Relayer by Yes is a Sonic Explosion! | Sound Chaser and To Be Over REACTION/ANALYSIS | Episode 373

#SoundChaser #ToBeOver #Yes #YesReaction
2:00 Discussion with Tony Romero
15:15 Music Introduction
17:25 Sound Chaser
30:09 To Be Over
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to side 2 from Relayer by Yes. First, I'm chatting with Tony Romero (DJ Tony Live / House of Prog) about his love of the band and of this album. Then, we dive into side 2 of this epic album. The sounds are among the most evocative, complex, and, sublime that I've heard since starting this channel. Absolutely amazing musicianship! I hope you enjoy this #MasterpieceFriday episode.
Reference Video: • Sound Chaser
Reference Video: • To Be Over
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[@jdecker9834]

Alan White is always unfairly compared to Bruford. But this album really solidified him as being the right drummer for Yes in the direction they were moving. He may not have the same diverse body of work as Bruford (who the hell does?), but he is an incredible drummer and drum part song writer, which are 2 different skills. He deserves immense credit for his contribution to Yes for the last 40+ years.

[@nickavenoso7851]

If anybody doubts Alan as a player I always show them Tales from Topographic Oceans and Relayer. Both have some incredible drumming from Alan. Alan also plays really greatly on GFTO, especially on songs like Awaken and Parallels.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

AGREED 1000%

[@nolongerthere]

So true! I don't get the lack of love for Mr. White. He does amazing stuff without being overly flashy. That said, I've seen him do some things in concert that blew my mind!

[@room34]

@@nickavenoso7851 I think for some of us (those who got into this era of Yes with the initial CD releases of these albums in the early '90s), Alan White's reputation was damaged somewhat by the mediocre sound quality of those CD transfers. The Bruford albums were given a bit more attention I guess, but for whatever reason, Tales and Relayer were really muddy and you didn't really hear all of the nuances in Alan White's playing. As better remasters have come out over the years, my appreciation for his talent has just grown and grown.

[@rik061154]

I, too think he was the better fit for Yes, just as Bruford was the better fit for Crimson.

[@Doggeslife]

These albums always leave the fist-time listener stunned, confused, even repelled on occasion. But the more you listen to it and begin to learn and anticipate portions, it just gets better and better. Today I consider it one of the greatest pieces ever. Relayer is indeed my favorite YES album.

[@Astraltraveller05]

I had the same experience with every yes album, and now I watch other peoples reactions to the same music 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@danscott9439]

Saw a show from the first tour for this album. The Cow Palace in S.F. blew my ever-lovin mind.

[@danscott9439]

I took a music appreciation course senior year in high school, brought in Tales for the teacher to listen too, dumb ass said it was boring, wtf? The beauty of Yes music, is its ability to listened too over and over and still find stuff, that's why I like this show, and Doug`s perspectives

[@Doggeslife]

@@danscott9439 Only problem with Cow Palace is that's it's a huge echo chamber. I saw Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top there.

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

Sad to say I was repelled by sound chaser for a while but after really paying it it’s due attention and respect, I’ve come to realize it’s an amazing song

[@santiagoalvareztabares3598]

1974, what a year for prog Genesis: The Lamb Lies... King Crimson: Red Yes: Relayer

[@scifimonkey3]

Add to that Phaedra, Crime of the Century, Pretzel Logic, Mirage, Diamond Dogs and Court and spark, Music making was on fire that year but tbh from 71-77 it was continually on fire

[@mikeginies8271]

You can also add Strawbs "Heros and Heroine"

[@melissalittle4369]

Linda Ronstadt had both Heart Like A Wheel and Prisoner in Disguise on our album rock channel’s 1974 top album list.

[@santiagoalvareztabares3598]

Good for her, but Linda Rondstadt is not prog-rock by any stretch of the definition so I don't know why you bring her name up in this conversation

[@21centuryhippie61]

@Bookhouse Boy in a glass house is ‘73, but true enough otherwise

[@ccjazzmusic]

Your timing is perfect. Today is Steve Howe's 75th birthday.

[@soggytom]

I had forgotten. Perfect!

[@williamsporing1500]

Howe is a master….

[@nilsen589]

wait...isn't he like 350?

[@soggytom]

@@nilsen589 He just looks like it. I'll see myself out...

[@lon5541]

There is no band like Yes, takes me to a different level every time I listen to them.

[@scifimonkey3]

The bemusement on your face during ‘sound chaser’ was delightful. The weird thing is that as you listen to it more and more it all begins to hang together to the point where your anticipation of each new section drives even greater enjoyment and sets you up beautifully for ‘to be over’ which is simply beautiful and enveloping.

[@chacob3380]

YES channeling the Mahavishnu Orchestra - who were musically very influential at the time.

[@DickvanSoest]

I know these albums backwards and forwards, up to the point that I don’t even realise that some of the things Yes are doing are musically special. It’s very nice to hear them “as new”, through someone else’s ears

[@patholas]

Great, inspiring and enlightening analysis as always, Doug! Thank you so much for giving me a new perspective on music I have known for so long! I'm with you on this album: not my favourite, but awesome and bizarre and impenetrable and amazing... Keep 'em coming! :-)

[@mike_likes_sludge]

so true! It takes a few listens to get the structure glued into your brain

[@malcolmbrimecome5992]

my favorite album of all time I love rick and have nearly all his lps bur patrick is something else you have to listen to the story of I

[@215Gallagher]

Patrick Moraz. His presence created Yes' one album that could be categorised as fusion. The Swiss jazz keyboard wunderkind took Yes away from the more classical influence of Rick Wakeman and helped create a unique suite of challenging prog-jazz. Thanks for your reaction to Sound Chaser it was classic, "all to know and see the look in your eyes".

[@cmichaelanthonyimages2197]

Simply put...I love this album. That said, Moraz is a unique keyboardist, much like Emerson was. They both play all over the place at times, and just hard to follow. I saw the Relayer album tour in NJ. Moraz never played the same way twice, always augmenting the keyboard parts, sometime so loud, he sounds off, as if trying to keep up. He bangd the keys, where Wakeman floats the keys. His contrabution was solid one for the bands music progressions.

