CTTE or Supper's Ready?

[Ike]

Apples and Oranges, I know, but these are two of the most epic rock songs ever written. Supper has 7 sections, ~23 minutes long. CTTE has 4 sections, almost 19 minutes long. Both done by 5 men, all virtuosos at their intruments.

I love both of these songs so it is tough to choose. I've been a Genesis fan longer than a Yes fan, but lately I am listening to Yes more.

I think I have to give the nod to Supper's Ready, simply because it offers a bit more in terms of variety. The opening section with its acoustical bridge to section two which has a very dramatic sound, followed by the third section that lights things up and has an electric guitar solo. Then the transitional section 4 leading into Willow Farm which totally changes things up. Then follows Apocalypse in 9/8 which for many classic Genesis fans is the ultimate "jam session" with the amazing keyboard solo by Tony concluded by a very triumphant As Sure as Eggs is Eggs.

Close to the Edge is a fantastic song and very dramatic, and I love the keyboard solo and Steve's guitar is always amazing, but it isn't quite as epic as Supper's Ready.

What is your opinion?

[stevepenn]

Welcome Ike, but I gotta Gong you right away. LOL.

Close To The Edge is the epic of epics. Supper's Ready is fantastic. But CTTE is THE whip.


:)

[gt76yesman]

I can not choose between them.

When you are talking about the opening sections acoustic part, you are not refering to Hackett's Horizon's which I love.
The 9/8 part of Supper is one of my favorite alltime passages of music.
these pieces are both most excellent.
I personally prefer Awaken to either of these magnificent pieces though.
Glendo

[C0ops]

O man what a tough think to put one through...they are both so good...I give the yes hehe to CTTE only slightly tho and probably only because its thursday

[Ike]

I am just referring to Supper's Ready, not the beautiful piece that is Horizons, although many consider it to be a part of Supper's Ready, and I personally feel that SR without Horizons is like LDR without The Fish. The end of Lover's Leap (section 1) is mainly acoustic 12 string stuff.

[gt76yesman]

That is beautiful. But why decide. They are both great! I can have my cake and Supper's Ready to!

[Ryan]

Close to the Edge. Its my all time favorite song, and suppers ready is probaly my 4th, or something like that. Good poll!

[inside_out]

Close To The Edge Is Music Perfection........

[Sonoacustico]

Close to the edge makes me say WOW
but
Supper's Ready makes me feel chills, and till now, no Yes song haves that effect on me

Greetings

Claudio

[Sticks]

Ike, I didn't vote as I can't pick between them in terms of musical brilliance. Good question all the same especially if it inspires some folk to listen to Genesis a little more closely.

What about these lines from Supper's Ready sung against the relentless, driving music?:

666 is no longer alone,
He's getting out the marrow in your back bone,
And the seven trumpets blowing sweet rock and roll,
Gonna blow right down inside your soul.
Pythagoras with the looking glass reflects the full moon,
In blood, he's writing the lyrics of a brand new tune.

One of the best moments in R'n'R ever!

[Orbert]

I suppose it makes sense that Close to the Edge would win a poll on a YesFans site. I would expect Supper's Ready to win on a Genesis fan site.

Both are amazing. Both are also much more cohesive works than the "sum of parts" that some people accuse them of being. And I'd never thought about it before, but you have Rick's Hammond solo in 6/8 versus Tony's Hammond solo in 9/8, both incredible but in different ways.

I ended up voting for CttE, just because I like it better, but it really did start hurting my head trying to decide exactly why.

Orbert

[Silent_wings]

Hi Orbert
Welcome to Yesfans

You'll find a lot of Genesis fans here, but I still voted for CTTE. ;)

[About The Round]

I like Genesis very mutch. I don´think Genesis can match Yes on the longer works because they don´t have the perfection in form of direction and clarity. Suppers contain some real fine material, but there are too many places that you don´t belive in the wholeness of it. On the songs at 6-8 minutes length, Genesis made a lot of those, -in this department there are some contenders that can duel with even Yes.

[Original_Shifty]

Both songs are great, but Close To The Edge feels like a full length song. I find that Supper's Ready seems too disjointed, a bunch of little tunes compiled into one. They are all great, but not as full and rich as CTTE.

Supper's Ready reminds me more of the set of songs from Abbey Road. If you listen to "Because" all the way to "End". It's kind of like one long song, but they are all different tracks. This is what Supper's Ready reminds me of.

[Simon B]

Sorry, No Contest Ctte!

Tm

[heartofthesunrise]

Aw, man! Another impossible poll! All right, lemme get my quarter...heads, SR, tails, CTTE.

My heart has to go out to SR; I was listening to it way before CTTE ('82 vs.'84). As has been previously mentioned, there's much more variety in SR, even though the dynamics of CTTE make up for that. Gabriel's intensity outweighs Anderson's, and that's not knocking the importance of the lyrics. Both songs tell a story, but CTTE is more like a journey, identifying a trip into another realm, accepting new realities, making those realities part of ourselves, then returning to our normal world with better understanding. SR isn't that involved, but Gabriel's approach is what makes it just a tad more interesting for me.

This falls into my Hershey's vs. Godiva analogy: it's all good.

HOTS

[Ike]

About the Round, I have to disagree with you on the song length thing. I think Genesis best songs are right around 10 minutes, not the 6-8 range that you speak of. Songs like Musical Box, Fountain of Salmacis, Watcher of the Skies, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth (natch), Cinema Show: these are so much better than any shorter song that Genesis wrote (at least in the Gabriel era).

[SallyKhatru]

Such a good question. And I think you´re right about the Genesis songs, Ike. These are soo good. I love them. Dancing and Suppers ready, Looking for Someone...
But I also like Can utility and some other short ones.
To choose between CTTE and SR is really, really hard. They bith have some advantages. Suppers ready has many different themes. Some I like more than others. But I like almost all of CTTE. O think they both move me in a quite unique way. I can´t vote on that one, but it was interesting to think about it:-))

[About The Round]

About the Round, I have to disagree with you on the song length thing. I think Genesis best songs are right around 10 minutes, not the 6-8 range that you speak of. Songs like Musical Box, Fountain of Salmacis, Watcher of the Skies, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth (natch), Cinema Show: these are so much better than any shorter song that Genesis wrote (at least in the Gabriel era).

Ike, I have to make a "Turner" here. It was sutch songs that you are mentioning I was thinking about. I have the timing wrong it seems.

[Rogo]

CTTE is more coherent. Supper's ready is more thrown together of different bits and pieces. But the ending with 9/8 and The New Jerusalem is higher, deeper and more exhilaratingly mind-blowing than the whole of CTTE. A more natural contender would be Awaken, in which case it's a draw.

[About The Round]

CTTE is more coherent. Supper's ready is more thrown together of different bits and pieces. But the ending with 9/8 and The New Jerusalem is higher, deeper and more exhilaratingly mind-blowing than the whole of CTTE. A more natural contender would be Awaken, in which case it's a draw.

Comparing mountains and peaks... From one place the one to the left is the highest, but when seen from another angle, the snowy one to the right is the highest (the one who originally was at the right). And then looking at the map... the round hill at the back was the highest for certain! Comparisons says as mutch about the onlooker as the involved theme.

[Ike]

I was thinking about this more over the weekend, and I have to say that CTTE reminds me of One for the Vine from the Wind and Wuthering album by Genesis. It doesn't rock nearly as much, but the format is somewhat similar and the story setup reminds me of CTTE in a way.

[fragile34]

great bands, i say ctte

[Rogo]

Comparing mountains and peaks... From one place the one to the left is the highest, but when seen from another angle, the snowy one to the right is the highest (the one who originally was at the right). And then looking at the map... the round hill at the back was the highest for certain! Comparisons says as mutch about the onlooker as the involved theme.

This also says something about your home country!
:cheers:

[YYY]

I agree with Rogo about Supper's but the patchwork writing of SR doesn't bother me. It's just the nature of a beautiful song. I saw Gabriel's Genesis do it Live and it was one of the most emotionally exhilarating moments ever. Gabriel was so animated and made up. Unlike Jon, he really created theatre and kept you visually engaged thoughout. He was really incredible.

[About The Round]

As well as your´s I believe, Rogo. There is a whimsy, quirky english quality attached to Genesis that I like. Charm. Harold the Barrell and so on. Peter Gabriel with his slightly da-da inspired input that brings the lyrics into an enigma if you not have the same background as him. I have used quite some time to dig out some of the references that enlighten the stuff a bit more. Internet is a good help in so matter, there is a lot of interesting sites that engages in the lyrics of Genesis. -King Kanute! -There´s in fact more earth than sea! I´m just stating that theese two mountains of some rock-groups are hard to differ between because the peaks are looming out of sight.

You have for certain noticed that my English writing is somewhat uncertain. I don´t mind, for sure it´s going to be better by practice, and if I can add a laughter to the Yesfans reading my misspellings here, -that´s fun! I´m Norwegian. Norwegian Kathru.

[Rogo]

It is a known fact that "Willow Farm" was a complete song by PG before they started writing or recording SR.

Mick (or Tony?) talked about the process of writing SR once, I don't remember where I saw this. About halfway through, they came to a point where, quote, 'we have to be careful or this is going to turn into Stagnation'. So they had the idea of doing something they used to do in their jam sessions, which was having the band play in one time signature while somebody soloed in another time signature. So Tony wrote a solo in 4/4, while the band played in a 9/8 rhythm (one-two-THREE-four-FIVE-six-seven-eight-NINE), the result being that the heavy beats seemed to fall haphazardly all over the place, with Tony and the band 'sort of trying to avoid one another'. From this flowed the idea of letting the apocalyptic mayhem transform into that heavenly resolution at the end. It saves SR from becoming yet another medium length song in the old, mellow Genesis style.

An important thing, and what really makes SR a true epic, is the fact that the love music from the beginning ("hey my baby, don't you know our love is true") reappears, transformed, at the crucial moment where the apocalypse gives way to the new Jerusalem.

