Y not much critique of RELAYER

[YYY]

I've often wondered Y after all the documentaries, controversy, interviews, reviews and commentary about YES music, there is less specific talk regarding RELAYER...which in many respects and IMHO could be considered their most powerful, creative, progressively boldest recording. So I was very happy to read this and other reviews on a Progarchives.com page.

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1829

Review by corbet
PROG REVIEWER TALES is literally an ocean of music -- expansive, deep, immense as the sea itself. Over the course of 4 album sides, it explores more beauty and intensity than many people are willing to contend with, and it certainly is not forgiving of those with short attention spans. In its wake, RELAYER gathers all the band's mounting energy at their volatile and explosive creative peak, and blasts it out into space in one supercharged musical rush. I would liken it more to a sun going supernova. In these three pieces of music, there is more fury and beauty than most other "prog bands" could muster throughout their whole careers, and certainly the musicianship of RELAYER has yet to be challenged by anyone. Steve Howe's guitar work throughout is unparalleled within the entire progressive canon, period -- no other guitarist is capable of evoking the range of tones and emotions Steve does in even a single piece such as "The Gates of Delirium". Stinging scalar runs, dive-bombing pyrotechnics, cosmic sustain leads, the most beautiful slide-guitar tones ever -- it's all here. Patrick Moraz replaces Wakeman on keys and proceeds to rip out glorious synth excursions which carry the band beyond the confines of their previous classicism, while CHRIS SQUIRE and ALAN WHITE submit possibly the greatest rhythm section performance of all time. "Sound Chaser" pretty much sets the bar for guitar-driven virtuosic prog, while "To Be Over" manages to be as intensely beautiful as the previous two tracks are aggressive. Although Yes had quite a few more masterpieces ahead of them, never would the otherworldy plateau of TALES/RELAYER be fully revisited.

Go to site to see others!

[Write a punch line]

Solid sales pitch.

[YYY]

Yes I love the SuperNova reference

[KPatrick]

RELAYER is a wierd album for me at least, in that I can't bring myself to call it my favorite Yes album, but I wouldn't give any of its three songs less than a 9/10, and I don't think there's another Yes album I can say that about. (If you switched out the studio version of "Siberian Khatru" for the verison on YESSONGS, that would change, but that's another post entirely.)

I started my Yes fan life on 90125, so while it's not totally unfathomable that I'd like RELAYER by the time I got to it, I doubt it's typical.

I think it's an album that defies characterization unless you totally hate it. That makes it difficult to do anything but write a rhapsody on how awesome it is. Which can be exciting or boring.

Maybe the reason I don't call it my favorite album is that I don't just throw it on. There are times when I want to hear it.

Whatever else can be said, it is the most singular Yes album. There is not another Yes album that is even a little bit like it. To me, the review YYY quotes loses alot when it compares TALES and RELAYER. Those albums are vastly different. They get lumped together because the songs are long and are all, in their way, further from "conventionally accessible" than everything else Yes did. But there the comparisons end.

[pianozach]

RELAYER is a wierd album for me at least, in that I can't bring myself to call it my favorite Yes album, but I wouldn't give any of its three songs less than a 9/10, and I don't think there's another Yes album I can say that about. (If you switched out the studio version of "Siberian Khatru" for the verison on YESSONGS, that would change, but that's another post entirely.)

I started my Yes fan life on 90125, so while it's not totally unfathomable that I'd like RELAYER by the time I got to it, I doubt it's typical.

I think it's an album that defies characterization unless you totally hate it. That makes it difficult to do anything but write a rhapsody on how awesome it is. Which can be exciting or boring.

Maybe the reason I don't call it my favorite album is that I don't just throw it on. There are times when I want to hear it.

Whatever else can be said, it is the most singular Yes album. There is not another Yes album that is even a little bit like it. To me, the review YYY quotes loses alot when it compares TALES and RELAYER. Those albums are vastly different. They get lumped together because the songs are long and are all, in their way, further from "conventionally accessible" than everything else Yes did. But there the comparisons end.

You'll get no argument here.