[@bigfootpegrande]

I have to share this tale with "y'all": When I first bought the Relayer CD back in 1994, when Soundchaser begun, I took the CD out the player, carefully put in on the case, took it back to the shop, and told the shop guy: "The 2nd track is skipping". He played it for 30 seconds, nodded in agreement, and gave me another copy... When I got home again I realized that was indeed the music. That's how alien this music was for me then. Today it sounds natural and fluid...

[@room34]

I can't imagine any of the record stores I had access to back then carrying TWO COPIES of this CD. I had to special order it!

[@bigfootpegrande]

@@room34 It was literally a "best value" release... A cheap transfer from the analogue tapes to digital in the dawn of CD in South America...

[@eddemans]

This needs to be top comment, brilliant!

[@relicofgold]

1994. Hmmmmm. Well, I've been listening to it since it came out and it never fails to astound me. 70's YES was amazing.

[@federov100]

I did the same with Tales of Topographic Oceans, sadly i traded the collector's edition (disc was illustrated) for a mass market edition.

[@shyshift]

The delay on Steve’s attack is done using a volume pedal. They are extremely effective. Fun fact: Relayer is the only album he played all the songs on his Fender Telecaster using the twangy bridge pick up so loved by Country players for decades. Sound Chaser is unique too because after the first two verses it never returns to that melody. The chord progression in the song is insane. Changes key constantly. To Be Over ending is vocalisation for the listener decides what they hear. Everyone hears something different.

[@pwethman1]

He used the Tele on a lot of Going for the One as well.

[@shyshift]

@@pwethman1 Only the last section of Awaken.

[@bronnyredding8860]

As a guitar player, this interests me immensely, thank you!

[@normandaubry]

Steve Hackett was also a big user of the volume pedal

[@shyshift]

@@normandaubry yes

[@jbassguy571]

To be Over is my favourite song in the world. The ending with that sort of vocal counter harmony is just gold. Truly a beautiful song. I find myself feeling that it is a breakup song, there is a sadness and hope to it.

[@waltcorey5115]

I never thought of it that way but I believe you nailed it! If I'm not mistaken, "To be over, time will heal your wounds...". There are, in my opinion, multiple Anderson lyrics that convey sadness and hope.

[@tented]

I’m having it played at my funeral.

[@huskylover1013]

"To be over " deals with the theme of death of the body. Jon Anderson said" If being born is beautiful, why wouldn't death be just as beautiful?" .

[@ejc8017]

There is also an acoustic version of to be over by steve.

[@georgesonm1774]

It's my favourite too! You have to check out Jon Anderson's "Yes Medley" live recording on YT (early 80s solo tour) - it starts with a SUBLIME version of the To Be Over finale, just his voice and piano, disarmingly beautiful

[@themetallian2112]

That Guitar Solo to Soundchaser is INCREDIBLE!!!

[@mikemurraysmusicmachine2857]

From what I understand he wrote that on a classical nylon string as a solo piece but decided to pick up a Tele and throw it into Soundchaser. Great stuff.

[@williamsporing1500]

That’s an understatement…the man is one of the best ever

[@itsjusterthought7941]

The minimoog solo was brilliant. Everything else was sloppy and disjointed. Sometimes I think Yes decide on the song title after they have created the music to justify the mess they have created. Next track = the confusion of madness. Throw paint at a wall and see if you can see a face. I see it. The face is full of sorrow. Genius. Mommy why is the king wearing no clothes. Be quiet, he's wearing a invisible robe that only smart people can see. Oh I see it now ...lol

[@cremersalex]

@@mikemurraysmusicmachine2857 That is correct. In fact, you can still hear the classical guitar underneath the electric guitar.

[@DavidLazarus]

Yeah, I want to say that Rik Emmett borrowed bits of it during some live performances of Rock and Roll Machine.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I look at John Anderson's lyrics as Spiritual Poems. They paint an abstract picture in my mind.

[@DeliciousManager]

Jon himself has admitted that many of his lyrics are more to do with the sounds of the words and how they fit into the music - rather liker he's using them as a musical instrument. If they make any sense, that's kind of a bonus. 🙂

[@jimsansing]

I have always considered Jon's lyrics to be instrumental. He concentrates on the musicality of the vowels and consonants more than their meaning. But it recently occurred to me that what he does with lyrics is similar to what Picaso did in his art. The parts are there, but they are distorted for effect . So yeah, Jon Anderson is the Picaso of prog rock :)

[@kimmasuen4107]

I read somewhere that he said that the song awakened was about the story of God has told through a minstrel. He's aware of a kind.

[@davegrier523]

I look at them as lazy writing. A golden opportunity to say something meaningful missed.

[@mikedavis6884]

@@kimmasuen4107 I think of Awaken as a worship song that makes no sense and total sense all at once. It inspires love and joy without asking why.

[@ellendunn559]

At 62, I’m beginning to appreciate what a weird teenager I was, listening to my Yes albums over and over and over, and thinking nothing was unusual about what I was hearing. 😂

[@kristinmorris6033]

My thoughts exactly.❤️

[@AndreVanKammen]

I'm 52 and discoverd it later, I played this song so many times from CD in the end of the 80'ties. Then discoverd Genesis (the old stuff), Kansas, Rush, Marillion, Pink Floyd. So much great music. And now still there are great bands Like Leprous, Steve wilson, Opeth, Between the Burried and me.

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Same here!

[@edwardcumpstey9061]

My friend, I am 22 and I have been listening to this music ever since I was 15. My friends and fellow aquanitences do not understand it, but that is their problem. I thank a great math teacher for playing Siberian Khatru in class one fateful day!

[@ellendunn559]

@@edwardcumpstey9061 That was one freaky math teacher! Lucky you!

[@philnaccarato]

"I'm never been this harmonically confused" - just hysterical !! "Maybe a drink will help" - also hysterical! But your reactions are totally understandable and I agree whole heatedly.

