Best version of "Gates of Delirium"?

[Judge Judy]

Which is the best version of "Gates of Delerium"? I'm trying to make a mix for myself and I can't decide which version to use.

[yesyadda]

I don't think you can top the crisp, clean (and no caffeine) Relayer studio album. I've heard the song many times in concert and don't get me wrong- there is no substitute to seeing it performed live- but for a no-fail listen it's gotta be Relayer.

[Timmo]

I have to concur.

Gates is frightfully difficult to play live. I enjoy the weeds, but nothing beats the studio version.

[jimmygtr]

It's just a really good song period. I've enjoyed the live versions as well as the studio version. The studio version is probably the premiere version, but there are some good live versions with Moraz, and the Yes Symphonic version is far from shabby.

[yesyadda]

Good point. I don't think Yes has ever hacked up this one. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[BredYes]

I think Yesshows has the best version. It is very powerfull and fast. A lot of energy. The studio version is my number 2.

[Scooty]

I tend to agree, that the Yesshows version is the best...

But, there's that damn Relayer album!!

Hmmmm...a quandry to be sure.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

Good point. I don't think Yes has ever hacked up this one. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

I have a soundboard from early on in the Masterworks tour and it's pretty embarrasing.

[Judge Judy]

I've definitely been leaning towards the "Yesshows" version, but not by much. I hate having to make these decisions.

So no love for the studio run-through, huh?

[rabinmovies]

I love the QPR version, especially when steve comes in with his steel slide guitar. You can almost hear it echo-ing in the stadium with it's gigantic sound.

[custom55]

I have to vote for the Roosevelt Stadium, NJ radio broadcast WEED from 1976. Steve's slide is incredible.

[Judge Judy]

I have to vote for the Roosevelt Stadium, NJ radio broadcast WEED from 1976. Steve's slide is incredible.

Yummy. Me wantee.

How does one get his hands on this? I don't have any Yes boots at all to trade for, but I have a strong back and could help move a sofa or something as a form of exchange.

[JL]

Welcome to YesFans, Dan. Go to the Trading Room. Roosevelt 76 still seems to be pretty popular in there. I went from no Yes boots to what I consider to be a great collection in a matter of weeks.

I voted Yesshows. I just love that version. Yes is definitely one of those bands that goes into overdrive when you get them onto a stage, especially Chris.

The Relayer version is quite happening, too.
Roosevelt 76, Happening
Holmdel, NJ Masterworks is an extremely good one.

But my all time favorite is still Yesshows.

[Judge Judy]

Thanks for the tip. This decision has been completely agonizing to make on my own.

[Timmo]

Welcome to Yesfans Dan.

The Roosevelt Stadium weed is pretty good; taken from an FM broadcast so the sound quality is good compared to most of what else is available from that era.

Somewhere I'm told there's a JFK Stadium weed from the previous gig (which I was at), but apparently sonically not very good.

BTW, a "weed" is a copy of a show that's not commercially available, for free. A "Boot" or "Bootleg" is an illegal copy that's being sold for cash. All weeds are free, and must come from non-commercially available sources. They are called "weeds" because the idea is that multiple people will copy them and re-offer them again, hence spreading like a literal weed.

In the trading room, weeds are offered. The usual rule on this site is that one copy goes to a burnerless person, and two copies to people who will copy and re-offer the weed with a specific amount of time (such time escapes me, but it's in one of the many FAQs in "The Trading Room."

It is perfectly OK to request a weed in the Trading Room. More than likely, one of the active traders will either offer it so you can get a copy or will just PM you for your address.

The weed habit can get addictive very quickly! It's so much fun to get free stuff in the mail!

PS: There's a local NYC Yesfans chapter forming, if you ever want to meet any people from the site in your area.

[Judge Judy]

Thanks for the tip. I actually have a burner, so I can be of some use to this community's weeding efforts, which is good, since I can see it becoming extremely habit-forming on an automatic and overnight basis.

The good people of the NYC chapter have been very friendly to me, BTW. There seem to be a lot of good people here, from what I can tell so far.

[Timmo]

Very cool.

I myself have a dinosaur PC; as soon as it's replaced, I'll start weeding out the collection I've assembled; I've got over 30 already.

BTW, if you see the '77 Glasgow DVD weed, grab it. It RAWKS.

Loved your bio. "I'm not interesting!"

LOL.

[Judge Judy]

BTW, if you see the '77 Glasgow DVD weed, grab it. It RAWKS.

Drool... drool... drool...