[Orbert]

I think it's dangerous when we start using terms like "true epic" to describe a song. It tends to carry with it connotations of legitimacy or illegitimacy that we may not want to consider. Is a song better if it's a "true epic"?

Just as "Hey, my baby, don't you know our love is true?" comes back at the end of Supper's Ready, the A minor theme comes back in Close to the Edge. So both have a recap. Okay, we knew that.

We also know that both tunes were originally constructed in smaller pieces. SR, probably moreso than CttE, is clearly composed of shorter pieces put together. But the stories of CttE existing, at least for a while, literally as strips of master tape hanging on walls and awaiting final splicing by Eddie Offord are legendary. So both pieces consist of combined shorter works placed together for effect.

I don't feel that that alone disqualifies either of them as "true epics". Most any larger piece can be broken into shorter movements. At the very least, certain sections of the tune were worked out and rearranged while temporarily ignoring the rest of the piece.

So in the end, I think it comes down to what works for you. Does the song, to you, feel like a organic whole, or simply "a collection of shorter things put together"?

When I listen to CttE, I'm aware of the different sections of the piece, as with SR. But when either one is over, I feel like I've just listened to a great song. I wouldn't, for example, just listen to "I Get Up, I Get Down". It's part of a larger whole. Maybe "Willow Farm", as it's a self-contained song, but when it got to the end, I wouldn't know what to do. I'd still have to hear the rest of SR.

Orbert

[About The Round]

Good point Orbert. Those scans thrills me!

[Rogo]

Ok. When I say "true epic" I mean what it usually means in a prog context, i.e. "a long song that works as a complete whole." I wasn't using it in the original sense, i.e. "a long poem written in a particular dialect of ancient Greek". I won't, after this post, use the phrase ever ever again. Promise.

I'm not saying that CTTE is NOT a "true epic". What I said was that SR IS.

The point of mentioning the return of the "love is true" bit, is that it's not just a repeat, the meaning of it has changed because of everything that has happened between.

The magical thing about Eddie's splicing is that the end result hangs together so well in spite of all that cutting and pasting. CTTE is still the more coherent of the two, partly because the composition is more economical. They're getting more "mileage" out of fewer tunes. Like the classical symphonists, who typcally relied on a maximum of two main themes for a movement. Bruckner was the adventurer who daringly pushed that number up to three.

But wait. Let's go back to the Odyssey, the original "epic". What kind of a story is that? Our hero sets out on a long journey, has a series of traumatic or exhilarating experiences along the way, and finally returns home in triumph. And that's exactly what Supper's Ready, Close to the Edge and Awaken are like. Maybe that's why we love them so much, because we recognize the archetypal and deeply human story.

We will know the story.

[headrott]

Being as I believe that Close to the Edge is THE BEST rock song ever written, I would obviously have to go with CTTE. In saying that though, My family did our top 10 songs about 2 years ago (and we all actually sat down and listened to them) Supper's Ready is definately in my top 10 no question about it. It is an amazing song! It's basically a song about the book of Revelation. Part of the last verse of the song is almost a direct quote from Revelation 19:17. I wonder how many times Peter Gabriel has read this book? Anyway, I love this last verse of the song. It's got such power coming from the music and especially Peter's voice. It's amazing! But, CTTE still is my favorite!

Greg

[About The Round]

But wait. Let's go back to the Odyssey, the original "epic". What kind of a story is that? Our hero sets out on a long journey, has a series of traumatic or exhilarating experiences along the way, and finally returns home in triumph. And that's exactly what Supper's Ready, Close to the Edge and Awaken are like. Maybe that's why we love them so much, because we recognize the archetypal and deeply human story.

We will know the story.

Triumph? I thought Odyssevs came back to find his wife surrounded by dozens of suitors and the whole of his heartland at stake. I´ve read short summaries of the Odyssey proclaiming this as the main event and the long journey with the quests as the catalyst of where our symphaty should be directed! (just teasing here, but epics are understood from what angle you´re looking from, I´m repeating!)

Filmakers use cuts, clips and editing in their making of movies. A modern way of telling a story. There are different scenes and tableau´s in a theatrical performance (the carpet is going down!) This narrative technique is what I belive Genesis are doing with their bits and pieces on SR – but where the lyrics/vocals are the contextual stronghold. Not the music.

Close to the Edge seems more linear, with details ponting at the main direction. Lyrics/vocals are rather intervening with the music/or are a part of the music!

I´ll go for Close to the Edge if there is a point to differ 989 from 1000. A flower?

one two 3 four 5 six seven eight 9 (I´m tapping).

[Rogo]

Six six six is no longer alone... sigh...

[Ike]

as a Genesis fan first and foremost, it warms the cockles of my heart to see so many so familiar with this great song :)

[jim665]

Both are tremendous works. My personal preference is Close to the Edge. I think that Supper takes too long to get going and tends to stop short just as it is starting to get going, a little too choppy whereas ctte flows it is more like one complete piece of music.

[bdyescall]

IKE?--Whatta wiseguy!!---Great topic!!
A very hard choice as to pick from these 2 songs!--Love them both!
I think Jon could make "Supper's Ready" a little different, but, still kicking.
On the other hand, Mr. Gabriel, I think, could do the same with CTTE.
A very cool situation IKE!--Maybe some day we might be offered the chance to see a ASHWW/PTSMP collaboration, or, even better, a 2 band show!!

[Soundchaser148]

Excellent poll, Ike, and you've made some excellent points throughout this thread on the relative merits of both SR and CTTE. I actually was a Genesis fan before I ever discovered YES. In fact I had been to three Genesis gigs by the time I first heard a YES song! I saw them twice within a week in 1982 and both times they played Suppers Ready! First gig was in Edinburgh with Phil singing and the second was the famous Milton Keynes reunion gig with Peter taking on vocals (in front of a 60,000 strong crowd in the pouring rain!). It feel privileged to have seen Phil and Pete singing this awesome epic! Now I listen to YES all the time but only rarely listen to Genesis. But I think this thread will make me return to my Genesis cds with extra vigour (especial to listen to SR!). Now, for the crux of the matter: which is the better song? Very difficult to answer, especially as I rate them my two favourite songs in all of rock music! However, I think I will have to plump for SR in the end. It holds so many great memories for me, especially going to see Genesis twice in a week and in the company of my brother when he was into such acts as Genesis and YES (sadly now he has become part of the pop brigade and laughs at me whenever I talk about YES!)

Mark

[Orbert]

I won't, after this post, use the phrase ever ever again. Promise.

I'm not saying that CTTE is NOT a "true epic". What I said was that SR IS.
I took your meaning, Rogo, and I wasn't trying to admonish you or anything. I'm sorry if it came across that way. By the way, I would've quoted your whole post, since I agree with nearly every word of it. But what would be the point?

My real concern was that the word "epic" probably gets used too much to have any meaning anymore, so a "true epic" might have an even blurrier definition. To different people, something being a true epic or not may not be a huge deal, or nothing at all. It's just a characterstic and neither inherently good nor bad.

I was therefore trying to caution against overusing the term, and being careful when we use it at all because of the weight that comes with it. For example, I don't automatically think of "The Gates of Delerium" as better than "Yours is no Disgrace" just because it's twice as long and one of the acknowledged "epics". It is not length alone that makes something an epic. It really does depend on compositional style and structure.

I like that you've brought up the original definition of "epic" and its basis in literature, not music. Homer's tales were episodic in nature. Literally, self-contained vignettes which can be taken as part of a larger whole, or not. So in that sense, the more organic songs like CttE and Awaken are not true epics in the classical sense, as they are not so neatly broken down into individual pieces.

Orbert

[Erdy1]

Um, this is a Yes forum. No surprise then that CTTE is winning by a long shot.

[Ike]

it's not a competition, just a poll.

[Sticks]

it's not a competition, just a poll.

Ike, Your question (and I've already stated I wasn't able to choose between these two classic works) inspired me to pull out the Genesis box set 'Genesis Archive 1967 - 75' with the live recording of Supper's Ready from The Rainbow Theatre in 1973. I was astonished as to how good the band was in concert...as good as Yes, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull....as good as anything else on the scene at the time. Of course that box set also has a complete (well, almost complete) live performance of TLLDOB which is, as a studio work, the most ambitious conceptual work of any prog band IMO. The fact that they could pull it off on stage night after night is a testament to the amazing talents in that line-up.

Thanks Ike for the inspiration. You're right, it is just a poll but an excellent question all the same.

[Ike]

glad to be of service! I don't know about the rest of you, but I find it easy to get caught up in the music of just one band or a few related bands, so I find it refreshing when my attention is redirected to music that I haven't listened to in a while, or albums that I perhaps poo-pooed at first.

If I hadn't picked up my copy of yessongs after almost 3 years of not listening to it, I wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't be going to the concert in Anaheim.

[Owl]

Both great - impossible to pick

PS Musical Box in Manhattan - Tribeca perf Arts Ctr on the 4th of March, i believe. I've heard great things about these guys . . .

http://www.themusicalbox.net/

[Dale Cleary]

CTTE most definitely. I haven't heard Supper's ready in about 15 years. I don't care if I ever hear it again. I don't think of it as a serious piece at all, it sounds very adolescent to my ears.

[Faceintheplace]

Although both are great pieces, I'm going to side with "Close to the Edge." To me "Supper's Ready" feels like 20 minutes of music, several songs and ideas glued together, very lose and disconnected.

"Close to the Edge" is the opposite, it sounds like one continous statement, it has much more flow and is more tightly constructed. Listening to it, I hardly know that its been nearly 20 minutes at all. Also, "Close to the Edge" doesn't resort to lengthy jams to reach its length, instead it uses several brief sweeping majestic passages, similar to Stravinsky's "Rites of Spring."

[inside_out]

Nothing compares to Close to the Edge.

[bataisflow]

CTTE most definitely. I haven't heard Supper's ready in about 15 years. I don't care if I ever hear it again. I don't think of it as a serious piece at all, it sounds very adolescent to my ears.

