Classical Composer Reacts to Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil) by Yes | The Daily Doug (Episode 484)

#ritual #yes #yesreaction
In this #masterpiecefriday edition of #thedailydoug, I'm completing my journey through Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes. This classic 1973 double concept album has four side-length songs, each loosely corresponding to a set of Hindu texts. And, I've now dedicated four episodes (one for each side) as I listen and react. Side four is Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil), and I am pretty sure that this side is my favorite of the four. It's a beautiful and satisfying ride. I hope you enjoy!
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[@lmsrox2]

For all the vitriol directed at prog rock, I just cannot imagine the hole left in music without bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, ELP, Camel, Pink Floyd, et al. Not just through the fantastic albums they produced, but the way they pushed the envelope and their innovation with use of instruments and development of new instruments.

[@Arrow2theACL]

While I agree. I think it's just that modern progressive music is just more difficult to find. Check out Riverside, Big Big Train, Transatlantic, Haken, Neal Morse Band, Leprous. Doug has done some reactions to those band, I recommend checking them out.

[@JonGreen_UK]

@@Arrow2theACL I'd also mention IQ. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, but creating fresh, extraordinary music even more so now. "The Road of Bones" is a jaw-dropping album, for instance.

[@KardashevIII]

I’m aware of the vitriol you mentioned. Do I care what they think? Absolutely not. If there was an independent unbiased organization that evaluates music (and lyrics) from various genres (in terms of musical compositions, sophistication of lyrics, etc), I suspect prog rock would be somewhere near the top. I don’t mind people preferring other genres (each to her/his own), but people who direct vitriol towards prog rock are somewhat mentally challenged i.e. IDIOTS!

[@mcasualjacques]

Progrock was mostly poopooed by fans of the new genres that replaced them on radio and tv. But we who were listening to them since 1967 didn't change our opinion of what we liked of ProgRock when the 80's came a-knocking.

[@JonGreen_UK]

@@mcasualjacques Those of us infesting the Marquee Club in London in the early-ish 80s discovered a whole new fresh seam of Prog!

[@andrewedelen2420]

Lesser-known fact: Alan White wrote and performed the piano part at the end of the track (the "Nous Sommes Du Soleil" section).

[@peterhughes5187]

Didn't know that ..very good Indeed

[@richardcarroll2500]

We come from the sun. So true! Every molecule of your existence came from collapsed stars 🌟 ❣️

[@Phi1l]

Maybe Rick had had one too many lol

[@lymangreen5020]

Or maybe too much Curry!!

[@paul_e_hedral]

In a 1975 TFTO concert I was 2 rows back from Chris Squire playing the tympani in the ritual percussion segment. Awesome to see his sense of rhythm expressed another way than his bass. By the way, our entire section of the crowd did not stop dancing to this whole concert.

[@jaquestraw1]

My wife came into my office and wanted to know why I was weeping. Then she heard "Nous Sommes du Soleil" . She kissed me on the head and closed the door. She's a good wife 💖

[@nsgobbi]

This album had its reputation built along the years. The older it gets, the better it stays. Compared with its contemporary times, it wasn’t pretty impressive, but when you gauge it against what came out ever since, it turns a real masterpiece. I love it since 1974.

[@latheofheaven1017]

"The older it gets, the better it stays." You said it. I liked it when it came out, but preferred Close to the Edge and Relayer when that arrived. About 10 years ago, I returned to my roots and started listening again to the music of my youth, and although I love the other two albums just as much, somehow Tales has risen above.

[@johnmedvick3765]

Some members of the band have even said that the album maybe reaches a bit too far in some places and should have been shorter. Truthfully, I’ve thought that at times. But other times I’m just A-OK with the way it is. And it is a masterpiece.

[@brianhorner8349]

When you listen to YES today, after putting up with a musical environment that has been totally trashed by things like phony pop divas who can't sing, write or read music or play any instruments and (God help us) RAP! (which is nothing but disco with even less talent, the contrast is shocking. If you can stand it, go listen to the radio for half an hour. Then return and have your soul purged of all the crap with this album or Awaken or Close to the Edge or Turn of the Century or And You And I or Starship Trooper and Your Move and Gates of Delirium and Heart of the Sunrise (and ...and ...and ...and... It just keeps on going). It's a blessing ...but also depressing when you realize what we have lost as music today is just crap and getting worse by the day. Thank God we have good recordings of YES to help us stay alive.

[@nsgobbi]

@@brianhorner8349 amém !!!

[@marcanglin7127]

Some call this pretentious. No: This is what freedom sounds like. Freedom to write, play, record and release the music that is in your soul. Let the chips fall where they may; those that like it will like it. Those that hate it will hate it. Those that love it will love it. And those that understand will cherish it forever, and others will follow as time progresses and people realize just how incredible and amazing this music is. Absolute masterpiece. TFTO is a journey for a lifetime.

[@hubbsllc]

Right, many times music gets made because the people who are making it simply must bring it to existence at that time.

[@misterghee1]

Ha Doug needs aTonic

[@charleswagner2984]

You mentioned FREEDOM! Yes was being bothered by Atlantic Records people for hit singles while recording Tales. Ahmet Ertegun was visiting England at that time and bumped into Anderson. Jon asked him if he could get his boys off our backs. Ahmed said "Do whatever you want. I love Yes." Ahhh, "The seven notes of FREEDOM to learn and to know the ritual of life. Life is a fight..." ~Jon Anderson~ (Liner notes in Tales From Topographic Oceans) Gospel of Mark, chapter 16 verse 9.

[@marcanglin7127]

@@charleswagner2984 Outstanding !!!

[@zenlandzipline]

I saw Yes (Howe, White, Downs, Sherwood, Davison) about 3-4 years ago when they were doing a TFTO tour. Coolest thing happened: the audience was sitting in their seats for the whole concert. Nobody standing (except some in the back) or acting like they were at a Van Halen concert. (I like VH btw.) Towards the end of this song, as Howe started playing the glorious ending guitar solo, about 50 of us in the audience just all stood up at once and started walking down towards the stage to stand in front of Steve as he played it. It was surreal. It was almost like a calling from some entity as we seemed to be hypnotically called at the same exact time to walk down and be close to the greatness of Howe, and that part of the song in particular. It was more about that part of the song though. Steve was just the vehicle. The notes and melody and that killer key change and the rhythm were all given to that band back in 1973 from whatever God is in charge of the gift of music. I looked around at my soul mates who all walked up to the front. They were all just standing with a gaze at Steve. These people got it. They KNEW. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was amongst a special group of people who were given a gift: the rare ability to recognize a special piece of music so profound, it takes your being out of your body and transports you to a place few will ever go. It was transcendental. Existential. Ive done plenty of acid in my youth, but this was even better. Because it was REAL. This might sound elitist, but I truly believe people who love this type of music (Prog, Yes, Genesis, KC, etc) and really “get it” are on a different level than everybody else. Maybe not a higher level, but definitely a different level. (Yeah, probably higher). I think we just experience life and contemplate the universe in a really fantastic way. There are people who could put it forth with better words than I. Anyhow, enough of the goofy deep stuff. The part of the song I’m referring to is at 23:40 of this video.

[@Atom-56]

Love your analogy of your experience. I get it too. 😉 Though I expected it to be the guitar solo at 20. 43…….so pure.

[@TJTynes]

Well said brother, I have felt this way through Yes music since I found them in 1975. Saw them for the first time in 1977, Going for the One tour. Last saw them a month a ago in Nashville

[@zenlandzipline]

@@Atom-56 well, yeah, 20:43 is where I think we all got up and started walking down to the front of the stage. By the time we all had gathered there, 23:40 starts. It was all so surreal. Howes beautiful lines more toward the beginning of the song are also sublime. I’m a player myself, and I have developed my picking and fretting hand techniques to a pretty high level. Many hours and years of practice. Very close to an Yngwie Malmsteen or Eric Johnson level. (Eric is another player, like Howe, that just takes you to beautiful places). I would trade all of that hard-fought for technique to be able to phrase and play the lines and melodies that Steve Howe comes up with. That’s a natural born gift, and unfortunately, I wasn’t born with it. I revel in awe of his natural mastery.

[@zenlandzipline]

@@Atom-56 4:44 to 5:13 and 7:43 to 9:04 I’m melting.

[@androoq1]

being born too late to have seen the 73-76 era when they played this live, I was only able to see them perform this masterpiece once, during the Yessymphonic tour. I actually had a similar experience to your where I was in my seat during the first part of the song but around the time chris started his bass solo I found myself lifted out of my seat and started hovering toward the stage. I didnt even notice that I, somehow started a flash mob of sort where around 30-40 people just followed me to the front of the venue and by the time steve hit is grand outro solo, we were all bunched up at the front of the stage together.,. it was magical. IT was ALSO the first time I saw Yes without my mother, who had passed that very year. It was one of the most special moment of my entire life

[@estefaniasucre6966]

I cried almost the entire song. I've waited since you began to listen to Yes for this day. This is my favorite Tales track. It has so much feeling. It is of such a beauty that brings you to tears of hope, joy and happiness. There's a concert (Symphonic Live, along with an orchestra) when they play this live. It is amazing. Your soft breath at the end was priceless. It shows how well you appreciated this. Thank you SO much, Doug!

[@godbluffvdgg]

Revealing Science of God, The Ancient and the Remembering are no slouches as well...:)

[@soggytom]

@@godbluffvdgg Just let her have this

[@davids4313]

Completely with your comment Estefania. Bought the album in 1978 at 17 years old and it took so many listens to start to really appreciate it. After a couple of years side 4 was starting to become the favourite, though this changed and changed. After 10 years I was pretty sure it was the fave side, after 20 I was sure. This may well change in the future however as this album has been the slowest burner of an album in my life.

[@AltGrendel]

I’m always crying by the end of this side too.

[@thwackeymagi]

Tear jerker even to this day lol… bought this at about age 13 after 90125 came out and I wanted more Yes… understatement that it was not what I expected, but my lil prog D&D escapist mind was all over it and I was soon obsessed with everything Yes

[@waynecox3958]

Take Close to the Edge and set it aside. There, things get easier now. TFTO is clearly a twentieth century masterpiece. NOTHING else like it. I was a Junior in College, private Jesuit one at that, when this behemouth showed up at the record store. By now I imagine I have listened to the complete musical orgy at least a thousand times. I just had tears roll down my face at the end of Ritual with you. It only gets more and more and more astounding as it wraps all its arms around you. We love when we play about sums it up.

[@Magnetron33]

Now that it's nearly 50 years since seeing them perform this on the tour, it seams like a beautiful sureal dream, like 1,000 years ago.. One of the greatest pieces of music I have ever heard. These guys were serious composers and the greatness seems to get bigger over time.

[@scifimonkey3]

Ritual delivers a real feeling of completeness at the end that really delivers as a closing piece. When it finally drifts away there is absolutely no doubt that it has ended but its not a sad moment as you feel satiated and fulfilled. Love this album from first to last note.

[@louise_rose]

Quite true. The album has an overarching structure similar to a late romantic symphony (Brahms, Bruckner, Dvorak) and Ritual picks up themes and melodies from the earlier three movements (like, the guitar line just before the piano intro to "Look me, my love" is a quote from just before the sung lyrics started on the first side, before: "Talk to the sunlight caller"), also the underlying tension that has been building through the album, and resolves them with grace and precision. I'm familiar with classical music since childhood so to me the analogy with symphonic form was always fairly clear, but the flow and confidence with which they handled this large form is so cool.

[@Solidst8dad2112]

I have had a terrible week and this was just what I needed to re-center me. Sometimes I wonder if Jon is an Angel sent by The Creator to bring me peace in my trying times. Sorry I hate to be overboard, but I am literally crying happy tears at the end of this song.

[@rpm412]

totally get it. power to you brother.

[@latheofheaven1017]

I hear you. I was welling up at the end too. Not just from the music, but also from Doug's comprehension of it. He gets it! Sorry you've had a bad week. Hope things improve.

[@godbluffvdgg]

I've said the same thing about Jon many times...When I saw them in 77, and He was wearing this all white outfit with long white fringes, Slowly rotating around. That's when I knew he was...:)...Yes is Light and Love...

[@nancymjohnson]

Yes is like my religion. God listens to Yes.

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@nancymjohnson He/She/or It sure does...:)

[@garystocker9450]

Jon's voice has been firmly entrenched in my soul for over 30 years now..I love him dearly.

[@Dennzer1]

he's a legend

[@stoppropaganda2573]

Just imagine the creativity needed to produce 2 albums a year as per contract when now a new artist can take 5 years to complete 1 mediocre album. This band was connected to each other at a very deep level and we get to hear that connection! Thanks Doug!

[@jimp4666]

Amazing and totally spot on comment! Great perspective!

[@ronniewall492]

LOOK AT HOW MANY GROUPS WE HAD BACK THEN.

[@williammarshall9794]

Well said

[@leoscone4036]

At 15 years old in the mid-seventies I dedicated many a Sunday morning to a full listening of this album. That was the church of my choice. What an album ender Ritual is, and damn, was I ever elevated every Sunday I did this. Blessings.

[@nancymjohnson]

It took 5 months to record. Jon and engineer Eddy Offord were taking the reels to the record company. At the car, they couldn’t find the keys and set the reel on top of the car. Found the keys and took off…reels fell from roof and Jon stood in front of a bus to save them! Thank God he did, and survived!! ☮️❤️

[@markjohnson4217]

Wow! What a story. I heard that the final section of reels for Close to the Edge ended up being rescued from the garbage bin! Eddie keep an eye on those masters! Lol..

[@npc8348]

"Ritual" has characteristics similar to the sonata and rondo forms found in the fourth movement. And it is interspersed with elements of the previous 1-3 movements. (Other pieces include "close to..." Siberian..." etc.) It is fun just to look for these elements, but because the composition reminds us of the "total result of the journey of TFTO," I feel that "Ritual" is the "fourth movement" and "TFTO itself" at the same time. That is why I think it is most played live; the symphonic live version from 2001 is my personal favorite. Give it a listen if you get a chance! Thanks for your long journey!

[@singerofsongs468]

The ending almost feels like it’s thanking us for going on the ride. Like a curtain call.

[@donaldanderson6604]

I bought this album on the day it was released and I never tire of it. It got negative reviews in some of the British music press at the time. However, the critics are all forgotten but the music endures. It blew my 14 year old mind and still delights and surprises me.

[@davidgarione2206]

And finally it came Ritual, "Nous Sommes du Soleil", I totally agree that's the best of the four sides of this etntire masterpiece. It has been my favourite since the first time I heard it from an old radio casette recorder my elder sister recorded from a night radio programme in my country, Argentina, in 1974. I was twelve then and I always remembered its melody, mainly at the beginning of the song; I have always found it with a certain reminiscence of Piazzolla's avant-garde tango music from that same time. Later on, I finally bought Tales in 1979...it was an imported, American edition. I still remember even the smell of the entire album.Even without managing the English language at that time, I was transported with Ritual's music beyond the stars. An absolute masterpiece.

[@tonyanderton3521]

I've been listening to this for 49 years and it still sounds great to me. Thanks for the fascinating analysis and insights, Doug, we really appreciate it.

[@williamsporing1500]

Lol….it’s so much fun watching someone with an open mind listen to Yes for the first time! This tune shows exactly how good of a drummer Alan was. I wish I had a dollar for every hour I’ve layed in my dark room, with headphones on listening to tales and close. R.I.P. Chris and Alan. Thank you.

[@reinaldofavoreto7160]

I´ve been listening to TFTO for about 30 years now, and I will never undestand why this album isn´t considered the best prog album of all the times. You have commented "this is amazing" exactly in one the parts of the song that always amazes me the most , it goes beyond and beyond Sorry, no other band does it like Yes

[@GR-M3]

For me it is the greatest album of all times! (second comes "Relayer")

[@shyshift]

Because Close To The Edge is.

[@colinburroughs9871]

Because it's excoriatingly long and dull for at least half of it's run time. Rick knew it. Bill quit because he was afraid of having to do this. Chris never said much about it, because it wasn't a thing he had much input over (which is a real part of the problem). Jon called it the meeting point of high ideals and low execution. Steve liked it, because he got to do lot's of acoustic stuff which is good but not good enough to substantiate the effort over all. You could pull any King Crimson record and get more out of it instantly. So it not even in the running for best Prog record. CTTE is a much better candidate out of Yes' cannon.

[@shyshift]

@@colinburroughs9871 Bill Bruford left because he had played on the best album Yes did and Robert Fripp was recruiting him for King Crimson. Listening to Lark’s Tongues In Aspic pretty much proves my point. He was experiencing challenges again and rising to the occasion. He just got bored after 5 albums and 4 years of being in Yes.

[@damianwebzyx6613]

@@shyshiftin my opinion Larks Tongues is mightiest masterpiece out of this time, but YES and Genesis were able to move the crowd

[@peteharper2687]

12 minutes in and I'm already in tears, this track always affects me that way, so powerful.

[@cindydahl9635]

Thank you Doug it's refreshing to see someone in this day and age react to this magnificent piece of art, Yes indeed

[@kimdemetrios1434]

I love seeing your face while listening to YES! It’s like, you have no idea what you’re about to hear, but I do, & it’s gonna blow your mind!! I remember when my brothers got this album, I was 12, & totally blown away!! Went to my first YES concert in 1975, & seen them about 50 times! Truly magical experience!! Thank you for listening, enjoying, & appreciating them as much as I do!! 🎶❤️🎶

[@markenmel1]

Steve Howe’s solo at the end is incredibly beautiful. Thanks for reacting to this track.

[@richardeast939]

A majestic piece of music. Yes were ahead of their time.

[@asharmstrong6730]

Chris on timpani, Jon on bell-tree and cymbals, Alan on the kit.

[@craigward2710]

That chord progression during the closing guitar solo is a variation on the circle of fifths. It is a circle of alternating diminished and augmented fifths.

[@leonardmoorey1146]

It's called denouement, that part which ties together all strands of the piece at the end and explains it all. The end of Ritual is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever conceived and recorded.

[@efrancis19]

This is the one I've been waiting for. When you said Alan was stealing the show, I thought oh boy, you better put your seat belt on!

[@DoU12Rock]

Steve played a Les Paul Jr. on the entire track of Ritual. Very simple guitar the Les Paul Jr one pick up, wrap around tailpiece making it hard to intonate. But in the hands of a maestro like Steve magic happens. He plays that sitar guitar for a couple sections but the rest is on that Jr .

[@MisterWensleydale]

I just love the tone of that Les Paul Jr!

[@jms-po7tn]

The final part will bring tears to your eyes. It's that beautiful. (Been listening to it since the 1970's.)

[@kensho0mu]

"Feel free to move about your own consciousness." Brilliant!

[@jackdusek7395]

As a musician (and Yes fan since age 12) I really appreciate your insightful comments and educated viewpoint. For me, Yes music does what some of the greatest symphonies do, but in a more accessible and personal manner.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Heart Of The Sunrise makes an Easter egg appearance on side one: The Revealing Science Of God. Rick Wakeman plays one of that songs motifs. Of course, Steve Howe also reprises one of the motifs of Close To The Edge as well as all the motifs on this entire album along with every member, including Alan White. So many Easter eggs on this LP Album to count.❤️

[@phillippershing6315]

I thought I was the only one who caught "Heart" in "Revealing". What other easter eggs are on here?

[@damonlay7562]

"These guys do more before the first lyric than any band I've ever heard." Love that. That's big facts right there.

[@johnarcarese172]

Tales is great because it’s unconventional and an adventure. The music is timeless.

[@eduardoOlima]

Steves lines are everywhere, beeing a major theme ir accompaning or a incredible solo.... He fulfills spaces without strumming... Such a genious How he do that?

[@cmichaelanthonyimages2197]

What amazes is that this is Alan's first original piece as a new member of Yes. He was such an underated drummer. When he was with the Ono band, John in a video berates him for something he did. He was so underused playing for Lennon. Just listen to him on this piece. Seeing Alan play this live is just unbelievable...it sounded like the studio version. He was so great.

[@ProgBartleby]

The album and tour was not that well received by Yes fans (I was there). Now...with the passage of years the true emotion and creative genius of the album shines through. Side four is my favorite too. Nous Sommes du Soleil....du Soleil.

[@latheofheaven1017]

I was there too. And you're right, critics and fans alike were... underwhelmed. Of course, so was Rick. I don't think he's ever understood what he was part of with this album. I liked the album a lot at the time, but I've come to love it deeply since.

[@claudemelancon5039]

First time seeing Yes was on the Tales tour, early on when they still played the entire album. Totally blown away by the drum/percussion section of Ritual. I only wish I had been more familiar with the album before seeing them. This album has been my sentimental favorite ever since.

[@Atom-56]

That wasn’t the case for me, I thought it was amazing, music from another world.

[@ProgBartleby]

@@latheofheaven1017 Rick was bored stiff playing it. The irony is that I think it is his finest work with Yes. The only time he got excited in the concert was during the encores...especially Roundabout. lol.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

the fact they wrote this as 20-somethings is mind boggling

[@NewBritainStation]

One thing to remember is this was Alan White’s first album with the band.

[@jimgoff4249]

This is the essence of progressive rock. It may not get better. What an absolute treat. They have other songs that are almost as good, which means there are many songs yet to explore.

[@Nikioko]

Tales from Topographic Oceans. Highly underrated album.

[@tim_brooks]

ask wakeman what he thinks of this record. 🤣

[@cecilingram6018]

@@tim_brooks Rick has no room to talk look at some of his recordings

[@Humb7757]

Rick said in YesYears interview he didn’t like how it was done and produced, it was took from rehearsals which he didn’t agree with… that’s why he sadly left…on his birthday!!! ??? How sad… he didn’t agree because tremendous musical emotional was achieved in the studio! I always loved this album from beginning to end… like many of us, true Yes Fans… It will stand the test of time!! ❤

[@blakeh6250]

Not for us..one of my yes favorites

[@johnstallings4049]

@@tim_brooks Which is why I was so glad that Rick left YES & took his pompous opinion with him! ❄️🌎❄️🤣👌❄️

[@michaelanzelino5068]

Bravo Doug, This is your best analysis of this 4 side masterpiece. After playing through all four tracks, It shows that you have come to know what to expect and anticipate things more clearly. I got chills when you noticed the "Close to the edge" Theme. Only because I never noticed it myself all these years. Props to Steven Wilson and his team for the remix.

[@genestippell1833]

Wouldn't it have been facinating to have been able to be in the room witnessing them compose these pieces from an empty page to these works of art? I heard a reactor say about Roundabout, "this song has more great ideas than some bands have in their whole careers". From the early to mid 70s great ideas just oozed out of these guys. Then throw in the amount of touring they were doing at the time, makes it even more remarkable.

[@edub1961]

Dear Doug, your face in every music section is priceless. Thank you, Tales is one of my favorites albums of all time. With you, the journey through this music takes another level. Between us, the Howe's solo at the end is one of the best solos guitar ever. Five guys at the service of music.

[@ConceptJunkie]

Like Rick Beato, one of the best things I like about this channel is not just the creators impressive music theory knowledge, but the enthusiasm and sheer delight of his reactions to the videos. I come for the expert analysis. I stay for the love of the music that Doug shares with us.

[@johnstallings4049]

@@ConceptJunkie Doug really gets into 🎵 music that he has never even heard and that is what I 💘 about this channel! ❄️🌎❄️

[@rubberchicken5670]

Being a fan since 1973, it's pretty fantastic watching someone discovering the genius of YES. Thank you, Doug. You just made my day, sir. Now that you're inspired, go out & compose.

[@richardtodd7797]

I can remember the day I bought the Yes album “Tales From Topographic Oceans”. I was in the Melbourne City and as being a huge Yes fan, sought out a record store to buy this latest Yes album. As I was also doing a bit of Christmas shopping (it was December 1973), it was a busy time until I finally came across the album, displayed in the front window of a major record retailer. Surprisingly, the album had a special double album price of $9.99 - the best $10 I had ever spent in my life. I rushed home to listen to the album as I had a particularly good Hi-Fi system and had the house to myself. After listening to both sides (almost 2 hours of listening), I immediately returned to the start again to play all 4 sides over. I couldn’t stop listening to it and at night time, I had to get up in the middle of the night to listen to the album again through the headphones. No album or music had taken me like “Tales From Topographic Oceans” and couldn’t stop listening to it. It became my very favourite album, replacing “Close To The Edge” and “Fragile” as my favourite albums. Even surpassing classics by Pink Floyd, Genesis and Moody Blues. Hear it is 2024 and I’m still listening to “Tales” after seeing Doug Helvering do his “Daily Doug”. His explanation of the depth of the writings and music of this great album had me exploring the album further and I commenced listening to it over again. The best album ever. Now I'm watching the "Daily Doug" shows constantly.

[@nsgobbi]

IMHO “Tales” is the album that better express the YES meaning for the music world, with all its peaks (majority) and lows.

[@Tomversal]

Rest In Peace Keith Levene, he was a roadie with the band during this period and Steve Howe taught him some guitar! He went on to form The Clash, The Slits and Public Image Ltd... His playing was the polar opposite of Steve Howes because he "Admired his idols so much as to not imitate them" He will certainly be missed ❤️❤️

[@CyberDwarf1949]

😢😢😢

[@Skyler36]

You must see the Symphonic Live version of this song which is on KZbin recorded in 2001. Chris is amazing in his solo & the drumming part is fantastic. I have seen Yes perform Ritual with their classic lineup at Madison Square Garden & it was close to a spiritual experience., unforgettable.

[@jkmenegay]

In concert, Squire would play the timpanis - just wailing away! Aren't these guys amazing?! Those that have known me over the years always ask "is Yes the only band you listen to?" Believe me, I do listen to others, but I just shake my head or shrug my shoulders and go eh. The magnitude of their compositions keeps it all so interesting, even over decades of listening. I really do appreciate you taking the time to help everyone discover Yes again, and again.

[@dwightphelps5096]

This song in my mind is their magnum opus. I can still remember the first time I saw Yes at the Yale Bowl in 1971 during their "The Yes Album" tour. They were the third band behind Grand Funk Railroad and they literally stole the show. I think a lot of us knew we might be witnessing a great band for the future. Little did we know though what they had in store for us. We literally were taken on a musical journey that put us in a different place and we watched Yes grow musically from album to album. In my mind, during the time from Fragile, Close to the Edge and Tales, we were hearing what might possibly be he most talented rock band that ever existed culminating with Ritual. This has got to be one of the most beautiful and transformative songs ever written and played by any rock band. It was once said by a famous rock critic that if Mozart and Beethoven were alive today they would have been in Yes.

[@tracygosell9199]

Worth experiencing is the 2001 Symphonic Yes Live Tour video. One of two tours in their career when they played Close to the Edge, The Gates of Delirium and Ritual in a single concert. And Ritual is fabulously performed. Everyone is on a drum during the ritualistic passage. Enjoy sharing this with you Doug!!!

[@ambadad]

I saw the 1975 Relayer tour, which was one of those to which you refer, with all three of those side long masterpieces. Ritual just burned itself into my brain that night - utterly magnificent. While The Yes Album and Fragile were the hors d'oeuvres (especially Heart of the Sunrise which almost signposted what was to follow), the CTTE/TFTO/Relayer trilogy just cannot be beaten in my mind. I agree, Tracy -- privileged to share Doug's reaction.

[@slw59]

If I could only own one album by Yes, this would be it. This album contains everything I love about the band and more. I've been coming back to it for almost 5 decades and it never disappoints. Truly satisfying on every level.

[@lovergirl1960]

My head is bobbing right with yours! This is my #1 all time tear jerking song of yes’s. It’s so full of love and intensity. My son Jon wouldn’t have been conceived without this song, thank you yes , thank you Jon( sorry to get personal but love and light , right!!!

[@pwethman1]

One thing that kind of goes unnoticed is the motif that occurs throughout the album. The meandering guitar line at the beginning of The Revealing Science of God repeats(sort of) on synth at the end of the drum break in Ritual and again in the last guitar solo.

[@dmbmdb2860]

I am very happy that you liked it. You not only know about music, you also have sensitivity and good taste

[@mhbackman]

This is such a joyful closer, and the remix by Wilson is so clean. Thanks for being our music listening companion, Doug. Much appreciated sharing these albums with you!

[@TRUTHorSTFU]

Doug, your playful inner child is alive and well! May it be your trusted companion all the way back 🕉️

[@gterhorst]

Yes, close to the edge and this album has been my favorites since I came to know them in 1976. Love to see you appreciate it as much.

[@RickNBacker]

Saw this performed live on the Relayer tour with Patrick Moraz on keys.

[@tonyanderton3521]

Me, too, Rick.

[@jasongress8764]

The thing about Ritual is that it recaps themes in the first three songs, even shouting out CTTE. Such a great piece of music.

[@derekmeade6350]

A magnificent album! You’ll keep changing your mind on which is your favourite piece. As a whole, it’s unsurpassed

[@arkadybron1994]

When ever I listen to this track, it feels as if I have held my breath throughout, with the first breath out at the end forming a totally enveloping Wow! I have never stopped listening to Topographic Oceans. I have been listening to it for 50 years.

[@wendellwiggins2900]

back again! You truly understand YES, and that's a blessing 70s YES fans all share

[@martinhodgson2303]

Simply one of the best pieces of music ever written off of the best album. Magnificent! Great reaction Doug, I was waiting for you to do this masterpiece and you didn't disappoint! You'll be listening to this for years now, I have!

[@greenbluemonkey]

So cool to hear your verbal descriptions, even if I don't understand half of it. More so that you appreciate this band like you do. I always thought they were ahead of their time. And they still are. They deserve even more recognition than they already have in music history IMHO.

[@bethrappeport9381]

I have seen them perform a highlight of this more than once. It is amazing, everyone seems to link up with Jon as he gets transcendent. The whole arena feels it.

[@johnjanovsky]

You’ll love the version of this song on Yesshows.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Such an amazing album! I was 14 when Yessongs came out...I never thought it could be eclipsed but; Shows, with Gates, and the Ritual; LIVE -and played perfectly, as Yes does routinely, it's breathtaking! Still love Songs but; Shows is a great "play after"...:)...

[@AnotherZippy]

Yesshows was actually the first Yes album I bought, so I knew that live version (with Moraz on keys) first. I was amazed to hear the studio version and find it had all those things like the extended guitar links into the verses and of course the ritualistic “drum circle” which I thought had maybe been introduced live. Anyway TFTO remains one of my absolute favourite albums - I think you could take the first few minutes off of The Remembering but apart from that it’s genius throughout.

[@markjacobsen8335]

This became not only my favorite YES album about 5 years ago, but also my favorite album of all time by anyone. This caught me by surprise as originally four decades ago I only really listened to side 4 (Ritual) and then bits and pieces of the other 3 sides. Then it just hit me that I had totally fallen in love with "Tales From Topographic Oceans". I've listened to it many times on vinyl, CD, and cassette, and I would say the best way to listen through this album is on vinyl while you're holding the cover and reading through the liner notes. And yes, 'Ritual' is my favorite track on the album. Steve Howe said they knew they had to end big, and boy did they ever. The "YesShows" live version is really good, too, with some stark differences.

[@dickwilliam3793]

just another masterpiece. why do people hate on it so much?

[@mrmusic248]

dickwilliam3793: Because their attention spans can't handle anything longer than 3min. & 30 seconds.

[@timcozby]

Saw Chris just before he died. Hearing this reminded me of how wonderful he was on bass and singing along with Jon on this very special song that remains one of my favorite songs

[@brucestedman5165]

22:12 Tears in my eyes.. love this - thank you for this reaction video especially today.

[@hansmoerenhout]

Woh. Thanx for your great words on this great song. An album that keeps growing on me. And you know @doug you don’t do songs twice often, but you did CTTE so why not Ritual, and you gotta see the Symphonic Live version of this piece. And you’ll see you were right. The whole band drumming. Plus ending it all is a superb Steve in that last guitar solo. Always find a tear rolling down my cheek as he executes that solo in this performance. Absolutely beautiful. Big recommendation to see Ritual being performed live and with orchestra, you’ll love it.

[@williamday7132]

Chris Squire (RIP) was the Jimi Hendrix of the bass guitar.

[@tentruesummers9043]

Ritual live was something to behold. Chris on the kettle drums!

[@estubsjo]

I really love when you compare Yes (and others) with The Beatles! I agree! I would also like to add that The Beatles were probably a source for inspiration for Yes (all of the guys in the band). 😊

[@johnnicholson8345]

I used to live, eat and breath this album growing up. Miss performing this stuff. Thankfully got to see Yes do this on the Masterworks tour with Chris on theTimpani.

[@latheofheaven1017]

Thank you Doug for your reaction to this. It's a joyful experience listening again to one of my all-time favourite albums and hearing your insightful commentary - both musically and philosophically. You even (on your first listening for goodness' sake) understood something that I've missed. That final passage which constantly changes keys - it's searching. Yes. Of course! I've always felt, because of several phrases in the guitar that it's a kind of musical recap, but it's also a recap of the whole philosophy of the album. It's searching.

[@jefaerts4207]

Time is catching up to my favorite band since I was 11 Pete banks, Chris squire and Alan white have left this piece of solar driftwood

[@1ouncebird]

Such a great ending to a monumental work. Thanks for doing this Doug. Loved your insight both musically and spiritually on this album.

[@elfensteen5222]

Best album of all time ! Thank you Yes

[@iantyler4045]

I was 15 when TFTO came out. For me it hasn't aged one bit. Still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

[@bernecomp]

Watching you react to and analyze this beloved album was pure enjoyment.

[@sabercastpodcast457]

My favorite Yes song. Chris’ bass, particularly during his solo, just emotionally overwhelms me whenever I listen to this track. Every member at their peak.

[@SmartCookie2022]

This track and "The Gates of Delirium" from their next album "Relayer" are probably my favourite pieces of music by Yes.

[@EvilTerry35]

Oh boy, I still remember getting this album on cassette back in 1992, and trying to absorb it everyday on the bus ride to school, surrounded by military kids and locals in Hawaii, who were completely oblivious to what I was experiencing, especially this song. Most of the other teenagers were into Kriss Kross or other such garbage, while I had this album and Relayer, which I bought within a few weeks of each other. I can actually remember exactly what I was doing the first time I heard The Gates Of Delirium blasting out of my boom box back then. No internet back then, just me on my new progressive rock journey, starting with Yes and ELP.

[@gthobaben]

Love it, Doug! You give this music the serious reflection it deserves! I’ve always said that if there’s one “prog rock” band that ppl will talk about 300 years from now, it’s Yes. Not the most popular of the bands but the most enduring.

[@irisdainter6507]

50 years and still sounds great to me.

[@crystal-ice555]

I couldn''t wait to buy this album back in 73. It was so different and I loved its meditative meandering, twists and turns. It was weeks before I could start to predict what was coming next. It was a journey and you needed to have your map and compass and go where the clues and mood took you. It was a unique experience, never understood the Rick Wakeman was so disparaging of it. But the most of the world back then wasn't ready for it, like it lacked the capacity to understand and appreciate it.

[@rickkratz2979]

On top of everything else the coolest Yes album cover ever.

[@dhfenske]

Rick has said in recent years that he has warmed up more to Tales, and enjoys it some.

[@PaulSmith-hd6wf]

Great appreciation Doug, agree with everything you said. I was lucky enough to see Yes at the Rainbow in Finsbury Park, London when this first came out, loved it ever since. If you like Chris Squire's playing, check out his solo album Fish Out Of Water, another underrated great.

[@Arrow2theACL]

Doug reacted to the entire Fish Out of Water album on his Patreon. Check the Daily Doug Directory in this video's description for a master list of reactions.

[@georgeyostel3736]

Allen White is playing piano on the last section. They couldn't find Rick Wakeman to finish this piece.

[@haydenarlington8256]

This is track from TFTO has a special spot for me mainly due to Chris’s bass playing and that killer solo he does. Some of his finest playing in his his entire career. And also his timpani playing on the drum part near the end. I would highly recommend that you watch them play this live, as the way they play it live is just jaw dropping. Really glad you finally got to this one.

[@theAsterisk]

The performance from Symphonic Live is absolutely tremendous. (That one makes me think of Aaron Copland a bit more than the album version, for whatever reason.)

[@harleyw]

Doug, lately, I find myself listening to all 4 sides straight through. Often while doing weekend chores. Weird how the chores disappear into the magic these dudes created with this genius. Where does the time go? Where did I go? Was I actually just dancing in circles around my lawnmower? Thanks for reacting to this amazing track.

[@pencilpauli9442]

That transition from the gamelan to Steve's guitar and then Jon's voice is heart meltingly sublime! ❤❤

[@1953bassman]

During the percussion section, all of the band members were playing some type of percussion. Chris was playing the tympany. But also, the synthesizer was linked to Alan's drum kit, with each drum triggering a different sound. The band continued to play this part of Tales live for years after.

[@halt2045]

They were all playing percussion except for Steve Howe. In their symphonic concert they brought out individual drums for Squire, Anderson, and the keyboard player. You can watch them play this live with a symphony orchestra supporting them in their symphonic concert. This song is available on youtube but because of the length it is in three parts.

[@LUXURYBOY15ME]

Keep up the good work Dougie, that's what Scots call anyone called Douglas CHEERS.

[@caroleann_2142]

Rick had a hell.. of a time, even though Classically trained, he struggled with this album, per himself. Doug you're always so spot on! Thank you the analogies are priceless!!