opposed to a lot of other people this song has, together with OTSWOF and Release Release, always been my one of myfavorites from Tormato.......

DKTW,I agree great song and the weird sounding keys are whales communicating.Now OTSWOF, the best song on the album(and a Yes classic,or would you rather hear Roundabout)?Release,Release(good title for these rerererereleases)but Tormato is the last of the "Great " best yes albums until The Ladder,then Tales, was Magnification was the best of Yes albums since release.

[soulsearcher]

thanks, sonicdeath, for your kind words about DKTW.
i'll be able to sleep tonight! LOL!

[Scooty]

I have always enjoyed this song...so upset I didnt go to the 2002 tour when they played it ..Damn!!...some of the lyrics are just very lovely...."Rejoice they sing they worship they're own space..in a moment of love..they will die for their grace.."

[soulsearcher]

i KNOW!!!!
i love it ,too, that's why i had to make sure i wasn't alone.

[YESYOUANDI]

Well it maybe REAL Yes----but I really do hate this tune.

It's no better live either.

Cheers fans.

[Mr. Holland]

Well it maybe REAL Yes----but I really do hate this tune.

It's no better live either.

Cheers fans.

Well, there's no pleasing some people! ;)

[soulsearcher]

no worries..... there had to be some DKTW-haters out there.
viva la difference! :heydude:

[Thoughtbecontact]

I don't hate DKTW, I don't love it either. To me, it's just there. So many other songs off Tormato are so much better, I wish they would have played something else in 2002. To me, it was just OK in concert, but then again, I'm not a huge fan of the song. But hate, it NO.

[fragile34]

good song

[SonicDeath10]

i prefer the live version on yesshows but i suppose that goes without saying.

[Yes Oz]

I love it more now than I did when it was first released. One of the many highlites on their tour to Oz IMO.

[SonicDeath10]

i've always thought in some ways that tormato was Yes's comedy album. some of it's pretty funny (arriving ufo, some of circus of heaven) but i doubt they meant it that way. ;)

[tardistraveler]

When Tormato was first released, I thought DKTW was a little trite - I could appreciate the sentiment, but musically it didn't grab me, especially compared with the likes of the great 70's epics, which I loved dearly.

Until I saw it live on the 2002 tour - Amazing! The song coming on the heels of Magnification totally knocked my socks off. I think it was Alan's drums that did it for me - he played with SUCH intensity! This song ROCKS!!!!!

Now it's one of my favorites, and I love reliving it on my audience recordings of the 2002 tour!

[SonicDeath10]

i've only been a yesfan for a few years. the first new yes album i remember seeing in the stores was the ladder!!! that was the first yes album i ever owned... so i didn't grow up with the music, and didn't get the new, classic albums when they came out so i have hindsight. in hindsight, tormato isn't that bad but it must have been a real shock to fans. i mean two albums ago they did gates of delirum a mix of rock, jazz, fusion etc. now they're doing a disco song about whales!

[Cugal_2112]

I always fast-forward past "Whale" on my Tormato cd. That and "Circus of Heaven" are a little bit too cheezy in lyric content for my personal taste. However, "Future Times" and "Release Release" rock!

[Soundchaser148]

Not only do I not hate DKTW, but I love it! I remember when I first got into YES back in 1983 and my brother played me his copy of Yesshows how kicking this song was. I love the message about saving the whales and it just moves along so well. I would agree the live version is stronger than the studio version, but I think it was Chris who said that to recreate the energy and vitality of a live performance in the studio you would need to have an audience in the studio with the band: now there's an idea! How about we all cram into the studio when YES get down to working on their next cd?! Anyone up for it? That really would be something, to be able to sit in on a YES rehearsal! I once managed to 'gatecrash' a Phil Collins soundcheck (meaning I didn't have an official pass but just sneaked in!) before a gig in Glasgow. That was a wonderful experience. My brother was so jealous when I told him I had already seen Phil when I met up with him later for the concert itself. A great memory.

Cheers
Mark

[the'YES'kid]

Totally Love it because:

1) It's about defending an animal and I love animals.

2) It has one of my favourite Howe solos.

it's a shame the video clip is so stupid.

Reniet

[therifferoo]

I've always liked this song....maybe it's not in my "Top Ten Yes Tunes" list, but it's certainly not in the "Ten Least Favorite" list, either.
The last tour, it was so powerful a song...as tardistraveller said, "on the heels of Magnification"...
I always wail along with the "CETACEI" part at the end!! LOL! I say wail, (as opposed to whale), because wail is probably an accurate word to describe my singing attempts!! :silly:

~Riff.