Holy maceral Dale, I can't believe you think that of Suppers Ready. Listen to it again, it is one of the best songs ever written (forget the whole Epic thing)IMHO. As a drummer you gotta appreciate the complexity and dynamics of the tune. I saw The Musical Box (Genesis Tribute band) play it a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing to hear. I could only imagine how PG and the boys would have done it!

As for the poll, I can't vote, I am undecided. I am a bigger Yes fan than Genesis, but Genesis is a close 2nd. Too hard to vote!

[About The Round]

I think it's dangerous when we start using terms like "true epic" to describe a song. It tends to carry with it connotations of legitimacy or illegitimacy that we may not want to consider. Is a song better if it's a "true epic"?
Orbert

How would you describe a song that legitimate it's lenght? Close to the Edge I think manage to be valid throughout the length of the song. And that the different sections issued create a higher understanding. Something not obtained if the work was shorter in time

"true epic" I use when a long-winded song legitimate it's function from beeing so.

The "victory" theme from Gates of Delerium gains it's strenght from the battle cadenca and when the dust clear up-, Soon arrives, and appears mutch more of a tranquil, peaceful end when placed after the "battle" and "victory". Hearing the single version of Soon does not give me the same heights as hearing it as the end of a "true epic".

If there is a better name- please give me a wink!

[fragile34]

i take what i said a while ago back, i think i'd definitely have to go with supper's ready.

[Mike Watkins]

Ike, I didn't vote as I can't pick between them in terms of musical brilliance. Good question all the same especially if it inspires some folk to listen to Genesis a little more closely.

What about these lines from Supper's Ready sung against the relentless, driving music?:

666 is no longer alone,
He's getting out the marrow in your back bone,
And the seven trumpets blowing sweet rock and roll,
Gonna blow right down inside your soul.
Pythagoras with the looking glass reflects the full moon,
In blood, he's writing the lyrics of a brand new tune.

One of the best moments in R'n'R ever!
Couldn't agree more sticks! I LOVE those lyrics and all that leads up to it.
Unbelievably good.

[Oreb]

I have to go with "Close to the Edge": as moving as "Supper's Ready" can be, it doesn't maintain the "Chill Factor" that "CttE" does.

The "angel standing in the sun" section thrills me still, at times, but everytime I hear Jon return to "I get up, I get down" at the end I get a shivered spine, after over 20 years of listening.

[Sticks]

Couldn't agree more sticks! I LOVE those lyrics and all that leads up to it.
Unbelievably good.

Mike, It's really good to hear that you too appreciate those lyrics and the intensity of the music.

Sometimes at Yesfans we raise a flag and no one seems to acknowledge the fact. We are all busy people and four weeks (with Earth spinning at 7.27 x 10-5 rad/s) after my post you've reminded me of it.

By pure coincidence I played Supper's Ready on my radio show last night and I received some feedback from listeners who'd never heard that piece before. They loved it! Very encouraging.

[Scooty]

"A Flower??"...I have just rediscovered Supper's Ready...honestly I hadn't heard it in years...AWESOME..but I do lean more towards CTTE..if I had to choose between the 2...which all i mean is if I had to choose between the 2 tracks CTTE edges out Supper's Ready...but the Delicious Agony marathon made me realize how much i miss Genesis..DAMN IT..more money to spend on CD'S..LOL

[Mike Watkins]

Mike, It's really good to hear that you too appreciate those lyrics and the intensity of the music.

Sometimes at Yesfans we raise a flag and no one seems to acknowledge the fact. We are all busy people and four weeks (with Earth spinning at 7.27 x 10-5 rad/s) after my post you've reminded me of it.

By pure coincidence I played Supper's Ready on my radio show last night and I received some feedback from listeners who'd never heard that piece before. They loved it! Very encouraging.
What radio show is that?

[Oreb]

By pure coincidence I played Supper's Ready on my radio show last night and I received some feedback from listeners who'd never heard that piece before. They loved it! Very encouraging. Lucky buggers! I remember the first time I heard that song: in a small way the world changed. It's a great feeling.

[Sticks]

What radio show is that?

It's an FM station in Melbourne, Australia. Show goes to air Monday evening 10 till midnight.

Not streamed on the Net much to my disappointment.

The show is called:

For What It's Worth

[Scooty]

It's an FM station in Melbourne, Australia. Show goes to air Monday evening 10 till midnight.

Not streamed on the Net much to my disappointment.

The show is called:

For What It's Worth

Now that's a dream job!! Need a hand? ;)
Scott

[Mike Watkins]

Now that's a dream job!! Need a hand? ;)
Scott
How about two?

[Sticks]

How about two?

I hope I didn't give the impression that it's a paying gig. It doesn't pay in cash but it's far more rewarding than cash.

Next show I intend to play Siberian Khatru after I've told the listeners that amazing story of how Steve recorded his final solo without actually hearing what he was playing - except in his head of course. It's things like that that I love to bring to the show as it needs to be informative and interesting.

[Timmo]

THAT is one tough call.

CTTE is like a crystal in it's perfection, the way everything is balanced and the parts all fit, the themes recur and vary, it's all of a piece.

Supper's Ready is a ragged group of stories told by a wise old man, to the delight and terror of the children sitting around him in a circle.

I'd have to choose CTTE by a nose, but I LOVE "Supper's Ready." I also agree that the ending has more of a "goose-bump factor" than the end of CTTE....but Rick's solo near the end more than makes up for it.

But for Number One epic I'd have to go with "The Gates of Delirium." It's amazingly constructed (although seemingly chaotic at first listen, it ain't by a long shot), has drive, energy, and a beautiful ending.

TIM
Venice, CA

[pauli]

But for Number One epic I'd have to go with "The Gates of Delirium."
Just had to get that in there, didn't you Tim?
:lmao:

[Amy]

OK, here comes some more of my musical ignorance.

Supper's Ready is from which Genesis album?

[zenslinger]

Foxtrot, 1972.

Live version on Seconds Out, 1977, rocks harder, but Phil is singing.

Live version from '73 with Peter siging is on the Archive 67-75 4CD set.

Seconds Out still takes the cake for me.

[Amy]

OK, another one I have to purchase.

This site is getting expensive.

I'll have to get back to this poll after I listen.

Thanks!

[Jackaranda]

I chose Supper's Ready (sorry!!!). CTTE is just not one of my favorite Yes epics. Almost any other one and I'd chosen the Yes song.

[Amy]

I chose Supper's Ready (sorry!!!). CTTE is just not one of my favorite Yes epics. Almost any other one and I'd chosen the Yes song.

This is why I don't want to have 5 children.

[Jackaranda]

This is why I don't want to have 5 children.

WHAT???!!! :Itchscrat

[Timmo]

WHAT???!!! :Itchscrat

Because choosing your favorite Yes epic is like choosing your favorite child!

TIM
Venice, CA

[Amy]

WHAT???!!! :Itchscrat



:D

[Jackaranda]

You wait Amy--you're gonna be pregnant again soon! And again! And again!

Actually Tim, my kids are named Revealing, Ritual, Gates, Awaken and ED.

[Amy]

Because choosing your favorite Yes epic is like choosing your favorite child!

TIM
Venice, CA

No Tim!
Because only someone with 5 kids could say that about CTTE!
This is what kids do to us!
We can't think straight anymore!

[pauli]

Oh, I like Tim's interpretation.
And I voted for CTTE a long time ago! Only 2 kids though...

[Amy]

[QUOTE=jackgowen]You wait Amy--you're gonna be pregnant again soon! And again! And again!

NOOO! I will not!!
Two is quite enough!
I don't know how you do it!!!

[BrianD]

I enjoy both songs enormously and yet to me both have weaknesses.

CTTE is the more coherent - it hangs together better, especially the live versions. The studio version still shows signs of the way in which it was recorded - a little piecemeal. But I love the way that The Solid Time of Change moves from a chaotic beginning into a gradually ordered theme, and of course Seasons of Man.

Suppers Ready has some fantastic sections - none better than Apocalypse in 9/8 - but overall it is a bit of a hotch potch of ideas that could just as easily been presented as linked short songs - a bit like Lamb.

[Timmo]

:offtopic:

You wait Amy--you're gonna be pregnant again soon! And again! And again!

Actually Tim, my kids are named Revealing, Ritual, Gates, Awaken and ED.God, those kids are going to need lots of therapy!

A guy I met on soundchaser.org has three sons...Jon, Chris and Steve.

They are pissed about being named after that "gayassed" band.

A good friend of mine was dead-set on naming his daughter Khatru. Wiser heads, including his wife, prevailed, and she is now Anya.

But the most pissed-off kid in the world MUST be named "The Revealing Science of God."

TIM
Venice, CA

[Amy]

CTTE for me.

[Gabriel]

While Suppers Ready is a fantastic song, I find some of the middle parts abit tiring after after a while, prefering Lovers leap/Guranteed Eternal Santuary Man/Apocalypse In 9/8/As sure as Eggs is Eggs more than anything else but with CTTE I enjoy the whole song and find it abit more consistant since SR jumps all over the place!

Both are fantastic examples of prog rock at its peak though.

[fragile34]

man, what i was i thinking, close to the edge is the definitive piece of progressive rock.

[Doktor Rokster]

Supper's Ready just nicks it for me, if only because of the tingles down my spine I always get at the end when Peter sings “Lord of Lords, King of Kings, has returned to lead his children home, to take them to the new Jerusalem”, which then leads to Steve's wailing guitar part and the slow meander to the end of the song: this conclusion is one of the few times where a fade makes perfect sense…but really, more or less impossible to choose

[ndselwood]

What a question !!

I've voted for Suppers Ready as it is my favourite Genesis track and no collection or recording is complete without it, i.e. Genesis Live.

CTTE is a superb song, but I prefer AYAI and movements from TFTO so I've not taken the soft option and voted for the one that's my fave.

[slazman]

This is difficult. CTTE ... favourite Yes piece. Supper's Ready ... favourite Genesis piece. Yes .... favourite band BUT even though Supper's Ready is 'more thrown together bits and pieces, it provokes more emotions than any other piece of music. So I stick pins in my eyes as I vote for Supper's Ready.

Saw 'The Musical Box' at Nottingham this year doing a remarkable re-enactment of this.

