Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis to Yes: The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun) | Episode 472

[@1ouncebird]

Glad you like this one Doug. It is not an easy listen for most people on the first try. Also thanks for doing Tales because in the comments sections it is clear that though Tales has a lot of haters there are clearly many, many of us who absolutely love Tales and here we can all share this and talk about it and reaffirm what a gift this album is to so many of us.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

To be honest, The Ancient and Ritual are my favorite parts of Tales. Since I first listened to the album I automatically got drawn to these parts, The Revealing Science was okay but I struggled to like The Remembering for a while. Maybe my inner metalhead/hard rocker couldn't get that into the softer and monotonic aspects of the indian influence in that song. Of course by now, after having been properly introduced to jazz, world music and indian music (thanks to John McLaughlin, lol) I do enjoy those songs more than before, but man! The Ancient is still the highest point of the album for me.

[@1ouncebird]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 Though I love all of this album The Ancient is weird, wild stuff and for me is still as fresh and interesting as it was in 1974. It is about as far out and freaky a place as Yes ever journeyed to and is an absolute joy to listen to - for me. I'm glad you love it too.

[@petermastronardi6641]

Not a bad song....lol r u Fucking kidding me this is Beethovenish stuff, saw it played live 6 or 7 times ...

[@rkb2092]

I agree. This and Relayer are my favorites.

[@petermcintyreA1]

​@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266coincidentally, Yes had John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu on their bill at the crystal palace performance in September 72, where they first played close to the edge ( I was there) and I reckon were influenced in some way, like many musicians at that time.....

[@SpaceOdditiesLive]

What a great reaction Doug! I've always seen "The Ancient" as the most difficult of the four pieces to listen to, so I am glad you enjoyed it. I bought "Topographic" as soon as it was released in 1973. I've adored it ever since. The really strange thing about it is that it really does you take you away to strange, wonderful places. It's difficult to explain, but the album has an atmosphere, a presence that is unlike any other Yes album, or indeed any other album by anybody of that glorious era of music (which I am honoured to have grown up in, even as I miss its constant creativity and innovation dearly). Just shut your eyes and be transported. I don't know if the band knew quite what they were creating, but it's a unique experience. It's easy to forget it's rock music when its atmosphere grabs you - it's just music, sounds, callings, answers. No other band, in my opinion, has ventured so far into the creation of other worlds, other places, other times. The album was, and remains, an immense achievement. Having been a Yes fan since 1970 I think I have earned the right to say that. :) Keep up the great work Doug - and by the way, I predict you will absolutely adore "Ritual" - different again from the other three sides, and perhaps, musically, the most memorable.

[@bobsavage3317]

I've listened to this album for decades, and what I have come to realize is that it is a large, complex work that many people simply aren't equipped to handle. I am incredibly glad that it was created and shared with the world.

[@asharmstrong6730]

This is a piece of music you're probably going to be drawn back to listen to again and again, along with the rest of the album. Most of us have been immersed in this stuff for nigh on 50 years...

[@petermastronardi6641]

What Ash Armstrong said.... Lol...

[@RobBCactive]

50 years that passed very quickly!!

[@daniellacroix5086]

47 years only for me guys. Never stopped listening to these Tales (and CTTE + Relayer of course). Pure masterpieces.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

It's incredible to think it has been THAT long. A true testament to the genius of Yes. That streak of albums from The Yes Album up until GFTO is probably the highest point of artistry inside the commercial music industry.

[@louise_rose]

I first heard Tales in late 1978 (my brother had borrowed it from a friend), and got my own copy of the album in the summer of '79 (on an exchange trip vacation at Clacton-on-Sea, Suffolk - I'm from Sweden) :) Outstanding album, and The Ancient is my favourite track off it - in many ways a unique piece of music, the boldest venture on the entire album. :) During the same stay in Clacton I also bought a copy of Juan Mascarò's translations of the Upanishads (some complete,. some in selections) - a beautifully rendered Penguin Classics paperback that has folllowed me ever since, and which provides serious insights into the Hindu inspirations of Anderson for this album.

[@vorisha]

At the age of fourteen I dreamed of playing the acoustic guitar part of this song. And at forty-four I finally learned it

[@singerofsongss]

This makes me so happy to hear. I’m a young adult who goes through phases trying to learn to play guitar but I keep getting frustrated and falling out of practice. I wanna keep trying.

[@bobsavage3317]

@@singerofsongss It takes time and energy to learn, but it is well worth it.

[@louise_rose]

Gorgeous solo guitar piece and song. I first heard it around the same age and loved it at once.

[@everlastingarms3065]

Congrats, and a deep bow.

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

I learned that acoustic solo and played it at my school's Spring Concert when I was a senior back in 1987. It was my first solo public performance.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

No one can ever accuse you of taking the easy path!

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

@@cobbycaputo3332 Well, I thought it was easier to play than Mood For A Day (which I learned a couple of years later) or Clap (which I still haven't learned.) But this piece was challenging enough, no doubt.

[@davelindstrom6005]

Class of 89 here!

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I simply love the surreal mysteriously psychedelic essence of this journey. The world music influence truly makes it a unique adventure. Their layering of interwoven sound and overlaying of patterns is quintessential 70s YES mastery, all which transports you back or forth to another place, space and time.

[@phraenx]

Tales has always been my favourite Yes album, ever since I bought it in 1973 with the little pocket money I had. And now that I'm listening to it again after ages (because I save the best albums for very special moments), I know why again. Brilliant throughout. There's nothing here that bothers me, but endlessly to dream and revel in. Thank you, Doug, for making such exquisitely extended listening possible.

[@samus88]

I know that Yes fans (and prog rock fans in general) are pretty devided with this album. To me, it's a masterpiece and it's still my go to prog rock album. Whenever I think "i haven't heard prog in a while", I put this album on and become addicted to prog for a few weeks on end xD

[@stoppropaganda2573]

RIP Alan White (14 June 1949 - 26 May 2022), fantastic drummer/percussionist!

[@timcozby]

One of the all time greats on drums for sure. Adds dynamics on almost every song they do.

[@igormadeyski2946]

In my opinion Yes is the band that achieved the most significant goals in rock history. I would like to mention about this song: 16:14 - that particular classical guitar section, with a repetition of the two notes E-F in different octaves, is a clear self-reference to the intro of "Close to the Edge", released two years before.. Moreover the keyboard theme starting at 7:31 seems like a self-tribute, slightly changed, to the same band's "The Prophet" released in 1970.. Best band ever..

[@NickStacke]

Thank you Doug for your appreciation of the creative genius of Yes. This band has never been fully appreciated for their musical artistry. You do an excellent job of interpreting and analyzing their work.

[@j.franciscorioscambre7605]

You know, I love you Doug. This piece has been thrashed for decades! And I absolutely consider it a masterpiece. Thank you!

[@sspbrazil]

I always say it, Tales gets a lot of flack, but it’s still one of my favorite YES albums and I don’t care what anyone says.

[@Liz.Green789]

Steve Howe always shines brightest when he gives us such gorgeous classical pieces. He always shines. Really good music today.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

He was guitarist of the year 10 times in a row and Guitar Magazine had to archive him into "all time greats" so that they could finally feature someone else. LOL

[@marcanglin7127]

Doug: "I've never heard anything like this". LOL Imagine how we felt in December 1973 !!! The section that begins with Steve's beautiful acoustic guitar @ 15:40 (aka "Leaves of Green") is a treasure played live. I had the pleasure of seeing Steve play it from a distance of about 8 feet on a solo tour in 2000, and Anderson Rabin Wakeman played it during their tour-opening show at the Hard Rock in Orlando in 2016. When Jon began singing the lyrics, there were dozens of us singing along with him, many of us with wet eyes (guilty). Yes is truly unlike any other band that I have ever heard. Enjoy !!!

[@marcanglin7127]

@@lesblatnyak5947 I could only wish, Les. I've seen them--in some iteration or another---only about 11-12 times. However, I have had the distinct pleasure to have met both Jon and Rick; Rick and I even had a delightful conversation of over 30 minutes !!! Lovely chap !!!

[@donaldanderson6604]

Those Steve acoustic solo shows were amazing and the classical guitar on Side 3 is awesome. I got this album in December 73 and it blew my 14 year old mind. My mum bought me Brain Salad Surgery for Christmas and I was set for life.

[@marcanglin7127]

@@donaldanderson6604 The wife and I were lucky enough to get front row directly in front of Steve (as well as for Jon on the "1000 Hands tour"). WOW !!! Tales and Brain Salad Surgey---and we got them so young !!! Difficult to top those two records from there on out !!! Isn't it great ?!?

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

The intro with the percussions is stunning! Yes, this is experimental and… spiritual… Great album from a group is at the peak of their carrear.

[@Lightmane]

Doug, let me give you a quote by my father, who was an artist, an experimentalist, that this music reminds me of: "I was trying to expand the medium of painting. Above all I wanted to do away with "good composition". I aimed at breaking down form. I changed the shape of the work and quit relying on frames. I aspired to total hysteria."

[@georgesonm1774]

that's a fitting quote! can I ask you - what was your father's name? Can any of his works be found on the internet?

[@Lightmane]

@@georgesonm1774 I left a comment twice now, letting you know where you can find him, but I guess yt deletes comments now that mention other places. His name was Tristan Meinecke. You can find him here, among other places. Enjoy : )

[@misterghee1]

Yes Sir I understand I feel I gues hahaaa total respect, cheers Doug

[@misterghee1]

It's to the fishes,,,,

[@georgesonm1774]

@@Lightmane thank you! I will look him up

[@gwesleycrow]

Yet another great Yes reaction Doug. I especially liked your observation that this particular piece is in the tradition of many avant-garde classical compositions. The British music critic Robert Sheldon even predicted, years ago, that "The Ancient" would be studied by future classical composers. I will never forget reading a music review of "Tales From Topographic Oceans" by the then classical music critic for Time magazine in 1974, praising Yes for their musical adventurousness in contrast to the staid, predictable world of pop/rock music. Talk about irony!

[@louise_rose]

Agree, this is a very bold piece of work, brilliantly conceived and played/ improvised - and really groundbreaking in a 1970s context. I've loved and appreciated it since I first heard it around 1980, but it was only a couple of years ago that I realized how there is no doubt some inspiration from Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" behind it. They're not "nicking´his stuff", but they were aware of it at the time, there are some common traits (the polyrhythmic extravaganzas, for ínstance, and the evocation of a distant archaic past) - I do think they got a creative kick out of hearing it and felt like, "if he dared to do this, then maybe we can try it too, and over a LONG piece!".

[@itsjusterthought7941]

The final piece, The Ritual, is by far the highlight of this prog masterpiece. I can't wait to see your reaction to that one. The mid-section features a spectacular percussive section carnival with punctuated cymbal coughs. Watching this live at launch was mind blowing. The whole band was playing percussion and cymbals in the mid-section. The drums were radiating beams of lights with dry ice rising out of the kit. But the critics slammed the work after release. Nous Somes Du Solei is the recuring melodic section that has an elegant chord sequence played on gentle flanging guitar, especially the final incarnation. But top prize goes to And You And I, then Soon, then Roundabout from other albums. Every prog band has to have their own And You And I. It's mandatory.

[@mattleppard1970]

Brave man! The acoustic end is sublime, but I’d long dismissed the first half as chaos. Thanks for disentangling it and forcing me to hear the actual music ❤

[@npc8348]

"The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun)" is the most emotional piece on the album, corresponding to the 3rd movement (scherzo). The first half of the piece begins with the sound of a gong, and as the word "scherzo" suggests, the piece develops in a humorous manner, making the listener tension, "What happens next?". Then, in the second half of the song, called "Leaves of Green," Steve's guitar section releases the tension at once, bringing relief and tears. I must say that the composition of this song is wonderful.

[@2fs]

It is the third "movement" (loaded word for Jon), but I don't think we should be thinking of "scherzo" in terms of "humorous"--mostly because this doesn't seem all that humorous at all. But a "scherzo" is also a change in tone--a break, a movement to a different view and world...and THAT it most certainly is. What this sounds and feels like to me--still, after steadily listening to it for nearly 50 years now--is musically analogous to the sort of journey or ordeal that an initiate (or, really, anyone seeking to move to the next level of life, even if that's just quotidian adulthood) must go through. What I experience listening to this is (as Doug sort of implies) a journey: unexpected, unpredictable, rather frightening at times, as if working one's way through a dark jungle, pathless (or, as another band put it, "starless"). Finally, we get to a place of rest: first, a bit uncertainly, Steve's acoustic guitar, which relatively peaceful though it is compared to the hellishness of the first half, nevertheless is a bit restless rhythmically and harmonically (that ending of each section with the sequential open major-sevenths? What a cool sound...but a bit unsettling, too...). And then, finally...we get the balm of Jon's beautiful closing section. My only complaint is that the piece as a whole feels a little unbalanced: the first half is so dense, it's hard for the second half not to feel like an extended coda rather than a co-equal section of the piece. What really sells this whole "journey through darkness" idea for me is the final section (side 4): after a slightly unsettling opening (which echoes the "journey" idea but in controlled form of the harmonic arch of the opening chords (I-V-ii-iii-IV-iii-ii), the song begins with a feeling of both triumph and anticipation: triumph due to Steve's fanfare-like guitar motif, anticipation because Chris's bass holds down the bottom on the fifth of the chord rather than the root. He also echoes the octave up-and-down theme that he used often in "The Ancient." Even though phrase by phrase Jon's lyrics are often impossible to parse, that his overall theme is spiritual rightness and harmony with the universe is very obvious. TfTO is, I think, a large-form piece about exactly that...and the last two parts really bring that home to me. "Nous somme du soleil" ("we are of the sun"--i.e., "we are light") is his final word here...and it's fitting that that "movement" is the one they played live most often, I think--its ending is one of the most graceful and triumphant moments in Yes's catalog.

[@lisagulick4144]

Oops, I didn't scroll down far enough...I just posted the same thing about "The Ancient" being the scherzo; I thought of it in terms of a change in tone, as Jeff pointed out.

[@georgesonm1774]

@@2fs great comment Jeff! I also think that Side 3 as a standalone piece does feel a little unbalanced - and it was a strange experience for me to listen to it now, front to back, apart from the whole album, since I usually listen to it in the context of the whole. This definitely should be listened to followed by Ritual. and what strengthens this connection with other parts of the album is, to me, Steve's wild guitar throughout where he quotes other pieces within the album (and also, at one point, Siberian Khatru?). I love the idea of this being not only a 'journey' (which it definitely is!) but a 'journey of the initiate' / the ordeal / the journey through darkness. Interesting observation about Chris' bass tying Side 4 with Side 3 - I need to keep an ear for this! I might be wrong, but my impression is that Side 3 contains the weirdest chords coming from Rick in the background mellotron parts, probably in his whole career?

[@npc8348]

@@2fs Thanks for your reply! Regarding my translation of "scherzo" as "humorous", "scherzo" is the Italian word for "humorous", but I take "humorous" here (given the change in meaning from the etymology) to mean "unexpected change", which is essentially what "humorous" means. So I recognize that what you said about "a change in tone--a break, a movement to a different view and world" is the same as what I said. As for the positioning of the first half and the second half, what I am about to say is my impression. "The Ancient" is titled "Ancient Civilizations" in Japanese. The dense and chaotic melodies and octave up-down themes of the first half are reminiscent of "Ancient Super Civilizations by Giants" as the title suggests. In the second half, "Leves of Green," the lyrics sound like a message that history and civilization have been connected by the baton of people, but there must be a "traveling you" to tell the story. So I hear the first half and the second half sections as equal. "Ritual" has elements of the previous 1-3 movements scattered throughout ("close to..." and "Siberian..." ), and it is fun just to look for them. It is fun just to look for them, but it is precisely because of such a compositional structure that can be called the "sum total of the journey" that I feel that "Ritual" is both the "fourth movement" and "TFTO itself" at the same time. That is why I believe it is most played live; the symphonic live version from 2001 is my personal favorite.

[@npc8348]

@@georgesonm1774 I also like the idea that Chris' bass ties side4 and side3 together. Although the nature of a vinyl record is limited by the fact that it switches between sides A and B, so the sound is cut off... If we already had CD or digital technology, I wonder if the 3rd and 4th movements of TFTO would have been as seamless as the 3rd and 4th movements of Beethoven's "Fate".

[@kenhaynes942]

The most fascinating and unapproachable Yes song of all. But Tales wouldn't be Tales without it. I absolutely love all 4 sides of Tales. It is music from beyond this world for sure!

[@benho6251]

Watching this reaction video was such fun! Tales was probably the band's most anticipated release ever. It's quite gratifying to see you lending learned insight into this 50 year old masterwork and helping to keep it alive for future generations. I was one of the lucky fans who got to see YES perform all 4 sides of TFTO on the 3rd stop of their North American tour at Tampa Stadium, Feb. 9th, 1974. It was a heady night. The memories of that concert still resonate all these years later.

[@yes_head]

Aaaaand, he went there. "The Ancient" is in my Top 5 Yes songs. Easily. But as crazy as this music is Doug, just think about how Yes then went out and played it all live! 😳 Yes got so slagged for this when it came out, but I think they got the last laugh. "It's a little hard to follow." Yep, said every person who heard this for the first time. Repeat listens will help. Many of them. And you're right that Jon is asking some big questions, bless him. Ain't no four-bar blues love songs. This Steven Wilson remix creates a LOT more separation between the instruments, which I'm generally OK with except for the way he exposed the Mellotron parts. I prefer that to be a bit more submerged in the mix. But thanks for the reaction, Doug. On to side 4, which is the Chris and Alan show. Can't wait!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I agree.. I mostly like Wilson's remixes but sometimes renders the music a bit sterile when parts are too articulated.. I'm preferring the original mix...

[@davidperry7128]

Steve and Jon gave them their moment in the sun, TfTO is definitely the Anderson/Howe show and lasting masterpiece.

[@eyesofchild]

A true joy to walk with you hand-in-hand in listening to, Doug. You got it, already. Wrestling with the questions or “the quest” brings the Remembering of the Science of God to our daily lives. Well, the “answer” is on side 4. Yes, the questions are all here, centered on the call to unity in our shared source, not only chemically, the sun, but our souls, all dancing within the experiment our Logos carries out in our solar system. It’s not just matter. The french phrase in the 4th song, the Ritual, is meaningful on multiple levels. The music here, while the most challenging for the new listener IS doing just as you suggested. Moving, but not knowing the map, an urging sense of movement (chaotic?) is expressed over the grounding of our ancient past. It’s layers of movement. And in that, we find a stillness in our questions as we let go, accept, and incorporate Ritual into our daily lives. It wraps our shadow work in the light of our being, the light of truth, as hard as it is to see when we’re lost in the world. I love your idea on doing side 4, then revisiting all sides once again. I’m sure you’ll sense the cohesion, especially from 3 to 4. It’s miraculous. You may find that the solo guitar and the intricate rhythms are the through line. I’ve read it often that this side is the least “fat” from the pieces. I agree, but also feel the same about Ritual. Yet, there’s reason for the fat in sides 1 and 2. And a complete listen may reveal why. I’ve never heard another album like TFTO, but I’m happy I haven’t. It truly stands as a work of art which gets better and better with age, multiple listens. Enjoy the journey, no matter where you are. I’m so proud of your embracing this, even if it is challenging tonally at first listen. Much respect, and appreciation for all you do. Thank you for sharing your own insight as well!

[@hugegnarlyeyeball]

The electric guitar in the first half feels like a homage to Robert Fripp.

[@KirkMeighooChannel]

Instantly reminded me of Larks' Tongues in Aspic

[@rumourhats]

I'm pretty sure Robert Fripp played more or less in tune.

[@BarryChabala]

@@rumourhats MORE

[@michaelsliwkowski5897]

Fripp- but on pedal steel slide guitar, and either done "primative style" for effect or just rushed and off tune. Some bits actual sound like Adrian Belew would 8 years later, Belew used the wammy and only sometimes slide (and I really think Belew can hear Quartertones-so his "out of tune " is more controled.

[@Bunbunfunfun]

Howe was a huge fan of King Crimson and some ideas on Topo had some inspiration from the Fripp Wetton Bruford trilogy of albums. It had taken me literally decades for Howe’s playing on this album to reveal ( pun intended) themselves. Being a vocalist who dabbles in bass and keyboards that where my focus had always been. Buy my god Howe has become my fave guitarist now.

[@asharmstrong6730]

Primal, powerful, magnificent music.

[@vickiconley3638]

I can tell you as a child of 70's music in real time that there was lots of experimentation with differing sounds, and different instrumentation. The same was true for lyrics that had hope for a brighter future with lots of philosophical ideas.

[@grantnichols4283]

I love this track - always have. With your commentary, it struck me for the first time that this piece is like a Prelude, expressing many different, yet united, ideas as if offering a foretaste of a total work we sadly never get to hear. That would be scary, though wonderful.

[@joeharley5868]

I'm so pleased that you're enjoying Yes, and are willing to take us along as you discover more of their music. It's interesting that you say that "it would be an Odyssey" to listen to all four sides, because I want to recommend an album by David Bedford, called 'The Odyssey'. Bedford was a fairly avant-garde composer who also collaborated with Mike Oldfield. Oldfield played on some of these tracks, which are Bedford's musical interpretation of the poem. I think that you would find this interesting, and enjoyable.

[@jeffburgess4589]

I have eaten crow before, and with the right sauce, it’s not the worst dish. Had not listened to all of side three for over a decade, only Leaves of Green. I have never been so wrong in my life. Doug’s breakdown got me to understand and APPRECIATE this great epic from the world’s greatest band in their prime. Thank you for this, Doug.

[@barrypeirson3710]

Howe's lap steel parts in the beginning are sublime. Alan and Chris aren't too shabby either. The middle section is a gradual development. But excellent nonetheless. This is my favorite record of all time and it's not even close. Don't b hard on yourself for not liking side 3 at first. Sides1, 2 and 4 have a much more immediate effect. And.. You've come around!

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Amazing reaction and analysis. This is the blend of rock and classical music that I love. Thx 👍💪

[@IvorPresents]

One had expressed before, that this album is a four movement symphony. It makes sense.

[@hustonbop]

There’s so much here that it overwhelms the listener UNTIL it reaches the acoustic section, but isn’t that life? Much about life is overwhelming until we reach that quiet place in our hearts, our souls, our consciousness… much to ponder, much to resolve…

[@jackkilman8726]

The look of combined confusion and delight on your face as you say "I don't know what to make of it" is priceless

[@grahamhowes6904]

Exciting project emerging is Jon Anderson working with Band Geeks who are top level pros who have done some brilliant tribute videos and they are touring with Jon in US early 2023.

[@lindazee]

Can't wait!

[@junejanna]

I so hope they'll continue their tour in the UK and Europe afterwards! 🙂

[@5argetech56]

This is my favorite song on "Tales From Topographic Oceans!" Love it!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Me to!!!😂❤

[@paulcartwright6739]

Whacky as out. Mind I am biased with Alan White being a fellow North East England lad. Just liove the rhythms. The only parts he might not have wrote.

[@paulcartwright6739]

When Yes out tool Tool

[@Rowenband]

Glad to see I'm not the only one…

[@kuhnhan]

I like this, but I prefer all the other songs on this album. Some of this track seem to be too repetitious, kind of dragging a bit. I realize they couldn't have one side of only ten minutes long, but that would have been better for this song if they pared it down a little.

[@philbrowning1187]

I saw Yes play this album live from start to finish at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester UK, I think it was 1974 (after a bit of research, it was Nov 1973). It was the famous gig during which Rick Wakeman had his roadie get a takeaway from the local Indian restaurant. Rick had large spells where he had nothing to play and the cartons of food were spread along the top of his keyboards.

[@YusufKucuk]

YES and their all masterpieces are universal I believe. Every time you listen, you discover something new, new theme, new spirit, new harmony. This is an endless experiment, keep listen to it..

[@kennethenos2716]

I was not having a very smiley Friday 😔😠 -until I watched THIS 🥰✌ Btw, nobody has yet mentioned that Genesis created The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway around the same time. also a double album of epic groundbreaking material that resulted in key members' departures, harshly criticized, way ahead of its time, equally weird & wonderful, and equally treasured by the true fans, and them fools went out on Tour and played the entire sprawling symphony on their unsuspecting audience, just like YES did 🥴😝 OOPS 🙈 : Cosmic Co-inky-dink 🤔

[@Arrow2theACL]

Doug reacted to Lamb Lies Down On Broadway in its entirety on Pateron.

[@dejardann]

Obrigado, Doug. Há quase um ano sugeri que você ouvisse The Ancient. Finalmente atendeu ao pedido, foi maravilhosa a sua reação. Que prazer nos deu em ouvir Yes juntos.

[@TheReaperMan275]

Sun worship has always been a recurring theme with Jon Anderson's lyrics. He sings about this subject ALOT! "Heart of the Sunrise" being a prime example. The next track is called "Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)" which is French for "We are of the Sun". "The Ancient" is considered by many to be the most challenging track to listen to and the most inaccessible to the casual listener. Most Yes fans, if they like _Topographic Oceans_ at all, prefer the first and last tracks on the album: "Revealing Science", and "Ritual". Personally I enjoy all of it but I think "The Remembering" contains some of the most beautiful music Yes ever composed. Very nice reaction, Doug. Yes is my favorite band and I always look forward to watching your reactions and analysis of this extraordinary music. ☀🌞🌝🌜⭐⭐

[@neuronix65]

I love this reaction. Yes always giving us surprises...

[@elfensteen5222]

I like the way you tell about this masterpiece of music from Yes Doug every time I hear this piece of music it makes me feel so small as a human being on this earth, and it's almost 50 years ago when I heard this for the first time, it still amaze me today.. Thanks !

[@jimstrain9230]

I've heard this album referred to as the "Beethoven's 9th" of the modern age !

Thank you again. Your smile on the acoustic part was the same smile that I draw on my face when I was young and listen that beautiful music. My school mates was into Technotronic and that kind of stuff, and my stuff was and is, Pink Floyd, Yes, Emerson, Leppard, Beatles... And now is the same... I go back to the classics everytime. I loved that one. Congrats Mr. Doug.

[@shenzhen2112]

YES is the reason I never did drugs in high school. Their music alone can put me in an altered state of consciousness.

[@sianpodmore4988]

It took me quite a long time to come to terms with this section, until I saw the whole of TFFO performed live and there were visual references to the sounds and rituals of other cultures, then it clicked into place and I could just relax and let it happen (but don't ask me to analyse why - I couldn't tell you). I find that section absolutely fascinating now. I look forward to playing your reactions to all 4 movements back to back one (or more) day in the future. I think this is my all time favourite album, certainly top 3. TFFO isn't just a piece of music. Immersed in it, it can become an intensely spiritual. If you've ever had a deep meditation experience, words become very much like Jon's lyrics, poetic and imaginal as the boundries to things beyond words fall away, but don't necessarily make straightforward sense in the ordinary world.

[@adrianking475]

Great stuff- the only symphony ever composed by a rock band

[@Plasmariel]

Come on now

[@Studio-62]

They’re names of the Ancient Gods, properly pronounced. This album is a masterpiece. I’ve had the sheet music for this forever so it was funny listening to Doug trying to figure out where they are going. Howe plays lap steel guitar at the beginning and switches to regular electric for his solo section during the funky bits before the nylon guitar comes in. This album really has to be considered as a whole in order to appreciate all of the intertwined themes. It really bears repeated listening. But this piece and perhaps Sound Chaser are the most challenging of all the pieces by Yes.

[@marinhrabric6162]

I love that little ode to Close To The Edge at 16:15. I always pay extra attention for that part

[@TheRoboticFerret]

"like going in search of something but feeling grounded and stationary at the same time" sounds like meditation! :)

[@rogerpitcher6540]

This has never sounded so clean.

[@ontherun9510]

First rock album I ever bought with my own money at 14. My elder brother had CTTE. Bought Relayer the week after. Genesis record were already in the house tough.

[@billyh4068]

The opening line could be said of you, Doug: "As one with the knowledge, and magic of the source; attuned to the majesty of music..." 🎼

[@saurian11]

Great reaction, Doug! I can't wait for you to hear "Ritual-Nous Sommes Du Soleil" You've got to hear Jon sing the first " Nous Sommes Du Soleil" section! It's absolutely Gorgeous!!!! A perfect closer for the double album!

[@TigerMtnKing]

They aren't hard to figure out Doug, it's simple. They're the greatest band to ever do it and who ever will, period! Genius musicians that can never be matched. In my ever so YES loving opinion.🤩

[@markranfone6393]

bit pretentious band. but yeah they are good overall

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@markranfone6393 I never thought of them as being pretentious, a lot of people just can't stand them but millions like me think they're the greatest band ever! To each his own.

[@themusicfan2179]

its a question of opinion yours! great band but me Genesis thru Duke, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd Tool before

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@themusicfan2179 I believe I did say it was my opinion.

[@themusicfan2179]

@@TigerMtnKing where? Anyway didnt say your opinion was wrong

[@MarcMartino]

First time I've ever heard this piece. Loved it.

[@mikeleppard2771]

This album got a few negative reviews. Me I loved it, still do. I suppose for some it was too far removed from rock. To think how young they were when they came up with this magnificent album.

[@erikmeulenbeld7428]

Hi Doug, Such a great listening and interpretation by you again. Fan of Yes from 1971. This is an album always discussion about. Musically a highlight in history of progrock/symphonic rock. Thank you so much for giving this great kind of music a really chance on the channel...:)

[@TheProgCorner]

This is Yes at their most difficult. But I love it!!! Tales From Topographic Oceans is my all time favorite LP.

[@johnspencer6504]

Can you imagine what effect this album had on a 20 year old kid from the UK when this came out. I had all their other albums when this came out in 1973 .its still one of my favourite album's

[@Russell_G]

Why yes...yes I can, I was just 15 when my mates older brother challenged me with. 'So you like Close To The Edge huh? Ok try this!!'.....took me a couple of listens but dayam I was in!

[@gistechrep3816]

When you listen to this (double) album in one sitting, you get the full effect. It takes you places... The creativity, Yes. They were all in their 20's when they composed these early works.

[@ImYourOverlord]

Take your time with this album, with each side. Savor all of it.

[@gwts1171]

I've always thought that this track has a Zappa feel to it. Like they're just throwing all of their ideas into a blender and seeing what comes out. That's all a compliment, by the way.

[@georgesonm1774]

Interesting association! Although I don't really recall a Zappa track ever being this dark and demented at the same time. I always thought of this as being King Crimson- inspired (although this is likely more far-out than KC had ever be?)

[@Plasmariel]

@@georgesonm1774 Dark and demented? What have you heard of Zappa?

[@mftubeyou]

What an awesome reaction Doug! Thank you. Not all can grasp this album, but being a classical composer surely makes it much easier. I've listened to it and loved it since its release when I was 18 yrs old and never tire of it. On the contrary, as with classical masterpieces like the Mahler symphonies you hear and notice new aspects every time

[@JohnnyTronny19841]

"Sounds like Chris is starting his bass; like my old lawnmower" - I can't stop laughing. Thank you for that and everything really

[@georgetatum3795]

The acoustic guitar playing on this side is simply beautiful.

[@Walrus1701D]

Lifting off to their home planet 😂 Prog rock has always held a loose connection with sci fi. Nailed it with that quip!

[@TheAmazingSpaghetti]

Billy Sherwood's fave Yes album. Completely unique. Been listening to it since 84' for a reason.

[@georgesonm1774]

that's interesting! Considering the Yes albums where Billy was involved, I wouldn't really imagine that - but it was probably unfair of me!

[@159awi]

This is one of my favorite albums to this very day.

[@louise_rose]

11:10-15:15 It couldn't possibly be more neolithic, could it? As an evocation of millennia of prehistory and the dawn of culture, this is perfect! :)

[@dudleylitz7369]

Leaves of Green was featured within their live rendition of RITUAL through RELAYER tour!

[@oiramsq73]

This (to me) is what side two of RELAYER would have sounded like if Wakeman played on it… this is a song that really has to grow on you. Forty-something years later I can say that it once it DOES grow on you it can’t be scraped off. That line: “Attuned to the majesty of music they march as one with the Earth” is one that I keep coming back to. Sometimes you can think “Nah - Jon’s just pulling this stuff out of his nose and writing it down…” but when you listen to these songs over and over and over again for decades on decades you can see that there are thematic and lyrical connections from one song to the next.

[@martinhodgson2303]

The whole album is incredible Doug, I've been listening to it since its release in 1974 and I never tire of it. My favourite album ever. And side 4 is sublime so can't wait for you to listen to that!

[@SonOfWat]

This has always been one of my favourite Yes pieces. ❤ ❤ ❤ Simply brilliant.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

The only song from this album that doesn’t need to trim any fat. It’s glorious and the most King Crimson inspired song they did

[@toddfrank3344]

Probably why I don't like it. Weirdness for its own sake.

[@Al59redux]

You can imagine Belew singing to it at some parts. It has that Gamelan-Discipline vibe -some years before Fripp arrived there

[@georgesonm1774]

@@Al59redux yeah I was just thinking about it - it does actually remind me mostly of the Wetton-Bruford-Cross period (with Muir at the beginning), so that would be happening right at the same time - but I don't think KC ever went this far-out as Yes did here... (perhaps apart from Starless and Bible Black, there are really weird moments on this album). Also reminiscent of, perhaps, A Sailor's Tale or Cirkus (live version with the crazy abrasive mellotron parts).. About the Gamelan parts - yeah you're right, this kind of stuff became more prominent around the Discipline time - but doesn't Lark's Tongues part 1 begin with a Gamelan-like bells part?

[@Al59redux]

@@georgesonm1774 True

[@louise_rose]

Also, one of their most polyrhythmic extravaganzas - and I think that was at least stimulated by hearing Stravinsky's Rite of Spring (they had been into polyrhythmics before. but not this far)..

[@mikemurraysmusicmachine2857]

Doug, when it comes to thematic development as far as I'm concerned there is no equal to "Ritual", the next step in this journey of yours. The chords under the F# guitar theme in the (sort of) intro to the chords under the exact same melody in the outro before the "Soon" section still blow my mind even after decades of listening/playing. Please do comment on how one static melody can mean so many different things, reflecting on the chords underneath it. This is a standard not just in the mathematical music theory sense we've both been taught, Jon and Steve almost certainly had ideas unknown to us here. Please have this understood while commenting. Thanks again,Mike.

[@RichNosowicz]

I can't wait for your video on Ritual. For so long it has remained my favourite Yes track, and it's an amazing journey to end what has been an odyssey of an album. Nous Somme du Soleil

[@markjohnson4217]

Thanks for diving into 'Tales'..This one of the four always seemed the most convoluted. But I love the first 6 min or so, and the changes are startling and exotic. The point that I start feeling lost in the sauce is about two thirds into it, exactly the same time that you started looking dismayed and said " where are we going?" Lol... Then there is that classical guitar work at the end....my god what a beautiful piece from Steve. I think it still stands as his finest moment on the nylon string acoustic, even more so than 'Mood for a Day". The last of the four epics, 'Ritual', I must say, knocks it out of the park for this album, they close with the greatest of the four.

[@JoseSantos-eg2oz]

It's the first Yes song I ever heard in my life. I was six or seven. An awesome experience... This, among your reactions, is by far the one I have enjoyed the most. I knew that song spoke to my soul all my life and I am glad it hit the right chords in you. Thank you Doug.

[@georgesonm1774]

wow man, you have wonders to discover ahead of you

[@JoseSantos-eg2oz]

@@reinaldofavoreto7160 I had to be more specific, I think. Thanks for the thought.

[@JoseSantos-eg2oz]

@@georgesonm1774 I had to be more specific, I think. Thanks for the thought.

[@PrimRoseLane]

"You are just along for the ride". Excellent summary of the total album experience. "Where are we going" is... towards side four.

[@asharmstrong6730]

Listen out for the castanets at the end of Leaves of Green!

[@RafaelPaiola]

After listening to this one lots and lots of times, it became if not my favourite yes songs, at least the one that i find more interesting. It's one of those special pieces that hide many secrets, and you must kinda look very hard to discover and understand them, but at the same time, they were there for your appreciation all the time.

[@georgesonm1774]

yeah! definitely a 'grower'. I've had a very similar experience with this one (and Side 2 as well)

[@RafaelPaiola]

@@georgesonm1774 everything is special, structure, texture, timbres, mood, but the guitar lines catch me every time. howe's creativity at it's peak!

[@StoneRobinson-hz7rh]

This song is what I’d imagine King Crimson and Yes joining together to make. Definitely can hear both bands influences and sounds

[@Rowenband]

Certainly one of my three preffered Yes tracks, if not the favorite. The others being Ritual and The Gates of Delirium. I never get tired of those. Always somethning new to discover. Thanks also to people like you, dear Doug.

[@comvoice]

This is by far my favorite song on the album because its complexity, This was a go-to in college at night, headphones on and I was mesmerized. At this point I have all of the musical parts memorized and because of my familiarity it all makes *sense.*

[@Lightmane]

26:24 Rick left, but came back after 'Relayer', cause Jon called him and played for him 'Wonderous Stories' over the phone. Rick said when he heard it, it was one of the most beautiful songs he ever heard, so he came back. Edit: I got this partly wrong. Jon called him and sent him a cassette. I included a link in this comment stream, of Rick telling what happened

[@billyh4068]

Okay, but that's Going For the One, not Tales From Topographic Oceans.

[@Lightmane]

@@billyh4068 I know. I meant that he was only gone for 1 album

[@bernecomp]

I don't know but I always assumed that Wonderous Stories was also based on Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi as well. Would be ironic if true.

[@Lightmane]

@and321now kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIu0cmCnn9ijfLM

[@Lightmane]

@and321now Sorry, I got it partly wrong. He said Jon called him. I didn't remember the rest accurately

[@NewBritainStation]

A very unique piece in the Yes canon. On the Wilson remaster is an early version of the song which is a fascinating listen. Steve is on a regular electric instead of the steel (slide) guitar at the beginning, with Jon singing along. The keyboard is much more prominent, and it’s connection to Anne of Cleves from Rick’s Six Wives album is clear. The “acoustic” part is a different, electric arrangement. I also find it difficult to stop at the end of side three. Once you hear Ritual for the first time, you probably will too. I think I’ll go listen to it now…

[@majorgruber5925]

Since you invoked gamelan in this (made me grin after my psycho-acoustic phenomena plug), I thought I'd mention that outside of "Roundabout," Tales from Topigraphic was the first Yes I really got turned on to at the age of 15 back in 1976. I'm now wondering if this is why this has always been my favorite album of theirs - three years out from live Indonesian gamelan, this album just made sense to those young alternatively trained ears (I had two years of W. African poly-rhythms before the 3 years in Indonesia). Great reaction/review as always Doug, once again validating why I'm both a faithful viewer as well as a sub.

[@gthobaben]

It’s a good day! New Louis Cole record. Doug reacting to Yes deep cuts. Life is good.

[@bobholtzmann]

Thanks for providing your first thoughts and musical insight on this. I always thought this music was in a class all its own, but then I discovered the music of Igor Stravinsky, and noticed the same cadence and pauses in his Ballet and Orchestral Suites. Also, Howe's acoustic guitar draws heavily upon classical Spanish guitar. But it's amazing that it is all still original music and arrangements.

[@chrisoleary9876]

Don't ya know already Doug? Yes is a sublime trip into many different sound dimensions and colors....and tastes. P.S. "Grian" is Irish for Sun...so Doug was right about the Sun reference.

[@jimilove7773]

Tales is their best album. Soft spot for Tormato. Fragile is their Night at the Opera.

[@MissingMars]

YES is & always will be the masters of experimental music -at times not even prog! Such a treat for us all -thanks much Doug for doing ur channel!

[@cricket8646]

I saw YES at the Ryman in Nashville on the 11th of October 2022. It was actually very good. I doubted Jon Davison a bit but he did better than I expected. The show got better as it went along. I had watched some shows from the UK just prior to coming to the states and it was a little rough at the beginning of the tour but has gotten much better now. Davison is just not quite as good as Anderson but who is. They played about 2 1/2 hours. Played 2 on-cors . All in all a very good show even without Anderson and Wakeman the music was 1000 times better than most bands today.

[@michaelbenz8092]

I really like what Doug says about the pacing and spaciousness and interlocking layers. That's the key that was totally lacking for me on this album when I first heard it, but when I got the key after a few listens (though I couldn't put it into words like Doug), the ride became so much fun.

[@envaleorex7361]

I just wanted to say that parts of this remind me of the rites of spring. Stravinsky. I've listened to this many times and saw them live when this came out. It gets even better with age - It's truly amazing. It's my favorite of the 4 sides. Actually I think maybe someone was listening to a lot of Stravinsky. They used to play the last part of the firebird before they came on stage. That was the close to the edge tour. The firebird music on the PA would give way the bird sounds of to close to the edge as they came on stage and started. Hmmm Stravinsky. I think you're missing the point when you look for organization or "where is this headed". The idea here is to take you down below any sort of logic, form or rationality. This is an angular, disjoint, even violent, descent into the irrational, primal depths of human being. You have to surrender to it ( again just like Stravinsky). It's not pretty down there - neither is it going to "make sense" in any way. That's your post enlightenment mind looking for form - but this is a long long way from Mozart. This is closer to Freud.

[@mauriceforget7869]

This is the weird side of that journey. Listening to this, I always feel that I am in a kind of stoned jungle-dream trying to wake up.