Tales Discussions

[Ilios]

HI , I just subscribed to this forum 'cause I love Tales and want to see what other fans think. But I don't want to over analyse here. Lets not treat it like Operation:Mindcrime or Scenes from a Memory

Hi Ilios. I've been told that I am the official keeper of the flame for Tales for this site--or something like that. So you know I love it a lot and completely. I believe Tales to be the greatest and most profound piece of art in all of humankind.

In a related story, I was hearing an interview on NPR the other day. They had some kind of discussion about art or poetry and the guy was talking about how every great work of art ends up being more than the creator had in mind--as if something was guiding it to its own destination. I feel that is true with Tales. I think it is greater than any of the guys could ever have imagined it or even want to believe. I'd bet that it would be a huge burden to carry around the belief that you had a hand in creating the greatest work of art in all of humankind. I think it would be easier to agree with critics who say it's padded and that perhaps it would be better if it were only one cd in length. Of course that is blasphemy.

Also Ilios, I want to welcome you to the site. Is this the type of conversation you were looking for in this thread? Or did I go too far already? hahaha

[Ilios]

Dear ST. Louis,

Thanks for being so responsive to my posts. I'm new out here and still trying to figure some things out. Your insight into Tales is frightening , yet commendable. After all , I did ask for these disscussions didn't I.

Your fellow Tales freak,
Ilios

Originally posted by Ilios
Your insight into Tales is frightening , yet commendable. Your fellow Tales freak, Ilios

Frightening? What? Not hardly. More like, illuminating and insightful in an Awakening sort of way. hahaha

I told you I was the keeper of the flame (or something like that).

And I'm glad to know that you are a fellow tales freak. There are never too many of those!

[RobAdams]

When the Beatles went to India in 1968, they returned to England with more than thirty-five new compositions. When they started recording their next album they had an over abundance of material. Some of it was incredible, some was really good, some was so-so. They worked from June to October on these tracks. They had so many songs completed that they decided to make it a two record set. Their producer George Martin tried his best to convince them to make it only a single album and leave off the weaker bits. The Beatles ignored his advice - and that November released the untitled double album we call 'The White Album'. What would George Martin have included on his version of the album? I can only speculate, but I think the one record 'White Album' could have been much like this:
SIDE 1 - Back In The USSR, Dear Prudence, Martha My Dear, Sexy Sadie, Honey Pie, Helter Skelter, Glass Onion, Blackbird
SIDE 2 - Birthday, Yer Blues, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, Cry Baby Cry, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Revolution 1, Good Night

I think the 'White Album' was better as a two record set. We would have lost so many classics if George Martin had gotten his way. The Beatles would probably not have bothered releasing the leftover tracks - at least not all of them.
I feel the same way about TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. Had it been a one album release instead of a double, what would it have contained? I think it would have likely contained RSOG and RITUAL. Would have been a great album if we didn't know we were missing half of the work. THE REMEMBERING and THE ANCIENT would possibly have been released as a follow up album, but they seem to be lacking something vital taken out of the context of the whole. Many of the two record sets we love so much would have been less special trimmed down to a single album. Elton John's GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD, The Who's QUADROPHENIA, The Rolling Stones' EXILE ON MAIN STREET, Dylan's BLONDE ON BLONDE. These all needed to be longer than one vinyl disc could contain.

And Pat Yessiree:
Just for the fun of it, do twenty coin tosses. Something tells me you'll get more TALES than HEADS. Let us know! :)

Good point i-and-i regarding the double album and the need for both as one release. Tales with only 1 album would not be the complete picture. So glad Jon stuck to his guns and created a miracle!

And regarding the coin toss? Well, would that not be a statistical impossiblity? I guess I should try it anyway and see. hahaha!

[Jackaranda]

It's so cool you like Tales so much.
It's about 4th or 5th for me, but your dedication speaks volumes ( so to speak!!)..Jack....

Thanks Jack. Glad to know I'm not seen as frightening as ilios said. hahaha

[Ilios]

Sorry yessiree ,
I guess it was a poor choise of words to refer to you as frightening. I have to admit that I have been known to be frightening myself in my love of Tales. Just look at the bloody name I chose for myself!!! I love Tales and I will try to not pass judgement in the future. I always take that album whenever I go camping and dance around the fire like a madman. Oh wow , I guess I am frightening.