[soulsearcher]

[need to have an audience in the sQUOTE=Soundchaser148] now there's an idea! How about we all cram into the studio when YES get down to working on their next cd?! Anyone up for it?
Cheers
Mark[/QUOTE]

now this is definitely the idea of the week! :thumbs:

[Ryan]

its kind of cheesy, but I still like it.

[Earl Grey]

When DKTW was a new hit song, I thought it a bit 'twee'. I was young.

Now I'm an old fart. And I really like the song. I don't LOVE it, but I really like it. And yes, it's a much better track live, especially now!

Anyone notice how they changed the chord structure just a bit for the tag-chorus? It used to go to the obvious chord-resolution during the phrase 'Don't kill the whale' but now they take the chord up another half-step.
This gives the vocal line an augmented sound, which works nicely. It doesn't resolve, but hangs there at the end of the phrase like a question-mark.
Nice.

I loved hearing DKTH these last two tours, but I am now ready for the guys to play something a bit more 'challenging' from Tormato...

Future Times??? No joy so-far.

BUT: On The Silent Wings Of Freedom awaits! And THAT will be something!

The lyrical sentiments of DKTW are great! Imperative. And it was ballsy of the guys to play the song in Japan. I respected the hell out of that.

So that's it. I hated it once, I like it now.
It's a rave-up with conscience, and this is no small thing.

:yesbird:

[Dale Cleary]

I really enjoyed hearing it live. I was surprised as a matter of fact. I found it to be very R&B live and it grooved well.

[soulsearcher]

yeah, i don't think i would classify DKTW as "disco".
maybe r&b...maybe.
it's sort of unique to me and off the beaten yes path.
i guess that's one of the reasons it appeals to me. :yesbird:

[Ryan]

I think I'm gonna start a who hates "cirrcus of heaven" thread.

[SonicDeath10]

i don't hate it. i just think it's kinda pointless. :anisnowm8

[soulsearcher]

i don't hate it. i just think it's kinda pointless. :anisnowm8

hi again , sonic.
how's things? LOL!
anyhoo...do you mean you hate DKTW, (because we already know this since you inspired this thread. ;) )
or do you mean circus of heaven?

[SonicDeath10]

hey i'm fine.

no i love don't kill the whale. i just made the claim that i thought most people hated it so that post was made. ;)

i dislike circus of heaven, the only song on tormato i do. it really has no melody.

[soulsearcher]

hey i'm fine.

no i love don't kill the whale. i just made the claim that i thought most people hated it so that post was made. ;)

i dislike circus of heaven, the only song on tormato i do. it really has no melody.

i KNEW you loved don't kill the whale, sonic.
i KNEW it! LOL! :razz:

[SonicDeath10]

it's such a good song!

[Scheming Demon]

I love it. I'll hear it and have an immediate erection! OK, maybe not.

[SonicDeath10]

i wouldn't go to that level!

[Rogo]

Hey, it's on Tormato, how bad can it be? The first Yes album I listened to, and the first time I really got down and LISTENED to some pretty difficult music, seriously. The message? Here in Norway, we just shrug and get on.

:shoot:

Would you like some more sauce?

[davray]

Don't Kill the Whale is one of my favorite songs. It is also one of the few that non-Yes-fan friends of mine will listen to. My top 5 right now: Wondrous Stories, Awaken, Time and a Word, Don't Kill the Whale, Starship Trooper. These have almost always been my favorite, although they do change. Oh, make it 6, I have to put Close to the Edge in there.

[soulsearcher]

it's such a good song!

sonic, i don't know why you MUST keep trying to make me like don't kill the whale!

no sir..i don't like it. LOL! ;)

so, if you like don't kill the whale so much, ..why don't you marry it????
LMAO! :lmao:

[Oreb]

I like it:there's a great energy coming from the song and Steve in particular. I've never understood why it gets such a hard time.

[Mike Watkins]

I won't say I hate it. I just like every other song they have ever done more. That's when I decided to move on from Yes. Plus I confess I will never be able to forget the look on my roomate's face the first time he heard it. So maybe that colors it.

But now I'm back into them and ready to buy some other releases.

