Fave song poll

[Roman]

Uh, this will also very difficult - wonder if every song will get a vote from everyone. So, what's your fave song on Relayer?

[Rogo]

Gates was my all time favourite Yessong for a LONG time after the concert in Oslo on nov 9. It's a frightening piece of music, at times. Pure mastery.

[Balrog]

I can't listen to "Gates" without thinking about "The Lord of the Rings". It not only is the best song on the album, but is a definite top 5 contender for all Yes songs.

[ronw]

I love Sounchaser and To be Over, but Gates has to take the nod here.

[Squireaholic]

I would have liked an 'all of 'em' column in that poll
Gates is the best Suite
'Chaser is the best Bass/Drums (DiscoYes!?) Cha Cha Cha...
Over is the best Progballad...

[ANTIOCH]

There's an eloquent majesty that slowly unfolds , so subtle it doesn't reveal itself until the song has ended. Then you take a deep breath and say ,'WOW'! What a fine ending to a marvelous album.

[Yes Oz]

It was listening to Soundchaser after a break of about 10 years that got me back into Relayer. I eventually got the CD version and gave it a good pounding and I still go back to Soundchaser so that is the one for me.

[bjm0rwo]

Gates for me.It has the ingredients I love in a Yes song.The battle scene is pure chaos and the emotional optimism of Soon.Howe's awsome guitar assaults along with Squire's massive counter points.Moraz's keyboard work I still think is the best I've heard in a Yes composition.And any doubts of White being a competent drummer is dispelled with this alblum.I think it is the best work he has done with this band and I feel it is the first alblum where he found his voice and was allowed to really let loose.I too wish we could of voted for all the songs because each one is unique.The group was in a creative zone here that will probably never be attained again. This one is a true Masterpiece!

[vad]

I can't really single one of the songs out as being particularly good, because it's all superb. Relayer is nothing less than an expression of musical greatness. I voted for To Be Over, because I hate the way everyone says it's the weakest track. It's the first song I ever learned to sing when I began voice training, and its among my favorite songs of any band, for all time. If CttE got me into being a Yes fanatic, To Be Over sealed it for me. If I can ever achieve truly absorbing any message in my lifetime I hope it's what is in this song. It expresses it to me in a way that doesn't embarrass me with its vulnerability or sappiness. It comes off as something coming from strength.

I can't really say that the rest of Relayer is not as good, just that To Be Over is certainly not worse than the rest of Relayer.

[YESOUL]

I agree with you vad I can't explain it but this song really hits home for me.
I still get that warm tingling sensation and an overall feeling of oneness or piece of mind when I listen to it. Awaken is another one but not to the degree of To Be Over.

[RobAdams]

I had to vote for all 3. I couldn't decide. Each track is better than each other. GATES and SOUND are the album's dynamic varied texture pieces which combine slow quiet passages with frenzied sometimes jazz fusion-like explosions. TO BE OVER works in contrast to the other two, bringing the album to a very soothing conclusion.

[Flo]

Difficult to vote on this album. My ultimate choice is Sound Chaser: such an incredible song with a tremendous solo guitar and a dramatic atmosphere. I'm sure all the people who don't know Yes would be amazed to hear that track. It should go down on history.

[deus ex Machina]

fav Yes album of all time.

The Gates of Delerium- A behemoth of a song. This huuuuuuuge entity of a story that really holds no equal for what is hopes to achieve in the boundaries of rock and roll. It tells a story lyrically. It draws upon coherant themes. Composition wise, it scares people. It probably draws upon mental imagery more than any other Yes song and probably more creatively than any yes song (which is a rather hard thing to do anyways). It grasps onto your emotions tighly and takes them for a ride. And by no means was this song pretentious because it absolutely earns what it wanted to achieve with flying colors. Well now that I got that out of the way, there was a few problems. Both come from Patrick Moraz. While I will in no means say he was bad in any way (actually quite the opposite), there were two things I would have done differently. One is the I would have increased the time signature for Moraz coming in shortly before the line "wars that shout and screams of anguish." He seemed to kind of bumble into that part and it was like the other guys had to slow down for him. My second complaint coming from Moraz's keyboard sounding generic and dinky. For a song like The Gates of Delerium, I would have found axed that particular sound and would have gone something that carries itself heavier and with more respect. That particular keyboard setting they use for the studio take kind of revels in D&D dorkiness that would keep some from falling to their knees outright in awe of the song. Back on a good note, I think the one thing that absolutely affirms the brilliance of the song is the "soon" part. It's just as powerful of a song before it gets to that section, but the deep respect really sets in with that part. It has honestly made me shed tears a few times. You can literally see the saturated grey sky rumbling with a slight thunder as cold rain taps down upon the broken battered bodies down on the field. Then when your hear the "ahhhh" chorus come in near the very end towards the background, you know there must be a lone beacon of light pouring through the heavy dark clouds, casting its heavenly glow on the sickly bruised field. And a silouette of a lone warrior with his head slumped low in mourning slowly walks away leading his horse behind him as the song closes.

Now that I think about it, there actually would have been a way to make this song better, even though that doesn't seem possible. If you were to pick up James Horner's "Glory" motion picture soundtrack, listen to the album, but most importantly the tracks "Charging Fort Wagner" and "An Epitat to War." If they would have added "Charging" to the appropriate section, and "epitat" (which makes me weep uncontrollably for no reason every time I hear it) to "soon" in some kind of manner, it would have been the greatest rock song ever ever ever ever ever EVER. No contest. Doesnt matter what type of rock or in what category. Gates would just flat out be the best song ever written.

ok next.
SoundChaser in two words that could not be said better in any other way. [sonic hurricaine]. The eye of the storm coming in that very eerie tranquility right in the middle where he goes into the lines about "from the moment..." that whole lyrical section is so absolutely magnificent right up to "...to look in your eyes." Then it explodes into the other half of the storm. Nuff said.