[brotherofmine]

Supper's ready....only cause I'm hungry tommorrow I might be feeling a bit manic then it will definitely be CTTE

[umgekehrt]

Neither! A Change Of Seasons is the answer

[Orbert]

Neither! A Change Of Seasons is the answer
Hear, hear!

When I got in this morning, the first tune I put on was "A Change of Seasons". A nice Monday morning pick-me-up.

But all three tunes are masterpieces, IMO. When I need an epic, any of those are possible, depending on my mood. Other options include "In the Dead of Night" by UK, "Echoes" by Pink Floyd, "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" by Chicago, and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting.

It's difficult (and probably pointless) to try to define The Greatest Epic Tune of All. It depends on what you're in the mood for.

Orbert

[Eclipse_chaser]

Twice now (here and on the Genesis forum) I have seen someone create a poll with the song “Supper’s Ready” by Genesis going up against Yes’ “Close to the Edge”. To me this is not a fair comparison. Although both songs were released in 1972, Genesis was a younger band. When Genesis played in America for the first time they were still broke, while Yes and ELP were travelling in luxury. By 1972 Yes had already released The Yes Album in 1970 (with “Yours is No Disgrace” and “Starship Trooper”) and Fragile in 1971 (with “Long Distance Runaround” and “Heart of the Sunrise”). It seems to me that Yes were the more accomplished band in 1972. And a word about “Supper’s Ready” from Tony Banks: he said that there is an ugly section in it. Generally I dislike ugly bits in songs so when these polls happen I have chosen CTTE.

To make this a fair fight, all we have to do is give Genesis one more album, and then we have “Close to the Edge” going up against something from Genesis’ “Selling England By the Pound”. “Close to the Edge” is 18.5 minutes long, so let’s put it up against “Firth of Fifth” and “The Cinema Show” with a combined running time of 20.5 minutes. Shoot, this gives Genesis an extra 2 minutes, but they are a younger band. So ha HA – take THAT Yes! Now I’d have a very difficult time deciding between the two choices. All three are musical treasures.

The first time I saw Genesis play live it was 1980 on their “Duke” tour. By then I had seen Yes twice, and the first time was their “Going for the One” tour which means that I probably got to hear “Awaken” live in 1977 or 1978. I say all this so you understand what I had come to expect from progressive rock which I was only starting to explore in the late ‘70s while I was in my late teens. People who prefer “Supper’s Ready” have probably read the lyrics several times and appreciate that the song takes them on a journey. I admit that I am very late to the Supper’s Ready party. It’s taking me a long time to appreciate “Supper’s Ready”, and to be fair it’s also taking me a long time to get into “Relayer”, and I don’t even have a copy of Tales yet – in the past I have been loath to spend money on unknown (to me) albums such as Foxtrot and Relayer. Well, that’s my 25 cents worth.

8-) Laurel

[marklovesyes]

It does not matter which piece you like better. "Supper's Ready" has some great moments, but as many have said, it is disjointed and the length of it almost feels a bit contrived. On the other hand, "Close To The Edge" starts, continues, and ends very cohesively and has extremely strong melodies throughout. The themes are introduced and then brought back at the precisely correct moments. CTTE simply wins out on every level.

1 out of 10 ratings on five categories
Structure:
CTTE - 10 (this is the standard setter when it comes right down to it)
SR - 6 (seems to be many different songs thrown together one after another)

Melodies
CTTE - 10
SR - 8

Variations on and revisitation of themes
CTTE - 10
SR - 5 (hardly done, if at all)

Musicianship
CTTE - 10
SR - 9 (Hackett, Collins, and Banks were superb, but Gabriel was still developing the voice)

Overall production
CTTE - 9 ('I Get Up, I Get Down' can drag on at times, sometimes losing interested listeners)
SR - 8 (Genesis was still new to recording)

Overall Scores:
Close To The Edge - 9.8
Supper's Ready - 7.2


I think it would be more appropriate to compare Close To The Edge with some later work from Genesis, like some of the material on 'Selling England By The Pound' or 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'. In fact, "Firth of Fifth" would probably match "Close To The Edge" in Overall Score. And the title track to SEBTP would probably be in the 9's. I think "Firth of Fifth" beats "SEBTP" in both structure and melody.

-mly

P.S. Regarding melodies, I try to be very objective. I recognize a good melody, even though I may not like it; and I recognize a poor melody, even though I may prefer the song to a good melody that I do not like. A great example of this would be my disdain for the song "Layla". I simply cannot stand that song. However, I would rate it higher than a song like "Release, Release" even though I would listen to "Release, Release" over "Layla" any time of any day of any week, now and forevermore.

[slazman]

Ah! more comparisons (I won't quote Dogberry on this one).

Two of my favourite pieces go head to head ... must there be a winner?

[Rogo]

Ah! more comparisons (I won't quote Dogberry on this one).

Two of my favourite pieces go head to head ... must there be a winner?

Oh yes... we can only keep one, it's medical experiments for the other one...

[Bluebird71]

It does not matter which piece you like better. "Supper's Ready" has some great moments, but as many have said, it is disjointed and the length of it almost feels a bit contrived. On the other hand, "Close To The Edge" starts, continues, and ends very cohesively and has extremely strong melodies throughout. The themes are introduced and then brought back at the precisely correct moments. CTTE simply wins out on every level.

1 out of 10 ratings on five categories
Structure:
CTTE - 10 (this is the standard setter when it comes right down to it)
SR - 6 (seems to be many different songs thrown together one after another)

Melodies
CTTE - 10
SR - 8

Variations on and revisitation of themes
CTTE - 10
SR - 5 (hardly done, if at all)

Musicianship
CTTE - 10
SR - 9 (Hackett, Collins, and Banks were superb, but Gabriel was still developing the voice)

Overall production
CTTE - 9 ('I Get Up, I Get Down' can drag on at times, sometimes losing interested listeners)
SR - 8 (Genesis was still new to recording)

Overall Scores:
Close To The Edge - 9.8
Supper's Ready - 7.2


I think it would be more appropriate to compare Close To The Edge with some later work from Genesis, like some of the material on 'Selling England By The Pound' or 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'. In fact, "Firth of Fifth" would probably match "Close To The Edge" in Overall Score. And the title track to SEBTP would probably be in the 9's. I think "Firth of Fifth" beats "SEBTP" in both structure and melody.

-mly

P.S. Regarding melodies, I try to be very objective. I recognize a good melody, even though I may not like it; and I recognize a poor melody, even though I may prefer the song to a good melody that I do not like. A great example of this would be my disdain for the song "Layla". I simply cannot stand that song. However, I would rate it higher than a song like "Release, Release" even though I would listen to "Release, Release" over "Layla" any time of any day of any week, now and forevermore.

Your comparison of CTTE and Supper's Ready seems absolutely spot on for me! I bought Foxtrot a couple of weeks ago, just because I was dying to hear what all the fuss was about in regards to SR. I had already gotten myself SEBTP before that and truly loved that record right away so needless to say, my expextations were high when it came to Foxtrot... But sadly the record didn't live up to them, especially not SR. It seems too much of a "hotchpotch" for me, lacking the musical and compositional sophistication of CTTE. I can listen to SR as nice background music, while CTTE manages to sweep me away into its magical world every single time.

On another note, I cannot believe I have finally come across somebody else, who actively dislikes Layla! LOL

[Bo Locks]

The question's simple, the answer's even simpler:

CLOSE TO THE EDGE!!!

[Orbert]

On another note, I cannot believe I have finally come across somebody else, who actively dislikes Layla! LOL
I like the verses of Layla, but the neverending guitar indulgence at the end bores me to tears. It was at least a few listens before I even realized that someone was soloing there - I just remember this monotonous piano thing being played over and over hundreds of times. The guitar is just too low in the mix.

At some point, I heard that Duane Allman played the second lead guitar, and I never realized there was a second lead guitar in there. So that made it slightly interesting the next few times, as I tried to figure out who was who. But since they're both buried in the mix, it was pretty hopeless, and I was back to just hating the song because it's so boring.

I think I understand what supposed to be happening there. It's a pretty melody, pretty enough to bear repeating a few times, while the guitars play. But no melody is nice enough to literally repeat hundreds of times, and if the guitars are supposed to be heard during that part, shouldn't they... you know... be audible in the mix?

Orb

[Soundchaser148]

Your comparison of CTTE and Supper's Ready seems absolutely spot on for me! I bought Foxtrot a couple of weeks ago, just because I was dying to hear what all the fuss was about in regards to SR. I had already gotten myself SEBTP before that and truly loved that record right away so needless to say, my expextations were high when it came to Foxtrot... But sadly the record didn't live up to them, especially not SR. It seems too much of a "hotchpotch" for me, lacking the musical and compositional sophistication of CTTE. I can listen to SR as nice background music, while CTTE manages to sweep me away into its magical world every single time.

On another note, I cannot believe I have finally come across somebody else, who actively dislikes Layla! LOL

I totally disagree with your remarks relating to Supper's Ready. A 'hotchpotch' it certainly aint and the previous post where the remark was expounded that Supper's Ready's length is contrived leaves me dumbfounded. Whenever I play it I come away with the feeling it has lasted for five or ten minutes not around 25 minutes. Mind you I was brought up on songs like Supper's Ready and many other Genesis classics from around 1980 onwards. For many years Supper's Ready was my favourite song. To me it ranks right up their with the best of Yes's epics. I would give my vote to CTTE but by the merest fractions. I've seen Supper's Ready performed by Genesis twice (in the space of a week!). Once at the famous reunion gig in 1982 with Peter Gabriel at Milton Keynes and the other in Edinburgh. Very interesting to hear Phil do the vocals for this classic at one gig and Peter at the other!

Mark

[The_Fish]

Damn it Ike! I really can't decide!

CTTE is great, because it's just an awesome song, but then again, I sort of like Super's Ready better, because well, there aren't as many boring parts.
Don't take offensively! I just think "I Get Up- I Get Down" is a little dragged on.
And APocalypse is probably the best part of that song.

So, I have to go with Supper's Ready.

