I think maybe I was wrong about "Walls"

[Q]

Jack Gowen and other Talk fans will remember that I have repeatedly expressed that "Walls" is, to me, a conventional pop song with no real "Yes stamps" on it (as Alan would say) ...

But lately I've been going thru Yes live performances, and I've seen "Walls" done in concert, and I think maybe I was too harsh. This song has those soaring, choir-like Yes ensemble vocals in the chorus; the transitional phrase, with its angular chords, is a vintage Yes bridge; and (this is the biggie) the lyrics have that very personal, very uplifting inward-eye self scrutiny that Jon is so good at. It's Trevor's lyric, but what's going on is we're hearing some Anderson philosophy thru Rabin's pen - a wonderful collaboration!

So - Jack, you were right! I was wrong!

Your buddy,
Q

[upbgirl]

and absolutely one of my favorites from that lp..
a plaintive cry
a jubilant plea for change..
i am sure i have felt that way before, Q.. just not with those exact words, but the feeling was there..

"i want to find another way to live"
it starts out kind of tentative-then builds up steam and confidence.. add some harmony and this dude is shouting but he is happy.. no more walls..
and the ending feels so GOOD!!
sometimes i think i know the important things in life
but then something comes along and forces me to think again..

"another shout-another cry-and the walls come tumbling down" oh yes! some lessons come with shouting, dont they? lol!
['this indesicion can break me down']
and there is jon's 'WHOO' again! :D
"i want to LIVE!"
glad you gave that song another shot,Q. i just HAVE to move to that one-every time!

[bender]

IMO, whilst not your typical Yes song, Walls has a certain "warmth" to it, similar to Wonderous Stories, and it's always fun to sing along to.

[R'tanys]

All valid points, but really, I think what sets this apart from most other tracks is the undeniable contribution of Roger Hodgson. There's a real Supertramp feel to this song, which is just another example of one of Yesmusic's most prominent strengths; versatility. Take a piece of Yesmusic and add a jazzy popish texture to it and it only embellishes the piece.

[Q]

R'tanys, you make an excellent point. It would be interesting to hear the versions of the song that Rabin and Hodgson negotiated as they were composing it ... It is as much a contrast from classic Supertramp as it is from classic Yes ...

[R'tanys]

Maybe Rhino will include it on the remaster...;)

[JudysTrevor]

R'tanys, you make an excellent point. It would be interesting to hear the versions of the song that Rabin and Hodgson negotiated as they were composing it ... It is as much a contrast from classic Supertramp as it is from classic Yes ...

Check out the 90124 version!! It sounds ALMOST what went onto Talk. Walls is one of my favorite Talk songs. It was written VERY WELL!!

Judy
:guitar:

[Bugeyes]

Jack hasn't been around for a long time, three months or so...

I was also worried about Shupe, but he's back now...geeze, what a way to come back, too! Great news there.

Gowen, we're missing you.

I'm missing Talk and OYE, though.

[Gabriel]

I like this song quite alot, its not as epic as the other songs on the album, probably the simplist song on the album but its a nice, uplifting song :) The vocals are rich I think.

[Jackaranda]

You weren't that wrong, Q. I know how much you really like Talk.

I love Walls because it's my children's favorite song, I think, by anyone. They sing the chorus at the top of their voices. It's catchy and positive, so it appeals to kids.