To be over. What an absolutely beautiful swan song. Probably their greatest closer in my book of Yes songs. It kind of gives the imagery of your life flashing before your eyes in sections right before your done with this life. You realize what a wonderful journey it's been, and your spirit retreats toward the light after "don't doubt your part be ready to be loved." It's not sadness really, but rather like a calling strength, pulling you to come home. But yeah, this has drawn tears from me as well, and that's pretty scary coming from me. That doesn't happen ever really. But uhhhh yeah, twice in one album. Relayer is my favorite of all that is Yes.

[Earl Grey]

OK DEUS: You said it all! Wonderful words.

I had to vote for 'Gates Of Delerium', though the whole of RELAYER is of one fabric to me: Could you imagine an album that contained such a thing as the 'war' segment of Gates without having a 'To Be Over' to finally put such a thing to rest? I would have never slept again.

This album came out two years after I had smoked my first joint.

One year after I had had my first kiss.

The same year that I had had my leg broken by an angry football player in the DairyMart parking-lot while ditching school with my best friend's girlfriend....
...a greenstick fracture being the price of defending the honor of a girl who wasn't even really mine to defend.

Well. I was all set to learn about WAR.... Love & Betrayal and the monsterous way that the continental plates of life have of moving under us while we are comfortably resting exactly where we are.

And I have never really found stable ground since.

RELAYER is the truest to life YES album that I know: I wish it were Close To The Edge... I could live joyfully in a world such as that.

Not to be: We are at war here: if we don't seek it ourselves, there are others who are more than happy to bring it to us with Vengence!!! Cest la vie!

I've listened to RELAYER quite a bit in the last five months: I didn't think about it too much: it just seemed to fit.

I'm so glad that there is a 'To BE Over' at the end... That we aren't warriors in the end... that there is eventually a ZEN Koan to be revealed: that 'We Go Sailing' in the end of the story, and that the fight is only in the fire of the present moment: that the 'Soon oh Soon', as simple and quiet as it is, still somehow stands out more than the imploding worlds of war that preceeded it... To BE Over ultimately.

I believe RELAYER is the most poetic and true of all YES albums...

And Close To The Edge is still my favorite: I'm an escapist, alright?!!

:yesbird: Earl Grey

PS: Maybe we'll get to hear 'To BE Over' next YESTOUR: it would be good timing!

Namaste.

[Q]

Here's a thought: the reason "Gates" works is because of its incredible economy. Like "CTTE" (the song), it packs everything that needs to be expressed into a lean, mean track.

I have read that Jon wanted "Gates" to be a multi-side epic (like "Tales"), and that after the problems with "Tales," they confined him to an album side. I submit that this is what made the concept a success: if Jon had stretched his war epic over an entire album (or, God help us, two), we wouldn't be having this discussion. Forced to keep the song trim and muscular, the band made it shine.

[Insane Teacher]

Despite being a fan of Yes since the early 1970s, I waited until this year to buy Relayer. I listened to Gates of Delirium for the first time this year in the car on the way home from Best Buy. I thought I noticed something subtle and interesting in the way Jon's singing changed during the verses before "Listen, should we fight forever." But when I listened to the bonus disc with Magnification, he seemed to sing these verses about the same. So I'm now doubting my early impressions.

Here's what I thought I noticed. In the first "Stand and fight" verse, Jon's voice seemed very monotone, in a way that seemed to reflect an unquestioning military attitude of duty. One that reflected niavity about the reality of war. In the verses "And ride there in motion" through "The curse increased" I noticed an increasing bravado in Jon's voice, which might reflect the niave machismo of warriors approaching battle. Sort of like the young southern men whooping it up at the beginning of Gone With The Wind. I thought these subtle changes made these verses special. Of course, his tone in the 'Listen, Should we fight forever" sequence clearly seems to show reflect the realization of doomed warriors, and his distorted voice the "First will run, grasp metal to gun" sequence seems to reflect the terror, panic, and chaos of combat. These vocal styles or tones weren't subtle at all.

In the bonus live album, however, Jon seemed to sing the "Stand and fight" through the "The curse increased" parts of Gates about the same. I didn't notice these subtle changes. So, did Jon really intend to convey these types of human feelings and emotions or was I just hearing things. I would love to hear your thoughts.

[Earl Grey]

Good observations Quantum.

I'd not heard that Jon wished RELAYER to be a double album, but I'm thankful that they chose to edit!

Though some things are better left sprawling (Stephen King's The Stand, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Blade Runner: The Director's Cut... Mahler's Symphonies. Moby Di ck [that's how we spell di ck around here campers!]), usually the relectance of putting the chisle to a sculpture-in-progress of any kind will result in a half-baked sculpture of a horse trying to escape from a cocoon of stone!
Unfinished.

The idea of 'more' YES music probably appeals to us all, but not at the cost of a 'perfect' work remaining unrealized due to artistic hubris.

I'm glad they saw reason here, for RELAYER couldn't be more perfect (Except for in the mix/mastering... This one really needs to be taken back to the original tracks and done-up right for CD.
It still sounds muddy even after being remastered at Sterling Sound.
Case in point: The Beatles: Yellow Submarine was the worst sounding of all Beatles albums on vinyl. On CD it didn't sound much better.
They not only had to remaster it, but remixed all the tracks with today's technological sweeteners...
It now stands as the finest sounding recording of all by The Beatles...makes me wish they'd re-do the entire catalog).

As for your observations concerning Jon's subtle & not quite so subtle inflections...
Jon Anderson's voice is as brilliant and progressive an instrument as Howe's guitar or Squire's finest bass work: in YES every subtlety is part of the texture... musical worldbuilding at the deepest level...
I don't think 'arbitrary' is a word in their musical lexicon...
So, Right You Are!
The monotone vocals that precede the 'Listen, should we fight forever' section are militant and autonomic as a white blood cell...
Warring without troom for empathy or compassion.
Chilling from one such as Jon.