Relayer is a remarkable album . . . pretty much a 10/10.

Sometimes I like to think of Tales/Relayer as a 7 movement suite.

[YYY]

To me, the review YYY quotes loses alot when it compares TALES and RELAYER. Those albums are vastly different. They get lumped together because the songs are long and are all, in their way, further from "conventionally accessible" than everything else Yes did. But there the comparisons end.

I agree but not with the above statement. He's not comparing the two as similar he's noting the differences yet obviously thinks highly of both, as I do!

Also those who were into YES 'at the time' may lump them together because they were released back to back. Since I've known YES since 1969. Many of my own opinions of YES music are often guaged by the era in which they were released. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have known YES first in the 80's and then worked my way backwards.
At the time RELAYER was a welcome change and return to the CTTE format for those who loved TALES and even for those who didn't understand TALES.

[bjlevine]

Gates and Sound Chaser are not easy listens (I hated Gates the first time I heard it). But it is Yes continuing to stretch boundaries if not song length. The album is brilliant, Patrick was allowed to be himself (which works to each songs advantage), and the rest of the band contributed some of the best work.

And To Be Over may be the most beautiful piece Yes has ever written.

[BlueEagle]

Gates and Sound Chaser are not easy listens (I hated Gates the first time I heard it). But it is Yes continuing to stretch boundaries if not song length. The album is brilliant, Patrick was allowed to be himself (which works to each songs advantage), and the rest of the band contributed some of the best work.

And To Be Over may be the most beautiful piece Yes has ever written.
:appl[1]: My thoughts exactly. By the time TALES came out, the band was becoming so self-indulgent and almost intentionally anti-commercial that RELAYER was like a musical art installation and if the listener didn't like it-tough. Steve's quote that "there was nothing we couldn't do-or shouldn't do" reflects their attitude which may have been a backlash to the critical slagging over TALES.
Musically it's technically brilliant and daring but GATES and SOUND CHASER are just too over the top and I never connected to them. TO BE OVER is one of their best and the saving grace of the album.
In spite of all that, I wish I had seen that tour. Even without Patrick, GATES is impressive to see and hear live.

[maninthemoon]

If Gates and Sound Chaser are "over the top", then that's where I be. I think they are brilliant.

[the greenman]

I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!!

[Albedo]

I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!!
He's obviously quite insane, poor man.

[AmyK]

I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!!

I have to admit, it was actually a bit funny to see someone so rabidly hating an album, and a band. He must be demented. There's no album I can think of that I despise that much. Some make me want to take a nap, some that give me a headache, but nothing this bad.

Looks like I'll be listening to Relayer, Big Generator, and the Yes Album today and laughing with delight the entire time. I'll turn all three up extra loud, too, LOL.

Shall we tie him (TR) to a chair and give him "Open your Eyes" for 24 hours :)
I like OYE, too...

[YYY]

If Gates and Sound Chaser are "over the top", then that's where I be. I think they are brilliant.

Still very Interesting to learn about the sensibilities of Yesfans and happy to get some real feedback on RELAYER. There are those who like YES when they are more pop or commercial. Others like the more pretty & mellow side of YES. Then there are those like me that like both the sweet and the radical sides. RELAYER has them all!

After reading the reactions on 'greenmans' link, I couldn't bring myself to read it. I have nothing in common with those you hate YES music especially when they weere in their prime.

There are a few of you who said the SC and Gates were 'over the top'...??? Well I must agree with 'Maninthe moon'. 'Over the top' where I'd be as well. 'Sound Chaser' is like the great 'Siberian Khatru' on steroids, GATES is absolutely brilliant and To Be Over is possibly as beautiful as 'And You & I".

But one thing for sure, each song musically & visually feels like the message describe within the lyrics. It's a purely visceral experience

[Albedo]

Relayer is like Tales in the sense that over time I've learned to appreciate it even more than I did when it was released. It's so complex that it keeps revealing new layers, and yet the rhythmic drive works on a very visceral level. I'll be playing it until I'm deaf, and then playing it louder.