[Roger]

yessiree...just had to let you know that I also think tales is great. My fav is CTTE, but Tales is next...Would be so cool if the boys would do another tales tour!!!!!
Roger

Ilios and Roger.....Yesfans after my own heart!

Another Tales tour?!!! Oh My God! Where do I go?

And Ilios, I can just see dancing around a campfire....Release Forward.....Tallest Rainbow.....

[RobAdams]

Yessiree, Pat - I saw a most disturbing thing at a COCONUTS store in New Hampshire. This music store now sells used CDs. They had TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS in the used bin. The problem? It was only the two CDs in an empty jewel case. No booklet, no insert - just the 2 CDs. The price for this used? 25 dollars!!!!!!! Two dollars more and you could get the new one with all the cover art. What a joke.

I wonder what that was about? A very odd story indeed!

[RobAdams]

I'll tell you what it's about...

It's a big rip off. I'll bet you someone burned a copy of the TALES cds, took the booklet and stuff out to keep with their copy, and then they sold the official CDs to COCONUTS, who in turn decided to be dirtbags about it. The CDs without the booklet in used condition shouldn't be any more than 10-12 dollars.

Originally posted by i-and-i
The CDs without the booklet in used condition shouldn't be any more than 10-12 dollars.

max.
I got a brand new sealed Tales cd for $13--including shipping.

[Ahkin]

Ilios, welcome to the site. I wonder when we'll have all the giants under the sun discussing here. My pick was Ahkin because he's kind of a stand out giant in that song.

Tales LP is a must! The cover is so completely fabulous that cd size doesn't make any justice to it. I suggest to everyone without it that you try to find an LP copy even if you have the cd already. Just look at the sky and the ocean and the fishes and the overhanging trees..

I've been planning to have a peaceful night some day and listen the whole album from beginning to end. Well, yesterday I just had a feeling that I need to hear The Remembering. It really spoke to me more than ever before, it was awesome! Like they say in the introduction of the movements, it is especially Rick's keyboards that really bring the topographic ocean around us with those floating mellotron/synth passages.

[Ahkin]

So now I've done it. Listened it from beginning to end, all four movements.

And I'm moved of the beauty, of the sounds, of the ideas and images. And this is the only way to really get inside the story, that's what I learned. The movements can reach you separately, but never in a way they reach you all together.

I'd like to thank Yes fans who have given me new ways of dealing with this album. Especially yessiree, who have always reminded us of Tales being one song, one story.

By the way, I made an observation when listening to Tales. There are five fishes swimming on the cover. Three fishes looking the same are swimming together as one similar fish and one totally different one are swimming a bit apart from the three. I was thinking that the three similar fishes could be Jon, Steve and Chris. Then the one fish apart from the three but still looking similar could be Alan, who is enthusiastic and comitted, but still not quite aware where he has put himself into. The other fish apart from the three, and looking different from the others, is Rick, who feels himself very uncomfortable with the situation.

[Squireaholic]

I guess I'll be the one to tell Ahkin about the stars.
Note that the stars in the night sky on the cover of TFTO are in fact the zodiac constellations of each Yes member!

Originally posted by Ahkin
So now I've done it. Listened it from beginning to end, all four movements. And I'm moved of the beauty, of the sounds, of the ideas and images. And this is the only way to really get inside the story, that's what I learned. The movements can reach you separately, but never in a way they reach you all together.


Exactly Ahkin! So glad you were able to begin to experience the totality of the work. There's a lot more to do though now that you have the key. Talk about a labor of love!

And your fish story was very interesting. Thanks for offering your perspective.

Originally posted by Squireaholic
I guess I'll be the one to tell Ahkin about the stars.
Note that the stars in the night sky on the cover of TFTO are in fact the zodiac constellations of each Yes member!

Thanks so much Squireaholic! I would never have known. I wonder if Jan knows about this--the astronomer that she is. Very interesting.

We surely have some thoughtful folks on this site!

[evensong]

In general until recently i had always thought tales was a true classic single album that got out of hand.

But recently I reacquirerd Yessongs and as I drive a few hours every fri and sat night i tried listening to all of yessongs and then tales, and tales finally made alot of sense to me.

just listen to the intensity and energy and rockishness going into (0% of yessongs. It is mostly like white water rafting if you will. After what must of been 3 or so slid years of touring and recording and more touring. They band had a deep and natural need to float on the current abit. Tales felt just like that to me after yessongs. A lovely and beautiful drifting down stream looking at the beauty and wonders of Life roll by and trying to capture and see into them. Instead of trying to 'take the kingdom w/ violence'.

Of course that doesn't exscuse the really bad production compared to CttE and Fragile but hey.

I would still love to hear what Ricj might condense tales to in 40/45 minutes. i bet it would be great.

any way there is my rambling 2cents.

[yesyadda]

So now I've done it. Listened it from beginning to end, all four movements.

And I'm moved of the beauty, of the sounds, of the ideas and images. And this is the only way to really get inside the story, that's what I learned. The movements can reach you separately, but never in a way they reach you all together.

I'd like to thank Yes fans who have given me new ways of dealing with this album. Especially yessiree, who have always reminded us of Tales being one song, one story.

By the way, I made an observation when listening to Tales. There are five fishes swimming on the cover. Three fishes looking the same are swimming together as one similar fish and one totally different one are swimming a bit apart from the three. I was thinking that the three similar fishes could be Jon, Steve and Chris. Then the one fish apart from the three but still looking similar could be Alan, who is enthusiastic and comitted, but still not quite aware where he has put himself into. The other fish apart from the three, and looking different from the others, is Rick, who feels himself very uncomfortable with the situation.

Let's turn back the clock and think- from where did we come? We fled from the sea... whole.

Let's advance and retrace our story.

Sunlight... tell me...

Death is the only certainty in life.

The music of Yes I will gladly take to my grave. :hearts:

[Bobby Dread]

My second favorite album, ever, behind Close To The Edge.

I thought the attachment below was worth a reprise...

[yesyadda]

LOL! Where did you find that? That's great.

[happytheman]

I think the 'White Album' was better as a two record set. We would have lost so many classics if George Martin had gotten his way. The Beatles would probably not have bothered releasing the leftover tracks - at least not all of them.
I feel the same way about TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. Had it been a one album release instead of a double, what would it have contained? I think it would have likely contained RSOG and RITUAL. Would have been a great album if we didn't know we were missing half of the work. THE REMEMBERING and THE ANCIENT would possibly have been released as a follow up album, but they seem to be lacking something vital taken out of the context of the whole. Many of the two record sets we love so much would have been less special trimmed down to a single album. Elton John's GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD, The Who's QUADROPHENIA, The Rolling Stones' EXILE ON MAIN STREET, Dylan's BLONDE ON BLONDE. These all needed to be longer than one vinyl disc could contain.
:)
I tend to think that the "trimming" would not have been "whole" pieces of work but rather a "trimming" of the fat, the excess, the "wandering". Especially on Remembering and The Ancient. Jon just simply got out of hand with his lyrics during RSOG and Ritual and I guess Steve found a way to "flog" the music endlessly in order to satisfy Jon.

[True Believer]

My second favorite album, ever, behind Close To The Edge.

I thought the attachment below was worth a reprise...
That's really cool!

[Bobby Dread]

LOL! Where did you find that? That's great.

It's at: http://www.hetemeel.com/einsteinform.php

Now you can make your own!

Someone (I can't remember who) used it in a thread a while back and a few of us responded with our own creations, so there you go!

[YYY]

I tend to think that the "trimming" would not have been "whole" pieces of work but rather a "trimming" of the fat, the excess, the "wandering". Especially on Remembering and The Ancient. Jon just simply got out of hand with his lyrics during RSOG and Ritual and I guess Steve found a way to "flog" the music endlessly in order to satisfy Jon.

I know that this is the typical complaint about TALES. Fortunately I disagree totally. I love every minute of "The Remembering and The Ancient" .

Please 'if you will' tell me which parts of each would you delete, specifically....Those who say that there is fat in TALES are never specific...

[happytheman]

I know that this is the typical complaint about TALES. Fortunately I disagree totally. I love every minute of "The Remembering and The Ancient" .

Please 'if you will' tell me which parts of each would you delete, specifically....Those who say that there is fat in TALES are never specific...
The first 10 minutes of The Ancient repeats itself endlessly, I would have been quite happy if all we ever heard from The Ancient was the "Leaves of Green" bit. That part of the song is brilliant. As far as The Remembering take the first 6 or so minutes and reduce it to 2, again they simply repeat themselves and Jon just rambles on and on with the words, surely he could tell "the story" in less time and still get the message across. Then go into the parts where Rick "spaces out" for what seems like eternity and chop them. The Remembering could have been a nice "folk song" without all the "padding" as Rick calls it. It's not hard to figure out why they drop these two songs from the set list during the Tales Tour. Obviously lots of people enjoy the whole album, personally I take it in small bites.

[YYY]

Fortunately I got to see the whole TALES performed before they drop them. I was emotionally overwelmed and drowning in tears with fish swimming all around my mind. Well maybe that part was the acid.

The first section of The Remembering reflects its primary theme "memories/nostalgia" throughout it's melody. It's essential to the very essence of the story/theme.

The initial bizarre original guitar solo of The Ancient again is meant to transport you to another space and time. It's one of the most boldest & visceral solos ever. Then "As one with the knowledge and magic of the source, we march as one with the earth" is simply profound as it leads towards the mystical dreamlike chant of the 'sun' terms (which is the 'source'). Leaves of Green is just the payoff. The visual dynamics of the story happens during the first 2/3rds.

It can't be sliced. Thank gawd for Jon's tenacity. Some music is not for everyone but for those who feel the vision, it's pure magic.

[yesyadda]

Well maybe that part was the acid.
Yours, or Jon's? :D

It can't be sliced. Thank gawd for Jon's tenacity. Some music is not for everyone but for those who feel the vision, it's pure magic.

:thumbup:

[happytheman]

Some music is not for everyone but for those who feel the vision, it's pure magic.
So true.

[rg59]

But to me this would be like chopping out "padding" parts of Beethoven's Ninth and leaving just the final choral: does it make sense, other than for radios or for music "consumers" ?

Ciao

Roberto

[Squireaholic]

I agree with YYY wholeheartedly. What many people simply don't get is that the 'padding' as they put it is in fact the 'meat that leads you to the bone'. Put another way, the instrumental exploration in Ancient, for ex, prepares the listener for the transition leading to the LoG segment.

[YYY]

I agree with YYY wholeheartedly. What many people simply don't get is that the 'padding' as they put it is in fact the 'meat that leads you to the bone'. Put another way, the instrumental exploration in Ancient, for ex, prepares the listener for the transition leading to the LoG segment.

Absolutely! TALES is a mystical magical sountrack to the spiritual essence of man's understanding of himself and the universe that created him. Every theme and movement has a purpose which takes you on a yoyage of self-discovery. It's not just a patchwork of arbitrary melodies. Each part is connected in a way that guides the listener though a visceral soundscape towards the celebration of life.

When I first heard it, I was taken on a journey apart from any reality that I'd ever seen or known. It stands alone amongst all of YES' music

[AmyK]

Absolutely! TALES is a mystical magical sountrack to the spiritual essence of man's understanding of himself and the universe that created him. Every theme and movement has a purpose which takes you on a yoyage of self-discovery. It's not just a patchwork of arbitrary melodies. Each part is connected in a way that guides the listener though a visceral soundscape towards the celebration of life.

When I first heard it, I was taken on a journey apart from any reality that I'd ever seen or known. It stands alone amongst all of YES' music

You said the key word here - journey. Tales, like life itself is a journey not a destination. I love all 84 minutes of Tales :)

[LJG]

I've been on a kick recently... can't get enough of it these days...

[soulshiner]

I think there are some lulls in the album when inspiration and energy seem to flag, but nonetheless I believe that the album features a number of high points. The whole album, from start to finish, features one of Squire's best recorded performances and hold the band's best vocal harmonies on album, in my view.

If for nothing else, I could admire this album for its ambition, its desire to demolish the boundaries and explore new territory. However, there is much to admire on Tales.