The 'Soon Oh Soon' section is as full of pathos and regret as the warring section was monotone...
SO human and humane. Swords are finally beaten into plowshares, and so we live to see another day...
And repeat the cycle again (Will we never learn!).

Fine observations and keen wit there Mr Quantum...
You got me going, so now I'll be late for work again!
My kingdom for a laptop computer!
One of these days...

:yesbird: E.G.

[Tony Connolly]

TC,Brentford
Relayer was the first YES album I heard, Sound Chaser to be precise, and that was the track that turned me into an instant YESFAN overnight at the tender age of nnnnnineteen.
Every time I hear it I just cannot believe what I am hearing, and as for the intro, it sometimes leaves me lost for words, Steve, Patrick & Alan at the tipping the peak of their musical prowess with Jon & Chris also adding superfluous performances.
I just wish I could get hold of the QPR videos.
In my eyes this album is a masterpiece.

[Q]

Welcome, TC!

Relayer is a brilliant piece of work, isn't it? One highlight of buying Magnification this past year was getting the new live track of "Gate of Delirium."

How do you feel about some of the other Yes albums? (reply on other threads if convenient)

[deus ex Machina]

That little part where Jon goes
"Listen, should we fight forever, knowing as we do know, fear destroys? I listen, our lives..."
Is known as a greek chorus. It's an ancient technique used in comedies (and some movies today) where the narrator would offer up commentary about the situation and call about the audience to question the events before them, whether it be the state of current events in the world or whatever.

[Tony Connolly]

TC-Brentford

Apologies for putting this on the Relayer site but as a new subscriber I`m trying to get to grips with things, I`ll get there.
Quantum asked me about other YES favs that stand out.
Ritual from TFTO is a must, saw them do it live for the first time at the Apollo Hammersmith in Dec.
America from Yesterdays is also a top tune, Stevie boy works wonders on this one and it has to rank alongside the riff that EC turns out on Crossroads. Of their more recent Albums, I am still perservering with Magnification and TALK would seem to hold its own compared with their earlier stuff. On a m,ore commercial flavour,Love will find a way always gears me up when getting ready to go out on a Saturday night.
Changing the subject ever so slightly, whatever happened to Bill Nelson of Be-Bop Deluxe fame, another lead guitarist extrordinaire.

To Summarize:
The quality that makes YES stand out from other decent bands is their ability to record a track that lasts for 15-20 mins but unlike other bands they are able to deviate from the beaten track and instill dramatic tempo changes mixed with superb vocal harmonies.
This is truly a band to behold.

[Earl Grey]

Wow! I never thought of that bit being a greek chorus, but right you are!

Yeschylus!~~~~ Who'd've thought?

Greek to me! Haha!

Earl Grey

Originally posted by deus ex Machina
That little part where Jon goes
"Listen, should we fight forever, knowing as we do know, fear destroys? I listen, our lives..."
Is known as a greek chorus. It's an ancient technique used in comedies (and some movies today) where the narrator would offer up commentary about the situation and call about the audience to question the events before them, whether it be the state of current events in the world or whatever.

I had never heard of that either deus! Thanks!

Originally posted by Tony Connolly
TC-Brentford Apologies for putting this on the Relayer site but as a new subscriber I`m trying to get to grips with things, I`ll get there.

Ritual from TFTO is a must, saw them do it live for the first time at the Apollo Hammersmith in Dec.

This is truly a band to behold.

Hey, welcome Tony! I can surely agree with you! Come back and post often. Come and visit us on the Tales site too.

[mrgone3]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by deus ex Machina
[B]fav Yes album of all time.

"The Gates of Delerium- A behemoth of a song. This huge entity of a story that really holds no equal for what it hopes to achieve in the boundaries of rock and roll. Composition wise, it scares people. I would have increased the time signature for Moraz coming in shortly before the line "wars that shout and screams of anguish." He seemed to kind of bumble into that part and it was like the other guys had to slow down for him. You can literally see the saturated grey sky rumbling with a slight thunder as cold rain taps down upon the broken battered bodies down on the field. Then when your hear the "ahhhh" chorus come in near the very end towards the background, you know there must be a lone beacon of light pouring through the heavy dark clouds, casting its heavenly glow on the sickly bruised field. And a silouette of a lone warrior with his head slumped low in mourning slowly walks away leading his horse behind him as the song closes." I love that imagery.That's what makes CTTE,TFTO and Relayer so great is the ability for the listener to conjure images in the mind of what the music is saying.why YES should be in the Hall OF Fame! JOE

[Westmont272]

Im liked this album and bought it because i saw it on the home video of Yesyears. I listened to it and was awestruck. It was good from start to end. I was in the military and needed something to motvate me when we had war exercises and man did i get that in gates. I stromed the hill with that song playing in my head. My instuctors wanted to know what got into me. I gave them a copy of it on tape and they loved it. I love the theme of gates (to me) sounding like a war opening to the mercy of it at the end. I think that this is one of the best songs i heard in my life.

and what is the deal with the rock nd roll hall of fame anyway? Are they deaf? Dont they know that these men are the most creative and awesome musical super group of all time? The best band on the planet? If it was up to me, i would have a day where all of the planet would take a day off for peace relfection and listening to YES music! These guys are GODS of music, nuff said....

[Tony Connolly]

Hi guys & Gals,

I was up leicester square(soho) last week and visited the HMV sounds store.
They had a sale going on and I spotted the Relayer CD going for £4.99, I`ve already got it twice on vinyl and CD but I could not let this bargain slip me by, I guess that this YES masterpiece must be pretty special to me.

Originally posted by Westmont272
and what is the deal with the rock nd roll hall of fame anyway? Are they deaf? Dont they know that these men are the most creative and awesome musical super group of all time? The best band on the planet? If it was up to me, i would have a day where all of the planet would take a day off for peace relfection and listening to YES music! These guys are GODS of music, nuff said....