[Koko]

NO CONTEST

It's Gotta be


"Close To The Edge"


The greatest piece of recorded music in the history of the known world.....so far :bncy:

[Timmo]

No, the greatest piece of recorded music of all time is "The Gates of Delirium." :kissme:

As to SR vs. CTTE, they are both incredibly brilliant to me. VERY DIFFERENT. I would call SR "episodic" rather than "a hodgepodge," as to me, the pieces "fit together."

Additionally, the last part is a direct reprise of Part 2 ("can't you see he's fooled you all?" is the same melody as "Can't you feel our souls unite?").

They're both solid 10s in my book.

[stmfp]

Close to the Edge made a big impression on me and had a big impact on my life in college.. I remember sitting up on the shelf of my closet with the door closed all spaced out God knows where listening to it on my headphones.. crazy times.. I think it was a year or two later that a friend told me about Supper's Ready.. it scared the ---- out of me before I even heard the song. When I finally did hear it, it was in my parents' basement where the both of us were convinced there was a presence. The song still gives me chills to this day. I still love Close to the Edge, but I can separate it out ... not so with Supper's Ready.

[The Whale]

l love Genesis but I would never had given them a chance if i haden't been pulled in to the hole prog thing by Yes. Don't get me wrong I had heard alot of prog before but none of it clicked until yes hit the switch for me. so yes is my trunk and every thing eals branches off CTTE wins

[Yes2Yes]

Both are great, but I must go with CTTE. This was a tough poll.

[Roan's Lady]

Mmm, very difficult.
Just today, Supper's Ready finally hit me. You know the feeling of discovering the beauty of a piece of music for the first time? Little matches that.
CttE clicked for me 25-or-so years ago, and I have listened to it since then with wonder and pleasure every time - but there is a certain excitement when music first grabs you, and you are listening to it again and again, delighting in new things each time - and that's what has happened to me with SR...
As far as the music itself, and the compositional elements...I do feel that CttE is perhaps more coherently put together, I'd say a more linear direction (don't know if this has been said before me, I've not read this entire thread)...but this lack of straighforward motion in SR is by no means a detriment to the song. Themes repeat themselves (important) while the song is so amazingly rich in dynamics and structure - something upon more thought I feel CttE has less of. I don't all feel any sense of disjointedness in SR, although one could say that there are songs within songs here...but they work together brilliantly. Some of the musical passages (particularly in the Apocalypse in 9/8 section) are phenomenal. I am also enchanted with Peter Gabriel's lyrics, he is a master wordsmith who draws from so many sources, and can move from light to dark in a matter of seconds - fantastic.

A tough call...but today, I have to hand it to Supper's Ready.

[Symbol]

I couldn't agree with you more Amy. It is a very difficult decision to have to choose between the two. Both of these songs are favorites of mine and are heavy in my frequent listening rotation. Both of these songs take you on a wonderous musical journey that is unequaled by many bands. Both are strong in the stirring of emotion department. Both songs feature great guitarists, keyboardists, and singers. These are my favorite two groups. I know I have told you that CTTE would get my vote by the smallest of margins. I am going to change that. I don't want to pick a favorite... because they both move me so much... I can have them both!

and the winner is me! (or should I say... all of us!)

[Bluetailfly]

Close To The Edge has always blown me away. Melodically I think it is genius, especially when the main theme is reintroduced. But like Roan's Lady, Supper's Ready has just impacted me emotionally very recently. It took the live version on Archives to do it; when Peter sings the final verse and the final line "To the new Jerusalem" I just get goose bumps all over.
I give the nod to CTTE here musically, but emotionally they are both 10's on the goose bump meter.

[Scaramouche]

Suppers Ready, has a bit more of a kick to it, but doesn't flow as well as CTTE. CTTE is a continous peice of music with a direction whereas SR is a more like a montage of great music stuck together because they couldn't or wouldn't have stood up as individual songs.

Saying that as shocked as I am considering I'm a die hard yesmeister, I would have to say SR is a tad better.

But I will go as far as to say that nothing ...not even SR will surpass Awaken as the greatest peice of uplifting prog ...ever.

[SonicDeath10]

i heard supper's ready first. it doesn't flow as well. but emotionally it's amazing. especially tony's last keyboard solo: sure he's just going up and down the board, and not very quickly, but something about the way he builds up the tension is amazing. Wakey's solo on CTTE is amazing too, but more in a "wow he played that?" sort of way.

[JL]

This is like comparing a side of beef to bean sprouts. It's not even apples and oranges because they are at least both fruits. CTTE and Supper's Ready are different food groups entirely.

[Orbert]

This is like comparing a side of beef to bean sprouts. It's not even apples and oranges because they are at least both fruits. CTTE and Supper's Ready are different food groups entirely.

Beef vs Bean Sprouts


Both are enjoyed by many people the world over.
Both are also reviled by people the world over (but we don't associate with these people).
Each has a form and texture quite different from the other, and thus its own appeal.
Only one is generally associated with Steve Howe.
I enjoy either or both, depending on the mood.

"Close to the Edge" vs "Supper's Ready"

Same thing!

[perpchange]

I don't think I could say definitively. I love Yes, but "old" Genesis is by far my favorite music. That said, CTTE as a song is much tighter. It is truly one song that flows much better than Supper. However, the music of Supper is superb, and ultimately, you can't touch Gabriel when it comes to lyrics. What is CTTE about anyway? I find all of Yes' songs hard to decipher, whereas Genesis lyrics are often excellent and you can be fairly certain what they are getting at. Even if you're not sure, there is enough there for you to conjure up your own meaning. I've always felt that Yes' weakest point was its lyrics.

[Roan's Lady]

I find all of Yes' songs hard to decipher, whereas Genesis lyrics are often excellent and you can be fairly certain what they are getting at. Even if you're not sure, there is enough there for you to conjure up your own meaning. I've always felt that Yes' weakest point was its lyrics.

I think several Yes songs are quite point blank, in regard to lyrics - especially in their newer material. I find that you can "conjure up your own meaning" with most Yes lyrics as well. And some Genesis lyrics are quite vague!
But Peter Gabriel's lyrics run more of the emotional gamut. I can appreciate the darker side to them, as well as the humorous and the tongue-in-cheek. I also enjoy his political and cultural infusions. Yes has much less of this range of lyrical content. Sometimes, life ain't all about love!

[Bluetailfly]

Usually I appreciate Jon Anderson's efforts at being positive. He doesn't deny that there is darkness, but he choses to emphasize the positve. For me I find Jon very inspiring. He helps me to try to improve my self and to always seek.
I am new to really listening to Genesis. I am very intrigued by Supper's ready and have been listening to it almost daily for about a month. I can';t say I've got it all figured out. In fact I've been meaning to go over to Genesis Talk and see if I can find a discussion about the various meanings and theme of Supper's Ready.

[perpchange]

About the Round, I have to disagree with you on the song length thing. I think Genesis best songs are right around 10 minutes, not the 6-8 range that you speak of. Songs like Musical Box, Fountain of Salmacis, Watcher of the Skies, Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Firth of Fifth (natch), Cinema Show: these are so much better than any shorter song that Genesis wrote (at least in the Gabriel era).

Salmacis, Watcher, and Dancing are more around the 8 minute mark. Genesis actually has very few songs over 8 minutes. Supper's Ready is the only REAL epic, when compared to Yes that has numerous 15+ minute songs.

I believe this is what makes Genesis better as a whole. They don't overdo it. With the exception of CTTE, all of Yes' best songs are between 8 and 10 minutes, imo.

[Orbert]

I am new to really listening to Genesis. I am very intrigued by Supper's ready and have been listening to it almost daily for about a month. I can';t say I've got it all figured out. In fact I've been meaning to go over to Genesis Talk and see if I can find a discussion about the various meanings and theme of Supper's Ready.
I can help you out a little here.

Peter Gabriel has said that "Supper's Ready" is about Good vs. Evil, specifically about Good triumphing over Evil. Note that the ending is very, very positive, with Biblical references, and it's no accident that the big instrumental is called "Apocalypse in 9/8".

The opening section is based on an actual experience the Peter had. He and his wife were in their sitting room, and he'd just turned the television off (just as in the lyrics). He turned to look at his wife, and something weird, perhaps even supernatural, happened. His wife's face seemed to have another face superimposed over it, just for a moment. He freaked a little, and went to the window, looked out, and thought he saw seven ghostly figures walking across the lawn (again, just as described in the lyrics). That's it. Then, I suppose, she snapped him out of it by announcing that his supper was ready.

Also, "Willow Farm" was a pretty-much completed song of its own.

If I think of any more, I'll add more later.

[Roan's Lady]

I can help you out a little here.

Peter Gabriel has said that "Supper's Ready" is about Good vs. Evil, specifically about Good triumphing over Evil. Note that the ending is very, very positive, with Biblical references, and it's no accident that the big instrumental is called "Apocalypse in 9/8".

The opening section is based on an actual experience the Peter had. He and his wife were in their sitting room, and he'd just turned the television off (just as in the lyrics). He turned to look at his wife, and something weird, perhaps even supernatural, happened. His wife's face seemed to have another face superimposed over it, just for a moment. He freaked a little, and went to the window, looked out, and thought he saw seven ghostly figures walking across the lawn (again, just as described in the lyrics). That's it. Then, I suppose, she snapped him out of it by announcing that his supper was ready.

Also, "Willow Farm" was a pretty-much completed song of its own.

If I think of any more, I'll add more later.


I've read and heard several interpretations of SR, all sharing the idea of something unpleasant happening to PGs wife - I have learned everything from her being near death to experiencing a demonic possession. Not sure what is correct! The good vs. evil theme is quite clear.
I read that "gabble ratchet" is referring to a sound that geese make. Ditto, to adding more later if I think of anything else.

[Bluetailfly]

I heard that gabble ratchet has something to do with "The Hunt" in Northern England, like something to do with the hounds, and that perhaps this is a hunt for ghosts. I'm soryy I am so vague, I am hoping this will ring some bells for some one out there.

[taineer]

Can't vote on this one. I believe Orbert has it dialed in.