[YYY]

Agreed also I'm also a fan of Moraz's 'The Story of i' for many reasons but specifically because it resembles RELAYER in many ways and demonstrates Moraz's strong influence on it especially GATES

[KPatrick]

From the link:

I’m talking about King Crimson’s stunning 1973 release Lark’s Tongues in Aspic, an album I’ve been listening to for thirty years and what I still consider to be the definitive statement of ambitious and arty Prog, both abstract and concrete.

This is the one that opens up with like three minutes of near-silence, right? I think self-indulgent might be in the eye of the beholder. I love Crim, but I'm just not sure this comparison holds up.

[rmig68]

I have to admit, it was actually a bit funny to see someone so rabidly hating an album, and a band. He must be demented. There's no album I can think of that I despise that much. Some make me want to take a nap, some that give me a headache, but nothing this bad.

Looks like I'll be listening to Relayer, Big Generator, and the Yes Album today and laughing with delight the entire time. I'll turn all three up extra loud, too, LOL.

Shall we tie him (TR) to a chair and give him "Open your Eyes" for 24 hours :)
I like OYE, too...

Yeah, these aren't the droids you're looking for. This guy obviously was spoon-fed Rolling Stone Magazine's propaganda on what cool is. You know, the whole merchandising of cool.

I always laughed at how being a rock-n-roll rebel for most bands meant playing music and acting just like sooo many others.

I submit that Yes is the ultimate in rebel coolness.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/8/2008/09/340x_starwars1.jpg

May "The Revealing Science of God" be with you...

[witeskyn7]

I had a hard time 'getting into' Relayer at first....But then It clicked!

"Wow!!!!"
Suddenly I thought it was incredible.
I recently found my old cassette that has CTTE on side A
and Relayer on side B. It still works for me somehow.

I guess if one were to take CTTE, TFTO and Relayer and look at the
whole picture, this time period was for Yes, the most Progressive
and open minded era for the form. They were on fire!!!
Every album was solid and well made.

Like Steve Howe said in Yesyears.."Bravo The Seventies!!"

[YYY]

I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!!

Wow I could barely get through the first paragraph, then when he starts into YES it's like he's about to commit suicide. I couldn't even finish becasue his writing was exactly what he accuses YES of being...pompous and self-indulgent but he did make me laugh for 2 seconds cause his abuse was so over the top.

Here's a page of more sane reviews that are more to my liking

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1829

[Hunnibee]

I LOVE Relayer, and I bet I'm not the only woman who does. ;) The music in Gates is so exhilirating and Soon is such a beautiful way to end that "mini-suite". Sound Chaser is super fun... cha cha cha CHA CHA! To Be Over is so sweet.

It may not be my favorite Yes album, but it stands on its own as being a "rugged individual" in the Prog world. It is unique and beautiful and I love listening to it! :D

[the greenman]

After reading the reactions on 'greenmans' link, I couldn't bring myself to read it. I have nothing in common with those you hate YES music especially when they weere in their prime.



Totally agree - Relayer is a majestic piece of work. Takes some getting into maybe, but when you're there.. sheesh!

BDW, you should see what our friend has to say about Tormato.. On second thoughts...

[bjlevine]

I had a hard time 'getting into' Relayer at first....But then It clicked!

"Wow!!!!"
Suddenly I thought it was incredible.
I recently found my old cassette that has CTTE on side A
and Relayer on side B. It still works for me somehow.

I guess if one were to take CTTE, TFTO and Relayer and look at the
whole picture, this time period was for Yes, the most Progressive
and open minded era for the form. They were on fire!!!
Every album was solid and well made.

Like Steve Howe said in Yesyears.."Bravo The Seventies!!"
Exactly. I listened to Gates twice and then put the album away and didn't listen to it again. Then one day, I heard this song on my local college radio station and was blown away at how good it was. Surprise! It was Gates. I ripped the album down and played it over and over the next few days. A lot of Yes tracks are like that. Brilliant, but take a few listens to really get it.

[ham]

This, lyke TFTO, is in the love/hate zone...
Parts Ah love and yet sumtymes feel that ther's tae much clutter..............
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - the wunder of YES?