Gods of music specifically, Gods of art generally. Best on the planet--EVER. Yes Westmont272!

And Tony Connolly, Yes I can see why you would not want to let that opportunity get away from you. Glad you were able to get yourself a copy of one of the finest pieces of music on the planet. And by the way, welcome to the site!

[Jackaranda]

Jon said it was a grey period. Alan said people weren't happy about them recording it at the time. WHAT???

Relayer is a GREAT album, period. And Gates, there are no words to descibe it.

I'm being redundant, but there isn't a single weak second on Relayer.

And welcome Tony.

[YesNY]

Originally posted by jack gowen
Jon said it was a grey period. Alan said people weren't happy about them recording it at the time. WHAT???

Relayer is a GREAT album, period. And Gates, there are no words to descibe it.

I'm being redundant, but there isn't a single weak second on Relayer.

And welcome Tony.

I remember a radio interview show several years ago and all six (Billy and Igor included) were asked which was their favorite album. Three members said Relayer. Three said The Ladder (musicians tend to do things like pick the latest album). I can't remember for sure who were the three who picked Relayer. I think one of the (now estranged) newcomers picked it, which leaves two of the current members liking it the best. Therefore the album is definitely appreciated by at least half the current lineup. I wish I knew who they are.

(By the way, "To Be Over" is the best, IMHO.)

[sychophant]

Since the version of Gates on Yesshows is the only version I can listen to anymore I am free to make the jump to To Be Over. A super deluxe Yes song that has that beautiful flow to it that gives me the willys every time I here it.

[Udo Pampel]

This is the most difficult album to pick one song from.

All the music is stupendous.

I feel the same way about Tales, Udo!

[Trevor Walker]

But I voted for Gates ... purely for the sheer joy of "Soon" still brings a lump to my throat if I'm feeling emotional.

[STARRSHIP TROOPER]

I wore out side one of Relayer listening to the Gates and did not here the side 2 until I replaced the album with #2 of three.
I allso had it on 8 track,2 cassetts, and now CD. I REALY LIKE GATES. But the other side is allso up to Yes standards.
Starrship

[RobAdams]

This is one album that really and truly seems to fit the album cover artwork perfectly. RELAYER is gratifying from first note to last. My first listen to RELAYER put me in a state of awe. I remember sitting with headphones on, with the lyric sheet in front of me, listening to these incredible sounds swirling around my head. GATES is my favorite, but SOUNDCHASER and TO BE OVER are just as wonderful. The rest of the album, on the other hand...There is no rest of the album. Perfection again.

[Aragorn]

All tracks on this album are masterpieces, but my vote went to Soundchaser. Gates is a great song, but I view Soundchaser as more coherent. I could say the same about To Be Over as far as coherence, but Soundchser rocks a bit more, so I have a preference towards that piece. It would be nice to see Soundchaser come alive again.

[Nautilus]

About half of the current lineup preferring Relayer:
I doubt Wakeman does...
And Jon almost definitely doesn't...
So while Sherwood might have said the Ladder (which would make sense, and which also would mean that at least two of the members then who are still there now liked Relayer better), Relayer is probably not a big hit among Yes members right now.
(Probably Khoroshev, White, and Howe said Relayer, although it might have been Squire instead.)

In my mind, The Gates of Delirium makes Relayer what it is: A powerful but disturbing experiment by Yes. It's the one time they seem to use their music to create energy or feeling that I consider evil. I don't mean satanistic a la Alice Cooper, or perverse or cruel... just evil. The music doesn't make me angry at them, or hate them, but while almost all of Yes's other songs exude positive "energy" (or none at all), The Gates of Delirium is an experiment with evil techniques. Moraz's keyboard is the leading reason for this... in the first track, it is often one of the most evil things I have ever heard.

So while I am glad he joined the band, I'm also glad he left.

Anyway, through all that Gates is still my favorite song (even though Sound Chaser and To Be Over do their jobs just as well as GoD does).

[lindil]

earl, funny yuo should think gates [ or was it the whole album ?] sounds muddy, that is what i have always thought about tales!
maybe the japanese cdhd [ ?] does it justice.

gates is for me the #2 yes tune right behind Awaken.

As for the rest of the album, i give moraz an A+ for gates but his solo's on TBO and Soundchaser just don't fit for me.

I agree w/ sycophant about the yesshows version being superior [ esp since thremastered relayer has it's ending truncated to the point of serious annoyance! doesn't anyone in the band review these things!?!?!?!

soundchaser and TBO are great songs though and over all i listen to Relayer as much as CttE. some of White's best playing.

[BredYes]

I remember that interview with the Ladder line up: it was just after the release of this album. There was a question about the favorite album of all the six members at that time. Steve, Alan and Igor choosed Relayer as their all time favorite and Billy, Chris and Jon voted for The Ladder. I doubt if they still prefer the Ladder today. Steve and Alan's choice for Relayer after all those years is more significant.

[Mr. Holland]

Had to go for "Soundchaser" because I'm a drummer myself and what Alan is doing on this track, I consider among his best work he has done with the band. I wish they would have the nerve to play it live on a tour!!

[delerium27]

From an album such as this. But Gates gets my vote, without doubt. I can remember waiting at the local record shop before they opened the day it was supposed to be available, going in, grabbing an LP and eagerly rushing home to put it on.

I love the reviewers that use the word 'pretentious'. Not afraid to explore and push the limits is more like it, and boy, did they do that on this album!

This album is my all time favorite album by any artist, and Gates is on top of the track list as far as I'm concerned.

[bender]

What an incredible album!

For a group to come up with one perfect album (CTTE) is one thing, to then bless us with perfection a second time (Relayer)...what can you say!

Alan's work on Gates and Sound Chaser is undoubtably his best and he adds so much to this album.