[Timmo]

Don't Kill the Whale is one of my favorite songs. It is also one of the few that non-Yes-fan friends of mine will listen to. My top 5 right now: Wondrous Stories, Awaken, Time and a Word, Don't Kill the Whale, Starship Trooper. These have almost always been my favorite, although they do change. Oh, make it 6, I have to put Close to the Edge in there.
You have to THINK and put "Close to the Edge" at number SIX????

My son, you are no longer allowed into the temple of Yes! Go beat thyself with rushes until you repent!

Seriously, this song (DKTW, not CTTE) is lyrically trite, and stupid.

Until you hear it live. It RULES live.

TIM
Venice, CA

[RobAdams]

I've always loved DKTW. It's far from my favorite Yes song, but it's a good one.

[SonicDeath10]

close (to the edit).

[YESYOUANDI]

Songs like this turn me off YES--that can be said for the album (Tormato) too.

Only 1 or 2 good tracks on it.

All in all, classic YES out of form.

Cheers fans.

[SKEETER]

I didn't like the title of this song, simply because it is about a peripheral pet issue that most people were not interested in. I like it when musicians broach subjects that are hugely known and popular, but when they choose personal pet social and political concerns that are only peripheral it looks too much like a parody. It is like someone writing a song about how they hate the idea of eating meat, or who they vote for, who gives a damn what they eat or who they vote for?

[YYY]

I DO !!!
I am very happy to know that members of a band that I love and that exceeds most of my musical expectations condemns the killing of whales in this day and age. I also would like to think that their political ideology is in agreement with my own especially since many of YES lyrics deals with very deep and important issues.

It makes my connection and respect for them much stronger.

For example: I am sure Ozzy Osbourne and Ted Nugent would kill and eat anything. Although I found their early music funny and mildly enjoyable, I don't particularly feel they are great artist nor do I respect their personalities and their political views.

Everything that One does and creates makes them who they are. Everything is connected, inside and out.

Everything is One.

This well excepted universal philosophy is often reinforced by YES' music and I am in full agreement.

Now I've always felt that the lyrics to "Don't Kill the Whale" were a bit too simplistic and direct for YES. But I eventually realized that they were obviously intended to be straight forward and direct (like the song.)

[soulsearcher]

I DO !!!
I am very happy to know that members of a band that I love and that exceeds most of my musical expectations condemns the killing of whales in this day and age. I also would like to think that their political ideology is in agreement with my own especially since many of YES lyrics deals with very deep and important issues.

It makes my connection and respect for them much stronger.

For example: I am sure Ozzy Osbourne and Ted Nugent would kill and eat anything. Although I found their early music funny and mildly enjoyable, I don't particularly feel they are great artist nor do I respect their personalities and their political views.

Everything that One does and creates makes them who they are. Everything is connected, inside and out.

Everything is One.

This well excepted universal philosophy is often reinforced by YES' music and I am in full agreement.

Now I've always felt that the lyrics to "Don't Kill the Whale" were a bit too simplistic and direct for YES. But I eventually realized that they were obviously intended to be straight forward and direct (like the song.)


great post!
i wholeheartedly agree!

[Timmo]

NUKE THE UNBORN GAY WHALES.


TIM
Venice, CA

[Bo Locks]

NUKE THE UNBORN GAY WHALES.

PISH

[mattquarterstein]

I love the whale! Don't hate the whale!

[SonicDeath10]

Headline: Ozzy Bites Head Off Whale at Ozzfest. Yes to sue.

[tardistraveler]

Headline: Ozzy Bites Head Off Whale at Ozzfest. Yes to sue.


I knew Ozzy had gained weight over the years, but I didn't think he was THAT big! LOL

[1yesfan]

I have never liked the studio cut of it. But when they played it again live in the last couple year, wow it is a STRONG TUNE!

[frosted]

Dktw=skip Button!

[Rogo]

Like I've said before, if we don't kill it, how are we going to eat it?

[Jackaranda]

For me, all of Tormato is SO much better live. The album was rushed and the production was pretty much non existent.

But live it was great.

[Timmo]

If distant memory of the dim past of the late 70s serves, this song ROCKED live.

Nah, the song to REALLY hate on "Tormato" is "Circus of Heaven."

TWEE TIMES 100.

TIM
Venice, CA

[tardistraveler]

Tim - did you not hear them do DKTW on the 2002 tour? It DID rock - totally!

Circus of Heaven - belongs on a Jon album - not a Yes one.