[BlueEagle]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Dean cover either-kind of a letdown after the spectacular TALES artwork. It was my least favorite Dean work and I still find it oddly depressing.

[bjlevine]

I absolutely LOVE the cover of Relayer. Captures the feel of the album and does more with less color than anything I've ever seen.

[rmig68]

Relayer is so much more though, than just Otherwordly (and yet, like "To Be Over" very human and natural).

Relayer is concept. From the beautiful packaging, included poetry, and other design elements (including stage design for live shows), Relayer is a universe unto itself. A universe where wars happen, and so does the magic of electric freedom, not to mention a lazy, hazy summer sail down the river. The river of life, in a way.

Relayer is a world, a lot like ours...just that the cosmic dial was shifted over, and so, it has to warp and bend the vision a bit, in order to bring clarity and understanding.

...just as we should do here on our planet.:cool2:

[Roan's Lady]

If Yes has any "larger than life" album; any album that is truly transcendent, then Relayer is it. Not only that, but there are moments of some of the most adventurous and virtuosic musical and vocal passages that Yes has ever created and delivered. Many moments.
It's my favorite Yes album, and indeed how I define the brilliance that once characterized them.

[Albedo]

Relayer is so much more though, than just Otherwordly (and yet, like "To Be Over" very human and natural).

Relayer is concept. From the beautiful packaging, included poetry, and other design elements (including stage design for live shows), Relayer is a universe unto itself. A universe where wars happen, and so does the magic of electric freedom, not to mention a lazy, hazy summer sail down the river. The river of life, in a way.

Relayer is a world, a lot like ours...just that the cosmic dial was shifted over, and so, it has to warp and bend the vision a bit, in order to bring clarity and understanding.

...just as we should do here on our planet.:cool2:
I just love this post!

Gates has to be the one Yes epic that for me has a very clear mission and everything about the piece goes into accomplishing it. Illustrate the madness of war by taking the listener through a war and out the other side into the light. It is totally focused on that goal. I don't know where else a line like "burn their children's laughter, on to hell" would be appropriate. It makes me cry every time I hear it. In the context of Gates, it is exactly the right line.

[YYY]

GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOOOOOOVE these last post. How could I express my feeling any clearer!

[sam]

Although I had to listen to "Gates of Delirium" a few times in order to like it I can simply say that it is one of the best songs I've heard by Yes- it's got it all: musical virtuosity, emotion, and a healthy dose of testosterone. The band rock on this song.
I don't know what is exactly meant by the song but I always think of it as a battle divided into three parts (this sounds pretentious but, well, you did ask!)
1, The scene prior to the battle- upbeat and positive.
2, The battle scene itself- chaotic and all over the place (reflected by the music) ending with the guitar before there is a series of long drawn-out notes where the music "stands still"
Those long drawn-out notes always put me in mind of those at the end of the battle "standing still" to survey the destruction before them. Taking in the damage.
Then of course, the beginning of part 3- the aftermath- reflected in "Soon". A sad but beautiful song-acknowledging the horror of the battle and the sacrifices made but recognizing the need to move forward.

Some people would go straight to "Soon" and bypass the rest but I don't understand this; the song is best heard in its entirity. It only really makes sense to me that way.

I love "SoundChaser". It's so wonderfully strange and experimental.
And, finally, the sweet, easy-listening nature of "To Be Over" rounds off the album perfectly as a relaxing tune to balance the somewhat crazy nature of the rest of the album. And I think this is an album that is, above all else, perfectly balanced.

[Meng]

I love "SoundChaser". It's so wonderfully strange and experimental.
Yes. :thumbup:

Other than The Ancient, I've always thought this is the most experimental track they did. Bursting with energy, and I love Moraz's playing on it.

CHA CHA-CHA CHA-CHA!!!!!!!!!!