[Bluetailfly]

I read somewhere that when YES created Relayer, they held a mirror up to CTTE. I like that analogy. Formatted like CTTE, yet vastly different in its thematic styles. There have been some amazing posts on this thread in terms of writing and descruption. Earl as always is effulgent as always, and deux, your break down on Gates is beautiful. Sometimes I am so impressed by the expressions of my fellow yesfans...
I voted for Gates. I absolutely love the harmonics at the beginning and I can't believe how well YES reproduces those sounds in concert. Sounds like little pieces of crystal splintering off into space. As has been mentioned here, the version on Yesshows is quite excellent, and ofcourse I was blown away in 2001.
I really like all three tunes. There has never been any thing quite so extrordinary as Sound Chaser. To Be Over is beautiful and very strong Steve Howe contributions here. I have always detected a maritime theme in this one, or maybe a Scottish horn pipe influence.

[TNyesfan]

Originally posted by Bluetailfly
I voted for Gates. I absolutely love the harmonics at the beginning and I can't believe how well YES reproduces those sounds in concert. Sounds like little pieces of crystal splintering off into space. As has been mentioned here, the version on Yesshows is quite excellent, and ofcourse I was blown away in 2001.

I just finished listening to "Gates" on my new weed of the Masterworks 2000 Holmdel concert. The fans who attended that show are so fortunate!
The angels of perfection must have accompanied Yes onstage that night.
I got chills listening to the inspired playing as those familiar, but suddenly new sounds floated up into the night air.

[illusion]

To Be Over is tops for me.

I'm also rather fond of the other two as well.

[Sheerah]

Originally posted by Earl Grey

I'm glad they saw reason here, for RELAYER couldn't be more perfect (Except for in the mix/mastering... This one really needs to be taken back to the original tracks and done-up right for CD.
It still sounds muddy even after being remastered at Sterling Sound.

:yesbird: E.G.

How very prophetic of you Mr. Grey! ;)

[SonicDeath10]

gates of delirium, easily. don't get me wrong the other songs are great. BUT when you're going up against the greatest piece of music the band ever wrote, it's kind of hard to compete. ;)

[Timmo]

"The Gates of Delirium" makes me awed.
"Sound Chaser" makes me move.
"To Be Over" makes me cry.

Choosing one would be like trying to pick your favorite child.

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

"The Gates of Delirium" makes me awed.
"Sound Chaser" makes me move.
"To Be Over" makes me cry.

Choosing one would be like trying to pick your favorite child.

TIM
Venice, CA
gates of delirium does all three of those to me though. so that's why ti's my favorite. :sephiroth

[Ryan]

Gates of Delirium kicks the crap out of the other two tracks. (they're still good though)

[SonicDeath10]

they have no way to compare. gates is the best music they ever did.

[Ryan]

when ever I listen to GOD I think its the best song yes ever did, but when I listen to CTTE (the title track), I think thats the best song they ever did. They're both so different but both good in their own way.

[SonicDeath10]

good point. the first 18 minute or over Yessong i heard was Close To The Edge and i remember being confused when it was over. i thought it had just started.

[MrCalling1]

I love Gates, and To Be Over, they both have a super energitic flow that only can come from a band as eclectic and powerfull as Yes can!

[MrCalling1]

I love Gates, and To Be Over, they both have a super energitic flow that only can come from a band as eclectic and powerfull as Yes can!
I just wanted to ad that my ship Starship1 will always listen to "To Be Over, and Gates" at anytime during redocking.......

[MrCalling1]

I just wanted to ad that my ship Starship1 will always listen to "To Be Over, and Gates" at anytime during redocking.......
My ship would love to search Gates and see all for Going for the one...

[Timmo]

I still have a hard time picking one of the three.

If I had to eliminate one, it would be "Soundchaser." Amazing playing, but it doesn't QUITE touch the heart like "TGOD" and "TBO." It's close though!

I think "To Be Over" has the most beautiful Howe guitar ever. Just when you think the solo can't get any better, he goes in a new direction and tops it.

Which means Rick will NEVER let 'em play it. :stick:

Tim
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

soundchaser has that part where steve quotes mood from a day. that's goofy.

[soulsearcher]

all are incredible, but from moment one, gates reached inside of me and held me..i was completly mesmerized.. .what can i say?

[Timmo]

Although I have to admit...I recently started listening to Yes again after a lapse of many years (SO burned out on 'em, no interesting music (in the 80s).

When I rediscovered 'em, I bought the reissue of "Relayer," and I have to admit that for a couple of weeks I had to listen to "Gates" at least once a day.

Tim
Venice, CA

[souldreamer]

To Be Over for me. Such a great piece of music and the lyrics are incredible.

[Emops]

The Gates Of Delirium is my favorite Yes song, and Relayer is my favorite Yes album. This may in fact be the greatest album ever recorded.

[jimtim45]

Picked up the Rhino version of the CD in a Sale in HMV, Glasgow to-day for only £5.99P... what a bargain! GOD is sounding better than ever and the SOON part is amazing.I am listening to the CD as I write and must admit had forgotten how great a track Sound Chaser is.Steve's guitar work throughout the album is crisp & brilliant.Now what should I do with my vinyl copy?

[Amy]

I'm finding it very hard to choose between Gates and To Be Over.
Having just listened to Relayer and Tales after not hearing them for about 30 years, adding them to my collection is making it increasingly harder to pick Yes favorites.

I listened to Sound Chaser again and find that the only reason I don't like it, is because I don't like the chord changes that they picked. Even during Steve's solo's, the chord changes are apparent. The music itself is fantastic aside from that. So all I can say about this album is that Sound Chaser is my least favorite.

I believe I'm done trying to pick favorite songs from each album. It's just not working! Can't seem to pick a favorite album anymore either.