[SilenceoftheValley]

Great poll, definatly interesting. Im going with close to the Edge though. Even out of classical music its the most perfect thing ive ever heard.

[stmfp]

I don't know.. that Mozart guy wrote some good tunes. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik was pretty good.

[SonicDeath10]

mozart schmozart!

[Orbert]

Whoa there, young fella!!

I don't listen to Classical as much as I do Good Olde Rock and Roll, but I draw the line at others dissing my buddy Amadeus.

Sing with me:

Amadeus, Amadeus... A - ma - day - us !
Amadeus, Amadeus... A - ma - day - us !

Okay now, rap in German (or Austrian or whatever)!

Sorry, but if there was ever a Classical dude who could rock, it was Mozart. He was a killer.

[SonicDeath10]

i'd have to say beethoven would have been a head banger.

[Orbert]

I think of Beethoven as more of a Heavy Metal guy. He went for the intense. Mozart's Pop stuff stuck pretty much with the Top 40 format, though he did push the edges outward the whole time. But come on, the guy cranked out dozens and dozens of symphonies, while Beethoven kept it to a reasonable nine. If Mozart was Pop/Rock, Beethoven was Prog.

[sherriff_johnbrown]

I'm going to go with Supper's Ready, as great as CTTE is, and as much as it rocks.

[SonicDeath10]

why? i'm not disputing, just curious as to why you like it better. :) for me it's impossible to say i love both.

[Hill St.]

Not a big Genesis fan so it's obvious.

[MoonGateClimber]

I had to go with CttE on this one. Even though both songs are broken up into movements, Supper's Ready is too broken, while I can't really tell where CttE's movt's end and begin, whitch is a good thing in may opinion. One thing I don't like about CttE compared to Supper's Ready is that CttE sounds as if Jon wrote the music before the lyrics, whitch makes it a little hard to follow what he is trying to say, but iv'e noticed it is like this in alot of his music. Overall, though, I like them both, but I like CttE just a little bit better.

[SonicDeath10]

turn round, tiger.

[sparky]

For me, it´s like comparing italian cuisine with sushi - way too different to even trying to compare them...

[Bluetailfly]

I love sushi, but Itallian will always be my answer to the question, What is your favorite kind of food.

[TheMiz]

Supper's Ready !

[Stevehoweworshipu!]

ARGH!! so hhhhhhhard! hmmm maybe CTTE cause of the emotion (tear) (viloin plays)

[Bluetailfly]

ARGH!! so hhhhhhhard! hmmm maybe CTTE cause of the emotion (tear) (viloin plays)
Or maybe it has something to do with the lead guitarist?

[SonicDeath10]

i actually like Hacket more than Howe, for emotional guitar. Hacket's genius lies in making guitar lines that can make you cry, although he's also a brilliant arranger, riffer, and fast player. Howe can play circles around Hacket technically, and can come up with really amazing riffs and emotional solo's, but none of his solo's have ever hit me like a hackett one. The fade out solo on "Supper's Ready" is sheer emotional catharsis, as is his solo on Firth Of Fifth (which was always ruined by shreddage from Daryl Struemer, much as I like that guy) and the ultimate "it's just a solo with minimal background to it, but it'll make you cry" song is the title track from spectral mornings. Yes, he's only playing half the notes steve would play in a solo, but maybe it's better for that.

That said, Howe is a brilliant guitarist (it comes harder now than it used to, but he still has a genius) and I could listen to either of them play for hours.

[Bluetailfly]

My post about lead guitarist was just a joke because ot he screen name "Stevehoweworshipu". I wasn't trying to set up a Steve is better than Steve debate. I agree that Hacket is wonderful, and very underrated. I love his playing on the Live Lamb material on disc 1&2 on the Archive set.
I think guitar playing debates are ridiculous as different is as differnt does. Now if you want to talk overrated, I can think of a yes guitarist in the eighties that is overrated IMHO, but that really has nothing to do with CTTE or Suppers Ready.

[SonicDeath10]

lol sorry i missed that joke, i didn't really look at his screen name.

and actually i do agree about debating "guitar playing abilitles" some love hendrix say he's the best: i say he was merely great. some love garcia: i say he's probably the most over rated guitarist ever. or one of them. sorry to step on toes!

[Rhayader]

Suppers ready just edged it. Close call tho - a week ago i would have said CTTE but ive been listening to SR a lot recently.

[BillGuitar]

If The Edge is, I would much rather be Close To it.

Supper can be Ready, anytime.

(Very interesting thread. But, it's time to eat!)

"Yes, I'll have the Siberian Khatru, please, cooked with a Gold Stainless Nail, with extra Glider on the side. Oh, and could I also have the River Running Over My Head as an appetizer? Perfect. Thanks."

Yum yum. Yes for dinner!

[YESOLA]

Wow both unbelievable tracks, I'll have to go with CTTE , but suppers ready wow, astounding as well.

[sniggly]

thats really to close to call, both i think represent the peak
of the respective artists work.

[YesHut]

Well, what a compairison- so glad that the two main ppl mentioned Hacket and Howe joined forces and made a band , GTR. Short as it was- But I do enjoy both songs, tops for me, but I can't compair as to which one is better than the other. What day is it? as to whice one is my fav----

[Roan's Lady]

Round by the corner, down to Willow Farm...tough choice. They are both grand pieces of music. But Supper's Ready's edges out Close to the Edge by a few hairs - these days, anyway.

[Hed G.]

I went with Close To The Edge. As much as I love Supper's Ready, Genesis
weren't as good as Yes at joining together snippets of songs into a coherent,
well-rounded, extended piece. And the sound production on CTTE is vastly
superior, still sounding fresh today (Supper's Ready sounds sadly dated).

[MrZuLu]

I usually listen to Supper's Ready First... Then Close To THe Edge

[MrZuLu]

For me, it´s like comparing italian cuisine with sushi - way too different to even trying to compare them...
that's me too...


even tho ceviche is Italian Sushi
I won't vote

[True Believer]

Too difficult - they're both masterpieces in their own ways.

[Sharp]

Too difficult - they're both masterpieces in their own ways.

Very true.... Each is definitely a unique item.. wouldn't even attempt to compare them...just enjoy them.... :winknudge

[Roan's Lady]

Fans of Supper's Ready may be interested in the following:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CjHL2a2Uagw&search=supper%27s%20ready

:headset:

[True Believer]

Fans of Supper's Ready may be interested in the following:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CjHL2a2Uagw&search=supper%27s%20ready

:headset:

I certainly AM interested! Thanks Amy!

[Roan's Lady]

I certainly AM interested! Thanks Amy!

:thumbs: Cool, Anne!
I posted this in another thread as well...was thinking I didn't want to veer this thread into an exclusive SR one...
I seem to be enjoying a renaissance of interest in this nearly-23-minutes of perfection. :D

[Roadkill]

Dare I dip my toe into the contentious Yes vs Genesis debate, on only my second post? Well, as someone whose first musical love was Genesis I suppose it's natural instinct to voice an opinion on this prickly subject. Can I sit on the fence and say I love both songs equally? Umm, thought not. I do love both bands equally though, both very different groups (I wouldn't say Genesis were a band of vituosos though, Ike - and neither would they! I always felt that was the main distinction between them and their prog peers.) but both capable of making music that is intensely moving.

There's nothing I can say about these two songs that hasn't already been said so I'll just say which I prefer and why. I think, ultimately, Close To The Edge is my preference. I prefer the lyircs and the vocals (Gabriel could never hold a candle to Anderson in my book) and the I Get Up I Get Down section moves me so much more than Gabriel's quasi-relgiious anthem ever could (maybe if I were a Christian I'd think feel differently about that). Supper's Ready is very neat with everything in its place; it rarely gets out of control and when it does it's down to the adio verite of Phil Collins's drumming rather than any specific plan of attack. Whereas "Edge" is gloriously over the top in its instrumentation and I've always preferred music like that.

Just my opinion (I imagine, though, that were it the other way around, I wouldn't be here, I'd be on the Genesis forum, no doubt talking about possible reunions and how Phil Collins "ruined" the band! Sorry, just a light hearted dig based on what I've read on their official forum.).

[Roan's Lady]

Dare I dip my toe into the contentious Yes vs Genesis debate, on only my second post? Well, as someone whose first musical love was Genesis I suppose it's natural instinct to voice an opinion on this prickly subject. Can I sit on the fence and say I love both songs equally? Umm, thought not. I do love both bands equally though, both very different groups (I wouldn't say Genesis were a band of vituosos though, Ike - and neither would they! I always felt that was the main distinction between them and their prog peers.) but both capable of making music that is intensely moving.

There's nothing I can say about these two songs that hasn't already been said so I'll just say which I prefer and why. I think, ultimately, Close To The Edge is my preference. I prefer the lyircs and the vocals (Gabriel could never hold a candle to Anderson in my book) and the I Get Up I Get Down section moves me so much more than Gabriel's quasi-relgiious anthem ever could (maybe if I were a Christian I'd think feel differently about that). Supper's Ready is very neat with everything in its place; it rarely gets out of control and when it does it's down to the adio verite of Phil Collins's drumming rather than any specific plan of attack. Whereas "Edge" is gloriously over the top in its instrumentation and I've always preferred music like that.

Just my opinion (I imagine, though, that were it the other way around, I wouldn't be here, I'd be on the Genesis forum, no doubt talking about possible reunions and how Phil Collins "ruined" the band! Sorry, just a light hearted dig based on what I've read on their official forum.).

Hello Roadkill. Good post, and don't just dip your toe in here, enter the water cannonball-style!
Just a thought, I agree with you re CTTE's stunning instrumentation, but it doesn't hold the monopoly in this regard - I'm assuming you have listened to "Apocalypse in 9/8" with a well-attuned ear, and what is going on there, particularly by Tony Banks?? Utterly WOW.

[Mc-Merc]

Hahahaha! OMG... about 10 years ago I used to engage in very heated discussions about this very same topic. It almost wanted to end in fist fights! We almost lost our friendship over this! He was/is a Genesis fan.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Genesis, I really do... but both Close to the Edge and (to a lesser extent) Gates of Delirium shatter everything else into smithereens!