[Rabin105]

I love all the songsd on tormoto including Circus of heven

[yesman7]

I love live Yes and every song they do live they do well...
I'm blown away most every time I see them! I can see where you might not love this song or that song. But to hear any of their songs live a blessing and an amazing experience!
Don't kill the whale? Everyone has an opinion, and one Yes song might not grab certain fans in the same manner as it does others......

everyones different? That means we've all got something in common!!

Peace
Love
Yes!

[soulsearcher]

I have never liked the studio cut of it. But when they played it again live in the last couple year, wow it is a STRONG TUNE!


so true, tim.
i wouldn't mind hearing it again..but luckily i have heard it!

[Unregistered]

I love "Don't Kill the Whale" it's my favorite songs on Tormato which is one of my favorite albums.

[umgekehrt]

Oh geez, hate? I can never use such a word for a Yes song. I like many of them and don't like some of them, but hate is not there. It's actually a pretty cool song. As far as Tormato go, my least favorite is Circus Of Heaven. But I don't hate it either. So there.

[yesmandroc]

I have a funny disposition. I like the songs that everybody hates on Tormato and hate the songs that people like.

I don't like "Onward" and " Silent Wings." I get no amusement out of either.

I love everything else, especially "Whale" and " Future Times/Rejoice."

[soulsearcher]

well i was so happy when they played DKTW at pnc!!!!
yeah!! and it was great!

[slazman]

Hate is a bit strong .... I'll take "doesn't like as much as some other tracks"

[pacman1959]

DKTW good song, not one of the best, but very entertaining and yes I love the gotta dig it dig it! Also it is the perfect song that leads into Squire's solo.
"That was a song about mammals, and this is a song about fish!"

[Mike Watkins]

Can't say I HATE any song, but it i stopped listening to yes due to it.
My pals and i could not believe what we were hearing.
I still remember the look on my roomates face when he first heard it!!

oh well.... or, oh whale.

[Professor Yessor]

don't kill the whale is a magical tune. Why ? Because the musicianship is sky-high.
The instruments practically talk. For example, when you listen to that song, it's
obvious that the instruments are portraying:

steve -- seagulls, boat whistles
alan / chris -- waves
rick / jon -- whales singing ( cetaeia )

It's brilliant. ( btw -- steve does a great "space alien" on Arr-UFO on his pedal steel )

The worst songs are ONWARD ( painfully boring. ) and Madrigal. ( *hurls* )
( that Spanish guitar is wretched, simply wretched. while Rick dinks around on
a harpischord. I keep expecting my wife to say "Is that Lerch on keyboards?" )

But, On the Silent Wings of Freedom, you don't like ? You gotta go listen again.
Check out the bass work!! Christ does some of his best work with the waah
pedal. It's great! Phenominal! Hilarious! The riff during the keyboard solo at the
end of the song is rockin' city.

Chris also does absolutely phenomenal bass work during future times / rejoice.

And another thing!! People complain about the production quality of the music,
but I blame the Polymoog. It just didn't blend well with the other sounds. But
having said that, that album stands out. Remember the other American music
coming out at the time ? REO Speedwagon, Heart, Bob Seger... Blecch.

nuff fer now.

[Dantalion Rides Again]

Good points, Professor Yessor! And welcome to yesfans - I love your username!

[Professor Yessor]

Thank you. My best friend years ago dubbed me that after hours of listening to me
rant about the virtues of Yes.

[soulsearcher]

nice professor!!
i love DKTW too!

[Jackaranda]

I just listened to a live version of DKTW last night, I think it was Honolulu, '03(?)... As is the case with the Tormato tour weeds, it was great. Another Tormato song that was so much better live.

[soulsearcher]

i always thought that don't kill the whale is much better live.
jon really gets into it!

[Timmo]

Ditto to the above. Middling studio song, GREAT live song.

[JaneEyre]

I like the song quite a bit.

But whales offend me. My ancestors were krill.

[Jackaranda]

Well live it ROCKS! On the album it's too laid back.

[Jackaranda]

What's a krill?

[soulsearcher]

i don't know, jack..whats a krilll?

[JaneEyre]

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/invertebrates/crustacean/Krillprintout.shtml

[soulsearcher]

krill

n : shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans; major source of food for e.g. baleen whales

[JaneEyre]

That's what I said!

[Jackaranda]

Thank you! Learn something new every day!

Jane, you sure did evolve rapidly.

[soulsearcher]

yeah jane..but you did it with pictures.

[JaneEyre]

Yeah. I'm a wonder of nature.