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

Although I had to listen to "Gates of Delirium" a few times in order to like it I can simply say that it is one of the best songs I've heard by Yes- it's got it all: musical virtuosity, emotion, and a healthy dose of testosterone. The band rock on this song.
I don't know what is exactly meant by the song but I always think of it as a battle divided into three parts (this sounds pretentious but, well, you did ask!)
1, The scene prior to the battle- upbeat and positive.
2, The battle scene itself- chaotic and all over the place (reflected by the music) ending with the guitar before there is a series of long drawn-out notes where the music "stands still"
Those long drawn-out notes always put me in mind of those at the end of the battle "standing still" to survey the destruction before them. Taking in the damage.
Then of course, the beginning of part 3- the aftermath- reflected in "Soon". A sad but beautiful song-acknowledging the horror of the battle and the sacrifices made but recognizing the need to move forward.

Some people would go straight to "Soon" and bypass the rest but I don't understand this; the song is best heard in its entirity. It only really makes sense to me that way.

I love "SoundChaser". It's so wonderfully strange and experimental.
And, finally, the sweet, easy-listening nature of "To Be Over" rounds off the album perfectly as a relaxing tune to balance the somewhat crazy nature of the rest of the album. And I think this is an album that is, above all else, perfectly balanced.

:appl[1]::appl[1]::appl[1]:

Could not have put it any better myself,Sam. http://www.yesfans.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[sam]

Yes. :thumbup:

Other than The Ancient, I've always thought this is the most experimental track they did. Bursting with energy, and I love Moraz's playing on it.

CHA CHA-CHA CHA-CHA!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it's great fun. Although, as my younger sis would say, it is a bit: "Hello and welcome to Jazz Club".

[Meng]

Yes, it's great fun. Although, as my younger sis would say, it is a bit: "Hello and welcome to Jazz Club".
Nice! http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Smoking/smoking-029.gif

[YYY]

Yes. :thumbup:

Other than The Ancient, I've always thought this is the most experimental track they did. Bursting with energy, and I love Moraz's playing on it.

CHA CHA-CHA CHA-CHA!!!!!!!!!!


Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actuallly to me the lyrics are probably the most legible of most early YES. It's clear that it's from the POV of the war mentality as it progresses towards the physical conflict that culminates into a horrendous clash of forces though which one finally dominates and as the dust settles there is self-reflection with the hope that in time wisdom will prevail and such destructive behavior will cease forever as we began to see the light and the futility of such acts

[RobAdams]

I can't NOT love "Relayer". I see it as the darker more aggressive twin of "Close To The Edge".

[Meng]

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actuallly to me the lyrics are probably the most legible of most early YES. It's clear that it's from the POV of the war mentality as it progresses towards the physical conflict that culminates into a horrendous clash of forces though which one finally dominates and as the dust settles there is self-reflection with the hope that in time wisdom will prevail and such destructive behavior will cease forever as we began to see the light and the futility of such acts
I was actually talking about Sound Chaser (hence the CHA CHA-CHA bit), but, hell, I love Gates too. :thumbup:

[pedro skychaser]

remember listening to SOUNDCHASER on discamn , on crowded train, and suddenly feeling very discombobulated (i've always wanted to use that word)---

simply higher than floyd,mahavishnu orchestra,MUSE+the mars volta combined__________________________________________ ________

still my fave album--oh THIS DELICIOUS AGONY!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++

[Borris]

I'd love to go off and have a fresh listen to Relayer, but I've got an ear infection and can't listen to anything.

I love this period of Yes. I admire that Relayer was pushing the limits and I enjoy Gates on the Symphonic Yes DVD. But I actually haven't had amazing experiences listening to the CD. It just gets too discordant, I get it that that ties in with the theme of War, but I just can't wait for the peace to come, soon the light isn't soon enough for me.

I have enjoyed this album in the past and am glad its a part of their catalogue. Which I can't say about some of the Rabin era Yes. I look forward to having another listen when i have the ears to hear.

[Roadkill]

Other than Soundchaser, this record has never really been my cup of tea. I don't think it compares to either of the first two Mahavishnu records, by the way.