[delerium27]

Wow, BeBop Deluxe, haven't heard anyone mention them for at least 20 years! I have 3 of Nelson's albums, very good stuff. I guess they just never achieved critical mass. Excellent guitar player, he just kind of faded from the scene. Anyone heard of him recently?

[Awakening]

WOW - this thread blows me away. I feel inadaquately prepared to comment. After several more listenings maybe...

[Gabriel]

can't listen to "Gates" without thinking about "The Lord of the Rings".

Same here my friend; The 'Black Gates' always pop into my head during this song!

As for my favourite song, Gates is obviously one of them but I think really I like the whole album. I do enjoy Sound Chaser more than To Be Over for some odd reason, I think its the madness and energy the song has that grabs me, especially after listening to the battle section in Gates!

[Snarly]

when ever I listen to GOD I think its the best song yes ever did, but when I listen to CTTE (the title track), I think thats the best song they ever did. They're both so different but both good in their own way.
I feel exactly the same about those two, also.

Although when I put on AWAKEN, I know that it is the greatest piece they ever wrote.

Or was that all 4 sides of TFTO ??? I'm confused.

I love all of the "epics".

[Timmo]

Same here my friend; The 'Black Gates' always pop into my head during this song!

As for my favourite song, Gates is obviously one of them but I think really I like the whole album. I do enjoy Sound Chaser more than To Be Over for some odd reason, I think its the madness and energy the song has that grabs me, especially after listening to the battle section in Gates!I felt that way back in the 70s, but I have grown to truly love "To Be Over," it now stands as my favorite yessong.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Scooty]

I felt that way back in the 70s, but I have grown to truly love "To Be Over," it now stands as my favorite yessong.

TIM
Venice, CA


Really Tim?? Favoritist ever?? Wow, what a neat choice for a favorite Yessong..truly unique..what else would I expect from you...awesome choice.

Scoot

[SonicDeath10]

to be over has some of steve's most spastic guitar playing ever. one minute beautiful slide work, then insane electric licks. more than meets the eye.

[Amy]

I felt that way back in the 70s, but I have grown to truly love "To Be Over," it now stands as my favorite yessong.

TIM
Venice, CA

So Tim, is Gates #2 now?
Are you going to change your signature too?!

[SonicDeath10]

i'm not really a regular to the board so i don't really understand what seems like antagonism towards this tim....

SOME CALL ME.... tim?!

[Timmo]

So Tim, is Gates #2 now?
Are you going to change your signature too?!Nope, I still like the lyrics in my sig line better.

The one thing I've noticed when people talk about TBO is that it's often dismissed as "mellow" or "a ballad." It's so much more than that, including one of the best Steve solos ever.

TIM
Venice, CA

[Amy]

Guess I'm finally into choosing favorites from each album.
I voted for Gates.

[Timmo]

Guess I'm finally into choosing favorites from each album.
I voted for Gates.I'll say it again...choosing my favorite song from "Relayer" is like asking a loving parent to choose their favorite child.

Gates - For balls/bravura
Soundchaser - for musicianship
To Be Over - for heart and soul

TIM
Venice, CA

[SonicDeath10]

DOMO ARIGATO MR. TIMATO!!!!!!!!!!

domo

domo

ring ring ring

domo

domo

ring ring ring

[Scooty]

it has to be Gates Of Delirium....

Oh My Gawd...this song..this epic..defines and defies all logical boundaries of the rock and roll world....


Scoot

[Timmo]

DOMO ARIGATO MR. TIMATO!!!!!!!!!!

domo

domo

ring ring ring

domo

domo

ring ring ringROFLMAO!

I just saw this!

I was laughing so hard I almost threw up!

[scootwhoman]

Nope. No way! I won't do it! I will not vote for one song above the others on Relayer.

One of the reasons that I dearly love this album is because, when 'To Be Over' winds down to those last few notes, it is not just the end of the song, it is the end of the work. Just as a symphony is composed of different parts, which are played together, so Relayer is comprised of three movements. I always try to listen to the whole album straight through, because of that perception.

Patrick Moraz does the best job of anyone who has played keyboards for Yes of being right in the thick of things without walking all over the rest of the group. His playing blends in superbly with Steves guitar, Jon's voice, Alans drums, and counterpoints Chris on the bass perfectly, without drawing attention to what he is doing. The most balanced sound of any of the early Yes albums.

And lyrics! So powerful, concise, minimalist, yet eloquent, carrying potent imagery. "Kill them, give them as they give us! Slay them, burn their childrens laughter all to hell!" Utter anguish, intractable foes, complete annihilation. "The pen won't stay the demon's wing, the hour approaches, pounding out the devil's sermon!" One of the most powerful lines I have ever heard, speaking of conflict from time immemorial.

"Soon, oh soon the light. Pass within and soothe this endless night." One of the most beutiful pieces of music written in the English language, reaching the primordial, the timeless. "The Sun will lead us, our reason to be here."

Sound chaser is some of the hardest rock I have ever heard, played equisitely, industrial grunge bomb shelter symphonic rock. "Cha-cha-cha cha!"

To Be Over, so tender, rolling, a canoe on a sunny afternoon, (when was the last time you heard a round in a rock song?) Uplifting, inclusive, forever hopeful. "Don't doubt your part. Be ready to be loved."

Nope, I'm not going to do it. It is all one piece.

[SonicDeath10]

ROFLMAO!

I just saw this!

I was laughing so hard I almost threw up!
i'm glad you liked it. :valintine

[MoonGateClimber]

I voted for Gates, just like everyone else, but at first I didn't like it... The first time I heard Soon as a single on Ultamate Yes, & I found it somewhat boring. When it is pared with the rest of Gates though, it forms a near-perfect song.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

I voted for Gates, just like everyone else, but at first I didn't like it... The first time I heard Soon as a single on Ultamate Yes, & I found it somewhat boring. When it is pared with the rest of Gates though, it forms a near-perfect song.