[soulsearcher]

i heard.LOL!

[JaneEyre]

i heard.LOL!
"I heard." Gimme a break. Everyone knows it was YOU who started telling everybody!

[soulsearcher]

cat's out of the bag!lol!

[JaneEyre]

Rowwrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[Jackaranda]

Only Jane could turn a thread about a song about saving mammals into a sex thread.

[cinderella]

I hate that song.

[JaneEyre]

Only Jane could turn a thread about a song about saving mammals into a sex thread.
It's Denise's fault.

Don't krill the whale!

[brotherofmine]

Last post before sleep....I agree with the sentiment behind the song..I just don't think it was a very good song that's all. Although I thought they did a good go at it on the 2003 tour.

[smatt]

You know, for some reason I've never reallt loved DKtW, don' tknow why. It's OK, but it's not one of my favs. for sure. I could'v ethought of a brazillion songs I'd rather hear then that one.....

[cinderella]

I hate that song.

Wow I'm mean ain't I?


I'll rephrase that. It's just not pleasing to my ears. :D

[The Whale]

Don't krill the whale!

Why thank you Jane Eyre!

Just for that GOOOOOOOO RED SOOOXXXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scooty]

DKTW has it's moments..

I prefer it live..especially on Yesshows

[The Whale]

I love it any way they play it its so short and sweet!! grate message and its a little loud I like it. If you couldn't tell!?

[Albino Camel]

Whaddya talkin about it's a grat song! lol I love it! :rcking:

[soulsearcher]

It's Denise's fault.

Don't krill the whale!

it's always my fault!

[Albedo]

I like the way they rock it out live.

[Jackaranda]

No, it's Janes fault. It's always Jane's fault, and she knows it. Don't let her shift the responsibility over to you, Denise.

[YESYOUANDI]

Me.

Cheers fans.

[Wild Westie]

I wouldn't use the word "Hate." I simply don't like this song. I love the message though. Maybe they should have added the sounds of humpback whales on this one.

[Rabin105]

I don't hate it In fact there is a very real possbility I'm going to play this song live

[MrZuLu]

Not me... I love the song
and the B side Abiliene to

Wonderful message in DKTW.
Impeccable writing... I love howwakey interacts with chris... reminds me of humpback whale song... huge range of frequencies represented...
One of my all-time favorite Yes songs...

[RickyG]

Certainly not my favorite YES song, probably my least favorite of any from the Howe/Wakeman albums.... But I could never use the word "hate" in relation to it!!

And as Mr Zulu refered to above, Wakeman's swimming synth duet on the album version is rather nice and captures the spirit of two whales swimming and singing together. And they really did such a great job of it in 2003, was the best version I ever heard...... and the CETACEI chant at the end is a classic moment!! I've always wished YES would do more chanting, the few moments they've done have always been great. Just watch the bit on the YESSPEAK video if you doubt the power of this chant.

[umgekehrt]

Maybe they should rename it to "Don't Hate the Whale"?

Fishy writes some good songs...

[Store Hadji]

Trevor Horn hated it!

I was joking with my friend that maybe they'd play it when we saw Yes in 2002.

Then they played it!

Oh, the guilty pleasure!

By the end of the song, I was hanging my head down, shaking it from side to side.

I looked up, and saw about a dozen other people with their heads hanging, shaking from side to side!

[Wild Westie]

Trevor Horn hated it!

I was joking with my friend that maybe they'd play it when we saw Yes in 2002.

Then they played it!

Oh, the guilty pleasure!

By the end of the song, I was hanging my head down, shaking it from side to side.

I looked up, and saw about a dozen other people with their heads hanging, shaking from side to side!

:lmao:

[new_sum_do_solve_ay]

Listening to National Geographic tracks of whalesong is much better. I like Star Trek IV better. Don't Kill the Whale blows.

[RickyG]

Rather sad to see people who consider themselves YES fans engaging in such low level expression as "hate" and "blows" etc... in regard to a YES song!! A song with a highly conscious life affirming message. You may not like the song and that is your personal taste, but what do you achieve by engaging such devisive, disconnecting old world ways of relating? Embrace the consciousness and vibrations and true message of all that YES seeks to nurture. Ascend and create.... not descend and degrade!!

And regarding the song itself: whether or not one likes it, you can't deny that it is an original artistic creation with a unique feel and sound, inventive styled guitar work, a well played dual synth solo, and well written creative and very originally expressed lyrics. And how can anyone deny the power of that CETACEI chant at the end of the song, particularly when performed live?!