[ToBeOver]

Considering the only one that I've heard live is CTTE; it holds a special place for me and always has. I love Supper's Ready, but if push came to shove, CTTE would win out every time.

Thanks again for the link to the Supper's Ready video, Amy.... amazing.

:keyboard:

[Starless]

''Supper's Ready'' doesn't have that impression as CTTE, same as Genesis in comparison with Yes. Of course it's only my point. CTTE is more charismatic than Genesis' Supper, I think.

[SonicDeath10]

Really? What about the "Willow's Farm" section? That is one of the most charasmatic things I've ever heard! Or eccentric any ways.

[cflamm]

i don't understand the comparison. some of genesis' work is very complicated and intricate...much like much of yes' music...but supper's ready is just a long piece with a number of uncomplicated movements in it. i've heard other genesis way more compicated, intricate, and PLEASING than supper's ready.

is it being compared because CTTE and Supper are both long pieces. if that is the case, it's like comparing a good sized portion of excellant chicken marsala with 20 large sized cans of spaghetti o's.

btw, listening to CTTE for about the thousandth time. never ever tire of it. it is, in my opinion, the best prog song out there, which to say, it's the best song out there period.

carl

[SonicDeath10]

Are you saying a song has to be complicated and intricate to be pleasing? I would disagree ten thousand times over. Of course Supper's Ready is just a bunch of small songs strung together; I hate to break this to you, but that's usually the way long songs are created in the first place. I wouldn't even say that Supper's Ready is actually "just" a collection of smaller songs no more than, say Close To The Edge is. A long song is filled with many different melodies, that are nevertheless related; if their is two or three melodies in a long song, then things get kind of scary. Listen to Close To The Edge; it has as many different melodies in it as Supper's Ready. The instrumentation is more complex, sure; but does that make it superior? Honestly, to me, Supper's Ready's many melodies are more beautiful and heart breaking then the complex, moving, but somewhat cold accomplishment of Close To The Edge.

[Imperatrix]

They both so don't suck!

[bike]

Both of these sidelongs are near the top of everything "progressive" for me, but I give the slight edge to "Supper's Ready". "Gates of Delirium" beats both of them as far as epic pieces go, though.

[CybrKhatru]

"I know a farmer who showed his arm stretched out to space"

"A seasoned witch could walk across the fields to see the children of the West"

"Walking across the sitting room, I crucified my hate"

"Two million people barely move across the lawn slowly"

"And the seven trumpets blowing sweet music that came quickly from afar"


Aw, hell...don't make me choose. I love 'em both!

---Matt

[Imperatrix]

"I know a farmer who showed his arm stretched out to space"

"A seasoned witch could walk across the fields to see the children of the West"

"Walking across the sitting room, I crucified my hate"

"Two million people barely move across the lawn slowly"

"And the seven trumpets blowing sweet music that came quickly from afar"


Aw, hell...don't make me choose. I love 'em both!

Great. Closer to the Ratchet, playing at a SoCal club near you. :lol:

[CybrKhatru]

Great. Closer to the Ratchet, playing at a SoCal club near you. :lol:

Since both bands ARE in fact sharing a bill in August, perhaps we should.....


....oh, ferget it. We'd never hear the end of it. :lol:

[Yes.2]

Yeah...those two songs are the best...Like Chocolate and peanutbutter

[Yes.2]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fhCymky-tKw"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fhCymky-tKw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Nice tribute song! Is this the band MusicalBOX?

[Roan's Lady]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fhCymky-tKw"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fhCymky-tKw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Nice tribute song! Is this the band MusicalBOX?

No, this is: www.themusicalbox.net

[Imperatrix]

Roan's Lady, please tell me you've come back! :hearts:

[Whitefish]

There is no comparison. It is "Supper's Ready" all the way.

[Roan's Lady]

Roan's Lady, please tell me you've come back! :hearts:

Now I'm back again...and babe, it's gonna work out fine. :D

[RobAdams]

I've got to have them both.

[MrZuLu]

"I know a farmer who showed his arm stretched out to space"

"A seasoned witch could walk across the fields to see the children of the West"

"Walking across the sitting room, I crucified my hate"

"Two million people barely move across the lawn slowly"

"And the seven trumpets blowing sweet music that came quickly from afar"


Aw, hell...don't make me choose. I love 'em both!

---Matt
now I would love to hear this with proper instrumentation and comparable talent!

[Yes.2]

No, this is: www.themusicalbox.net

Then who are they? They're pretty damn good. They look damn organized to me....

[CaffieneMan]

CTTE had a profound effect on me when I first listened to it in my teens, and continues to this day, whereas Supper's Ready, while outstanding, doesn't hold a handle to it, imho.

[Write a punch line]

I don't really like Genesis. I've tried as foxtrot is one of two I have. CTTE is the Apex of Rock IMO

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

What a question...Close to the Edge of course! (Aren't we Yesfans?)

[Imperatrix]

Supper's Ready...world without end, amen.

[Orbert]

What a question...Close to the Edge of course! (Aren't we Yesfans?)

Ah, but being a Yesfan does not meaning blindly loving and choosing everything they do. I prefer "Close to the Edge", not simply because it's Yes, but because I like it better. That's all.

Genesis was a great band, and I would choose "Supper's Ready" over a number of Yessongs. Just not CttE.

[ksdb]

They're certainly different types of songs. I'd compare Supper's Ready more closely to something like Thick as a Brick and compare Close to the Edge with Tarkus, just from a style standpoint ... although CTTE beats all three in head-to-head ... just for sounding timeless, having high production values and and intense combination of instrumental AND vocal prowess.

[Australian]

I’m gonna make an unbiased decision and go with Suppers Ready, because I reckon it is THE best prog rock song

[troubadourMn]

I’m gonna make an unbiased decision and go with Suppers Ready, because I reckon it is THE best prog rock song

agreed, Suppers Ready.

[Andrea YouAndI]

Close to the Edge.

Steve's frenetic opening solo and electric sitar.
Chris' unrelenting bass line.
The two-part vocals in "I get up I get down."
Rick's mesmerizing "church organ" then INSANE key solo.
Doesn't get much better than this.

:thumbs:

I do like Supper's Ready, but it doesn't "stick with me" the way CTTE or other extended Genesis pieces do.

[relayerjim]

Close to the Edge for me and it's an easy decision for me even though I love Supper's ready.
The Yes Album is how I found my way to Yes and Close to the Edge (the song and the album) (and equally Relayer) is what made me the way I am and why I'm here at YesFans.

[CybrKhatru]

I still can't and won't vote. Love them both too much.

[relayer_1]

I did not even hesitate: Supper's Ready!

From a musical, theatrical, creative, spiritual perspective and of a unique epic of biblical proportions, it is hands down.

CTTE is a gem on its own and represents an era of highly skilled musicians displaying their creative powers at their peak and will never be matched however to many of us, it was later surpassed by TFTO and Relayer.

[islandsofarabia]

Close
to
the
edge.

[Enoch]

CTTE by a smidge. for me, Supper's Ready gets a little strident about 3/4 the way through the song but redeams itself at the very end. CTTE is more uplifting and elevating to me.

[allpurechance]

So many times I have looked at this poll. So many times I have refused to vote...

In a world where real quality time and real quality things have not only always been a rarity, but are also becoming increasingly rare, why choose between two things of such obvious excellence? Just to have these two massive and wonderful pieces of music available to us is blessing enough.

Both songs can, have and will again move me to tears! LOL ...

[LJG]

I would like to slip a couple secret votes in for Echoes, Thick as a Brick, and Court of the Crimson King, Pirates/KarnEvil9 etc. I'd love to see a larger poll.

[Andrea YouAndI]

I would like to slip a couple secret votes in for Echoes, Thick as a Brick, and Court of the Crimson King, Pirates/KarnEvil9 etc. I'd love to see a larger poll.

While you're at it, I'd also include 2112 and/or Hemispheres.

...But I'd probably still vote for Echoes!

:hearts:

[LJG]

...But I'd probably still vote for Echoes!

:hearts:

Yep. Echoes was my first love.

[Hunnibee]

I was a Yes fan long before I was a Genesis fan, so the answer was easy for me. :-)

Plus, CttE is my favorite Yes album, making the choice even MORE obvious!

[Internaut]

Being that CTTE is one of my favorite Symphonic Rock songs of all, and Supper's Ready is only my 3rd favorite song on it's album (Watcher of the Skies and Get 'em Out by Friday being #s 1 and 2) it's easy to see which one I'll vote for...

[ZEN]

It HAS to be Close To The Edge.

For me Close To The Edge is not only Yes' finest creation, it is also the finest musical creation in the istory of humankind, which is why I am never surprised to see how many times music fans will set it against (as in compare) it to another album by another artist.

Supper's Ready is beautiful example of Genesis at their most weird and wonderfully creative best, but it simply isn't a shadow on Close To The Edge whic is the 'template' by which all other Progressive Rock and (for me all other albums are measured) in that it is the bench mark for bench marks.