[luckeydoug1]

[This is the review I just posted at rateyourmusic.com]

This is Yes, and perhaps even prog-rock, at its finest. I truly appreciate this album for what it is: a prog-symphony in four movements. It is very much classical in design and composition. For those expecting more of Fragile or even CTTE, you will be disappointed. For those who appreciate great classical music, be prepared to be blown away by perhaps one of the greatest masterpieces of music of our time. From the opening notes of Revealing Science of God to the final notes of Ritual, the music is made up of themes that are stated, explored, and restated in a similar manner those great symphonies of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and the other masters. In order to understand the genius and fully appreciate the real beauty of this album, it must be listened to from start to finish. Many have stated that this album took many listenings in order to appreciate it. I am very fortunate. I 'got it' the first time through. It may actually be the best musical composition of the twentieth century.

[Albedo]

It's not perfect. But it's all balls. You have to repect it.

[crotale2112]

Tales is my # 1 yes album of all time. There is nothing that can touch it. What some yesfans call "fluff" I call MFI.. music for imagination. A place where I can let my imagination run free with the colors and tones given to me and tales has plenty of MFI.

No other album on earth has moved me more than the amazing Tales from topographic oceans. By far one of the most amazing prog rock albums ever made. I love knowing there are yes fans out there who don't like the album, it makes it that much more special to me.
When a fan says " I don't get it at all " I say "yeah... I know big generator boy, Mooooooove it to the right".

[BrianD]

I suspect that this analysis of Tales has been posted here before but for those of you yet to read it, here is somebody who has really given this a lot of thought!

http://alangullette.com/essays/music/tales.htm

[Kristiina]

I suspect that this analysis of Tales has been posted here before but for those of you yet to read it, here is somebody who has really given this a lot of thought!

http://alangullette.com/essays/music/tales.htm

A very thought provoking study and interpretation on the lyrics of Tales, a lot of interesting aspects.
I never knew before that they´re different names of Sun/"sun-god" in Ancient: Dhoop, Ilios, Ah Kin, Saule, Tonatiuh, Qurax, Gunes, Grian, Surje

[RickyG]

A very thought provoking study and interpretation on the lyrics of Tales, a lot of interesting aspects.
I never knew before that they´re different names of Sun/"sun-god" in Ancient: Dhoop, Ilios, Ah Kin, Saule, Tonatiuh, Qurax, Gunes, Grian, Surje

Somewhere around here there is a thread or two where we engaged some in depth discussion of our own on Tales lyrics. Ash contributed some great essays. I had posted my own list with explanations of the various Sun God names... all except the elusive "Naytheet"... which someone eventually discovered was a fictional sun god name in a well known novel, the name of which escapes me at the moment. But it's all buried somewhere in these Yesfan archives... either in "Tales" forum or the general Yesmusic forum, "Yes Philosophy" thread etc...

[RickyG]

[This is the review I just posted at rateyourmusic.com]

This is Yes, and perhaps even prog-rock, at its finest. I truly appreciate this album for what it is: a prog-symphony in four movements. It is very much classical in design and composition. For those expecting more of Fragile or even CTTE, you will be disappointed. For those who appreciate great classical music, be prepared to be blown away by perhaps one of the greatest masterpieces of music of our time. From the opening notes of Revealing Science of God to the final notes of Ritual, the music is made up of themes that are stated, explored, and restated in a similar manner those great symphonies of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and the other masters. In order to understand the genius and fully appreciate the real beauty of this album, it must be listened to from start to finish. Many have stated that this album took many listenings in order to appreciate it. I am very fortunate. I 'got it' the first time through. It may actually be the best musical composition of the twentieth century.

Great post Doug. :appl[1]:

[Michelle Johnston]

I know that this is the typical complaint about TALES. Fortunately I disagree totally. I love every minute of "The Remembering and The Ancient" .

Please 'if you will' tell me which parts of each would you delete, specifically....Those who say that there is fat in TALES are never specific...


I share Chris Squire's view that he offered to Dan Hedges in the late seventies and I quote "I would not have cut it down I would have spent more time on it so it would have hung together better".

I think the following points that the band have made over the years are relevant:-

1) RSOG is actually too short. In rehearsal it was 28 minutes long which is why Chris Welch one of their staunchest supporters said it sounded like some ideas were undeveloped and got killed off just so they could move to the next idea (This happens from about 14 minutes until the beautiful resolve). The restored intro which is so appropriate was clearly a sacrifice to time constraints.

2) There were problems with Eddie Offord in the editing process and the move from Advision to Morgan gave the band a warmer but cloudier feel (some of which has been put right by the remasters, the remembering sounds much brighter and cuts better.).