[stevie]

What's to hate? It's a great tune with a great message! I don't understand some people.

[The Whale]

Me obviously cant you tell?

[Rabin105]

Iyt'sd an amazing song though perhaps some people are just odd about things but what do i know I think a change in lineup is good once in a while just to shake things up and keep it fresh so really what do i know

[Wild Westie]

What's to hate? It's a great tune with a great message! I don't understand some people.

Let's see, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Do you really think that the human race has the same taste in music? :D

[Store Hadji]

All humans taste the same to me!

:microwave

[Wild Westie]

All humans taste the same to me!

:microwave

Ewwww. You're freaking me out. I'm outta here!

[Store Hadji]

:ele:

[HelioS]

Ok. Now that dancing elephant is freaking me out. I'm outta here too.

[Store Hadji]

:smashpc:

[cinderella]

Wow I'm mean ain't I?


I'll rephrase that. It's just not pleasing to my ears. :D

I should take this back. I've been listening to it a lot lately and it's actually growing on me. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Cinderella528/N99%20Smileys/grin.gif

[cjreyes]

Anyone who does not like a Yessong, Let alone HATE it, should be banned from this site for life! So all you people up there, listen to me. You get right back on here NOW and rescind what you have said about this wonderful, simple, disco-like, musicianship-like lacking, pansy-@$$ tribute to a gentle, divine creature or else.

Love the chanting and drums at the end, reminds me of my roots.

[cjreyes]

:drummer: :bncy:

[Store Hadji]

http://www.millan.net/anims/giffar/whalest.gif

[cjreyes]

http://www.millan.net/anims/giffar/whalest.gif

What a guy. You are reinstated, baby.

[SonicDeath10]

Lol wait, I can't dislike even one Yessong? :o!!! I dislike Circus Of Heaven! Am I out of the club?

[umgekehrt]

All humans taste the same to me!

:microwave
All whales taste the same to me too!

[new_sum_do_solve_ay]

Never tasted a whale I didn't like.

[breadboy526]

couldn't have said it better myself

[JaneEyre]

I dig it, dig it!




(I can't be the first person to use that reply, can I??)

[Internaut]

It is a good song, the original version is very dated, in which I mean if it were released today sounding as it does, it would be a certain disaster. BUT, taken into perspective, iit is a good song. I particularly like Rick's instrumental version from his 90's Greatest Hits album.

This is on the video hits DVD isn't it??

[JaneEyre]

This is on the video hits DVD isn't it??

Yup.

[1yesfan]

Don't care for the studio version but when they did it a few tours back, AHHHHHHH I really liked it then! I love Alans drum work on it.

[sniggly]

It is a little known fact that at first, Jon, after vacationing in the south of France, had written:

Youre first, Im last
Youre thirst, Im asked to justify,
All for your es-caaar-got
Dont hunt the snaaiiil!!!!
dig it dig it!!!!..

This was in fact replaced later, at Wakeys suggestion, with the larger, more evocative whale, as
it was explained to Jon, and then decided by the band, that noone really cared about saving the snail.
This also explains the "dig it" lyric which was not outdated hipster jargon, but rather referred to the method of digging for snails!!!!
Amazing yet true!!!!

[Sheerah]

Wow!
Who knew?

Funny story snig!

[sniggly]

amazing!! isnt it??? :)

[Sheerah]

I have a whole new appreciation for escargot!

[sniggly]

yes! please follow Jons (unrecorded) wish and dont eat the escargot!!! :))

[RickyG]

yes! please follow Jons (unrecorded) wish and dont eat the escargot!!! :))

Don't you go where the mollusks go,
And don't you eat that escargot!!

[sniggly]

HAHAHA! yes, RickyG!!
apparently around the same time, there was also an unrecorded
Zappa song bewailing the plight of the lowly mollusk as well!!!

In fact, Jon was spearheading in song, the little remembered environmental
"SAVE THE SNAIL" movement of the mid-70's.

Zappa had written the above lyric, but other artists such as John Denver
had written a snail concious anthem, also unreleased, and Paul Winter
had recorded "Snailsongs", an album recorded entirely in a field in France,
his saxaphone improvisations responding to the sound of the snails voices..all
to call attention to the plight of the mollusk.

Sadly, the movement was squelched
underfoot!!!!!!

