Best-sounding version of TFTO

[Future sailor]

I have to admit....I am trying to re-connect with 'Tales from topographic oceans'. Back in the day it was arguably my favourite Yes album -- but over the years it has sort of slipped back into the pack, to the point where it doesn't really do much for me any more. This is a real shame, because I know it has great moments, some wonderful tunes and a laudably audacious concept!

I think some of the problem is that TFTO isn't a great sounding album. It doesn't kick me in the shins and rattle my eardrums, like, say 'The Yes album' or 'Fragile'. Both those albums seriously ROCK! and have a lovely, clean production sound. By contrast TFTO is a little muddy and cluttered, and the performances seem to be more about holding the piece together rather than expressing exuberance. (There are, of course, exceptions to this rule: stand up Mr. R. Wakeman towards the end of 'Revealing'!)

So, I was just wondering....is there a digital version of this album that punches a little harder, elevates the individual performances, and makes the whole thing come to life? I would happily splash a little cash to find a 'definitive' remix / remaster that works. At the moment my 'go to' is the 2003 Rhino remaster, which is perfectly fine, but does none of the above!

[Mr. Holland]

I think the Steven Wilson remix/remaster is very good, as is his work on the other Yes albums he has done. He brings great clarity to the work and you can hear each instrument very well.

[Ash Armstrong]

I think the Steven Wilson remix/remaster is very good, as is his work on the other Yes albums he has done. He brings great clarity to the work and you can hear each instrument very well.

Same for me. I've no quibbles about how it sounds anyway. It's a single piece of music as I hear it, always has been, which is how I first heard it, live in 73. Full of ebbs and flows, tension and release. A marvel from beginning to end.

[madbear]

They all sound great, even my double LP from the time, complete with clicks and pops...

[Soundwaveseeker]

Same. Though I never had an issue with the earlier versions I heard. Maybe TFTO doesn't rattle your eardrums or rock as you say like the Yes Album or Fragile because of the way it was constructed and recorded and might not have the pop or grit of those earlier albums - I wouldn't say muddy or cluttered (to me), but more of a warm sonic blanket. I can't put my finger on how it sounds, no it doesn't snap like the Yes Album. I kinda equate TFTO's sound to maybe the sound or production of some 70's Tangerine Dream albums like Force Majure, Cyclone or Rubyicon - earthy, seashells on an ancient beach kinda feel. It ebbs and flows and is teeming with life.

[Ash Armstrong]

Same. Though I never had an issue with the earlier versions I heard. Maybe TFTO doesn't rattle your eardrums or rock as you say like the Yes Album or Fragile because of the way it was constructed and recorded and might not have the pop or grit of those earlier albums - I wouldn't say muddy or cluttered (to me), but more of a warm sonic blanket. I can't put my finger on how it sounds, no it doesn't snap like the Yes Album. I kinda equate TFTO's sound to maybe the sound or production of some 70's Tangerine Dream albums like Force Majure, Cyclone or Rubyicon - earthy, seashells on an ancient beach kinda feel. It ebbs and flows and is teeming with life.

It swings and bounces.

[madbear]

Same. Though I never had an issue with the earlier versions I heard. Maybe TFTO doesn't rattle your eardrums or rock as you say like the Yes Album or Fragile because of the way it was constructed and recorded and might not have the pop or grit of those earlier albums - I wouldn't say muddy or cluttered (to me), but more of a warm sonic blanket. I can't put my finger on how it sounds, no it doesn't snap like the Yes Album. I kinda equate TFTO's sound to maybe the sound or production of some 70's Tangerine Dream albums like Force Majure, Cyclone or Rubyicon - earthy, seashells on an ancient beach kinda feel. It ebbs and flows and is teeming with life.

It's mystical innit? Ebbing and flowing is right... go with the flow.

[Future sailor]

This caught my eye:

It looks like it's mastered fairly hot (DR7), but it might make the music 'pop'!

Anyone heard / own it?

[Yesjim]

If you're looking for attention to bringing out the most from the tapes then definitely check out the SW remixes, you'll hear many sonic details that are buried on the earlier releases.
The deluxe set also contains an LP rip and other stereo versions of the album for reference. A must have for any TFTO devotee.

[Future sailor]

Whilst searching the internet for different TFTO releases, I came across this description of a Japanese-released CD, on a Japanese website, which I think is rather wonderful:

With a total of four songs on two discs, this is Jesus' grandest and most problematic album. Inspired by four scriptures that John Anderson read during his stay in Japan, this is a thoughtful album with a strong message. This is a masterpiece of the Jesus Symphony, in which the members of the golden age of Jesus' music are heard to the utmost of their technical skill.

It then rather sensibly goes on to add:

Tracks are from RHINO's remastered and expanded release with bonus tracks. Includes commentary, lyrics, and bilingual translation.

[Gilly Goodness]

Whilst searching the internet for different TFTO releases, I came across this description of a Japanese-released CD, on a Japanese website, which I think is rather wonderful:

With a total of four songs on two discs, this is Jesus' grandest and most problematic album. Inspired by four scriptures that John Anderson read during his stay in Japan, this is a thoughtful album with a strong message. This is a masterpiece of the Jesus Symphony, in which the members of the golden age of Jesus' music are heard to the utmost of their technical skill.

Jesus rocks, baby!!!

Just ask Mary Magdalene 😉





__________________________________________



I WANNA BE IN ZERO G

[Grey Wolf]

I always knew Yes music could be very spiritual, but I never heard it being credited to the Big Guy himself.

[Ash Armstrong]

I always knew Yes music could be very spiritual, but I never heard it being credited to the Big Guy himself.

Zeus?

[Grey Wolf]

Well, there is this as more evidence

https://www.suruga-ya.com/en/product/137014182

[Old Frothingslosh]

Everyone's ears are different but for me the original Barry Diament Atlantic CD sounds really good as does the 1994 Barry Gaswert Atlantic Remaster (I think Barry did the original as well?). I don't care for the Japanese 2001 HDCD, Rhino or Steve Wilson versions at all. Out of all the formats, the original U.S. vinyl cut by George Piros is the best overall sounding that I've come across. I know there was a reel to reel release too but have never heard it.