3) Whereas CTTE was made by a band offering equal amounts of energy TFTO was made by Anderson/Howe with a new enthuisiastic drummer a slightly less positive Chris (his bass playing is much stronger on side 3 and 4 and a very uncertain Rick, to many uncommitted mellotron washes on RSOG (a point that steve made in 1975)and not nearly enough attack and decisiveness on the Ritual, Patricks contribution to the Ritual dance was far stronger. Also looking at it the other way round where is the kind of piano playing to be found 3 years later on GFTO. One curious point at the beginning of the remembering there is a lovely natural pipe organ sound (so appropriate to the subject of the piece) for a few seconds which just disappears and steve seems almost to be filling in with his leslied guitar playing, shame.

To go back to Chris the band did not realise the enormity of the task in hand. To fully realise the potential of the music I think they should have taken longer and engaged outside help (full orchestrations of some parts) to make it hang together better.

I personally get the music and the vision I just think the execution of some it is lacking and the sagging that occurs is caused by under development and under rehearsal not inappropriateness.

[sparky]

I share Chris Squire's view that he offered to Dan Hedges in the late seventies and I quote "I would not have cut it down I would have spent more time on it so it would have hung together better".

I think the following points that the band have made over the years are relevant:-

1) RSOG is actually too short. In rehearsal it was 28 minutes long which is why Chris Welch one of their staunchest supporters said it sounded like some ideas were undeveloped and got killed off just so they could move to the next idea. The restored intro which is so appropriate was clearly a sacrifice to time constraints.

2) There were problems with Eddie Offord in the editing process and the move from Advision to Morgan gave the band a warmer but cloudier feel (some of which has been put right by the remasters).

3) Whereas CTTE was made by a band offering equal amounts of energy TFTO was made by Anderson/Howe with a new enthuisiastic drummer a slightly less positive Chris and very uncertain Rick.

To go back to Chris the band did not realise the enormity of the task in hand. To fully realise the potential of the music I think they should have taken longer and engaged outside help (full orchestrations of some parts) to make it hang together better.

I personally get the music and the vision I just think the execution of some it is lacking and the sagging that occurs is caused by under development and under rehearsal not inappropriateness.

Very interesting points! I didn´t know Chris has said this and to be honest I haven´t thought about it this way before really (the point about spending more time on it rather than cutting it down). It does makes sense though. I have always loved TFTO and although I also consider it to contain some fat, I´ve never managed to figure out where or what I would trim off. So, maybe it´s not the size that is the matter, but attention to detail (in some sections). Thanks for pointing this out. I feel like I´m suddenly closer to understand this monster-of-an-album-of-mixed-feelings.

[djcub]

I love the story that Jon tells on the bonus interview disc two of Classic Artists.

He went to see King Crimson's Larks Tongues in Aspic lineup. Bill had just left Yes to join this lineup, and Jon naturally went to see what they were like. the other drummer, Jamie Muir, had blown Jon away with his performance so much, that Jon asked him what gave him such inspiration. Jamie told Jon to pick up a copy of "Autobiography of a Yogi". And the rest was history...

[Soundchaser_413]

Jaimie Muir was actually more of a percussionist then a drummer per se. Do you really think Bill Bruford would accept another "drummer" in the band? ;)

Anyway, the story I heard was that someone gave Jon the book "autobiography of a Yogi" as a gift.

[90125yes]

they should have called it " Tales from Jamie Muir's oceans "

[RickyG]

I love the story that Jon tells on the bonus interview disc two of Classic Artists.

He went to see King Crimson's Larks Tongues in Aspic lineup. Bill had just left Yes to join this lineup, and Jon naturally went to see what they were like. the other drummer, Jamie Muir, had blown Jon away with his performance so much, that Jon asked him what gave him such inspiration. Jamie told Jon to pick up a copy of "Autobiography of a Yogi". And the rest was history...

Jaimie Muir was actually more of a percussionist then a drummer per se. Do you really think Bill Bruford would accept another "drummer" in the band? ;)

Anyway, the story I heard was that someone gave Jon the book "autobiography of a Yogi" as a gift.

Bill talks about this episode in his book.... Jon and Jamie hanging out at Bill's wedding reception talking it up....