[YYY]

Funny I 've just been getting a full dose of Mahavishnu on Youtube. Perfect time to interject. I don't even try to compare these two bands because Maha takes me to non-vocal place on so many levels - along with YES I probably listened to them both more than any other music back then. Different galaxies but in the same Universe.

Meng, IMO Soundchaser was clearly about the act of making music with the goal of taking us to a higher level.
And you else but Jon would incorporate the chant, "CHA CHA CHA - CHA CHA". One of their most funkiest & hyperactive songs.

[Roadkill]

I dig.

I'm not into comparing bands myself, either; I only mentioned Mahavishnu in response to a comment from the guy with the beard. That said, thank god McLaughlin's band didn't have a singer, then Yes really would have had some competition!

"CHA CHA CHA - CHA CHA - HARUM! - CHA CHA CHA - CHA CHA -HARUM!"

[90125yes]

i love relayer -

but yes needed to bring rick back to get warmth back into their sound

[happytheman]

To answer the original question... What's there to critique? The album is perfect, not one word or note wasted (my biggest grip with TFTO). Yes hit a home run with this one! To echo one poster, if you were into Yes at that time and remember going to the record store and looking at that album in the "Y" rack. You just knew you had to have it. Playing side one for the first time, then turning the album over to hear the opening notes to Sound chaser... Wow! Unbelievable.. then getting back up and turning it over to hear what you just heard again because it left you so exhilarated! Yes had a way of doing that to you with several of their albums, CTTE, GFTO, TYA, Fragile, but Relayer did it best.

[90125yes]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer

[the greenman]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer

Think I have to disagree with you there, Mike. I think Pat's 'jazz' approach is what gives Relayer a particular place in the Yes opus.

I think the guys responded to that different influence. With Rick it might have been a more straightahead piece.

[90125yes]

Think I have to disagree with you there, Mike. I think Pat's 'jazz' approach is what gives Relayer a particular place in the Yes opus.

I think the guys responded to that different influence. With Rick it might have been a more straightahead piece.

---

ok - no worries

:beerchugr:

[YESOLA]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer

You would never have had what Relayer became with Wakeman on that IMO. Wakeman has said that he had no interest in that album, and has said he could not of done well on it.

[Original_Shifty]

Relayer is stronger than Tales (notice how I didn't say better), but not quite as strong as CTTE. It's a very important album in thinking about their legacy to the music world and get's overlooked too often.

[SoLrSaYlR]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer
Much as I'm a fan of Rick's playing, I don't think his approach would have fit that album. Patrick's post-modern Kraftwerk-like sound was a perfect match.
And Rick's reaction to hearing Relayer after the fact...If he hadn't quit before, I think you wouldn't have seen him on that tour.;)

[ANTIOCH]

To see 'Relayer' in 'live' performance was breathtaking, to say the least. You could feel the energy flowing off the stage.
'Close to the Edge' was YES pushing the boudaries that existed at that time.'Tales' was a voyage into the surreal world of YES . . long, wonderful and full of surprises; while 'Relayer' was a 'buckle-up' speed racer chase.
Each of these releases were EPIC !
And then Rick comes back and we get "Awaken".
My Gawd . . those WERE the days !!!

[melody]

I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!!

I love his writing style though!

BTW I like Relayer!

[tidewater]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer


ME TOO.....

[tidewater]

To see 'Relayer' in 'live' performance was breathtaking, to say the least. You could feel the energy flowing off the stage.
'Close to the Edge' was YES pushing the boudaries that existed at that time.'Tales' was a voyage into the surreal world of YES . . long, wonderful and full of surprises; while 'Relayer' was a 'buckle-up' speed racer chase.
Each of these releases were EPIC !
And then Rick comes back and we get "Awaken".
My Gawd . . those WERE the days !!!


Reading this I realize how much I have missed back then....

[tidewater]

[quote=the greenman;1809661]I stumbled across this the other day:

http://badprog.blogspot.com/2009/06/eminent-french-post-structuralist.html

owch! He really doesnt like Yes!![/quote[

I want to murder this guy He makes me sooo angry!!!....

[profusion]

I've always leaned to the "musicianly" side of Yes (and prog) fandom, and Relayer is as good as it gets. One of the very few prog albums you could put beside the best jazz fusion and say that the musicianship was equivalent. I've always felt it was a shame that the "English contingent" didn't embrace Moraz's presence more and travel further down this direction. Can you imagine something like a combination of Fish Out of Water and Story of i? It would have been amazing.

Beyond that, "Gates" has the most transcendent moments in the entire Yes canon. It gives me the same feeling I get whenever I listen to Mahler's 9th Symphony or Bruckner's 8th, and there is simply no other rock music on Earth that does that for me. As much as I love "CTTE," hearing "Gates" live on the Masterworks tour in 2000 might be the best concert experience I've ever had. I can only imagine what it was like hearing it live in 1975.

[90125yes]

[QUOTE=profusion;1857455]. I've always felt it was a shame that the "English contingent" didn't embrace Moraz's presence more and travel further down this direction.

--

we just wanted rick wakeman back

:beerchugr:

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

we just wanted rick wakeman back :beerchugr:

That's true,but I'd still liked to have heard at least one more album with PM.

[90125yes]

That's true,but I'd still liked to have heard at least one more album with PM.

----

it would have sounded too european cha cha

YES wanted Wakey back

:beerchugr:

[BillGuitar]

If Yes has any "larger than life" album; any album that is truly transcendent, then Relayer is it. Not only that, but there are moments of some of the most adventurous and virtuosic musical and vocal passages that Yes has ever created and delivered. Many moments.
It's my favorite Yes album, and indeed how I define the brilliance that once characterized them.

Word(s). :hearts:

[BillGuitar]

i love relayer -

but yes needed to bring rick back to get warmth back into their sound
COMPLETELY disagree.

cheers .

:beerchugr:

[gathernear]

i would have prefered rick to patrick on relayer

If Rick played on the record, it wouldn't be Relayer. It's the oddball of the bunch. They needed Moraz to make it what it is. To me, Relayer is different, not your typical Yes album.

[90125yes]

COMPLETELY disagree.

cheers .

:beerchugr:

---

ok - i get your point - sort of big graphic to get your point over there my friend

ok then - why did patrick leave ?

why did rick come back ?

---

give you a clue - listen to any versions of CTTE with Moraz on ?


---

give me " six wives " over " I " any day

Ricks the man for me

[90125yes]

If Rick played on the record, it wouldn't be Relayer. It's the oddball of the bunch. They needed Moraz to make it what it is. To me, Relayer is different, not your typical Yes album.

-----

Maybe YES dis not want another Oddball of the bunch with the next record ??

[BillGuitar]

---

ok - i get your point - sort of big graphic to get your point over there my friend

ok then - why did patrick leave ?

why did rick come back ?

---

give you a clue - listen to any versions of CTTE with Moraz on ?


---

give me " six wives " over " I " any day

Ricks the man for me

Give me "i" over "ice capades" any day

[90125yes]

Give me "i" over "ice capades" any day

---

thank fully i never purchased I

:beerchugr:

[90125yes]

relayer is a fine record from a fine era

the cover is a roger dean classic

one which i reproduced and for the old yesfan club run by tiz hey

[TOBYSGRAPHICGOKART]

---

thank fully i never purchased I

:beerchugr:

Mike,Six Wives is great (it's my fave Rick album),but you should give i another chance. http://www.yesfans.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[90125yes]

Mike,Six Wives is great (it's my fave Rick album),but you should give i another chance. http://www.yesfans.com/images/icons/icon14.gif


----

I ---- will consider it

:beerchugr:

[Frumious B]

On any given day my favorite Yes album will almost always be either Relayer or TFTO. I've had them both for nearly twenty years and I still find new stuff to appreciate about them when I play them.

[AmorReal]

Relayer is, hands down, my favorite Yes album. Just brilliant from start to finish; it's eccentric, creative, and probably their most complicated album in terms of songwriting.

I remember hearing it for the first time. I didn't know what to think, I couldn't "get it" until the fourth or fifth listen. Then I loved it. The best albums I think are like that.