[Sheerah]

I used to eat escargot, and they I got heavy into gardening.
I just can't bear to eat those cute little antennaed suckers.
Now give me a plate of blubber!
Oh yeah, that's living!!!!

[RickyG]

HAHAHA! yes, RickyG!!
apparently around the same time, there was also an unrecorded
Zappa song bewailing the plight of the lowly mollusk as well!!!

In fact, Jon was spearheading in song, the little remembered environmental
"SAVE THE SNAIL" movement of the mid-70's.

Zappa had written the above lyric, but other artists such as John Denver
had written a snail concious anthem, also unreleased, and Paul Winter
had recorded "Snailsongs", an album recorded entirely in a field in France,
his saxaphone improvisations responding to the sound of the snails voices..all
to call attention to the plight of the mollusk.

Sadly, the movement was squelched
underfoot!!!!!!

There's nothing like having Frank Zappa, John Denver AND Paul Winter coming out in unified support of a socially responsible cause!! Only if they had together recorded a "We Are The World" type anthem in support of the movement.

I can almost hear it now:

"We are the snails, we are the mollusks,
We are the ones who'll save the escargot,
So let's stop eating them"


Just close your eyes for a moment and imagine if you will:

Lyrics by Zappa, music by Denver AND Zappa, Denver singing the lead with Frank harmonizing on the choruses, sugar sweet syrup dripping Paul Winter soprano saxaphone soaring over the top, rising in climax with a Zappa/Winter lead melodic duet, ending with extended coda of the mating cries of amplified snail sounds so poigniantly being mirrored and echoed by Paul's sax and Frank's sensitive guitar work...... ah, but only a dream... it could have changed our perceptions and relationship to these most noble yet neglected creatures forever.....

[sniggly]

I can almost hear it now:

"We are the snails, we are the mollusks,
We are the ones who'll save the escargot,
So let's stop eating. them"
.

Just close your eyes .for a moment and imagine if you will:

Lyrics by Zappa, music by Denver AND Zappa, Denver singing the lead with Frank harmonizing on the choruses, sugar sweet syrup dripping Paul Winter soprano saxaphone soaring over the top, rising in climax with a Zappa/Winter lead melodic duet, ending with extended coda of the mating cries of amplified snail sounds so poigniantly being mirrored and echoed by Paul's sax and Frank's sensitive guitar work...... ah., but only a dream... it could have changed our perceptions and relationship. to these most noble yet neglected creatures forever.....[/QUOTE]

HAHAHAHHA!! yes, and dont forget Jon on harmonies!!!!!Just think! such a disparate and diverse group of artists all brought together, setting aside their musical differences for the common cause to save the fragile mollusk!!
Also, there probably woudl have been the follow up SNAIL AID concerts,bringing awareness to
millions of people of the fate of the tiny yet, dignified snail! Scientist , inspsired , would have
researched the creatures , perhaps discovering conciousness and intellegence far beyond our own!!! Millions and millions of mollusks saved from the sad fate of being turned into a tasty
appetizer!!! But alas!! alas!! it was not to be!!!

[relayeire]

I like the song... it was the first protest song from a group I really dug...

ok, new question, Store Hadji... who prefers Space: 1999 to UFO??? lol

[Buglunch]

I think it was Mr. Spock got Yes to change from snail to whale roundabout episode 3 or 4, nu?

:winknudge

[Altres]

I love the song, it is great.

Brian

[Albino Camel]

Me too it's a cool song. I like the lyrics.

[smatt]

It is a very cool song.. Not my favorite but Ilike it...


On a related note... A particular bass player and his girl friend, live in London very close to the Thames, right where they picked up[ that wayward sick whale that's been in the news. They did in-fact go and see the poor creature, and noted to me the other day that it has brought a lot of attention in the UK to the global plight of whales.


DON'T KILL THE WHALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KPatrick]

I do not hate the song. I hate the way the guitars and keyboards sound all shrieky on it -- the notes played by the guys playing the guitars and keyboards are fine, it's just a crappy sound. The rhythm section was having a good day that day, although it sounds like they're underwater. Good vox. Maybe the mix adds to the mystique, because it's one of my fave songs on TORMATO despite my gripes. But I thought it really came across better live. Much cleaner, not so turgid... the underlying STOMP really comes through, balanced by the urgency of Jon's voice and lyric.

So no, I don't hate it. I hate how it sounds, and ditto most of the rest of that album. The bonus tracks, IMO, have a much better sound.