And I suspect it wasn't up to Bill whether or not he cared to accept another drummer in the band, in Fripp's band. Plus he spent much of the 90's "accepting another drummer" in KC.... per Fuhrer Fripp's directive....

[Roadkill]

Tales is my # 1 yes album of all time. There is nothing that can touch it. What some yesfans call "fluff" I call MFI.. music for imagination. A place where I can let my imagination run free with the colors and tones given to me and tales has plenty of MFI.

No other album on earth has moved me more than the amazing Tales from topographic oceans. By far one of the most amazing prog rock albums ever made. I love knowing there are yes fans out there who don't like the album, it makes it that much more special to me.
When a fan says " I don't get it at all " I say "yeah... I know big generator boy, Mooooooove it to the right".

And what if the fan who doesn't like it doesn't happen to be a Big Generator boy? That's one heck of a generalisation, there.

That said, as someone who has long considered the album to be so much padding, I decided today to give the whole piece another, completely un-prejudiced listen.

[luckeydoug1]

duplicate post

[luckeydoug1]

Tales is my # 1 yes album of all time. There is nothing that can touch it. What some yesfans call "fluff" I call MFI.. music for imagination. A place where I can let my imagination run free with the colors and tones given to me and tales has plenty of MFI.

No other album on earth has moved me more than the amazing Tales from topographic oceans. By far one of the most amazing prog rock albums ever made. I love knowing there are yes fans out there who don't like the album, it makes it that much more special to me.
When a fan says " I don't get it at all " I say "yeah... I know big generator boy, Mooooooove it to the right".
Not to stir the pot ( :winknudge ,) I happen to be a Big Generator Boy (yes, I actually prefer most of the Rabin and Sherwood era music to most of the pre 90125 Yes music), but as I posted earlier, Tales is a masterpiece, Yes' masterpiece, and is indeed the most amazing prog rock album ever made. And I 'got it' the first time I ever heard it (4 years ago).

[BillGuitar]

And what if the fan who doesn't like it doesn't happen to be a Big Generator boy? That's one heck of a generalisation, there.

That said, as someone who has long considered the album to be so much padding, I decided today to give the whole piece another, completely un-prejudiced listen.

It DID help me to sleep on the flight.

[Hunnibee]

Beautiful album! The sort of music where you lie back and let it wash over you, and you absorb it and it becomes a part of you. :hearts:

[90125yes]

tales is a msterpiece

absolute masterpiece

[Meng]

Thank the gods for the first half of the 70s, the only period when such an album could be made.

Padded? Nope, not for me. In fact I was delighted when I first realised there was an extra couple of minutes of RSOG on In A Word and the Rhino CD.

A double-album with only four pieces of music - how can you not love the audacity!?

[Michelle Johnston]

I love the story that Jon tells on the bonus interview disc two of Classic Artists.

He went to see King Crimson's Larks Tongues in Aspic lineup. Bill had just left Yes to join this lineup, and Jon naturally went to see what they were like. the other drummer, Jamie Muir, had blown Jon away with his performance so much, that Jon asked him what gave him such inspiration. Jamie told Jon to pick up a copy of "Autobiography of a Yogi". And the rest was history...

In Bill's autobiography he maintains that Jamie and Jon met at Bill's birthday party and it was at that party Jamie introduced Jon to the book. I loved Jamies contribution to Crimson from September 1972 to February 1973. I wish I had seen the 5 piece KC the reviews were so positive. I also can not help but think that the first half of the ancient was inspired by those autumn '72 King Crimson gigs.

[crotale2112]

And what if the fan who doesn't like it doesn't happen to be a Big Generator boy? That's one heck of a generalisation, there.

That said, as someone who has long considered the album to be so much padding, I decided today to give the whole piece another, completely un-prejudiced listen.

I understand.. Hey, nothing wrong with being a Big Generator boy. Actually, it sounds kinda hot.. almost like a porno star name.

Its true, Tales is not for everyone and thats Ok. As you can see in the photo, the guy on the right loves tales. At this point in the photo they are halfway through Ritual.. almost at the end, he is loving life! The girl on the left has had enough, she lost it back in the "sol dhoop sun ilios" part of the Ancient. Since that part of the tune all she can think about is wishing the album would end so she can get dinner going. http://cache.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/181677_S/Pictures-Of-Old-People-Playing-Guitar-Hero-As-Funny-As-It-Sounds.jpg

[Roadkill]

Love the photo!