Yes, it is awesome after all the chaos to end in such a beautiful way. Definitely not boring when paired with Gates.

[SonicDeath10]

it's beautiful yeah.

[SoundChaser72]

Despite my name I went with Gates -- just too good to not give it the top spot.

[Yes_Fan_4_Life26]

Does anybody think that Relayer was a "psycedelic" album. For example, the Gates of Delirium its very techno for that particular music genre or very dark. And the part of the song 'Soon' really tones down the "battle" between the band members, of what I heard around this website in the forums. Secondly, Sound Chaser is very "psychedelic" near the end of the song its very Indian ritual type (eg. cha cha cha cha cha....humm...hummmm...humm) very good performance by Jon, its a very good song otherwise Im not saying its a bad part of the song. Moreover, staying with that song Steve Howe, Alan White, Chris Squire and Patrick Moraz do an excellent job instrumentally and vocally, along with Jonny, especially Steve with is electricfiying solo in the middle thats the main reason why I listen to this song all the time its my favourite. Alan White's gut-busting drumming along with Chris' bass and Patick's spine-tingling synths. To Be Over is a soft song its an equlivent of 'Soon' with its duo of sitar and guitar so yah I think its a good song but the previous ones have a more replay value than this one. Anyways, I love this album.

\m/ \m/ Tchau ROCK TO YES ALL NITE LONG YF4L26

[wolfhound]

In the late '60s and early '70s, so much music was made to sound psychedelic, but without achieving it. In one way, I've sort of loss my sense of what's psychedelic or not. Yet, there's so much altering of the state of awareness with Yes music (particularly), to me it's almost a given.

So I think I agree. It just took me a second to get there. :music-smi

[RABARKS]

Voted for them all. Surprized to see GOD winning by a mile.
It's one of those flawless albums. Everyone just shines, but Patrick comes in very impressive. I often wonder how continued albums in this line-up would have been. I like GFTO and Tormato every bit as much as this one, but Relayer is the last one showing musical progress, venturing into what I believe people called Future Rock. After that, the progression came to a halt. At least in my humble opinion.

I want To Be Over to be played at my funeral. For many reasons:
1. It's gorgeous!
2. It's the best song to sum up all that Yes is about (without resorting to an epic)
3. The titel seems fitting for a funeral.
:headset:

[Sound Chaser 7490]

Gates. The other two songs are fantastic, but Gates is most likely Yes's best song, and therefore one of the best songs of all time. The song is already incredible, and then "Soon" comes along...

May I also say that on this album Steve Howe really gets to show off his guitar skills, and I must say - he may be the most underrated guitarist in Rock history.

[Amy]

I originally picked Gates on this poll and it was an easy choice, but not as easy now. The gap is closing. When I listen to Relayer, I listen to the whole album. To Be Over is just a phenominal song...and how can you listen to those without Sound Chaser? I just don't know.

[scootwhoman]

I refuse to answer that question on the basis that, more that any other album that the band has done, Relayer is a single composition, I believe. After listening to the entire album straight through, the last few notes of "To Be Over" bring closure to the whole thing.

[YesForSure.]

I chose To Be Over and Gates.
Sound chaser is OK.

[skilsaw]

Wouldn't it be a trip if William Shatner did a version of "The Gates Of Delirium" -- Can't you just hear him bellowing "Stand & fight we do consider.............."

[RipplingWaves]

Definately Soundchaser :cool: When I first got Relayer, I didn't really get into "The Gates Of Delerium" until the 4th listen. Soundchaser, on the other hand, was an instant favorite, and it still remains to be one of my fav Yes tracks.

I actually prefer the version of "Gates" from Yesshows to the studio version. It just seems to have more power and energy than the original, IMO.

[mike178]

Gotta go with YInd.
Perpet. Change is second.
Not one weak track on this album.
How cant they play these songs on the radio every day?

Mike178

[mike178]

Relayer,

Did this record make money?
How much?

I ask this because in my view it is the highwater mark for this band/it is everything they are meant to be.It has not been attempted again by Howe,Anderson,etc.

They seemed never to consider the money back then.
They have to do something on this scale again.It is their essence.
When I listen to Relayer it is a soundtrack to a movie . A movie thats in my head.

GOD, How fearless how independant how YES.
Fav. Song?

Gates , hands down!
To be Over second.


Mike178

[mike178]

I originally picked Gates on this poll and it was an easy choice, but not as easy now. The gap is closing. When I listen to Relayer, I listen to the whole album. To Be Over is just a phenominal song...and how can you listen to those without Sound Chaser? I just don't know.




Amy
A N.Y. YES fan!
To Be Over is great, I dont think Sound Chaser fits in with the continuity of the piece as a whole especially after GOD.

[jreist]

[QUOTE=RipplingWaves]
I actually prefer the version of "Gates" from Yesshows to the studio version. It just seems to have more power and energy than the original, IMO.[/QUOTE


I completely agree.
I found that the Yesshows version has so much raw energy especially in the long peaceful suspended calm between the chaos and the beginning of soon, I love it.

[SonicDeath10]

I don't like the Yesshows version of GOD because steve's guitar sound (so powerful, thick, and all encompassing) is gone, replaced by a tinny wannabe sound. While that version is more energetic, steve's guitar tone choice made that song for me, and it was a shame that he couldn't do it live.

[tsardaniel]

A superb album and song. I, myself, DO think Sound Chaser fits in with the continuity of the music as a whole...its a nice contrast and rather harsh in a very cool way...IMHO>

[Purple Wolfhound]

To Be Over - and based on Steve Howe's performance of it last night, I'm loving it even more!

[Jackaranda]

To Be Over - and based on Steve Howe's performance of it last night, I'm loving it even more!

I will never, ever forget his performance of TBO last night. I had tears in my eyes. Just absolutely beautiful.

