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View Full Version : About to hear the entire TALES for the 1st time since '96


RobAdams
10-23-2002, 12:34 AM
I just got home from work, and I'm about to listen to the latest addition to my YES collection - TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS. It's been six years since I last heard this entire album.
I had it on vinyl years ago, probably purchased in 1977 or 1978. Years later when my vinyl was gone I went through a cassette tape phase - just before CDs became the norm. I had all the Yes albums on cassette, all the way from YES to TALK. I think it was around 1996 that I sold my tapes for stupid reasons, which I'd rather forget about...

So here I am, in 2002, with nearly every YES cd. This morning my collection was missing TIME AND A WORD, THE YES ALBUM, TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS, YESTERDAYS, and 9012LIVE. Then I saw it on my way to work at the local used CD shop...A beatifully preserved practically mint condition copy of the TALES two CD set. I got it for $12. The CD sells for $27.99 plus tax in the regular retail store. Saving $16 was too great a temptation. I had to get it. Many times I wanted to come up with the cash to get TALES, but found it hard to part with $30 for a little over 80 minutes of music - of which I already had the 22 minute track RITUAL on the YESYEARS box.

I've been able to enjoy some of the TALES material from other sources while waiting for this moment moment moment. KEYS kept my craving for RSOG satisfied somewhat. From THE ANCIENT at least I had LEAVES OF GREEN from the Holmdel 2000 show and the XM Satellite Radio Acoustic Yes broadcast from this year. And apart from the studio recording of RITUAL on YESYEARS I've at least had the YESSHOWS version with Moraz, the Holmdel 2000 version with Igor and the YES SYMPHONIC version from Amsterdam with Tom & the orchestra. Finally this often criticized but essential work is about to soar through my ears for the first time in six years. I'm tempted to just jump ahead to THE REMEMBERING and then to THE ANCIENT, but I've decided to play it through as it's meant to be heard.

Here goes! Lots of padding some say? I guess I love padding! This has always been an intriguing album for me. I've seen criticism of the sound quality of this disc. Well, I'm about to find out!

I brought it to work, wishing I could hear it. On my break I read all the lyrics and liner notes - anticipating my after work YES session. I noticed that it was the 'Digitally Remastered By Joe Gastwirt' edition, so it's at least the better sounding US issue. I also noticed it was a BMG Music Club edition.

GoD57
10-23-2002, 09:51 PM
Rob,

Last Friday I was doing some work in my basement, home alone, so I put TALES on start to finish. Needless to say not much work got done!!!

I try to listen to parts of Tales every week but could never find the time to listen to the whole thing. I will make sure I find the time more often, I hope you can do the same.

Bill

YYY
10-24-2002, 01:07 AM
I think YES created some of the BEST PADDING EVER on Tales.
Good Luck on your journey. I hope that you are mentally and spiritually prepared. After a long time away from the Topographic Ocean, it is possible that you could drown if you aren't used to the water.

RobAdams
10-24-2002, 03:32 AM
Very cool! First of all, I was amazed at how much of TALES has been embedded into my mind. I knew every twist & turn as it came along - even the two tracks I hadn't heard in years (Remembering & Ancient). Even before I played it I could "hear" it in my mind as I read the lyrics at work. THE ANCIENT has got to be one of my favorite tracks to listen to Alan drumming on. THE REMEMBERING is stunning. I love the part where Jon sings about "other skylines to hold you".

I love TFTO, and I rate it highly.

The sound is much better than the mix I had on the cassette I bought in the mid-90's. Not as warm as my vinyl one I once had, but still quite nice. It sounds better than GATES on the RELAYER disc that Marino remastered, so I'm at least glad it's enjoyable.

Suddenly I am in possession of yet another version of TALES. A secret Santa has sent me a performance of all 4 movements of TFTO recorded live on 14 February 1974. I haven't played it yet, but it's next on the CD player!

headrott
10-29-2002, 04:07 PM
Originally posted by RobAdams


Suddenly I am in possession of yet another version of TALES. A secret Santa has sent me a performance of all 4 movements of TFTO recorded live on 14 February 1974. I haven't played it yet, but it's next on the CD player!

This live version and the February 28th show need to be released officially! These are two great live concerts! Especially Steves playing on CTTE from the 28th show. Have fun listening!

Greg