I haven't got round to listening to it again just yet (although I did give Ritual a listen a few weeks back on a twenty minute drive home). In the past, I've compared my initial hearing of the record to the first time I heard Bitches Brew. The former didn't impress me so much while the latter connected with me on so many emotional levels and is an album whose wonders I continue to mine to this day.

But opinions on music can change, I find. Just got to keep that open mind about these things.

I do think it was an audacious exercise, that is true, and even if the end result isn't quite up there (for me) with Close To The Edge, Going For The One and Relayer, you have to applaud them for trying.

[yesyadda]

I understand.. Hey, nothing wrong with being a Big Generator boy. Actually, it sounds kinda hot.. almost like a porno star name.

Its true, Tales is not for everyone and thats Ok. As you can see in the photo, the guy on the right loves tales. At this point in the photo they are halfway through Ritual.. almost at the end, he is loving life! The girl on the left has had enough, she lost it back in the "sol dhoop sun ilios" part of the Ancient. Since that part of the tune all she can think about is wishing the album would end so she can get dinner going. http://cache.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/181677_S/Pictures-Of-Old-People-Playing-Guitar-Hero-As-Funny-As-It-Sounds.jpg
:lmao: :sofunny: :lmao:

[yesyadda]

On a tad more somber note- a friend of ours is in remission from childhood leukemia. Her father asked us to leave a message for a young lady they met in the hospital who is having a very rough go of things. She also has cancer but of a more serious fashion.

Here's the message I posted on her visitor page:

Hi Katie! My name is Gary. I'm a friend of the Edwards family. My daughter Alyx is one of Sasha's best friends. I just wanted to say hello and offer you encourageme​nt in your fight. Please stay strong, stay positive, and above all try to stay happy.

I want to share some lyrics from one of my favorite songs. It has brought me joy and strength in my times of need. Best of luck to you!


Open doors we find our way
We look we see we smile
Surely daybreaks cross our path
And stay maybe a while

Let them run, let them chase
Let them hide between
Cons​tant doors will open eyes
As life seems like
Life seems like a
Fight

[crotale2112]

When it comes to a visual about Tales from topographic oceans I find this short video absolutely riveting. It makes me want to dive deep into the musical unkown. A place where my imagination can set sail using the notes and tones as tools for exploring Jons masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av6v-JtIDFo&NR=1
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Topographic.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Topographic.jpg)

[pianozach]

When it comes to a visual about Tales from topographic oceans I find this short video absolutely riveting. It makes me want to dive deep into the musical unkown. A place where my imagination can set sail using the notes and tones as tools for exploring Jons masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av6v-JtIDFo&NR=1
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Topographic.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Topographic.jpg)

TfTO liner notes slide show to music by Vangelis? Interesting maybe. But riveting?

BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed the Vangelis soundtrack.

[The Ancient]

'Tales' is the holy grail of progrock. Thank God they took all those risks and dared to experiment when they were at the hight of their creativity.
I love all of it - no reason to edit anything.
Like Paul McCartney once said when people critizised The White Album: Shut up, it's the ----ing Beatles White Album.
And what's this about padding? The Remembering is probably my favourite track off my favourite album. There are so many brilliant parts in this song, so without the little cosmic breaks it would be almost too much. A little space in the music is nice. A piece of music to meditate to.

[Joe]

'Tales' is the holy grail of progrock. Thank God they took all those risks and dared to experiment when they were at the hight of their creativity.


Totally agree. I remember when it came out, everyone back then (even the radio stations) where saying that YES is not the great band they used to be. Man were they wrong. The 4 songs of Tails make one whole song and story to me. Amazing music!

[JustAFan]

I love this album so much that I've bought TWO copies of the double LP in the last two weeks! I hadn't owned the album in many years. :thumbs:

I have the original release of the cd which sounds absolutely terrible compared to the LP's. I'd like to find a remastered cd, like the Japan release, which I hear is killer.

[yesyadda]

I am Tales. Tales am I. It's me and I'm it. Yup. Love it do my death day. :thumbs:

[Joe]

I am Tales. Tales am I. It's me and I'm it. Yup. Love it do my death day. :thumbs:
So you do like it? :Wow: