Classical Composer Reacts to On the Silent Wings of Freedom (Yes) | The Daily Doug (Episode 190)

#Yes #YesReaction #OnTheSilentWingsOfFreedom
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to On the Silent Wings of Freedom by Yes. This song is the last track on their Tormato album, released in 1978. After hearing some of their more epic songs, this one was a bit underwhelming. But, I still enjoyed it quite a bit!
Reference Video: • On the Silent Wings of...
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[@mhlevy]

Another really fantastic song from that album is "Onward." Unlike most Yes songs, it's short, and was written by Chris Squire. The recording of this song was the opening song on the first Yes tour after Chris had died, with a screen showing images of Chris over the years, and a spotlight on a lonely Rickenbacker bass on a stand. It was really heartbreaking, but a wonderful tribute.

[@JohnLRice]

Onward is my favorite on the album, and the only song on the album I really love and come back to listen to occasionally.

[@rsm3t]

I love that song!

[@randyhammill9021]

Great song that my wife and I used for our first dance at our wedding. The album was out of print at the time, but the DJ insisted on finding their own copy.

[@jameswattles7341]

Many good songs but Onward wow just special

[@lon5541]

A truly beautiful song, my wife and I picked this as our first song to dance to on our wedding day. Still together 27 years later!

[@nigelbentonakauapoap3691]

Just to clarify on the album title... "The original album title was to be Yes Tor, referring to a geological formation in southern England. The photographs taken by Hipgnosis for the album cover were seen as so unimpressive that Rick Wakeman, in frustration, threw a tomato at the pictures. The cover and title were adjusted accordingly." Hilarious! 👍

[@soggytom]

That explains the topographic (get it?) maps on the inner sleeve!

[@paulehney4581]

The Yes Tor was noted on those maps on the sleeve.

[@lesliemiller9634]

LOL !!!!!

[@lisagulick4144]

@@paulehney4581 "On a clear day, from the top, you can see faraway places with strange-sounding names."

[@simonal1989]

Here's the kicker though... It wasn't Rick!

[@doughorton3635]

For another amazing Yes/Chris Squire bass song, check out "Heart of the Sunrise" on Fragile. Highly recommended.

[@nbt3663]

Such a great song and adventure that is!

[@johnsatella1286]

Better yet....check out the bass on tempus fugit from the drama album

[@k1llerrabit]

Agreed Heart of the Sunrise is an exceptional and special piece

[@yezman68]

On some Yes tours the opening part of this tune was part of the Chris Squire/Alan White bass/drum solo. Fantastic stuff. Check out the DVD 'Yes Live at Montreux from 2003.

[@sandrocastanero3759]

@@johnsatella1286 in tempus fugit its more impressive, but in Heart Of The Sunrise It marks the Melody allí the time, most impressive

[@kintronico]

You need to listen to " Fish out of Water" the only Chris Squire solo album.

[@soggytom]

My God, yes! 'Safe' should be one of your Friday long-format listens. You think Squire's bass work here is amazing? Try 'Safe'!

[@rogerhennie8939]

Lucky Seven!!

[@davep8221]

Almost not entirely off topic, but only recently I heard of something he did with Steve Hackett called Squacket. Spelling not guaranteed.

[@markearll3940]

@@davep8221 Squackett, two t's! Not a bad album

[@markearll3940]

In a similar vein the band "GTR" which was a Howe/Hackett collaboration..

[@jimbarlow9541]

I would strongly recommend Turn of the Century from Going for the One. Lyrically and musically the most beautiful song they ever composed imo.

[@benmolnar]

A Fantastic Song!!!

[@Humb7757]

With Going for the One, which was a return from Rick wake man to the band since Tales…. They had simply inspiring reunion that gave them the Magic of producing one of the most emotional album They made it perfectly! They achieved’The One!’

[@mikik3827]

I can't agree more. Turn of Century was with my wife and me when we kissed for the first time 43 years ago. The best song Yes ever produced!

[@nickavenoso7851]

Turn of the Century and Onward are two of the most beautiful Yes songs I’ve heard. Love both of them!

[@marinhrabric6162]

Every other song on that album is better

[@wideawakeinotown]

what's always amazing about these guys is they could actually make this song sound even better live

[@KhordLizardMage]

Siberian Khatru should be done soon. It is an older song, but it is one of my favorites. The bass and keys REALLY drive that one.

[@malawigw]

live from yessongs 1975, perfection

[@frankfusco3647]

I second this... I've been waiting for Doug to do SK. He always notices Squire's bass lines... and that's an awesome one, and also one of my faves.

[@musicminute2004]

He alredy did

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Chris Squire was my favorite bass player most creative in my opinion of all time. his main instrument was a 1964 RM1999 (4001S In USA) Rickebacker bass his model was mono but was wired for stereo sent signals from either pickup with or without effects. but his sound comes from his magic fingers!

[@u3uu3u]

He also rolled off the bass and boosted the mid and treble.

[@NGC6144]

Squire stated his main Ric had been shaved down many times by a luthier during periodic maintenance; He had adorned it with wallpaper and stickers on it from time to time. So, his Ric eventually sounded a bit different from the stock models by having so much wood shaved off of it. His sound has a lot to do with low string action among other things. It gives it a bit of rattle that is initially mistaken for distortion while driving his amp high that does ad a bit of grittiness. I tried emulating his sound for years and never could get close. In listening to his isolated bass tracks I finally realized it was largely the low action and string rattle.

[@mikehersh9798]

Chris used a pick and almost simultaneously plucked the strings he was picking-a unique and challenging style that created a unique and unequaled sound. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maHVlIykm8t-ldE

[@johnnicholson8345]

@@u3uu3u not the case at all. I could give you exact specifics directly from Chris himself. There's much less Treble on his volume and tone knob than you would expect.

[@johnnicholson8345]

@@NGC6144 I have the 4001CS and while not the same as his I have pretty much dialed in his sound with the Ric growl and fret buzz. It's taken years but I am finally there. We aren't doing as many Yes tunes these days live (Long Distance, Roundabout and Yours is no) but at one point or another I believe I've covered roughly 20 Yes songs in my bands from High school to present. (CTTE, &U&I, Siberian, Astral, Survival, Time & A word, Yours, Southside, Roundabout, LDR, Release release, Heart of the, Changes, Does it really happen, Your Move, All good people, America, Wonderous Stories, Don't Kill The Whale, and pieces of a few others.....

[@darrenjones5885]

I’ve not listened to Tormato in decades. Madrigal is the only track I could recall from the album, with Rick Wakeman playing harpsichord. It was being heard playing harpsichord while he was a student at the Royal College Of Music that was to lead to him having lunch with the Queen Mother. If you search for Rick Wakeman buys a horse from the Queen Mother you can hear him tell the story.

[@newpinglegend9304]

Good one. Pretty nice classical guitar on that too.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

Honestly the intro is the best part of this song. And I say that as a lifelong Yes fan. Seeing them on the tour for this album was my first ever concert.

[@toddbrady8540]

This album got a lot of criticism when it came out, I love it, Esp Release Release👍❤️

[@planktonrecords]

Would love to see you reaction to ‘Shadow of the Heirophant’ by Steve Hackett (guitarist in Genesis 1971-77) from his first solo album ‘Voyage of the Acolyte’ which was released in 1975 while he was still in Genesis

[@ezioauditore3128]

Saw them at Wembley, London in October 1978 and it's still the best gig I've witnessed. The audio is on YT and the quality is excellent. The whole concert (this song was in the set list) showcases a band at the height of their live powers. Set aside a couple of hours and listen to it.

[@douglasanderson8636]

legendary gig

[@williamsporing1500]

Chris had all kinds of stuff on his bass….envelope, chorus and who knows what else. He was brilliant……

[@everlastingarms3065]

The one off Tormato to do is "Release Release". Would love to have a version where you're honing in on each instrument individually in that one. The interplay between the Squire & White in that is unbelievable. Please give it a listen! Awesome channel, just discovered it.

[@copernichrisrush5082]

One of my favorite YES songs and album. The whole album is fantastic! Please do more...

[@mrsouthjersey4956]

I wasn't crazy about this album when it first came out. But it has grown on me since it's release way back in my youth. Starting with the, "Tormato" tour. The first for Yes doing their, "In the Round" tours that would be their "forte" in the upcoming years. Simply a brilliant tour in my opinion, they sounded soooo darn good live during it.

[@jillespina]

Weirdly, after 30 years I can only appreciate this song/piece right now. And yes, I do like the ending now. It's a great sudden stop.

[@Lightmane]

Doug, your constructive criticism of this is excellent. This is a very good album, but not 'quite' up to the amazing music that we were used to. I liked this album plenty when it came out, and still do, but I wasn't blown away by it like I was with their previous 6, but it's still very good. I actually enjoyed the sudden ending and I believe if you listen to it again, by yourself, you'll enjoy it too. Squire's bass is pretty unreal though, isn't it 🙂

[@charlesfleeman1765]

Another song on this album, Onward, was featured in the 2015 movie "Youth" with Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, and others.

[@chac65]

Onward might be the only song on the album I really like.

[@sandrocastanero3759]

You need to listen Silently Falling or Canon Song by Chris Squire in his solo album!

[@recordmanjohn]

100% among my favorite albums from Yes (Relayer & Going for the One)

[@gazzeruk]

Absolutely agree. Such an interesting album

[@Jay-iq5zu]

There's a cool part in Safe/Canon Song where they do a big circle (canon?) or something with the time signature. I'd like to know the actual term for that it is.

[@josephgottlieb1652]

Doug is too musically DENSE and biased toward piano to to appreciate any Squire solo work.

[@gazzeruk]

I don't agree. I think he would be open and has commented on Chris's playing. the problem is getting it noticed among all the other suggestions

[@hansmoerenhout]

So funny, I love this track by Yes, and I think I got used to the ending, but coming back to me now is that my initial reaction was in line with yours… also makes me think that if I remember correctly that it was Trevor Horn (vocals on Drama, and producer of 90125) who once said: “almost everything Yes does they do wrong, but they do it so beautifully”. Well there is so much Yes still to discover…

[@michaelkolodziej589]

Hey Disco Doug, thanks for another entertaining and informative video - keep'em coming!

[@bryantursk7637]

My first exposure to Yes was their Fragile album. If you decide to do an album in its entirety I would recommend Yes Fragile. You won't be disappointed.

[@fogzax]

That was so cool to see a Tormato reaction! I've always loved this album and that track. The bass is the star of the album like you say beautiful tone. Funny you called it Yes Disco - that probably explains why I like the sound so much as I've always liked that cheesy disco vibe and the album came out around that time. At some point you should check out Future Times / Rejoice which is another great track it's two tracks but they really belong together. The album was famous for being a really bad one for the band to record because their were creativity clashes like you say with everyone jossling for dominance which gives it that chaotic feeling.

[@josephgottlieb1652]

Doug, sadly is a failed musician, failed piano teacher, so now he's trying to scrape a few bux together as a KZbinr . . . He BARELY knows what he is talking about, and there's NO WAY this is his first listen / reaction ..

[@vcp93]

"Disco YES?" Well, if you can dance to this, I want to know what you're smoking. 😉✌️ "Scattered and chaotic.... agreed". This LP did not get a lot of love. As a big YES fan I love it, but I can certainly understand the many criticisms.

[@scottrousseau5592]

You know that hit me too, how would you dance to it? like nobody's watching for sure.

[@simonal1989]

Well, it was recorded in 1978, the peak of disco right there.

[@anthonytanzola7816]

Disco Yes = The Red and Blue remix dance version of Owner of a Lonely Heart and the Hello Goodbye remix of Leave It.

[@ronmueller1164]

My favorite Yes album. Also my first concert in 1979. This album also contains sounds from one of the world's rarest keyboard instruments, the Birotron- an evolution of the Mellotron. Such a profound album. Thanks for featuring.

[@donaldwitt9364]

Doug, I do enjoy your takes on the songs you have posted. I love this song and love this album, along with every YES album done by this lineup. Chris Squire did you bass pedals and he was along with Geddy Lee of Rush and John Entwhistle of the Who the best bass players of all time. I read he liked to put his bass in a coral version as another singer in the group. Steve Howe is one of my favorite guitarist, and this band and Deep Purple probably had some of the best musicians to assemble in a band especially in the 70's. Would love your take on all the songs mentioned along with Heart of the Sunrise. There is enough YES material to do a month of the Daily Doug.

[@artureberlpegorari9378]

This album is so underrated and overlooked... Love all the songs, even though they are short. Don't Kill the Whale is Great and Release, Release is a fun Rock and Roll masterpiece that Only Yes could do. Negative side: Rick Wakeman used tooooooo high notes and weird synthesizers sounds that in parts of some songs (Just like his solo on this tune presented here) can disturb the years... a experimental album for Yes that is for sure a "Love or Hate" one. I Love and it is my fave along with Relayer and The Yes Album. Chris Squire exquisite bass sounds drives all of the album and is one of his best performances in the Studio. Thank you Doug, please do a reaction to the Don't Kill the Whale oficial vídeo... it is as weird as the vídeo clips were back on the 70's. Keep on Rocking man ! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@alansmith8195]

Other possibilities that may lead to shorter & less grand works for yes & genesis is that they had already done the big complicated stuff and as the 1970's were coming to an end, they moved on.... Also in Britain in 1977 , punk shook everything up. Things change

[@johnnyquest6115]

Exactly. I'd like to see this guy react to Blink-182.

[@johnpryer9395]

Way back in 1970, I was blown away by my first encounter with The YES Album, especially tracks "Yours Is No Disgrace" and "Starship Trooper" - and to this day never tire of listening to and admiring Yes's sheer energy, creativity and musicianship (as in "Awaken"). Like yourself Doug, I'm a professional muso, composer and performer. If you've not covered either of those two trax Doug, I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Thx for your vids.

[@docbobster]

I wouldn't have picked this for you to do, but hearing it again, it is better than I remembered and your analysis was enlightening as always.

[@soggytom]

And as far as Jon's lyrics, he himself said that more often than not, they were words that sounded good with the music. But yeah, there was always a distinct spiritual feel. Or pretty direct, as in "Tales From Topographic Oceans" or "Magnification".

[@MattMeskill]

Exactly. I read an interview with him once which, of course I'll never be able to find, where he said he used certain words like notes or instruments - they just sounded cool. They sounded right. He didn't care about the meaning.

[@danielreynolds7458]

mike patton does that also

[@eduardoferreira1963]

This bass sound and his phrases are Unbelievable!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@markholden8538]

You must have hit it big! I just saw a reaction to your reaction video!!

[@richmorgan1970]

Doug, I’ve only just discovered your very wonderful and illuminating channel and I have thoroughly enjoyed how you have reacted to and analysed some of my favourite pieces of music from my mis-spent youth. However I can’t find any King Crimson pieces in your back catalogue, which I feel is a serious omission from your prog-rock listening. I would particularly love to hear what you make of Side 2 of Lizard, their 3rd album, the suite comprising Prince Rupert Awakes/Bolero/The Battle of Glass Tears/Big Top. I know you love Jon Anderson’s voice, and he guested on this seminal work, as did such giants as Keith Tippett and Robin Miller. Just an amazing journey through a spectrum of musical genres, sown together seamlessly.

[@TheRKae]

In a very excellent book called "Yes" by Dan Hedges, we learn that Steve wanted to do shorter pieces, so they could play more varied stuff in concert, and not just do a show with a half-dozen long songs. He was sort of weary of the long-form music. He was also losing interest in Jon's "airy fairy" music (as Steve called it). All of this is why Steve went off to start Asia a few years later.

[@onsesejoo2605]

They tried with Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes but it did not went well in UK even though they did fairly well in the US tour. It was then when Asia happened after Yes split.

[@dhfenske]

They were having lots of "issues" when they made this album, so the ending might be affected by that....oh, there you go, you got to it eventually...yes, they were having "clashes".

[@Pu1seMusic]

Hey Doug, I absolutely love the perspective you give in your videos. If you can get passed screamed vocals I can highly recommend Ants of the Sky by Between the Buried And Me. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it!

[@IllumeEltanin]

Here we go! : settling in to watch:

[@nigelbentonakauapoap3691]

My first YES album... reminds me of being at college for the first term and being asked that horrifying question by the older guys... "So, what are you into". On telling them they laughed and said "Mate, you need to listen to YES and RUSH"... and the rest is history!! 👍

[@vcp93]

Jon Anderson was on "90125" and "Big Generator", which Steve Howe was not on (ASIA period). "Keys to Ascension" was after these LPs.

[@donaldwitt9364]

I think he is saying the five on this album were together until Keys,

[@markhaus2830]

Jon was also on the album TALK in the early 90's. Actually my favorite of the Trevor Rabin era.

[@deciccohernan]

They all were in Union before Keys to ascension if i’m not mistaken

[@daicullinane7746]

@@deciccohernan But other then Squire doing some vocals on a few tracks, it was effectively a combining together of ABWH material and Rabin Yes.

[@vcp93]

@@donaldwitt9364 no, he said Jon wasn't on any albums until "Ascension". Not a big deal, just not correct.

[@Movielani]

Very cool how you hear the chords and changes within the layering and abundance of notes, and by calling them out in real-time it helps to develop my own ear ... you're obviously a good teacher! I grew up listening to The Beatles, Yes, PG-era Genesis, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, Tull, ELP, and others of that ilk. I would suggest Tales from Topographic Oceans (Yes), if not for one of these reaction videos, then for a personal listening sojourn. Also A Passion Play (Jethro Tull), Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (Genesis), Song of Sheherazade (Renaissance) and pretty much everything Gentle Giant!

[@luvyesmusici4886]

My gateway album that started my wonderful journey into YES, all things YES-related, hundreds of friends along the way, and decades of enjoyment. I truly discovered YES on top of an apartment building, in Amman, Jordan, as the sun was starting to break on the horizon, of an over two thousand year old, sleeping city. An amazing moment for me, that started my quest to track down all the participants, and their music. What a ride it has been!

[@wowiezowie4235]

You must do a reaction to "And You And I" from Close To The Edge. The song that changed Jon's life! It will make up for any of the shortcomings of this album!

[@fcamiola]

Top 5 Yes definitely

[@IllumeEltanin]

Composed by Anderson and Squire, although I think Squire was the main composer of this one. For a completely different feel from this same album, check out Squire's composition Onward. A beautiful ballad.

[@chac65]

Onward might be the only song on the album I like.

[@Atom-56]

Yeah, I associate this song with Chris, when I heard he had died, I just had to hear it.

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@Atom-56 When I first joined Facebook, there used to be a place for a quote or motto on one's profile. It may still be there, I dunno. Mine was: 🎶 On the Silent Wings of Freedom... 🎵 I never changed or deleted it, so it may still be there.

[@johnnicholson8345]

you are correct. This was mostly written by FIshy.

[@tomdac]

Interesting seeing someone your age hear this for the first time. I was 16 when it came out and it changed how I listened to music. The band was not happy with this album and felt it needed more work. I love it. Love ur channel. Keep up the good work.

[@urbangardener66]

You've hit the Yes conundrum. Pretty much everything after Relayer is very uneven. So many different lineups on so many albums, there just isn't that tight focus that was to be found starting with Yes Album through Relayer. But what a run that was! It would be really awesome if you could move back to that era and react to one of the epic side long compositions on TFTO, maybe side one or side two, though they're all great. Love your reactions Doug!

[@jinxd7659]

Hi Doug, listen to the beauty of 'Madrigal' on Tormato - Yes at it's simplest, or 'Onward' also on Tormato for beautiful Jon Anderson/Chris Squire harmonies

[@jimz6850]

When people comment on how Cantrell/Staley harmonized vocally; i always think of Andersen/Squire and how they just perfectly complemented each other.

[@evaldoaltino29]

True, this song doesn't measure up to earlier masterpieces like Roundabout, Heart of the Sunrise, The Revealing Science of God, Starship Trooper, Yours is no Disgrace and other songs from the albums from the early seventies, that are much more representative of the genius of Yes. I still recommend those songs.

[@andrewheck6922]

I saw that concert in Indianapolis 1978. The stage was in the middle of the arena. We were 6 rows from the stage. I have an enlarged framed picture taken at the concert including the ticket stub

[@gwts1171]

I really like this era of the band. Good stuff. Thanks, Doug!

[@skyblueo]

This album was hated by many yes fans, myself included. We renamed it "Tormento". On the Silent Wings is the best song and it does end abruptly. Jon Anderson in interviews talks about how the band members felt alienated from each other. He went on to do the Jon & Vangelis albums, which are amazing.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

If you want to explore some underrated Yes, the material from their comeback/reunion album Keys to Ascension is surprisingly great. The big problem is that by then most had written Yes off so it hasn't been heard much except by dedicated fans. Both Mind Drive and That, That Is are really solid epics, and Foot Prints is damn good too. It's definitely as close as they ever got to their 70s heyday.

[@mattwright8993]

Love when you do Yes!

[@Snulla04]

Scattered and chaotic, that´s the beauty of it. I thing Tormato is the most underrated record from Yes, because it represent completely new sound or mixtures of sounds. That said, "Close to the Edge" is my classical favourite, maybe with second half of "Tales from Topographic Ocean" without forgetting the early Yeas. Thank you Doug, I love how you tackle Yes, and I am hardly in any doubt of "Glose to the Edge" classical potentials.

[@kengodwin3879]

Great spelling.

[@fbdt]

Doug, react to Big Big Train. Suggest 'East Coast Racer' from live performance (or Victorian Brickwork). I guarantee that you will not regret the choice. I listen to prog over 20 years now and this band is a true gem!

[@erithacusnacnud]

8:07 'On the darkest night so painful - do you hunger for love midst the torture of being one?' One - meaning solo, alone, isolated, unconnected, unloved. A very heartfelt cry for emotional regeneration. Then, 'To the common goal of freedom, where we offer ourselves midst the balancing of the Sun', echoes Soon / Gates of Delirium, 'The Sun will lead us, our reason to be here'. Solar spirituality as a figure of the divine and life's meaning / guidance. Tormato - a most underrated album IMHO. Perhaps my all time third fave Yes album, which is saying something. They'd reached perfection with the GFTO album and now they were playing catharsis doing musical genius for fun, each member riding high with effortless virtuosity.

[@jeffcarroll6553]

Indeed 'alienation', the pain and bane of the modern human being "the I", disconnected from yourself and others. The fall from grace as in the Garden of Eden exemplified by the consciousness soul overtaking the sentient soul in human development. From Anthroposophy "the Sun" the physical manifestation of the Christ Being offering the balance between Lucifer and Ahriman such that humanity can work from Free Will in their decision making processes. Esoteric knowledge now made open for those with ears and eyes.

[@GollyGoshGollyWog]

Don't forget Nu somme du soliel (we are of the sun) from Topographic Oceans

[@hotrat2011]

Tales from topographic oceans .... great work !!!

[@tzviholt7536]

Hi Doug. I really like your channel. As a musician, it’s great to hear your initial thoughts on music I’ve loved for a long time. You’re knowledge base gives you a unique perspective as a first time listener. My suggestion to you (besides basically every Dream Theater song ever) is to check out Limo Wreck, by Soundgarden. It’s an incredible song from an incredible album (Superunknown). I think you’d really enjoy it. Shalom!

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

Apparently they decided to self-produce the album and both Rick Wakeman and Chris Squire have said that "there were too many hands on the control room faders". There were also rumours that the record company refused to let the band return to the studio to finish the album off properly.

[@frankmarsh1159]

They started with Eddie Offord but he quit in the middle of production. He used Dolby but the guys that came in after him didn't know he was using Dolby. All the overdubs were recorded without Dolby. They mixed it without Dolby because they didn't know the initial tracks had Dolby on them. That's why Tormato sounds so thin and trebly. Also Steve Howe was experimenting with new guitars and got something awful whiny tones. Squire was using his new Mu-tron and Wakeman was using his new Polymoog and Biotron. One of the only albums in history to have a Biotron on it. Tormato is generally considered to be the worst sounding Yes album.

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

@@frankmarsh1159 Thanks for the information. 👍

[@yesspazsmith9895]

"On the Silent Wings of Freedom" is in my all-time Yes top five, period.

[@mhlevy]

BTW, Chris Squire's bass sound on this album is from a combination of Eventide Harmonizer, with a MuTron III. I believe that the keyboard sound you found interesting was a Moog Polymoog, and another instrument Rick used on the album was a Birotron, which is similar to a Mellotron, which used tapes, but rather than a fixed tape, the Birotron used cartridges, like 8 track cartridges with endless loops, so it wasn't limited to 8 seconds of sustain time. Only a handful of them were ever made, and RIck was an investor in the company. Another cool thing about that album was this was the first concert tour where Yes performed in the round! It was an awesome concert!

[@TheSkydogsguitar]

The live version of this from the Wembley soundboard is fantastic.

[@fcamiola]

What exact show? Cheers

[@phred23]

I love your outrage at the way the track ended, Doug.

[@christopherwright8811]

Don't blame him - and don't like the snyth tone at all - sounds like a 1980s kid's second-hand Casio!

[@pwethman1]

They were under a lot of pressure from the record company to produce shorter more accessible songs which eventually led to them splitting up.

[@JeffJefferyUK]

Music execs are cretins. Music exec (to Yes, but could be almost any successful band!): "Stop doing the kind of music that's made you so successful!"

[@danielmoonen1891]

Small correction on your comments on Wakeman and Anderson's absence from the band. Anderson rejoined in 1983 for the very successful 90125 album. Wakeman was back for 1991's "Union" , which he would rather name "Onion", and then rejoined for 1996's "Keys To Ascension". Thanks for all your wonderful work, Doug. Keep it going 🙂👍

[@bobby666666]

Rick didn't like the album Union, but loved the tour for it.

[@ATAH69]

Hi Doug It's Kevin.. Nice reaction, Not so sure I get the Disco Feel, Was thinking maybe more like radical jazz 😂 Probably way off but it is all over the map. Was lucky enough to see Yes A couple different times, The Band always sounded crystal clear.. They were great shows. Not sure if you have heard & or already reviewed this.. I'd like to recommend Yours Is No Disgrace From the album Yes Songs Thinking you will enjoy it! Thanks

[@Paul71H]

Much like the entire Tormato album, "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" is a flawed gem. But it's also an overlooked gem, and it's one of my favorite Yes songs -- mainly based on the bass and the vocals.

[@yezman68]

That bass riff is one of may favorites from Chris.

[@tracygosell9199]

Jon and Rick get together with Steve Howe and Bill Bruford in 1989 with the ABWH album.

[@terminaltvshow]

Echoing others, you’ll love Fish Out of Water. Every track is wonderful. Safe, the 15 minute epic finale is the crown jewel and has some really nice orchestration. Squire’s sound at the end is unreal.

[@timbrown2971]

Definitely some of Chris’ best and most unique work. The sounds he gets out of the bass are just marvelous.

[@alanmccartney3922]

Hi Doug, good one. But don't overlook Soundchaser track from the Relayer album. Its so fast with a large number of tempo changes - should give you plenty to discuss and review.

[@josephgottlieb1652]

If "King Doug" had the chops & memory to be a REAL musician, he'd be playing or recording in his own Band . . Clearly, Doug does NOT have those skills . . . DON'T be like doug. :(..

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Doug, yet again I think you pretty well nailed this one! I reckon the majority of Yes fans would totally agree with your comments on and assessment of this piece? This yes fan sure does! I agree the synthesiser ruins this song - and indeed most of the album IMO. There was a shedload of issues with band members, and with the record label and others over this album. Indeed, even over its cover and name, courtesy of a certain Mr Wakeman's action in response to seeing the cover, leading to "Yes - Tor" (a play on Yes Tor, the second-highest point on Dartmoor in Devon, England) becoming "Yes - Tormato". I think this all shows in the music and production. A handful of reasonable songs on the album IMO - Future Times/Rejoice, Don't Kill The Whale, Onward. But My first reaction on hearing this album, all those years ago, after the first two tracks was one of bitter disappointment. That remains my reaction to this day.

[@usaturnuranus]

That photo of the group all wearing those ridiculous looking YES jackets just carrys the vibe for me - none of them looked happy about any of this. There are a couple of decent enough songs on the album, but I just felt let down by the thing as a whole. And we all know how things went from there...

[@j.franciscorioscambre7605]

Disco Yes! Hahahaha! Of course you’re right. That’s about the time punk music and disco shuffled things up. Even though Tormato has consistently been considered one of their weakest records, I’ve always found it very interesting and enjoyable. Yes is Yes. Thank you so much for including this song in your breakdown repertoire. Greetings from Mexico. I usually toast alongside with you, but with tequila :)

[@deanzaZZR]

It's understandable that listening critically for the first time that you can point a finger here and there and for the overall composition. For many Yes fans, myself included, we have listened to this so many times that you can just flow along and pick out some really cool parts and enjoy it quite a bit. The bass line is out of this world and with a live version it's great to see Chris and Alan going at it.

[@eurz9188]

"On the Silent Wings of Freedom", esp. if you listen to the live versions, it almost feels to me like a bass "solo" with the other instruments playing around and providing accompaniment. In terms of how Chris Squire gets his signature sound the main components seem to be (a) a "fat" attack achieved by letting the thumb nail hit the string immediately after the pick (b) A Rickenbacker's Ric-o-Sound setup with 2 outputs, and using guitar pedals&amps on one and bass pedals&amps on the other, mixing them afterwards for a wider than normal spectrum of frequencies (c) new rotosound strings, I've read that for Chris Squire often replaced his strings with new ones before a performance, instead of letting them "age" (d) the way the bass ended up after various maintenance operations, like sanding & refinishing (Rickenbacker themselves have measured these details and produced a "Chris Squire signature" edition of its Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Guitar) (e) last, but not least, being a superb player :)

[@dpstrial]

I can reproduce Chris's sound exactly. He uses as much treble as bass, new round-wound strings, a pick and on this particular record a flanger and wah-wah on the treble pick up.

[@daviddelemont]

Frank Zappa - Andy Proyecto Tulpa - Doble Terror A Las 8 Pitehui - Sol De Noche Pat Metheny - America Undefined

[@jacques-andresaint-laurent1300]

Frank Zappa, the Master, one of the pioneers of counter-culture in music and still so much more. The Adventures of Greggary Peccary, 20 minutes+, I'd like to see Doug react to that !

[@derangedband]

@@jacques-andresaint-laurent1300 i wonder what he would make of Peaches en Regalia. Its an awesome composition :)

[@Yosef1952]

Andy, definitely.

[@commanderk3829]

@@jacques-andresaint-laurent1300Zappa's Inca Roads as well.

[@edelcorrallira]

Id like to see a breakdown of whatever it is that Zappa Plays Zappa did with Zombie Woof with Steve Vai. I would really love to have a better idea what on earth is going on there... If you havent, Id highly recommend listening to it, I think it is a very exquisite, tasteful and frankly masterful performance of an unsurprisingly solid composition (Zappa making a solid composition, Great Googly Moogly, still really like this song, but same applies to any mentioned already)

[@Atom-56]

Another song of theirs with much layering, is Dreamtime, from the album Magnification. I would love to hear a breakdown of that, especially of the guitar. The album was recorded with an orchestra, which they also involved on the tour in 2001.

[@jamesha175]

i think that the effect on the bass guitar is called an 'envelope follower'. i had one in the late '70s made by electro harmonix called a 'Dr Q'

[@jorgeramirezvelazco5820]

Many gems arise in this particularly underated album. Thruth is that they were tired and coming from.one of their (many) creative peaks with their previous album, the sublime Going for the one. Lots of things were passing inside the band and outside as well, in the musical scene. Punk was coming hard and the use of electronics was moving forward in terms of the creative and industrial sides of pop music. I love this album, because of the.marvelous and strange songs that it contained, and because of the paths it marked for the future of the band. Thank you, Dough, for your.bright and emotional impressions.about this song.

[@careyvinzant]

Also, Rick Wakeman (in his own words) "used to drink for the British Olympic team." Equally fitting description of Squire and White. Love 'em, but these guys basically partied their band out of existence around this time during the abortive Paris sessions.

[@TomTornado]

Squire wanted to do a single album after all the epic songs like edge and awaken and especially after the topographic album. Tormato is a lot influenced by Squire. The lyrics.... Squire always says that he never understood the meaning of what Anderson wrote, but he said "write what you want, i sing it" 😄

[@rsm3t]

Several have mentioned Onward and Madrigal and these are lovely tunes. I'd like to add Future Times/Rejoice to round out my choices for the best of this album.

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

I recall hearing on radio interviews back in the mid 80's that part of the issue with friction in the band was that for the first time, it was Jon and Rick who were teaming up writing a lot of the songs. Another factor was that they were producing the album themselves, and it was a constant struggle with their individual managements over mixing the album, and who was going to be more featured in the mix, and when.

[@MatheusManzano]

In this song Rick Wakeman uses a synthesizer which is today's rarest one: The Birotron. Nobody knows for sure how many Birotrons exist today, as Rick Wakeman himself had more than half ever produced and says all that left with him was one in pieces.

[@davep8221]

From what I understand, he was actually involved in its creation. It was like a mellotron that used, IIR, CDs instead of tapes for the samples. I think he smashed a few to pieces in the woods. BTW, Rick threw the tomato and the cover. Apparently they all hated it.

[@MatheusManzano]

​@@davep8221 oh my God! Rick's boozing days were mental!

[@russellmaddox2437]

@@davep8221 It used 8-track cartridges (CDs were still some years away). That turned out to be part of its downfall, as 8-tracks weren't meant to be played on their side.

[@frankmarsh1159]

@@davep8221 The Biotron used 8-track tapes. Patrick Moraz used an Orchestron on Relayer which used record discs. Both the Orchestron and Biotron are very rare instruments Yes is the only band to have used both. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGO8poyahLycndU kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4O1aJ9jqq5pgKM

[@davep8221]

@@frankmarsh1159 D'OH! Yep. That was a bit early for CDs.

[@steveclark9211]

You should really check out the song Terrapin Station by the Grateful Dead. The entire piece is about 16 1/2 minutes and it's great! It's probably the one thing the Grateful Dead did that's considered Prog.

[@paulvalletta01]

Rick actually plys an old vintage harpsichord on "madrigal", another interesting soundbite, thr opening track "future times" has steve howe playing his guitar aka ..flutish?..i think the flutist did not show up or something like, amazing album. really fantastic review, thanks.

[@nicoladolby2154]

This is one of the few Yes songs I could never get into. It's like freeform jazz on a bass synth with Steve Howe shredding through 6 delay pedals.

[@josephgottlieb1652]

Give it a few MORE spins . . a few with t he lyrics, then JUST concentrate on following Squire's Bass . . It's EASY to pick out guitar & keys + cymbals . . but you gotta DIG DOWN and really LISTEN for the bass parts. ONCE you can follow them, all the other instruments fall into place and THEN Silent Wings will become the MASTERPIECE it truly is.

[@enkiitu]

Terrible song. I agree. They completely missed the mark. Although that doesn’t take anything from their greatness. Just a bad step.

[@wowiezowie4235]

Doug, this was not the greatest time for creative output from Yes. As I recall pretty much all of the members were pretty burned out from touring and were even a bit on edge with each other, and there was disagreement on the direction of the band. I personally did not care for Rick's sound on this one which was quite a bit different from previous Lp's. The 70's were drawing to a close and change was afoot. It was time for a break and people went in different directions Thankfully this classic lineup would reconvene once again, refreshed and for a bit, provide us with more of their magic! Jon Anderson has said that "And You And I" from Close To The Edge was the song that changed his life. It certainly changed mine and I would love to hear your reaction to it. It's hands down one of their greatest tunes and at ten minutes might make for a nice weekday vid!

[@Ken5244]

Thank you for being the only person here accurately describing the time and circumstances surrounding the making of this album. Most of the other comments here are complete b.s. from people who probably weren't even alive when YES made this record. People saying they broke up because of "partying" or because "New Wave was changing the music scene" or "Rick and Steve were competing to see who could play the fastest and the loudest." Such ridiculous claptrap made up out of thin air.

[@danielmoonen1891]

A little poll here, folks. Which do you like better. The original Yes version of "Sound Chaser" or Stephen Prutsman's on piano? kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6K1YXSGbKaSopY

[@kcornish]

“10 true summer’s long” ‘68 to ‘78, this was closing song of Yes decade, with Close to the Edge as the summit. Correct if i am wrong but the album cover was a composite of the band put on a background of a picture of Yes Tor, a hill in Dartmoor, UK

[@nealeger8154]

Squire's bass sounds very 'liquid'. Unfortunately, Wakeman was going through what I call his "Casio phase", and Howe is just as impressive as ever.

[@Atom-56]

Both Chris and Steve are very fluid on this.

[@Davejkn]

the synthesiser is probably a Polymoog, one of the first polyphonic synths - it was a big deal in the late 70's to actually be able to play chords on a synth. The shorter tracks were probably more down to the influence of punk and new wave - prog rock was suddenly out of fashion and so called 'dinosaur' bands like Yes and Genesis started writing shorter more relevant material. Tormato's not one of their best albums, it felt a bit disappointing at the time. Perhaps you should check out something from Fragile ot The Yes Album instead.

[@matthewweber3904]

Yeah, Wakeman had some kind of endorsement deal with the Polymoog. Don't know whether that's the reason it's all over this album, but the fact that all the voices use the same oscillator and filter was a drawback.

[@josephgottlieb1652]

A mellotron, or maybe that MIXED with a harpsichord??

[@thomassharmer7127]

This is the sound of super talented musicians pulling in so many different directions at once that they literally tore the band apart. There were big personality clashes going on and even bigger musical differences. Then in the middle of the recording sessions Alan White broke his ankle while roller skating. So they just called it a day and walked (or in Alan's case limped 🤗) away. The track kind of reflects that at the end. It's not their most cohesive album, with some very diverse material, but is well worth exploring.

[@johnnicholson8345]

So the sound you are hearing is Chris on the 'harmonized Rick'. This produces overtones that give it a spacious sound. Then he puts it through an envelope filter to give it the Wah wah sound but it's velocity dependent. The more input over the threshold the more effect on the input signal. This and Don't Kill the Whale were the two 'Fishy' songs on the album.

[@ralphhilliard9737]

Really need to do Supertramp’s “Fool’s Overture”!

[@markearll3940]

For me the best part of this song, apart from the amazing bass playing, is the guitar riff at 3:54, unfortunately just at the point Doug starts talking about layering!

[@davidfisher7978]

I didn’t take any time to read the comments I just want to express… If I’m not mistaken roundabout was the very first yes song I ever heard on the Ventura highway with my father in the early 70s and then years later a friend introduced me to Tomato… And then it was on from there I was on a journey remembering roundabout and from 1977 I was hooked and I’ve been a huge fan ever since I so appreciate your reactions I’m a singer songwriter I play several instruments I love the changes so pleasing to the ear… And and your opinion of John‘s voice couldn’t agree more voice of an angel now I believe that’s been written and has been written for a long time thank you John Anderson thank you Steve how thank you Chris Squire thank you

[@kengodwin3879]

I hope you have learned to exercise the nuance of punctuation better in your songwriting than you have displayed here in this post. What you've written here is absolutely atrocious. You sound like a child failing grade school.

[@alegspar]

Hello Doug! I love your videos showing and your analysis of these masterpieces of progressive rock congratulations.

[@newgunguy4176]

SKY OVERTURE by Uli Jon Roth!!!!!