[@gazza8127]

The TFTO & Relayer period was arguably their most imaginative & adventurous. I can't imagine Relayer existing without them having gone through the TFTO phase. At the time they were right into Mahavishnu Orchestra & Return to Forever so the inclusion of classically trained Swiss jazz/fusion keyboardist Patrick Moraz was just the tonic they needed to create something so intense, so adventurous, yet so Yes. Sound Chaser they consider their most technically challenging piece, it's like prog meets jazz/fusion on steroids, a unique Yes masterwork. And To be over is just pure dreamlike serenity, absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for all your great Yes reactions Doug, these Relayer ones were extra special, cheers

[@timn5008]

Yes. Relayer is out of their middle period, which began with Fragile and ended with Going For The One. I know some would put Tormato at the end, but I feel that inaugurates their third period.

[@danausten1046]

Totally agree. I think Yes really wanted to show just how incredibly they were as players and composers… yet still make you think and feel. I have always thought this has a beautiful and spiritual feeling, truly amazing!

[@gazza8127]

@@danausten1046 Kudos to you Dan 👍

[@bjwnashe5589]

When I saw Yes play live in '75 or '76 (I forget, haha), it was the Relayer tour. Anaheim Stadium, CA. Place was packed. Yes kicked off their set with "Sound Chaser." No compromise. They played for three hours. I lost my mind. "To Be Over" was sublime. "The Gates of Delirium" was incredible, especially the "Soon" ending. A night I will never forget. Also a night of music that will never be matched, for me.

[@yrh1gs]

I was there! Gary Wright and Gentle Giant! Great show.. GG were awesome. It was freaky watching the fans in the upper deck making the entire upper deck wave . The people underneath were afraid it would collapse

[@timterrazas6250]

Haha ! Twas there as well

[@willyvlyminck138]

My favorite Yes album, still sounds otherworldly even after almost 50 years,

[@johnnyquest6115]

I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and one day my older brother brought home Time and a Word by Yes, and that album kept playing in my head for a long time. It was just different than any other music I heard. What I so appreciated about it is how you can use rock instruments to perform something more than what they were meant to be, or what has been done with them. So, I asked my brother to please bring home more Yes albums. Next thing I know I'm listening to CTTE, TFTO and Relayer. I was transferred to a different universe. While Salsa and Disco were playing on the radio I was sitting under our stereo system with my headphones on listening to Yes' majestic music. My friends couldn't understand my obsession with it. I'm forever grateful to Yes for going beyond the boundaries of rock n' roll!

[@augustocesarmarques4052]

Relayer is the best Yes album in my opinion. This album has 3 masterpieces.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Agreed. It's perfect from start to finish.

[@fishhedz]

Absolutely agree.

[@nickavenoso7851]

I love CTTE, but Relayer is definitely my favorite Yes album. I love Tales as well.

[@ianhewitson2738]

Relayer was the fourth Yes album I bought, in January 1978, after Going for the One, The Yes Album and Close to the Edge. It quickly became my favourite and 44 years later, it remains so. If I heard it for the first time now as an almost 59 year old I suspect it wouldn't have the same impact it did back then when it sounded other-worldly. This at the time my fellow 14 year old friends were trying to get me to dump my desperately uncool fascination with prog and Led Zeppelin and Rush for the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Stranglers. And, of course, Relayer is the best Yes album cover, a poster of which adorned my bedroom wall for years.

[@emjem99]

My all time favourite Yes album. Actually, one of my favourite albums period.

[@giannijason585]

The very end of 'To Be Over' is one of my favorite few minutes of music I've ever heard. It's simply stunning emotionally.

[@djtonyromero4663]

First time I heard this i was "Less than sober " and it brought me back to a "Good place" as i was having many emotions through the entire album :)

[@duanesmith1523]

Relayer is a masterpiece

[@pwethman1]

Hey Doug! If possible I think you should try to reach out to Jon Anderson for an interview. He’s been on Rick Beato’s channel and I think he’d be happy to talk to you.

[@memelordmark7532]

That would be great.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

I’m sure Jon would love to chat with you Doug!!!

[@krisdoggett483]

Yea check out his official YT channel

[@martinmay8919]

Went to see them on the Relayer tour. They were the first big band I saw live and they absolutely blew me away.. They performed all three tracks, but what was very impressive was how they could reproduce all their studio sounds live on stage. A truly brilliant band of musicians at the very top of their game.

[@miketonner3094]

Saw them in '75 with Moraz in the UK. A stunning performance. I like Wakeman, but Moraz was magical.

[@davidlinde3990]

My first concert was Yes-Relayer at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. I guess I jumped right into the thick of it! Trivia question: Who was the warm up band?

[@martinmay8919]

@@davidlinde3990 I can remember a band called Gryphon supporting them, as did Donavon (mellow yellow), here in the UK, but not sure on which tours.

[@craigtiren9216]

@@davidlinde3990 Ace. I saw them in Largo, MD soon after!

[@dolfinpt]

Loved that tour!❤

[@Humb7757]

I bought this Album when it came out…but I was already a true Yes fan, then… Relayer…it just blew my mind!!! From beginning to End, and on Vinyl !! It was pure musical heaven…in the war of Gates!! Side two…a Band Completely in Control!! Through the emotional End!!

[@nowheremanable]

Same old story to me, but a year later, here in Spain, when I was 13... Relayer was a real challenge to make me understand and, finally, love that wonderful récord. But not Yes, is well.

[@cybore213]

It was the same for me. Yes was my favorite band back then (and still are, although King Crimson and Genesis are right at the top as well) and I had completely absorbed their previous 4 albums and Yessongs. Relayer was very different, but still Yes and I loved it.

[@MrMick50]

Totally agree the best album yes ever made when this album came out my friends I listened to it in awe and we all said how progressive can you get just an incredible record one of the best records of music ever

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I had no idea it had been released and found my vinyl copy in a cutout bin!!! A CUTOUT BIN! I dropped the needle and OMG Gates!! Sound Chaser! And the palate cleanser of To Be Over!!! ❤❤❤

[@willyvlyminck138]

Same here, I was 17 back in 1974 , this one did even get airplay on the Belgian radio.

[@albertoleonsandovala]

Eclectic, unusual and challenging share of Moraz in the YES universe. It is admirable how Squire, Howe Anderson and White fit together perfectly with this jazz avant garde rock proposal.

[@shenzhen2112]

Sound Chaser is one of my favorite yes songs, but has one of the worst Steve Howe solos ever. Seriously who engineer to his guitar on that track

[@shyshift]

@@shenzhen2112 Eddie Offord.

[@cybore213]

@@shenzhen2112 I rather like the solo. For sure, he wasn't playing his ES175 on this.

[@2fs]

I think he was going for just a very noisy, loud, brawling sound, quite different from his usual tones. I don't think it's a mistake or accident...like it or not!

[@shyshift]

@@cybore213 175

[@debbiefell6227]

It's so amazing to watch someone who knows his music hear this music for the first time. I've been listening to this for more than 45 years and it brings tears to my eyes to hear it again thru Doug's ears for the 1st time again.

[@lenordcurry3170]

Indeed, I was 20 maybe 19 when I heard Relayer the 1st time I'm now 71 and now some 50+ years later I love how relevant and astounding YES was and still are.

[@gustavomachado3488]

That's the reaction anyone has to Sound Chaser the first time. It's a punch to the face. Just amazing.

[@AlobytesOgniddove]

Ahahah AMAZING

[@MrEspo117]

This was a once in a lifetime masterpiece. Moraz no doubt sent Yes on a journey with his incredible gift.

[@williamwallace5857]

'no doubt' ?? I doubt that actually happened at all.

[@williamwallace5857]

@@EessaTube WTF are you talking about ?

[@MrEspo117]

I so you close to the edge on your knee puritan

[@martinreed5964]

thankfully he didnt stay long

[@williamwallace5857]

@@MrEspo117 WTF are you talking about ?

[@noizeartzrecords]

Jon's voice is simply an instrument. Words are just articulations. Jon's ambiguity is deliberate. Make of it what you will.

[@zamfirtoth6441]

Bingo...the tones ARE the poem, not the words.

[@zamfirtoth6441]

Most Yes facilitates each listener's own adventure in their mind.

[@lectrikdog]

his voice is the frosting on the relayer cake

[@ImYourOverlord]

Sometimes yes, sometimes kinda, and sometimes no 🙂

[@markcbrems]

Jon is speaking a spiritual language. His words are like crop circles - enigmatic and a sense of deep profundity.

[@Slammo]

I go back to the beautiful spring day when I was a kid that I listened to these two tunes. Beautiful and crisp beyond words. Both never get old. Steve Howe in his prime.

[@RaspySquares]

This album, arguably, is the one album that had the greatest impact on me and what I knew was possible musically. Never forget, 2009, after I graduated Highschool. I had decent taste before then, but that album really got my prog bone itching.

[@adriangoodrich4306]

I was there, in my teens, when this superb album was fist released. You really had to be there!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

Always wished that Patrick did more with YES. A very fine keyboardist.🎹😎

[@aardvaarkmaark]

Have you ever heard Patrick Moraz's solo work? Check out the his first solo album ,,I".

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@aardvaarkmaark I have all of his material. 😎

[@aardvaarkmaark]

@@jeffschielka7845 outstanding!! Mr. Moraz is quite the amazing musician. It's nice to meet someone who appreciates this kind of music

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@aardvaarkmaark I've seen YES 214 times.😎

[@aardvaarkmaark]

@@jeffschielka7845 Wow! That's a lot! You are a dedicated fan. I've seen them 3 times in Portland Oregon when I lived in Portland. 1975, 1977 and 1982. They are truly one of the most amazing bands

[@karlx-1]

As with Tales from Topographic Oceans, this is an album for mature and sophisticated ears. When I was 14 listening to this album, I didn't get it, I hated not loving my favorite band's music. As I became a musician, I'd revisit it and come to find the masterpiece that it is. I would practice endlessly to cover it on bass. It made me a better bass player. Knowing this album deeply now has refined my ears further. I'm 57 now and will listen to the album when I have time to devote all my energies to listening. This isn't music for the car or the beach. It's music for the sole appreciation for music.

[@davidkelly5459]

Tales, to me, was Jon's personal project. As a "YES" album, I don't think it really fits. I would see this much as Jon's Sunhillow release. Tales was a projection of Jon's spiritual exploration and as such, should have been left out of the Yes lineup. It's the album that drove Wakeman off but, as it is, we would have never gotten this album which is phenomenal.

[@Doctorbeermaker]

Relayer is perhaps my favorite Yes album. I think Moraz takes them in directions that they would not have otherwise gone. Also White really comes out of Bruford's shadow and makes the job his own. just wonderful

[@lindsaydouglas381]

Doug, the look on your face when Sound Chaser finished is pure gold. Love it.

[@crystal-ice555]

Steve's solo on "To be Over" is reminiscent of his brilliant solo from "Perpetual Change" off the live Yessongs 1973 triple album which you need to add to your list to get into. This album is mind blowing with to my mind, definitive most of their best songs from this era. The most definitive live "Gates of Delirium" and "Ritual" (TFTO Side 4) have to be from Yes Symphonic 2001 recordings. The cohesion is amazing and all band members are on fire, you mustn't miss these performances. They will leave you in awe ... guaranteed!

[@richsweeney8654]

I'm 63 years old. I'm lucky enough to have found all this music when it was new. Man, I can't tell you how much this music meant to me.

[@pariaheep]

I féél you!

[@jeffmartin1026]

I'm glad to have had this music in my life for so many years. I am now glad that Doug has it in his.

[@Randgalf]

That guitar break by Steve in 'Sound chaser' is like "So you're chasing sounds, eh? Well, chase this!"

[@cluster1955]

Steve Howe's solo in To be Over sends shivers down my spine every time I listen to it .... and sometimes it makes me cry because of the beauty of the song...

[@carlbrown8830]

Every Yes album is a masterpiece, Relayer being their seventh. And to think these guys probably weren't even 30 yet.

[@joserenatooliveira6368]

This album is simply unique!!! A singular formation with Patrick Moraz that never happened again. A once in a lifetime piece of music that was miles ahead of their time.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Relayer is also my favorite Yes album, but any person's preference will depend on what flavor of Yes they like. To me, Relayer is the album where they pushed themselves the farthest and hardest. They tried to limit some of their more accessible, pop-like tendencies in favor of hanging with the more challenging prog (and fusion) bands like King Crimson and electric-era Miles Davis, and I think they succeeded on their own terms. To me, what makes a song like To Be Over (or the "Soon" section of Gates) so effective is in large part that they come at the end of such grueling, intellectually demanding music: the oasis is all the more soothing when you've trudged 40 days and 40 nights through the desert! This isn't to say that Fragile and Close to the Edge (and even the much more accessible, and commercially successful, Yes Album) aren't masterpieces as well, but they "go down" much easier than Relayer. Relayer is the album that almost sounds incoherent and even (at times) downright sonically unpleasant at first, but the more you listen to it the more sense it makes, and the deeper it gets.

[@Jay-iq5zu]

Really looking forward to this one. 'To Be Over' is their most emotionally moving song to me.

[@latheofheaven1017]

To BE Over is somehow similar to And You And I, to me. Both sublimely beautiful and uplifting.

[@avfc1956]

Spiritually uplifting. To Be Over makes my soul soar & smile 🙏🏻

[@williamsporing1500]

I feel the same about turn of the century

[@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912]

To me, Soon is their most moving song.

[@latheofheaven1017]

@@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912 The only reason I'd disagree with that is I don't think of Soon as a song, but as part of TGoD. It is truly a gorgeous final passage though.

[@jimandnicki]

This was by far my favorite reaction you’ve ever done. I laughed out loud at the look on your face at the end of Sound Chaser. I love this band. Their music holds up so well. I’ve listened to this album countless times, yet you made it sound like my first time. Well done!!!

[@robgray2973]

"I don't know any other band like this", exactly no other band where the level of composition, originality and musicianship of each individual member is cosmic. The best ever.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Crazy they played this live, too.

[@markenmel1]

And played it so well. What a band! Such talent!

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Heard that recently on KZbin

[@blakeh6250]

Saw them live..a few times

[@npc8348]

Thanks Doug! Relayer is an album similar to Close to the Edge, consisting of three songs: a conceptual big song, an aggressive song, and a peaceful song. Unlike Close to the Edge, however, the album closes with a peaceful masterpiece called To be Over, which leaves a pleasant aftertaste after listening to it. Personally, I consider it a highly complete album!

[@jamesadkisson7510]

The delayed attack you mention , is Steve using a volume pedal. Playing a note or chord with the volume down then swelling it in.

[@lphilpot01]

In some instances he uses a pedal, other times he rolls the volume knob on the guitar with his right hand pinkie.

[@dianequick3127]

@@lphilpot01 There might have been a bit of a "wha wha" pedal going on there. I remember back in that day, I had the coolest set of pedals for my guitar and I can't remember what the name of the series was. I do remember they all had different cool colours and they were really small.

[@lphilpot01]

@@dianequick3127 back in the day, the Cry Baby was the cat's pajamas as far as wah-wah went. But I always liked the Morley line since they were so solid and used photo resistors instead of a potentiometers: No more scratchiness! 🙂 I've still got my old Small Stone phaser and Electric Mistress flanger from Electro-Harmonix.

[@JohnTurner61]

another Steve, Steve Hackett (Genesis) also uses a volume pedal often, and beautifully

[@dianequick3127]

I am entangled with my guitar playing back in the day and I believe I was into the MXR series of pedals. And, Doug's listening is probably right as to the delay - I am not sure.

[@richardcarroll2500]

The jazz rock fusion is obvious. I also like the classical aspect of Sound Chaser, which never gets mentioned. The cacophony aspect of the song reminds me of Zappa.

[@megatora1612]

Just beautiful, brings tears to my eyes, Doug. As they say, Jon Anderson came from another planet but cares so deeply for this one. To Be Over

[@DrOz-007]

The keyboard solo on Soundchaser is fantastic!

[@Young_Jim]

Patrick Moraz is such a fantastic composer and player, his albums ‘the story of i’ and ‘out in the sun’ are so different but both wonderful and two of my most favourite albums of all time. Saw him live once with the Moody Blues, great memories.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

He has two quality albums of duets with Bill Bruford. Amazing how melodic just drums and keyboard can be.

[@miketonner3094]

I always thought that Moraz was the guy they were always looking for.........sad it never lasted longer than one album, albeit a brilliant one! The story of i is a masterpiece solo album by Patrick Moraz. I think the synth solo on Sound Chaser is a Korg, not a Moog.

[@oldsynner]

I'd also recommend his pre-Yes work with Mainhorse and and in particular Refugee. The solo Future Memories is also pretty good, but is fair to say that he hasn't really fulfilled his potential.

[@Young_Jim]

@@cobbycaputo3332 - I’ll look that one up as I’m a Bill Bruford fan as well

[@u3uu3u]

On listening to his solo a bit harder I believe he is using an ARP (Alan Robert Pearlman ) pro soloist. I don't think Moraz used any Korg synths. I think Doug should do a reaction to The story of I.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Although Close To The Edge is regarded as their masterpiece, I feel that RELAYER has held up as the better work over the years. An amazing piece of music. There are a few moments that I feel don't work all that well, but 99% of it is truly astonishing. There is no other band like pre-1980 YES.

[@2wayplebney]

With you. It's their best LP.

[@itsjusterthought7941]

Close to The Edge included the epic 'And You And I'. Enough said. A symphonic prog rock classic that inspired a whole genre. Relayer is extremely pretentious. I fell off the Yes band wagon when that album came out. Little snippits of brilliance in between a mess of random ideas thrown together in a patchwork quilt. Sorry.

[@bloodysmurf]

For me, the guitar break at 21:05 is the part that doesn't work at all.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

@@itsjusterthought7941 If Relayer is pretentious then so is King Crimson and fusion-era Miles Davis since I hear those as the primary inspirations behind Relayer. I get why people who love the more easily digestible, soothing (even pop-ish at times) Close to the Edge might struggle with Relayer, but pretentious it isn't. It achieves what it was going for: the fact that you may not like what it was going for doesn't make it pretentious.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

@@bloodysmurf I agree completely. Sloppy noodling not on par with the rest of the music.

[@lindsaydouglas381]

America is the Yes track that got me hooked as well. In my opinion, it is the best cover of any song. Yes stretched, expanded, and totally rewrote a brilliant song and made it even better.

[@IllumeEltanin]

Something's Coming and Every Little Thing are two more excellent covers done by early Yes.

[@MrFy2013]

Doug here gave it a listen and didn't like it much.

[@magicruss1]

Possibly my favorite album of all time,wish Patrick Moraz had done more with Yes,he brought a more jazzy element to the band,Steve Howe`s playing is fantastic on this album

[@foxdenham]

This for me was one of the slowest-burning albums ever. It took years to reveal its splendour. Not everyone's glass of tea f'sure but if you like the unexpected and prefer mystery-over-certainty and you are veeeery patient, then this album always pays dividends. A true Sonic masterpiece.

[@ygunayer]

YES! This is the moment I've been waiting for ever since I saw your first Yes reaction! Can't wait to see how you'll react to Sound Chaser!

[@karlsarkozi3626]

Doug always has the best facial reactions to Yes music. This is similiar to his reaction to Close to the Edge.

[@KevinHaszto]

Hi Doug, thank you! Truly lovely you shared these songs with the community you're building and engaging. At 16 Yes found me, and spoke to me deeply. So many Yes fans have similar experiences. You mentioned not understanding the lyrics. They are not just filler of the music, by far. Jon is incredibly spiritual from a young age. Sound is a metaphor in this song, meaning "unified manifesting spirit", or the spiritual experience of all happenings in the universe. As the singular and full unity of God is never in movement itself, the manifesting spirit of God in the universe is, and of it we are a part. In this song, the narrator, or Jon, IS the "sound chaser," the chaser of the manifesting spirit of God, to know God THROUGH the movement of self, life, music, all forms of God manifesting. It's a beautiful song of the seeker, to find God within self, other, and the world, being challenged by the varied pace of earthly life, the patience of the spirit, and the accelerating pace of one's own hopes to reunify with the divine more fully. Blessings and love to all. First verse: Faster moment spent spread tales of change within the sound Counting form through rhythm electric freedom moves to counterbalance Stars expound our conscience all to know and see the look in your eyes Faster moment spent = Rushed Spread tales of change = Diverse earthly life Within the sound = Within a universe as manifesting spirit Counting form through rhythm = In the paced dream of earth life Electric freedom moves to counter-balance = By grace of God we move and are balanced Stars expound our conscience = Our very being emanates from the stars All to know = And by knowing self And see the look in your eyes = We see God within So: Rushed, diverse earthly life within a universe as manifesting spirit In the paced dream of earth life by grace of God we move and are balanced Our very being emanates from the stars and by knowing self we see God within Second verse: Passing time will reach as nature relays to set the scene New encounters spark a true fruition Guiding lines we touch them Our bodies balance out the waves as we accelerate our days to the look in your eyes Passing time = Time's dance Will reach as nature = Arising from us Relays to set the scene = Lets us experience each other and the world New encounters spark = And new experiences ignite A true fruition = The fullness of life Guiding lines = What essence pulls us towards unity We touch them = We engage with daily Our bodies balance out the waves = Yet we remain grounded to form As we accelerate our days = But still accelerate each lifetime To the look in your eyes = To merge with God So: Time's dance arising from us lets us experience each other and the world And new experiences ignite the fullness of life What essence pulls us towards unity we engage with daily Yet we remain grounded to form but still accelerate each lifetime to merge with God Bridge: From the moment I reached out to hold I felt a sound And what touches our soul slowly moves as touch rebounds And to know that tempo will continue lost in trance of dances as rhythm takes another turn As is my want, I only reach to look in your eyes From the moment I reached out to hold = When I looked for my true nature I felt a sound = I could hear the manifesting universal spirit And what touches our soul slowly moves = And this spirit is patient As touch rebounds = As it is always allowing and open to us as we are And to know that tempo will continue = And the knowing of this spirit Lost in trance of dances = Even when captivated by earthly life As rhythm takes another turn = Which is ever shifting As is my want = But my only want I only reach = And my only practice To look in your eyes = Is to find God within So: When I looked for my true nature I could hear the manifesting universal spirit And this spirit is patient as it is always allowing and open to us as we are And the knowing of this spirit, even when captivated by earthly life, which is ever shifting But my only want, and my only practice is to find God within

[@edflava4121]

Brilliant!

[@cluster1955]

At least in his early lyrics he once said that there is no need to interpret the songs as songs as the words actually were chosen merely as an additional instrument.

[@michaelyork4554]

There is an old video of "Beginnings" with Steve, and Patrick playing a Duet. A Baroque Masterpiece written by Steve. "To Be Over" is Gorgeous. Love This Album #1 Band Of All Time.

[@markenmel1]

Yes, it's beautiful. A must watch video.

[@jonneill4914]

Can I suggest you focus more on the various themes in these tunes than what key they are in .. especially in To Be Over, it's almost in a sonata allegro form - main theme/exposition, development, and recapitulation at the end. The way they interweave the various melodies around each other is sheer brilliance!

[@Raiderblack]

Can't wait, two amazing songs to go with the greatest prog rock song of all time on side one!

[@semchen9]

Same

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Tend to agree. TGOD is perhaps my favourite prog piece of all time.

[@tonymusolino2369]

Hey y’all…i set my reminder. Wouldn’t miss this one for anything. Cha-cha-cha………cha…cha…

[@andyr5579]

Relayer. That was the album that began my appreciation of not just prog, but *all*music. Someone lent me the album and on first listening, it was a bewildering cacophony of notes, and just a crazy experience. But I listened to it again, and I recognised some of the various themes which weave though the songs. Eventually it stopped being a cacophony, and became melodic. Challenging in places, but totally enjoyable. I owe a lot to that album. I’m looking forward to this Doug! Have at it.

[@andyr5579]

Listening to you live buddy. I told you it’s challenging in places!

[@latheofheaven1017]

I had the same experience with Close To The Edge. On first listen, it was cacophony. Still, I could tell that it was not noise, but a new kind of music that I just had to understand. And as I played it again and again, the most wonderful music emerged; whole, and supreme in every way.

[@soggytom]

Totally agree. That's the thing with Yes; well, real Yes, like this- it spoils you for lesser music.

[@TerryVogelaar]

"Sound Chaser" probably is my fav song. Period. It is truly a masterpiece.

[@kevinbrown3082]

I was about 14 when I first heard this album. My mates at school had been trying to move me on musically through the school year. To no avail. Then someone lent me this album. I took it home and one night after dinner, donned my headphones and plugged them into my parents music system in the living room. They were there watching tv. I was having my mind expanded. When I first heard Anderson’s vocals come in, I think I actually swore out loud. Going For The One had just been released and that was next on my listening list. I’ve never looked back. To this day, Relayer is my favourite YES album. Great reaction again Doug. This is a mind blowing album.

[@kevinkliegl9315]

I must admit it took few listens before I could appreciate this album, unlike Close to the Edge which was an immediate like.

[@jdmresearch]

True, though Close to the Edge is not an easy listen either, especially the title track.

[@williamsporing1500]

Tormato took me a while

[@WooBino.]

That's true of every Yes album.

[@nickavenoso7851]

I think that’s really every Yes album. Relayer, CTTE, Tormato and Tales from Topographic Oceans all took a little bit to get into. Tales took me a couple of years to come to like, but I really love it. Tormato is great as well. I really don’t hate any Yes album. Just me.

[@williamsporing1500]

@@nickavenoso7851 tormato, going for the one took me a bit. But tales on back I loved instantly lol

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Initially wasn’t my favorite Yes album but definitely grew on me over time.

[@bdcosmo]

My favorite Yes album. I have a 24X36 litho signed by Roger and the band centerstage in the living room. The tour for Relayer was unforgettable. Saw them in Atlanta at The Omni. Just mind blowing. And the SW 5.1 mix opens it up spectacularly! ETA: I forgot to mention the Mini-Moog solo. *Dayum*

[@BrianBakken]

Ditto on the Tour but in Minnesota. Incredible show. Also have the Relayer Roger Dean signed print in my man cave. When I listen to Relayer, so do the neighbors.

[@dougsanderson5265]

Ha ha, the look on your face during the fist part of Sound Chaser is no different to anyone else hearing it for the first time. Relayer is my personal favourite Yes album. A sonic masterpiece in my view.

[@pseudomass]

Doug, this album was released in 1974. I had just graduated from high school. Yes was my favorite band and I listened to this thousands of times. To me and my buds, this was just music. I had no idea of the complexity and thought that went into it so it's amazing to hear your analysis. I know this album like I know my own skin so the chord progressions are beyond me. It's just my music of my youth. To me, it's just Yes in all their glory. I love them so much. I got to meet Jon backstage at one of his solo tours recently and that was a boyhood dream. Love your channel.

[@theprogmaster3307]

I recall the day this album was released I bought it and just happened to pick up a new pair of headphones, electrostatic new design by Sennheiser, I sat and listened to the album all night on my new headphones, mega sound and what an experience with electrostatic headphones.

[@your_local_dummy4137]

These two songs are masterpieces but as different as chalk and cheese. Sound chaser is a whirlwind of sound so many different genre references are hidden within it which you hear on the second to tenth listen. Seeing you trying to look for common threads and normal the hooks to be able reference what was happening and predict what is coming was great. Of course Jazz fusion is right up front and it is best to treat Jon's voice as another instrument or sound within the mix. But after nearly 50 years this song fits together very comfortability. Love time changes in it. The last change is so well done you hardy notice it. This song does break a few rules but it sounds so amazing. To be over is a Yes classic that Yes sound and style such a great way to set you at peace after Gates and Sound Chaser. I also like the fusion theme between east and west in this song too. To be over is one of my favorite Yes songs. Many thanks for reviewing Yes, Relayer side 2. Great music by the best band ever.

[@bobnichols2111]

First time caller Doug. I listen to your YES reactions. I'm 70 and have been with them all this time. When interviewed (and don't we all want to know, oh swami, Jon)...WHAT DO YOUR LYRICS MEAN!! He gave me a wonderful freedom when he said "whatever you want them to mean". To Be Over is Howe's favorite song and rightly so. It's beautiful. When I heard it (under the right influence I suppose) everything "connected" for me. I was in the right time and space. I was carried away by angels in the middle of the song toward heaven (I actually "thought" I was dying but I was so happy to go because at the end, Jon says, hey, be ready, you are going to be loved. I guess we all have a part in everything or we wouldn't be here. What would be the point. So when you hear it for the first time, it's overwhelming especially if you listen to the entire album. You go through hell on side one, but you get lifted up at the end and then side 2 is the end all. Sound Chaser, really, is just loosening up the mind, our thoughts, we don't know where to go. Like you said, it's chaos. But in To Be Over, everything is calm all of a sudden and Jon says let my words and this music balance your thoughts, they are releasing in you and off I went...to the heavens. YES has had their ups and downs and over 30 members in and out of the band over time. Last thought, To Be Over did not make for a live performance, way to difficult. They tried, but it just got weird. I think it was when you reacted to the Tales Side 1 saying it had 5 pauses and it was obvious you were totally into it because you never paused, you couldn't wait to keep going. Good for you. Then at the end you said you were speechless. BUT a few moments later, the music and lyrics had entered your mind and soul and you came up with some profound wisdom (without really realizing it). That's kind of what the music does for me. Every listen, new thoughts...glorious. Cheers.

[@bwalle]

This is one of my favorite albums of all times. In brings me to the edge of metaphysical boundaries much like Mahler’s greatest symphonies. Why I will always admire Yes’s pushing the envelop in musical talent and development beyond their original progressive rock forms.

[@rkb2092]

My first ever concert was YES in '75. The Relayer Tour. Amazing show.

[@bobthebomb1596]

Looking forward to this one. Sound chaser is possibly my all time favourite Yes song (ok track, song would have to be Turn of the century). I sooo wanted someone to give me access to the software and funding to design a fireworks display to this.

[@latheofheaven1017]

Now THAT I would like to see!

[@paultrouskie1825]

Been listening to Yes for over 45 years. Favorite band. Must say Turn of the century is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful songs I have ever heard. It's a perfect song. The boys absolutely nailed it. Still brings a tear to my eyes every time I hear it.

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Yes, nice reaction. My favorite is Close to the Edge, my second favorite album is Relayer. Thx 😃

[@Mr68Strat]

I want to thank you for the EXPERT insight that you bring to these reaction videos. As a subscriber, I feel like I'm a part of something culturally relevant! I was raised with classical music in my home (though I am FAR from a conneseur of it), and have been a guitarist for around 50 years. My own compositions (at times) reflect a classical "bent" in a much more rock oriented context, and your insights into some of my long-time favorites like Yes, ELP and Gentle Giant validates my tastes in music over many decades.... Cheers!!

[@djtonyromero4663]

just listened to Come into this House....very nice! love the bluesy feel to this one

[@SamRoads]

You could think of the album as a four movement symphony (treating 'Soon' from Gates as the second movement). It follows the classic pattern of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th movements from Classical and Romantic periods.

[@leechild4655]

Funny thing about Relayer. You wont know it but when you look at the physical disk (album) you see a lot of blank space like there is plenty of room on the record for one or two more songs but, after hearing the album you dont see it as where is more. Its very intense. I can see how a lot of folks see it as their very best album. Its maybe the most unique album in their catalog. Patrick, before joining Yes, had a couple nice albums (out of the sun) and (i). Both worth a listen if you like Relayer

[@GES8215]

I love your interpretations of Jon’s lyrics. You actually brought me to tears with awaken and with to be over as well.

[@Zanthxs]

Saw this live by Yes in Miami as a teen after it had just come out. Awesome and performed as complex as it is to a T. Spot On. We sat stunned. Thank You for sharing! 63 now and still they Rock like no other with sounds as you say . . . that break new ground.

[@claudemelancon5039]

Was that on the initial tour in late '74? I caught them in '75 (my fave concert ever), and again in '76.

[@rodrigogarrido5990]

Relayer is a masterpiece.

[@devingauthier2933]

Cheers, Doug 🍻. First heard Sound Chaser as a teenager, and it completely blew my mind. Been a huge fan ever since! You should do Weather Report sometime.

[@derekmeade6350]

Favourite album from my favourite band. Happy that you experienced this!

[@clamim]

best Yes album, great analysis, thank you for bringing it back, good job!

[@benxamin13]

I think the lyrics in Sound Chaser are about how they enjoy blowing up our minds!!

[@rickeaston8963]

For years after it originally came out, I didn't 'get' Relayer at all. I only liked To Be Over (in my defence, I was young). Then one day it just clicked; and now it's probably my favourite Yes album.

[@whaleshark2672]

Your summation of ‘to be over’ reminds me of the Beatles lyrics: And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. Love Yes and love your analysis and appreciation of this unique and ultra talented group. Saw them live once, couldn’t believe they could reproduce live what they did on vinyl. Happy Easter to you all.

[@hansmoerenhout]

Yeah Yes! It took me some time to realize how fitting their band name is. Cos the essence of their music is so profound affirmative hopeful… love them!

[@kevinpage3529]

You should feature Yes Symphonic Live version of The Ritual. Its incredible.

[@deoTS1]

that is a good version. my personal favorite is the one off of the live album yesshows (1980). the energy is unmatched, and the sound quality / mixing some of the best we have from yes live in the 70's.

[@kimmasuen4107]

My favorite band since 76. I can't even count how many times I've seen them live. The last time was their 50-year reunion! Jon once said that the sound of a word is more important than the meaning of it.

[@clausbohm9807]

Amazing sharing this with you Doug, thank you! This is even more powerful now then when it first came out.

[@rik061154]

The other fellow mentioned psychedelics, which triggered a memory for me. I heard them play Gates in 74-75 when really dosed. This was an era of tinkering with quadrophonic sound. Emerson Lake and Palmer were doing it, too. They bounced that crescendo around the room and I was reduced to a pile of primordial goo. I just assumed I would beam up to the mother ship. This and Close to the Edge are far and away my two favorites.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Why did they)the industry) ever stop quadrophonic sound? I had a quad 8-track of Santana, and played it on my dad's quad 8 track player in his GM car. That's right, factory GM quadrophonic sound system (ps, it was great...)

[@Ray-M59]

Relayer is my favourite album ever by any band ever….perfection.

[@usaturnuranus]

In an interview years ago Patrick Moraz stated that his time as a member of Yes was the hardest music school he ever attended. I can well imagine, sir.

[@davidbarker77]

At first listen, I struggled with a Sound Chaser but have come to appreciate it over time. To Be Over us one of my favs. This album can be hard to take in but once you do, it’s amazing. Thanks for making my Friday, Doug!

[@bigfootpegrande]

I am almost rolling on the floor laughing at Doug's face when the tempo melts down...

[@djtonyromero4663]

I think i may have finally stumped Doug on this one , I knew he would appreciate this section of the track :)