[rembutok]

In evaluating Relayer, I can't help harking back to the state of yes at the time. I remember it well since I had become a die hard fan a few years ealier. Wakeman had left the band which was devastating to me. While I loved TFTO, I was really concerned about the direction the band was taking. I bought and listened to Moraz on Refugee and really didn't know what to expect.

Sound Chaser allayed my fears immediately. That song rocks like no other yes song, If fact it rocks like no other rock song. It was a completely different sound for the band and I loved it. Gates took me in completely. The words and music still carry me away when I hear it. I remember seeing the tour at MSG and I believe it was before the record was released. Most of my friends were skeptical of yes especially since the tales tour was soo disappointing to them. Too much music that was unfamiliar and not enough of yessongs. This tour though captivated listeners. Maybe since there was only one album side worth of new material. But it was unforgettable.

And when I got the record I wore it out listening to both sides. I voted for Sound Chaser but all three songs are not only good but seem organically tied together. Which brings me to an observation: Does anyone else find the end of To Be Over to almost fold right into the beginning of Gates? I am thinking of the quiet percussive sounds of TBO sequeing into the soft but ominous beginning of Gates. As a complete whole the entire war and peace thing do fit together ina kind of roundabout, neverending and always pulsing from one extreme to another.

[GatesOfDelirium]

I think 'Gates Of Delirium' edges it, though its possibly Yes' best album- certainly, it's their most complex and challenging one. The 'Soon' section is astonishingly beautiful.

[Andrea YouAndI]

Definitely my favorite is "Sound Chaser"--a very "fun" song. Whitefish definitely overtake this one, but there's also that unbelieveable Howe slide solo... ;)

[flep]

Gates for me

A very easy choice.

[hailhail]

Has to be Gates for me
The eternal struggle between peace and war
and to finish a high charged piece like Gates with Soon
heavenly

There used to be a post on site that had a brilliant explanation of Gates on it.It was from a book by the guy who inspired Tales,I think.
Hopefully some kind Mod could dig it up from the recesses
and repost in here,for all to see again

[marklovesyes]

From start to finish, it's "To Be Over". Perfect length, perfect melodies, perfect solos, perfect theme changes.

"Gates" and "Sound Chaser" both have some moments that I can skip over (although I usually don't).

[Imperatrix]

Sound Chaser, hands down.

[Iowa Yes Fan]

Gates. The chaos buiding up anticipation leading into such a great bit of keyboard and guitar playing. All with a wonderful bass line in the background.

It's one of my top 3 all time favorite songs. I usually skip the soon part of the song though. It's almost a downer after such high powered energy.

[Timmo]

It's one of my top 3 all time favorite songs. I usually skip the soon part of the song though. It's almost a downer after such high powered energy.I'm guessing your a bit of a metalhead.. ;-)

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Gates is my fave, but I really love the ending with the bells of To Be Over...so I had to go with both...

[allpurechance]

Well, this is a no-lose situation, lol...

All three songs are, well you know, you're Yesfans!

But...

...nothing can touch the sheer audacity of Gates.

Sound Chaser may be faster, just as audacious.It's not as huge in scope or grandeur.

To Be Over makes a fitting ending to the masterpiece, if for nothing else than it's unexpected, gentle beauty, which caps the entirety so well.

Even for Yes, Gates is ambitious.And, closing the song with the Soon movement is nothing sort of sheer inspiration.The kind of thing that it seems only Yes can, and have achieved during our short spans on this rock.

How the up and coming musicians of the day must've detested Yes, while at the same time admiring them for doing such utterly uncoverable, totally unique material.

No wonder they resorted to 3-chord punk...

[relayeire]

well geez, why don't you just ask a tough question? lol

GoD - intense, monumental work

SC - experimental jazz; a truly unique song in the Yes canon

TBO - pastoral and melodic

I love them all for their distinctive qualities... not sure I can answer...

[orpheus]

Imho Gates is easily the best song on Relayer although I like the whole concept of the album. It's strange because of the peace, love and astral travel themes of the earlier Yes albums with songs like survival, Time and a Word and Starship Trooper, I would never have thought I could take Yes and the theme of war seriously - especially with Jon's angelic and somewhat chirpy voice. Yes goes to war - please. but the album works.

I can remember walking home in the snow as the sun was rising in pastel colors over a river bank one morning listening to Gates and being moved almost to tears as the chaos and violence of war was just ending and the first Am rang out on the slide guitar for the beginning of Soon - beautiful.

[rememberer]

Gates is the very likely the best thing ever written, by anybody.

All of Tales comes in at a very close second, probably followed even more closely by the rest of Relayer and all of Fragile.

[MirokuLuvstheGirls]

Gates, hands down. The lengthy solo tends to lose my interest however. But still, Gates is one of Yes' best post-Close to the Edge songs, besides The Remembering and Ritual from Tales.

[Enoch]

Wouldn't it be a trip if William Shatner did a version of "The Gates Of Delirium" -- Can't you just hear him bellowing "Stand & fight we do consider.............."

LOL Where did that come from?

[Enoch]

Wouldn't it be a trip if William Shatner did a version of "The Gates Of Delirium" -- Can't you just hear him bellowing "Stand & fight we do consider.............."

LOL Where did that come from?

[Enoch]

Sorry for the double post.

[Enoch]

Anyone know what the time signaure is 13 minutes into Gates?

[Daney Pancake]

My favourite is Gates of course, a wonderful masterpiece... Soundchaser comes in second... and I'm sorry to say that I don't like To Be Over...to me, it's just an empty thing that just try to look good!

[Senor Mono]

Cant pick one.

The whole album is perfect!

[cjreyes]

Cant pick one.

The whole album is perfect!

You are correct, Sir!

[SadPreacher]

although i love the beauty of To Be Over...i had to pick Gates as it simply blows me away

[Xanadu93]

"The Gates of Delrium" was the first real Yes I heard. An absolute musical masterpiece - definitely my favorite Yessong from my favorite Yes album.