[Thoughtbecontact]

I tend to like the Relayer version, but I'm also a huge fan of weeds. I have an audio version of Symphonic--it's part of a soundboard recording that didn't make it onto the official CD. I think it's wonderful with the orchestra. I'm not very fond of the American versions of the 2001 tour, with the exception of the Chicago Symphony recording. But this one is with the recording with the Dutch orchestra that travelled through Europe with the boys, and it's on the DVD too. It's marvelous.

Oh yes, and weeds are addictive too. I have a number that I have to burn and weed out here that I got before Christmas.

[mood for today]

there are so many intricate measures in this tune that while listening to the studio version i almost pick up something new everytime i listen to it. that's just impossible on the live versions. but as acidic as the sound can be on those relayer tour weeds sometimes that adds to the "liveness" and makes it just more intense and thrashing which is really cool. thus i like the atlanta '74 version of GoD and soundchase very much.

but you have to be in that mood and if this is for a mix with other tunes i voted for the studio version.

p.s. the "run through" on the rhino re-release is certainly interesting and it's fun to listen to steve's guitar not all "cleaned up" but jon's improvisation on the lyrics just makes me remember while he needs the teleprompter these days.

[GoD57]

I had to vote for the Relayer version. I've loved that song since the first time I heard it. The Yesshows version is great too but my second favorite is the Holmdel Masterworks version that came with Magnification. I saw them in Camden the night before and they really nailed it.

I'm not a musician so I can't comment on how difficult it is to play live, but with great versions from three different keyboard players can it be that diffucult? Or is it such a great song that anyone who attempts it gets caught up in the magic? Just some food for thought....not trying to suggest that a certain unnamed keyboard player should try.

Bill

[GoD57]

Welcome to Yesfans Dan.

The Roosevelt Stadium weed is pretty good; taken from an FM broadcast so the sound quality is good compared to most of what else is available from that era.

Somewhere I'm told there's a JFK Stadium weed from the previous gig (which I was at), but apparently sonically not very good.


Tim,
If you ever find a copy of the JFK show, I want one too. I was also there and it's still my favorite show ever.


Bill

[Starship Trooper]

I vote "other" for the version from the Yessymphonic DVD. The orchestra added so much to that piece.

However, other times I may prefer the Yesshows version with the faster tempos and more aggressive, dirty guitar playing from Steve. His guitar could be considered too clean on the modern-day versions of GOD. The old gritty guitar sound was important!

The studio version is definitely not my favorite. Alan's drums sound weird and muddy.

[BrianD]

My preference is the bonus track on Magnification - the Yessymphonic version.

PS - I couldn't leave the mispelling of 'delirium' go without correcting it. I see it mispelt as 'delerium' so often it annoys me!

[Starship Trooper]

My preference is the bonus track on Magnification - the Yessymphonic version.

PS - I couldn't leave the mispelling of 'delirium' go without correcting it. I see it mispelt as 'delerium' so often it annoys me!

Isn't the bonus version on Magnification from the Masterworks Tour with Igor rather than the Yessymphonic Tour?

[Jackaranda]

The Relayer version, up until "Soon". The Yesshows version of "Soon" is, for me, one of the great pieces of music ever recorded by anyone.

[BrianD]

Isn't the bonus version on Magnification from the Masterworks Tour with Igor rather than the Yessymphonic Tour?

I forgot that there was also a US bonus disc of GoD from Masterworks. In Australia Magnification came with a bonus disc from the Symphonic tour which included AYAI, Starship Trooper, ITPO and Gates

[Timmo]

Tim,
If you ever find a copy of the JFK show, I want one too. I was also there and it's still my favorite show ever.


BillMe2.

According to "Forgotten Yesterdays," there is an unofficial audience recording AND an unnoficial video.

Also on the site are my reviews of that concert, which are kinda fun!

[Jubei_ninpucho]

The first version I heard of "Gates...." was on Yes symphonic live.
Yes Symphonic was my introduction to Yes wich is now my favorite band.
Gates of Delirium is (among And you and I and Awaken) my favorite Yes-track and the version on Yes symphonic is my favorite but the best version of the song is the original Relayer-version.

OOOooo and the part I love the most of "Gates" is Steve's "death from above" guitar :git[1]:
It's just so cool :rcking: :rcking: :rcking:

[PO]

...
I'm not a musician so I can't comment on how difficult it is to play live, but with great versions from three different keyboard players can it be that diffucult?...

It is that difficult! I think the difference is that all of the keyboard players (along with the other best players in Yes) WANT to play it. You need the big guns in the band to do this song. And when the band is doing it, you're a big gun.

I know it would excite the hell outta me.

[Scooty]

I know it would excite the hell outta me.


I'd pass out if I ever got to see Gates performed live....

[PO]

...OOOooo and the part I love the most of "Gates" is Steve's "death from above" guitar :git[1]:
It's just so cool :rcking: :rcking: :rcking:

Excellent. We have a LOT of Steve headbangers here.

[PO]

I'd pass out if I ever got to see Gates performed live....

You haven't seen it done?

[Scooty]

You haven't seen it done?



NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Burn me at the stake, fry me up...

I hadnt seen Yes since 1999, before this last tour.. :fewl: :banghead:


iIs my fault isn't it....

[PO]

I see. You missed Masterworks and Magnification tours? I was lucky enough to see it twice with Moraz (Relayer and Solos tours). Then one each with Igor and Brislin.

[Scooty]

I see. You missed Masterworks and Magnification tours? I was lucky enough to see it twice with Moraz (Relayer and Solos tours). Then one each with Igor and Brislin.


Yeah, yeah..rub it in you punk!!!!
:lmao:

I was busy going to college, delivering pizza...no computer...
Ya' know what...there's no excuse for my insolence... :wall:

[PO]

Well, I still have to give the Relayer tour the nod. It was friggin FIERCE. Steve was one nasty-ass dude on those poor guitars. I'm surprised he and the guitars are still alive!

As George Kennedy would say, They were full of piss and vineager ...

[Scooty]

Ok..I have an excuse for not attending the Relayer tour..I was 3 years old..:)

I have heard and seen things from this tour that completely back you up on this Paul...WOW, thats all..WOW.....

[PO]

Youda loved Chris, too. He WORKED in those days. They all worked.

[Dr Yes]

They were full of piss and vineager ...

I love this quote. It's very appropriate for that time in the band's career. I can't decide between the Yesshows version (probably a fav. as it has been with me since 1980) or some of the boots from 1976. Whatever, they are all far, far better than any of the latest attempts to recreate Gates on the Masterworks and magnification tours. Sorry, but they just don't do it for me. Slow, lumpy, playing, overblown strings and brass and Steve's just not firing. Plus, and is it just me, but don't you hate the way that Anderson chages melody in the third verse:

Choose and renounce throwing chains to the floor
Kill or be killing faster sins correct the flow
Casting giant shadows off vast
Penetrating force
To alter via the war that seen
As frictions spans the spirits? wrath ascending to redeem

I hate the way he takes it higher. I am the same with the ending to Close to the Edge. I kind of yearn for the Yessongs ending which sounds totally different to modern versions. It's a key change thing I know and could be necessary for Anderson's (lack of?) range now. But I hate it. I do, I hate it. :frown:

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

I love this quote. It's very appropriate for that time in the band's career. I can't decide between the Yesshows version (probably a fav. as it has been with me since 1980) or some of the boots from 1976. Whatever, they are all far, far better than any of the latest attempts to recreate Gates on the Masterworks and magnification tours. Sorry, but they just don't do it for me. Slow, lumpy, playing, overblown strings and brass and Steve's just not firing. Plus, and is it just me, but don't you hate the way that Anderson chages melody in the third verse:

Choose and renounce throwing chains to the floor
Kill or be killing faster sins correct the flow
Casting giant shadows off vast
Penetrating force
To alter via the war that seen
As frictions spans the spirits? wrath ascending to redeem

I hate the way he takes it higher. I am the same with the ending to Close to the Edge. I kind of yearn for the Yessongs ending which sounds totally different to modern versions. It's a key change thing I know and could be necessary for Anderson's (lack of?) range now. But I hate it. I do, I hate it. :frown:

I know what you're talking about. The vocal thing never really bothered me but Steve's playing does some time. There are some fast licks on the Symphonic version but the camera is elsewhere and you can't hear them well. But the problem seems less speed and more fluidity. He doesn't slide between musical ideas like he used to. It's more: play a lick, wait a few beats, play another one.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

I'm glad no one's said the "studio run-through". There's actually a review (windows media player) that says the album basically sucks but that the addition of the Studio run through makes it good. He says there's and "energy" and spark to the run-through that makes it way better than the album version.

[Dr Yes]

[Sardaukar'] . . .the problem seems less speed and more fluidity. He doesn't slide between musical ideas like he used to. It's more: play a lick, wait a few beats, play another one . . .

Yeah I agree. The Yessongs era and earlier versions of YIND just cook as idea after idea simply pours from Steve's guitar. Now it's all very staccato - which though a trait of his off-beat timing doesn't, as you rightly say, come across as fluidly as it used to. Cue cries of leave Steve alone, he's nearly of pensionable age etc. etc. ;)

[About The Round]

Yesshows version have always captured me. And we can't say Gates without mentioning Patrick!

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

:offtopic: So, Dr. Yes... from a guitarist's standpoint, why do you think the band plays the opening of CttE so much slower now?

[PO]

...but don't you hate the way that Anderson chages melody in the third verse:

Choose and renounce throwing chains to the floor...

I agree. I prefer the original melody as it resolves better. He does the same thing to the intro chant of RSOG on Keys to Ascension. I like the original.

... I am the same with the ending to Close to the Edge. I kind of yearn for the Yessongs ending which sounds totally different to modern versions. It's a key change thing I know and could be necessary for Anderson's (lack of?) range now...
I'll make sure, but I think you mean the CTTE version. All live arrangements I've heard use the Yessongs version. I actually prefer it to the CTTE version, as it makes the pause more dramatic. It is lowered on whole step.

[Hill St.]

I love it live but,the "Relayer" version is my go to.

[Timmo]

I have to vote for the Roosevelt Stadium, NJ radio broadcast WEED from 1976. Steve's slide is incredible.I saw them on the last gig previous to Roosevelt Stadium, at JFK in Philly.

Gates ruled in both places.

Still, I don't think they've ever reproduced the studio effort. I don't think it's possible.

[Timmo]

I see. You missed Masterworks and Magnification tours? I was lucky enough to see it twice with Moraz (Relayer and Solos tours). Then one each with Igor and Brislin.I've not seen the "modern" versions.

So I'll have to compare them in my head to the ones I did see..."Relayer" and "Solo" tours.

[Timmo]

[Sardaukar']I'm glad no one's said the "studio run-through". There's actually a review (windows media player) that says the album basically sucks but that the addition of the Studio run through makes it good. He says there's and "energy" and spark to the run-through that makes it way better than the album version.Pure and unadulterated BS.

I've seen that review, and I totally disagree.

The "studio run-through version" is interesting, but nowhere NEAR as compelling as the version that made it onto the studio release.

[luislg]

Mmm.... the studio version is quite nice, but I think Yesshows version is more energetic.... Don't know, I think it's just a matter of tastes :music-smi

[Vic Anderson]

i gotta say the masterworks is my fav

[Starship Trooper]

It is that difficult! I think the difference is that all of the keyboard players (along with the other best players in Yes) WANT to play it. You need the big guns in the band to do this song. And when the band is doing it, you're a big gun.

I know it would excite the hell outta me.

Yeah, if GOD isn't the hardest song that Yes ever did, then I'd like to know what is. It's completely nuts.

Maybe Soundchaser and some of the Tales stuff could rival it in terms of difficulty, but that's about it.

I hate to say it, but it might be TOO HARD for them as they enter the twilight of their careers. The Yessymphonic Tour might have been the last time we'll ever have heard that song live.

[Topographic][Sardaukar]

Alan has said the band doesn't play Endless Dream anymore because it's too difficult, yet they played gates in 2000 and 2001.

[JasonS]

I was lucky enough to see them in Chicago with Moraz, and I think it was the 4th of July 1975 or so. It was the best show I ever saw, and Gates was the highlight. I long for the days of To be over as well, which I thought was a wonderful song I don't think they ever did again with Wakeman. There was a KBFH with that tour but I've lost it.

[Starship Trooper]

[Sardaukar']Alan has said the band doesn't play Endless Dream anymore because it's too difficult, yet they played gates in 2000 and 2001.I know. I've heard that, too.

Maybe Alan is thinking along different lines than I am. I am thinking primarily about instrumental difficulty while Alan might be referring to vocal difficulty, especially since Trevor Rabin isn't the lineup.

Who would cover Rabin's vocals if they tried to play Endless Dream? Chris? Steve? Neither of those guys can handle it.

That's the only thing I can think of. Barring the frantic Silent Spring intro and maybe one other part like it later in the piece, Endless Dream doesn't seem to be very difficult instrumentally.

[brotherofmine]

It's a long time since I heard the original live on the relayer tour..I think the original had to be played as it was played..harsh. But when you get to know it I really like the gentler versions..The Symphonic version and Masterworks tour with Igor on keyboards who gives it a more gentle treatment than Patrick.

[cinderella]

I like the version that's on Relayer.

But then I usually always choose the original versions.

[YESOLA]

the yesshows version was the first one I ever heard. Always liked that one.

[B-TRUE]

I like Relayer

[Jackaranda]

I like Relayer

:theband: :keyboard:

:1loudspkr

[Bradders]

I love the Yesshows version. The speed in middle section is awesome. Just learning it now for my band. The 75 QPR is also a favourite. Steves guitar is so good on that version as is andersons. He contributes a hell of a lot.

[BEE]

We were on vaca (Mohonk.com) and traveling 2 weeks ago in the mountains of NY during the peak fall foliage! While enjoying the wonders of Gods creations....XM Deep Tracks blasted out "Gates" from Relayer and it was awesome....both the song and the beauty of nature!

The next day we where traveling thru the "Gunks" and the "Trapps" (a rock climbers dream place) and it was a bit foggy and drizzly and I understand Jon writing Roundabout : "mountains come out of the sky..."

The best live version is from Roosevelt Stadium 1976
Symphonic is the best version on film!

[allen toth]

Relayer. Although I Love the Yesshows Version, I think it's played too fast and lose's it's "Groove".

[somissound]

I think the Yesshows version has an intensity and power that during the middle instrumental section, people who never heard it, in my car, have stated they feel like their high. ;)

and it seems the song really ripened by that time...The unearthly guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keys were really taking live music to an undeniable new level. Friends are like "This is the seventies!?!"

but All versions of this epic song rule!

They should go back to exactly what they were doing, reading, gear, ect....and take it to an even higher level!

They hold the keys...just need a little shining. :)

[Purple Wolfhound]

Yesshows - it was recorded in Detroit! :thumbs:

[shortexchanges]

Roosevelt stadium was the first concert I went to. The Symphonic version Rocks out and session man Brislin does a great job.

The Studio album is a weak production by Yes standards. Maybe being done in a moblie unit. Even the remaster on Yes years is less pristine than the Fragile, and Close to the Edge material.

[Dr Yes]

[Sardaukar;438317']:offtopic: So, Dr. Yes... from a guitarist's standpoint, why do you think the band plays the opening of CttE so much slower now?

Oops! I missed this way back when and only noticed it know that the thread's been resurrected. Sorry.

In short, I don't think it's necessarily Steve that's slowing it but Chris. I think it's a ----- to play fast on bass and, if Bill Bruford is to be believed (and there's no reason not to), Chris tends to dictate the pace of things a lot in Yes. Which makes me think it's him that needs it slower as his part is I think the toughest at the start. Just my impression. Steve is slowing down too I think, but I don''t think it lies with him. IMHO.

[hailhail]

Has to be the "Live Symphonic " version for me

YES,an orchestra and a great piece of music

Made to be together

[YESYOUANDI]

I only listen to the Symphonic version these days....oh that ending...(only Jon could dare do that).

I must check out all the other versions again now though......it's all your fault!

Cheers fans.

[yes_angel]

yesshows Rocks

[I'll be waiting]

Symphonic DVD version just shades it from Yesshows CD,
both are awesome and when I 1st got Symphonic DVD I was
listening to Gates back to back from each show because I
couldn't believe I now had a better version than the Yesshows.

Time certainly flew by during this listening quandry ??

[somissound]

Symphonic is amazing...... But I got to go with the sweet rawness of Yesshows!

[marklovesyes]

"YesShows" version, hands down. No question.

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Yesshows and Symphonic are indeed good,but you just cannot beat the original Relayer version - the greatest prog masterpiece of all time,by anyone,ever.

[CybrKhatru]

I voted the original version from Relayer.

But, Yesshows is frighteningly intense.

[astral_stardust]

Magnification bonus for me.

[mike on the goldie]

The original studio version on Relayer is insane! I listened to it while driving to work this morning and felt as though I was tripping out. Overpowering stuff for sure. The Symphonic version is great but I can't see anything beating the studio version - haven't heard more than those two though.

[shortexchanges]

the symphonic version for the 2001 tour!!!!

[Dramato]

My pick is the Yesshows epic--not as many hubcaps clanging as on the Relayer album, and every musician is front and center and distinct--especially Steve--in comparison with the live symphonic version. I think after touring the song for a few months, they had honed Gates to a wonderful, powerful intensity without making any of it, including Soon, too "smooth" (think the 90215 Live Solos version).

But these full versions of Gates of Delirium we chose from are like $50 bottles of wine laid out in front of me--and unlike Awaken this epic hasnt been played over and out on the last few Yes tours.

Alan can play Gates on a toy piano for all I care and I'll stand up and hoot.

But all that aside, I just love the Yesshows album anyway. I wish the powers-that-be would re-release it with the Yessongs duplicate numbers that got excluded, e.g. Roundabout.