I went to see Genesis when they toured with Supper's Ready and before they played it Peter Gabriel used to tell a story in order to introduce it - which back in those days - is what he did for all and every song they performed live....I cannot remember it word for word but I do remember the essentials of the story:

The stage would darken with just a single solo rich blue 'spotlight' on Peter at stage centre, he looked out at the audience as if studying us/it/them, and a real strong, deep Silence would usher over the auditorium ( in those days the avergae size of the crowds would be between 800 and 2,500 - so it was a very intimate atmosphere) - then he commenced his telling:

A little boy was wandering through the park, the birds were singing their song as evening began to appraoch, the sweet song of the Blackbird, and the beautiful refrain of the Robin - as he walked on through the park, on the lush green summer grass, the azure skies began to take on a gold and mauve lustre, with a rich amber lustre at its edges with the feintest of dark blue - as the stars waited upon the border for evening to unfold, the young boy feeling the warmth of the Summer days afterglow stopped and removed his shoes and socks, and standing on the rich fertile grass he felt the grass and good earth beneath his feet, the blades of soft grass between his toes - he walked on a little ways, leaving his shoes and socks behind. He came to a slight rise in the lawns and walked upwards on the steady rise, as he moved higher he became aware that the grass had turned to soil, it's rich, moist browny ochre flecked his ankles and feet, as he walked on he saw some earth worms here and there in the evening shade on the soil, as he walked quietly onward, the number of earth worms grew more and more, till he found himself ankle deep in earth worms, and looking in front of him, he realised he was standing before a large mound of writhing, moist earth worms, taller than himself, and so he removed his clothes one article at a time, his shirt and pants and then finally hs undergarment, until he was completely naked - at one with nature, He could feel both the warmth of the fading day on his body, and the slight caress of the advancing cool evening breeze, he began to climb the writihing , shiny mound, till finally having climbed on all fours, he found himself atop the squirming peak, and looking down at his feet he was surrounded by millions and millions of beautiful life giving earth worms - he looked about to all points of the compass, to the east where the sky was just beginning to show a hint of the dark blue meaning night was on its way, he looked to the west and saw the fading glow of father sun, and then looking at the skies above him he saw swallows and house martins speeding about at incredible velocities, he listened to the loud symphony of the birdsong in all the trees about him in the deepest reaches of the park, and then taking a Big Deep Breath he called to all the birds............................................. .



















"Ere Birdies! Supper's Ready"



even after all these years I can still see Mr Gabriel in my minds eye - doing that.......what a gig that was! :appl[1]: :appl[1]: :appl[1]: :appl[1]: :appl[1]:

[Suntower Asking]

Wow I can't choose between these two songs. These are two of my favorite songs ever.

Expertly crafted songs with great lyrics from Jon and Peter.
This is a win win situation for me.

[edgecloser]

So many times I have looked at this poll. So many times I have refused to vote...

In a world where real quality time and real quality things have not only always been a rarity, but are also becoming increasingly rare, why choose between two things of such obvious excellence? Just to have these two massive and wonderful pieces of music available to us is blessing enough.

Both songs can, have and will again move me to tears! LOL ...

Here, here. Couldn't have said it better myself, allpurechance. I began to listen to Yes and Genesis around the same time, late '70s. Have to say I was exposed to SR earlier and more often, but having said that, PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!! They are both are masterpieces which remain atop my list of most beloved songs of all time. How's that?

[RealAir]

Supper's Ready for me.
Nothing comes close to 9/8 and Aching Men's Feet.
They singlehandedly obliterate all competition on the planet.

[Wild Westie]

CTTE.

Such heights cannot be reached by any other. :headset:

[DWStraile]

This one is going to take some thought.

[allpurechance]

This one is going to take some thought.

lmaoOOOOOOOOoooo, DW!

Years! Years I looked at it before finally I...

Abstained.

lmaoOOOOOOOOOooo

[Roan's Lady]

Supper's Ready for me.
Nothing comes close to 9/8 ...That's the deal-sealer for me. :thumbs:

[BillGuitar]

Oddly enough, they're the two songs that BOTH bands lowered the keys in, live, so that the lead vocalists could successfully pull them off.

I guess they really were pushing their limits!

Fascinating, eh?

http://bestsmileys.com/animals/9.gif

[Roan's Lady]

Oddly enough, they're the two songs that BOTH bands lowered the keys in, live, so that the lead vocalists could successfully pull them off.

I guess they really were pushing their limits!

Fascinating, eh?

http://bestsmileys.com/animals/9.gif

That's interesting, Bill - I didn't know that.

[Andrea YouAndI]

http://bestsmileys.com/animals/9.gif

OMG, it's the rat from that weird store on Beale St! :lmao:

Or is that what a Gabble RATchet looks like?

[sissywoods]

Naughty!!
:lmao:

They're both awesome in their respective qualities. I have both in my car.

[YesfanAndy]

Close To The Edge............

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Been a Yesfan for the past 37 years but only discovered this wonderful forum today!
CTTE or Suppers Ready?
I would have to say GATES OF DELIRIUM.
Paul.

[Andrea YouAndI]

Been a Yesfan for the past 37 years but only discovered this wonderful forum today!
CTTE or Suppers Ready?
I would have to say GATES OF DELIRIUM.
Paul.

I'd have to agree. Relayer is a huge favorite of mine.

Welcome to the site - I love your username! :lol:

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

I'd have to agree. Relayer is a huge favorite of mine.

Welcome to the site - I love your username! :lol:
Hey Andrea,
Thanx for the welcome!
My username-ah yes,some older fans will maybe know it's significance.In case you don't...it refers to many moons ago when Rick first left the band.He was never that keen on Tales From Topographic Oceans album and used to not-so-affectionately refer to it as Tales From Toby's Graphic Go-Kart.Or something like that! Which always cracked me up. Hence the username.
Anyway,back to the subject of this thread...I absolutely adore CTTE and as for Supper's Ready by Genesis,it's probably one of my top five pieces ever.It's just that,with Gates Of Delirium,Yes reached their musical peak (IMO).This is the greatest EVER.

[miar]

I can`t choose.. Supper`s Ready is my all time favourit song by Genesis.. and CTTE is my all time favoruit song by Yes..

[illusion]

I voted Suppers Ready on the poll a few weeks ago, but I think I should have voted for Close To The Edge. Unlike many posters here who "got it" immediately, it took until I saw it live on the Magnification tour until I really "got" it! But from that moment on, it remains one of my favourite songs. It has an almost surreal quality to it.

Suppers Ready is probably more accessible but equally a top song. I prefer the Seconds Out version personally.

I go through stages with bands, and at the moment I'm on a Rush kick. I was on a Yes kick for about the last month and a Genesis kick before that. I think I was on a Genesis kick when I voted, and probably hadn't listened to Close To The Edge for over a year, maybe even longer.

[yessound_chaser81]

gonna have to go with CTTE.

[Ernie90125]

CTTE for me.

[Write a punch line]

I put on to Supper's Ready today to figure out why this song is even being compared to CTTE.

I can't profess to follow the whole story (and the subsequent depth it provides) with Supper's Ready, but I will judge the playing, YES by a country mile. It's not even close, more energy and finesse.

[Andrea YouAndI]

I put on to Supper's Ready today to figure out why this song is even being compared to CTTE.

I can't profess to follow the whole story (and the subsequent depth it provides) with Supper's Ready, but I will judge the playing, YES by a country mile. It's not even close, more energy and finesse.

There's a storyline in SR? I've tried to follow the lyrics, and it seems to me like just a few random, unrelated sections strung together...

[Write a punch line]

There's a storyline in SR? I've tried to follow the lyrics, and it seems to me like just a few random, unrelated sections strung together...


There is, and wikipedia outlines it. It's just very abstract and somewhat incongruent from a lyrical point of view.

[Imperatrix]

Yup---still Supper's Ready for me.

[Orbert]

There's a storyline in SR? I've tried to follow the lyrics, and it seems to me like just a few random, unrelated sections strung together...

Except for the Willow Farm section, which was a fully realised song prior to its inclusion in "Supper's Ready" (and specifically inserted as comic relief), there is indeed a unifying theme to the lyrics. It is an exploration of the nature of Good and Evil, with Good triumphing in the end. It's not obvious, but there's a story behind the lyrics, and they make a lot more sense if you know the story.

Until then, I suppose they're not much more than a few random, unrelated sections strung together. But the same could easily be said about the lyrics to "Close to the Edge".

[oliasdoug]

I can't vote one over the other. It's like asking Meryl Streep to pick her son or her daughter in SOPHIE'S CHOICE.

[gibby]

Ooooo!!! Its like asking a blind and deaf man whether he'd rather see again or hear again!! I absolutely adore Suppers Ready, as it was one of the first really epic prog tracks Id ever heard, but Close To The Edge is my one of my favourite Yes songs and salso a masterpiece!! Im going to have my cake and eat it by voting for CTTE and then listening to SR for a while and basking in Genesis' finest hour.

[fragile34]

I suppose Supper's Ready has as much artistic merit as CTTE, but there's still the undeniable fact that Close to the Edge is the most seamless, and overall most transcendant piece of music ever written. Not one second of Close to the Edge is superfluous.

[Imperatrix]

(checking watch) Yup; still SR.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Why not both? :confused:

[Steve Mahoney]

I Love Both CTTE and also Suppers Ready.
Both absolutley Fantastic Epics from the world of Prog.
I would have been more than happy to have written either.

Steve

[True Believer]

Both.

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Both are incredible.
CTTE is my second favourite Yessong (Gates being #1).
Supper's Ready is the greatest ever Genesis song.

[bob_32_116]

As you say - Apples and oranges.

I love both, though neither is the respective band's best work IMO. Both pieces have bits that are fantastic, and bits that I mildly dislike.

[CybrKhatru]

I can't believe you want me to choose between these two classics. I still can't do it!! :D

[SonicDeath10]

As you say - Apples and oranges.

I love both, though neither is the respective band's best work IMO. Both pieces have bits that are fantastic, and bits that I mildly dislike.

I'd say I think that CTTE is more coherent, in that it mostly seems like variations on a theme in a way that Supper's Ready does not. Supper's Ready seems like a collection of songs linked with instrumentals (which it is) but I think that the best parts of the suite move me more than the best parts of CTTE, though as a whole, CTTE is stronger. I tend to prefer Genesis over Yes, much of the time, as for me (and me alone, I only speak for myself) Genesis hits my emotions harder than Yes more consistently. But Yes is much more dazzling with their instrumentation, and has held onto credibility much longer than Genesis (though I do like the Phil stuff (up to and including Invisible Touch and even parts of I Can't Dance), it's hard to argue that it's as surprising and dazzling as the Peter stuff.) Yes, even with their Rabin albums, kept up a surprising amount of artistry. Though I would argue Genesis did the same thing with their synth pop albums: those were really groundbreaking and terrific, and even if the ground they broke became gross in the 80's, it was still new and different and is among the best pop music of that area. But then again, so is Yes.

Whoa.:musicb: