Tales From Topographic Oceans

The sixth studio album from British Prog band Yes was certified gold in both the Us and the UK - reaching #1 in the UK and #6 in America. It is divisive. It is divine. It is my favorite album of all time.
#yes #progrock #progressiverock #prog

[@thomasrudy6132]

if your a fan of the band, you already know how good Tales is.

[@TheProgCorner]

Good point.

[@papiper9063]

Bought in in 73 when it came out. Still remember playing it for the first time, snd loved it from the first needle drop. Still do to this day...

[@TheProgCorner]

That’s a real fan!!! You are one of the few who connected with it from the get-go but either way…Tales is and always will be my favorite album. Thank you for watching.

[@charleswagner2984]

​​@@TheProgCornerI was 15 when I heard the first 3 minutes of side 1 at a friend's house. My mom comes to take me home. It's a school night so I only heard 3 minutes and I "felt a sound" that told me that I had just heard the greatest music in the world. And I believed it then in January 1974. Over the decades, I have come to the realization that Tales From Topographic Oceans is the finest music ever written or recorded in all music history.

[@gibby6904]

Bought it on vinyl in the 70s.....still love it.....I prefer Close To The Edge as my favorite but it's still classic Yes.....fantastic band.....

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes!!!!! My favorite band!!!

[@glynlewis5512]

Your enthusiasm for this album is making me listen to it now for the first time…

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s not for everyone. I really hope you like it.

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

It is for everyone As long as you can commit to listening to it’s entirety a minimum of fifty times.

[@ferdinandaster1583]

Spot on slog prog. Gotta make sure it *actually* clicks this time.​@@frankhoulihanfh4972

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@frankhoulihanfh4972🤣 It only took 3 minutes for me to realize that Tales is the greatest music in the world.

[@kevin_g1164]

For me this is my number one Yes album too. But it took a while and some effort. A key turning point was when I had to do lots of travel with work. Tales then (1980) became my favorite Yes album and was always in my walk-man. So take some time with it and you will the greatly rewarded. For me it is better than CTTE mainly because that journey was over far too soon. Tales is the one Yes album where they had the time and space to really develop the soundscapes and themes. To anyone who thinks CTTE is too short get into Tales and take a real journey.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes!!!! Or as Steven Wilson said: Tales is Hardcore Yes!!!

[@arti2909]

I agree it's the best Yes. It was my introduction to this band, along with Relayer. Bought these two only knowing Yes is one of those classic prog bands and I should probably like it. I was already into King Crimson so my struggle with Oceans went a bit differently. I liked Relayer, but concerning the Oceans the only track I liked on the spot was the third one - thanks to Crimson background. The rest seemed strangely mellow, with slowly developing and winding up melodies too hard to grasp. After several listens I've started to understand they've created their own aesthetic here, with all those elaborative melodies, exquisite vocals, and Steve Howe's magic. Now I love it as a whole. Anytime I hear those beautiful, beautiful, opening lines of Jon's poetry, I'm delighted beyond measure and getting ready for the adventure.

[@TheProgCorner]

Quite the journey isn’t it!!??!! 👍👍👍

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

At the time it came out I had a subscription to Rolling Stone, and was in High School. They gave it 2 and a half stars I think. It blew me away and I believe it is the best prog album ever. Still listen it.

[@TheProgCorner]

You are a wise man!!!!

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

Someone at Rolling Stone @ that time called it Tales From Pornographic Oceans. Meanwhile Time magazine named it one of the 5 best albums of the year. Polarizing from the start. From the beginning. Also, in my own experience, never stopped listening to it. And, for 50+ years it has quietly, efficiently gotten better every time. With every listen, love it more. This is alot of listens and alot of love. And in after days, when they played anything from this album on stage, you did not know what hit you. Tales live, kind of an unreal experience. Especially if the band performing is the band who recorded the album. In 2002 at Jones Beach NY they played Revealing. From the shores of the Atlantic Ocean it’s Yes, Tales. Few things like moments like these in life. Only a few times have I been as affected. Love me some Yes.❤ Especially this band. This version of the band. They were so volatile, passionate and fiery. One minute you’re watching what you think is a good concert. A few seconds later the band has lifted everyone there up off the floor. When they were hitting on all cylinders there was never a finer live band, in my experience.

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@frankhoulihanfh4972That guy at Rolling Stone Magazine must have taken a mirror to the star field on the cover. If you have a mirror big enough to put on top of the front and back cover along the top edge, move the mirror into the picture about an inch, and you will see THE magic constellation Jon sings about in the closing line on 90125. That's why he calls it Pornographic Oceans.

[@Jeffrey.Seelman]

The day that: 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' came out my friend and I each bought a copy at the record store. We were 14 years old and we each already had the Yes catalog and least back to 'The Yes Album' at the time. We had not yet seen them in concert yet. My first concert was: 'Relayer'. We both listened to the entire four sides while slightly stoned. We both thought it was the best thing that we had ever heard from any band. The sound was so crystal clear. We had no idea what the songs were about and I'm still not sure I understand all of it, but it was love at first listen. It has been my favorite album since then of all time from any band. There's just something about it. Nobody but Yes was making music like that at the time and it was clearly not made for top 20 hits radio. It's a sit back and listen to album that sounds different each time you hear it and I still feel that way. Absolutely great review of this profound album.

[@TheProgCorner]

My all time favorite!!! Just amazing.

[@charleswagner2984]

I only heard just the first 3 minutes, and I knew it is the greatest music in the world at that time when I was 15 January 1974. Since 2003, I've been saying that Tales From Topographic Oceans is the finest music ever written or recorded in all music history. And it still is.

[@Jeffrey.Seelman]

@@charleswagner2984 I completely agree. This fantastic album is my favorite album since it came out and it is so crystal clear, metaphysical and rocking. Beyond great.

[@volpeverde6441]

TOPOGRAPHIC is my favourite YES album because it is so different and doesn't hold back....then RELAYER.... need an official LIVE C.D. with the TOPOGRAPHIC songs on there, especially THE REMEMBERING and THE ANCIENT....

[@TheProgCorner]

For sure!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

I have a bootleg of Yes doing all of Topographic Oceans at MSG 1974. The title is The Affirmatives with a live picture of the 90125 lineup for the front cover. It's great.

[@bachmibm]

Great video, Scot! It absolutely is the greatest album of all time! It’s an utterly brilliant four-movement work in classical symphonic form, perhaps the only rock symphony ever created, that challenges the listener and rewards only those who have what it takes to rise to its challenge. Most listeners are content to stay back in the kiddie pool with the more poppy or radio-friendly stuff; but, as you said, this separates the real Yes fans from the wannabes, as it is rewards only those with patience, attention span, knowledge & understanding, and a mature ear. So here’s to us, my friend, on its 50th anniversary!

[@TheProgCorner]

It takes a special kind of person to appreciate the greatness!!!!

[@bachmibm]

@@TheProgCornerhear, hear, brother 🙂

[@sHART1780]

When I was in high school (early 2000s) I had the Yes album, Close to the Edge and Fragile, and I was already super into Yes, but I couldn't find this album in stores for months. When I finally got it I immediately loved the album more than I thought I would and more than any of their other albums. Still love it to this day. I'd take an album twice this long and love it in a heartbeat.

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!!

[@flyer5347]

This video influenced me to revisit Tales and now it's becoming one of my favorite albums.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yay!!!

[@TigerMtnKing]

It was different for me Scot. The first time I heard it I was overwhelmed and couldn't get enough of it. In fact I just listened to Ritual today. It never gets old!

[@TheProgCorner]

I just watched a reaction video of that today…

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@TheProgCorner that's the one!🤩

[@TheProgCorner]

Yeah, Wayne does good work over there…

[@TheProgCorner]

Yeah, Wayne does good work on his channel…

[@stevebernier3749]

Hey, great work on this true masterpiece …. A friend & I went to see Yes in 3/19/74 at the Long Beach arena,Ca… my 1st Yes show & prog show … yessongs was pretty popular album then & Tales had been released in late Dec … was not as familiar with Tales then , they played the whole album ,and became familiar soon after. Oh my ! I know this music was fantastic , the show (11th row)was a mind blower for sure🔥like nothing I had seen or heard… one my great concert experiences & a Yes head ever since🎸🎹🎤🥁🎸💕

[@TheProgCorner]

Just wow. So jealous!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@charleswagner2984]

You are so lucky to see that concert. My first Yes show is Going For The One in 1977.

[@bgm1236]

Relayer is my all-time favorite YES album but Tales is a very close second. The artwork on Tales is just beautiful.

[@TheProgCorner]

Excellent take!! Two of the best ever!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

If you put the right side of the Tales album cover up against the left side of the back cover of Relayer, the rock formations line up perfectly. Roger Dean said that he didn't intend that to happen. Oh, so God made that happen. That's so fitting. The cover for the finest music ever written or recorded in all music history lines up with the cover for the greatest concert album ever created.

[@RicardoRMartinelli]

It was gold before released in UK. It is the best music ever made, I got it from the first time I heard.

[@TheProgCorner]

I did not but it became my all time favorite!!!

[@SeriouslyLarry]

This is why I subscribed. You get it. As a teenager I spent hours listening to Tales with headphones on and that gatefold open in my lap. I know every note, every second of it. I memorized the entire Dawn of Light chant. I get that it's too dense and impenetrable for some but you're right that you have to put in the work to truly appreciate it. Sometimes I feel like a Yes/prog snob saying if you don't "get" Tales you don't really get Yes/prog. But if you like Yes it's worth the effort to really listen and explore this album. Open your mind and take the journey. It's so rewarding. As is discovering a channel like yours that lets me know that there are others like myself who feel this way about Yes in general and Tales specifically. Your enthusiasm is infectious. It takes me back to my teenage years when I was discovering prog and it was the greatest, most powerful art I ever have or ever will experience. I don't care anymore that the critics and snobs think its pretentious or whatever. And I'm glad you don't either. Keep flying your prog flag high! If others don't get it, it's their loss. Yes, Genesis, Rush, Floyd, Crimson, Tull, etc. has made my life immesurably better. You dig Zappa? I haven't seen that on the channel yet.

[@TheProgCorner]

I love Zappa but, to be honest, I have only heard maybe 50% of his work so I have been slowly listening to more so that when I (finally) do an FZ episode I won’t feel like a total fraud!!! So far I have tended to stay with subjects I know through and through!!! But Zappa is coming. Thanks for subscribing and commenting and all of it!!!

[@mdmsr2000]

I tried to listen to this most of 50 years ago. I couldn't. I'm almost 70 and it's on my bucket list. Thanks for this.

[@TheProgCorner]

Give it a fresh listen. It’s aged surprisingly well…

[@interstellardave]

I’m not sure I can pick 1 Yes album as my absolute favorite, but I can definitely say that Tales is the one that fascinates me the most. And it’s the most moving, for me. I’ll never forget buying the album, and taking it home, and just listening to it in amazement. Headphones on, trying hard to read the lyrics which were very hard to see on my vinyl copy… it was an experience, for sure! Oh, and no, I never did drugs of any kind. Some people always think you “just have to” use drugs to understand music like this… but not me. As an aside, I love the poetic stream-of-consciousness way Jon writes lyrics. I never really tried to guess what Jon was trying to say, or if he was trying to say anything at all. I easily found my own meaning in his lyrics, and I think anyone can if they just let it wash over them without obsessing too much. It will come to them eventually. Tales is an imperfect masterpiece, IMO. It has some problems if you look at it too closely but the high points are some of the highest Yes ever achieved. Certainly some of the most beautiful, and moving, musical passages are on this album. Many say they went too far… but prog is about pushing at the edges of convention, and that’s what mad genius’s should do!

[@TheProgCorner]

And THAT is why it’s my all time favorite!!!

[@greghaines6488]

a perfect description

[@theheepster]

Music tastes are different, thank goodness. My absolute No.1 Prog Album is a Yes Album too, but it is The Yes Album.

[@TheProgCorner]

Nice!!! I love it.

[@JohnnyRecently]

The Yes Album is my favorite too!

[@wendellwiggins3776]

One thing you said about RSOG being the Rock oriented side is at the key to why some fans have issues. If you were seeking a Rock and Roll YES album then that's your problem, not the bands nor the music's. As a hardcore 70's YES fan since 1971 who accidently and unexpectedly learned of them while seeing them on a small stage concert as Opening act for Jethro Tull, here's my philosophical analysis. I was 15 so my brain was maturing in life simultaneously with every new evolving more complex YES album. Hendrix had already trained me in understanding abstract ideas in avante-garde psychedelic music but then later my acquired taste for jazz and the new early Fusion bands primed me for YES. By the time TALES arrived I was completely ready yet still unprepared for the unprecedented masterpiece. By 17, my brain having matured & was by then acquainted with Weed & Psychedelics was ready to appreciate TALES on all of it's many levels. What often gets overlooked is the albums Conceptual nature. This Epic's story unfolds perfectly, beginning with the slow building chant that burst into the gorgeous opening theme. As Existence is revealed lyrically & sonically you are taken through the journey of life, spirituality into your childlike "memories of the past" then deeper into the mysterious and mystical DNA of our ancestral past which all leads us to gratitude expressed through "the rituals" we perform or "play" to celebrate all we are, have been and once were. That is the context "within" that forms the structure of the music and you "can feel it" in the writing & arrangements vividly. I have always loved TALES from day one and Rick and anyone else who can't appreciate it's brilliance are full of poo. I was blessed to see the entire show Live while "Experienced"! LOL and tears rained down from me the entire show. "I must have waited all my life for this moment...moment...moment..moment

[@TheProgCorner]

Wow!!! Now that’s a journey to the heart of Prog!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

My love for Tales came to me just hearing only the first 3 minutes in January 1974. My mom comes to pick me up and take me home because it's a school night. I slowly walk down the stairs, "I felt a sound", that said "You have just heard the greatest music in the world," Had to be the Holy Spirit.

[@kenbaird3395]

Well said, Scot! I love Tales!!! 100 percent great album!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks, Ken. Tales has been with me through thick and thin. It means everything to me!!! Somehow I knew you were with me (and Roine Stolt, Steven Wilson and Andy Tillison) in the Tales Society!!!

[@kenbaird3395]

@@TheProgCorner We're in very good company, then! I usually say Relayer is my fave, and Tales is a very close second but...i sometimes would say it's Tales first now. I like that there is so much of it and it grows with you through the years! :)

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s like that with Fragile, CTTE and Tales for me. CTTE is probably their “best” and Fragile is their best-sounding but Tales has my heart. Relayer though. Man, I loved it right away and To Be Over ranks as a personal favorite. Yeah, they are my band. The band you love when you’re 13 is usually with you forever…

[@stevenhicks6660]

Thank you Scott for educating the people about the best band in the world. YES is who all other bands aspire to be . Rock on brother 👍🔥✌️

[@TheProgCorner]

💯👍❤️

[@stevenhicks6660]

​@@TheProgCorner hello Scot. Don't know if you will get this. But I'd like your honest opinion on the Yes song That That Is. Peace ✌️ brother

[@TheProgCorner]

I love it. A little disjointed at times. And hearing Jon sing about “crack time” is weird. But overall - I love it!!!! 8.5/10

[@francoisberube1300]

Yes is my second favorite band after Genesis. "Tales" is my favorite album Yes Album! I'm watching all of your videos, it's really awesome! Thank you for your passion!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you for your kind words. It really means a lot to me - knowing that someone is watching!!! It is kind of the whole reason I’m doing this KZbin channel so thanks again!!!

[@stuartraybould6433]

Never had an issue with this album, never understood some of the hate it gets, love it from the off in 1973. One of my favourite albums of all time. Got too many favourites to pick one particular one but this album is definitely one of them. It is absolutely fantastic in 5.1, unbelievably good. Relayer is right up there too, especially in 5.1.

[@TheProgCorner]

SW did such a great job with Relayer!!!

[@jimilove7773]

My fav Yess album! MAGIC!

[@TheProgCorner]

11/10!!!

[@RicardoRMartinelli]

I meet Rick in Rio at Canecão after his concert, I told him Tales was the best album ever made, I did not know he did not liked it, but he was polite and did not tell he didn't like it.

[@TheProgCorner]

Rick has never been shy about expressing himself!!!

[@RicardoRMartinelli]

@@TheProgCorner You'll have to ask him why he didn't want to start an argument with a fan in the backstage.

[@charleswagner2984]

It's overwhelmingly amazing that it takes us fans to convince band members just how great that particular album is. Especially Rick, because his best work in his whole career is in each of those four songs.

[@sammcdaniel3257]

I always liked the album but once I watched them play Ritual on my Symphonic Live DvD it was like I had unlocked a whole new range of possibilities in music as well as in Yes. We forever are grateful for 80 of the greatest strings of vibrations ever put together. For me they are only topped by the great Gates of Delirium.

[@TheProgCorner]

Nice!!!

[@marcotron7288]

It's a fantastic album and in my top 5 yes albums.Great show Scot !

[@TheProgCorner]

I knew I could count in you, Marco!!!

[@tomsimmons7192]

I was always wary of this one, but about 2 years ago I finally dove in, I am so glad I did!!! Sides 1,2 and 4 are magnificent, side 3 is where I can tell they really didn't have an idea of what to do entirely, it's the most jarring but worth a listen. All in all I think it's an amazing record.

[@TheProgCorner]

Side Three is definitely the weak link - although I have talked to some fans who think it’s Yes at their exploratory best. Either way, I do love the spirit of adventure!!!

[@juliomurillo1832]

I agree with you, my friend... Tales is the cosmic ocean of Yes music, the non plus ultra of beauty and perfection. In fact is a single piece of music divided in four movements. 1st movement is about the golden day of God and men, when we all live in spiritual connection with heaven before the fall... 2nd movement refers to the dark time after the fall from grace, living in this material world but REMEMBERING still our lost paradise... 3rd movement is the quest, the searching, the need to reconect with God through the ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE... and 4th movement is the way of Tantra, the RITUAL of love between a man and a woman... hold me my love, sentences move... we join... we love when we play... we find again the celestial song... going home, flying home... Nous sommes du soleil... THE LOGOS OF THE SUN, the gate to eternal light. That's the story of Tales. THE GREATEST UNDERRATED MASTERPIECE OF ALL TIMES. YES MUSIC IS THE KEY OF LIFE. THE BAND OF MY LIFE.

[@TheProgCorner]

Wonderful thoughts on a masterpiece!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

Want to know what the seven notes of FREEDOM are in the longest love song in all music history? The greatest love a man can give to a woman. Find it in The Gospel of Mark chapter 16 verse 9.

[@johnarcarese172]

Always enjoyed Tales. I always felt that Close to the Edge, Tales, and Relayer all tie together lyrically.

[@TheProgCorner]

They really do!!!!

[@CoreyArsenault-c8t]

This guy gets it, this is not an album its an experience

[@TheProgCorner]

Exactly!!!👍

[@CoreyArsenault-c8t]

@@TheProgCorner i bought the stephen wilson remix not to long ago and just listened to it. I think because side 1 and 2 were my favorites when i got into it, his remix although great didn't change my feelings on them but side 3 and especially what I always thought was the "weakest" side 4 I saw in a whole new light not that I didn't love them before but I feel he really improved them. I actually feel like side 1 might be my least favorite side now even though I will always argue its the entry point for anyone trying to get into this album. The remembering will most likely always be my favorite yes song.

[@TheProgCorner]

I Love The Remembering!!!!!!!

[@fuzzcityrecords432]

Yes rules.

[@vrooom94]

amazing album, in my top 3 of all time with RELAYER and THE LAMB. (saw YES 50 times so far)

[@TheProgCorner]

My Top Three: Tales, The Lamb and probably Thick As A Brick. Or Fragile. 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

This video made me subscribe to the channel many months ago. I've already lost count of the number of times I've watched it. It is the ultimate declaration of love to Tales and should be watched by any Prog-interested music fan, regardless of whether one hates the album or loves it or doesn't even know it. 😊 ~~ Thanks! ~~

[@TheProgCorner]

That is awesome!!!! You are awesome!!!!

[@thomaswery3087]

I'm much older than you.When TFTO was released picked it up that day on the way home my wife and I couldn't wait to play it.How can it get better 4 songs double album and it didn't disappoint

[@TheProgCorner]

Simply amazing!!!!

[@alejandrok2891]

I´ll be with you upon that hill. Even you can´t believe my story with this album is very similar as yours, years and circumstances, and in the same way, I forced myself to hear it. I agree with your opinion ´cos I can´t understand Rick also. I said in one post to him that I followed his career waiting for the magic of Tales..but he took another ways. This album is the soundtrack of my life, literally. The ecstasy moments at the end of Revealing or Remembering (my favorite one) with Rick. Steve, Chris + voices, choirs...if you cannot connect with universe is ´cos you´re dead. There´s a thread connecting Close, Revealing, Remembering and Awaken...the same structure, the same magic. Once I said, there are good songs, there are masterpieces, and there is Tales that is something else

[@TheProgCorner]

Couldn’t have said it better myself!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

That "something else" is a melodic interdimensional phenomenon that won't ever happen again.

[@TheProgCorner]

Precisely correct

[@rporta]

surprisngly, when I listened to it for the first time when I was getting into Yes and prog in 2017 or so when I was like 15-16, I was blown away and I was impressed

[@TheProgCorner]

I loved Side One pretty much right away. Then Side Four. But the rest took a while!!!!

[@markjacobsen5620]

My favorite album of all time, too. By anyone. Kind of interesting, because for several years I only really listened to side 4, the first 10 minutes of side 1, and the "Don the cap" section of side 2. Then about 8 years ago I realized how in love I was with the whole thing and it knocked "Going For The One" off the #1 spot. Actually, GFTO is probably only #4 or #5 for me now for Yes albums.

[@TheProgCorner]

TFTO!!!! The ultimate Yes experience!!!

[@octopusradio7250]

Awesome, last year I adquired this jewel vinyl format in a fly market, as you said is a Master piece, greetings forma Mexico City mate!

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes!!!

[@_Kiwyy_]

This album changed my life

[@TheProgCorner]

Mine too…

[@RicardoRMartinelli]

I got as it was released and finally now we can listen to it as it should all as one song without intermissions.

[@SunFellow941]

My favorite-all-time-album as well. Steve Howe's masterpiece in guitar composing, and that's saying a lot considering he also wrote "Double Rondo," "All's a Chord," and "Beginnings."

[@TheProgCorner]

Indeed!!! Jon and Steve together made magic. An album that will never happen again…

[@Theresa-d8z]

Scot, I have a lot of faith in Davison, Sherwood, and Jimmy Haun when Steve retires. I feel that they can create another double album titled "More Tales From Topographic Oceans" with revolutionary music like the first one. Of course if they could get a Wakeman in there to help Geoff with the keyboard solos, it could be almost as great as the first four tales. The writing on "Mirror To The Sky" is several steps in the right direction towards a revisit to the shores of a topographic ocean. I'm confident it would be fantastic. Maybe have Anderson write with them and sing some parts if he's still wanting to contribute to Yes music somewhat. They just got to get Steve to retire. Maybe Geoff too if he doesn't want to cooperate to make Yes great again. I know that it can happen, no pun intended.

[@TheProgCorner]

I like the way you think!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerI agree with the possibility here. Bring Oliver back and get Jimmy Haun. Maybe even Anderson can come back if he's not retired.

[@alanboas810]

Just finished Tales entirely. It's strange but it's YES and I love it. I agree that it's a masterpiece. Glad I found your channel. YES is my third favorite band of all time. Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Yes, Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, Foghat,

[@TheProgCorner]

I’ve seen Foghat so many times!!! They opened for everyone. Saw them a couple years ago opening for Bad Company and they were still great!!!

[@greghaines6488]

I love Tales. It may not be my favorite YES album, but I do listen to it as much or perhaps more than any other. I agree with some of the responses that it is not a perfect album like Close to the Edge. I cannot help but hear what I think are the flaws each time I listen. But it is like life. You have to wait for the good moments in life, and boy there are great moments in this album, and those moments rank right up there with anything they have done. When I first bought this album over 50 years ago, I would choose it to play when I had the time and just wanted to chill out with some music. The music was so relaxing to me that I would get aggravated every time I had to get up and flip the record to the next side. Scot you are so right about this album, and Rick is so wrong!

[@TheProgCorner]

Rick was dead wrong!!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerBut Rick was never more right then when he played every note on Tales and how he played them.

[@erickent4248]

Not sure if it is also my favorite album (that would be hard to pin down) but Tales is my favorite Yes album, and whilst I am not surprised that many non-prog listeners don't like it, I am surprised that many prog listeners don't like it. The Revealing is one of my favorite songs by anyone, Jon's lyrics are at his peak, and the music is simply astounding. I must have waited all my life for this moment. Moment. MOMENT. The Remembering nails the pastoral majesty they were aiming for, the Ancient and the Ritual takes us upwards and outwards into new territory. Transcendence abounds. I love it all so much.

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s shocking to me that some Yes fans haven’t warmed up to this masterpiece!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

Jon once said in an interview that "When we wrote that song, we didn't know what we were writing." when asked about The Revealing Science Of God.

[@carstenselberg1255]

It is a great album I've always loved it

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!!!!

[@miccarbo7911]

'Tales from Topographic Oceans' has been my best album of all times, ever since I first listened to it for the first time in spring of1980!

[@TheProgCorner]

You are clearly a very intelligent person with excellent taste!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

I agree. Tales my fav yes too

[@TheProgCorner]

My man!!!! 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🤘🤘🤘

[@scitsalcoryp]

This is your favorite album of all time ? You have excellent taste !

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!!

[@justinslife8898]

I was born in 1988, always had beatles yes (yes album and fragile) the moody blues a bunch others playing in our household. When I as about 16 yo and began driving I was going back in to the yes stuff and loving it. Ctte and relayer! However... tfto took me a couple years man. And I did, 18 or 19 around the holidays, I played it in my headphones over and over and fell in love it!! Still my fav today. Close to the edge and Pink Floyd's Echoes or the live in Pompeii both expanded my mind to places I never knew of. It was such beauty and perfect arrangements that Tales seem to deep like it was to demanding and I understand now that It is but once you fill all the parts out and hear the themes..... it's BRILLIANT!! SIDE 1 2 and 4. Sadly I like side 3 however it's still far out there man lol. The most beautiful epic piece TO ME is side 2, the ending of the song "and I do think very well..." that whole closing... MASTERPIECE

[@TheProgCorner]

The Remembering is the most under appreciated song. Probably because it takes its time revealing all its majesty!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerWhen I was a teenager, The Remembering was my favorite Yes song until Awaken was released. In later years, The Revealing Science Of God became my favorite song from Tales. And in 2003, Ritual became my favorite from Tales. I even love The Ancient a lot more than I did decades ago.

[@bryanwchambers9734]

When I first listen to Tales it washed over me and was just too much to take in and process with the first few listens. It wasn't as accessible as Close to the Edge but I knew I liked it or thought that I should like it. I wanted to understand it. I would go on to play it every day for weeks until I was hearing parts of it in my head away from my record player. It was the first album that taught me to be patient with some music and acquire the taste for it. That would came in practice when I would go on to more challenging music such as King Crimson, Frank Zappa and Gentle Giant.

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely. That skill comes in handy with Magma and Henry Cow too!!!

[@bobbyggare8364]

I where skeptical of it beause off all the things I have heard, When I put the needle on the record. I loved it from the start!!

[@TheProgCorner]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@charleswagner2984]

It be that way sometimes.

[@arnaudb.7669]

Tales is my favorite prog album of all time with "Di Terra" by Banco, "Heresie" by Univers Zero and "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" by Utopia.

[@TheProgCorner]

The Ikon!!!

[@atlasking6110]

That first Utopia album is a stone-cold desert-island disc for me. Absolutely stellar Prog album. I've loved that album deeply since I was a teenager.

[@TheProgCorner]

The Ikon!!!!

[@pauldavidober]

First yes concert I feel blessed

[@TheProgCorner]

Wow!!! Absolutely.

[@charleswagner2984]

Blessed indeed. Wish I was old enough to see Tales live.

[@stukevideo]

Remember: When you flip a coin, it's always Tales!

[@TheProgCorner]

That’s right!!!

[@danieliasbeck]

If only we could switch side three for Relayer’s side two, this would be my favorite record of all time as well. 😊

[@TheProgCorner]

Interesting idea!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

No. Relayer is the finest concept album ever created. Breaking it in pieces would be like breaking apart the 2nd greatest concept album Abbey Road.

[@jamesgibson-ec2nf]

I'm late! But I would say how I love this record, the best Yes has made. "The Reaveling" is my favorite track, a way above "Close". I bought it as it was released and never stopped to listen to it. Cheers from France.

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!!! 🇫🇷🇺🇸🇫🇷🇺🇸🇫🇷

[@lisandrobrenna9011]

Hello Scott! I enjoy very much your videos and rankings. I recently introduced myself into the prog rock world (always a huge fan of Pink Floyd though) and my first-listen love was Genesis. So i obviously had to listen King Crimson, Yes, Jethro, etc. and as i was watching your videos and sea of tranquility i discovered the controversy surrounding this album. Im from Argentina and my language doesnt help. I have to say that i'm still working on this album and, with time, it will become one of my favourites (even more than Close to the edge). I think the first five minutes of the first song (the gregorian chant you mentioned) is the perfect way to open a journey like this.. that piece of music is hard to beat by any band and gives me goosebumps every time i listen to it. Cheers From Argentina Scott! Your videos are amazing!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks and welcome to the wonderful world of Prog!!! The best music ever recorded!!! 🇦🇷❤️🇦🇷❤️🇦🇷

[@josepmariaromeu2005]

My favourite is Close to the Edge but Topographic Oceans is the one I revisit more often. I don't know why.

[@TheProgCorner]

I know what you mean. Objectively CTTE is probably the “better” album but there’s just something about Tales!!!

[@jameshoey303]

Agree TFTO and Relayer are magnificent...music that lasts a lifetime

[@charleswagner2984]

Your mind loves Close To The Edge. But your soul loves Tales more, and your higher spiritual self is drawn to it. Close To The Edge is food for your brain. Tales is food for your spirit.

[@barrypeirson3710]

Scott! My monthly immersion of the greatest album of all time is happening NOW! I'm listening to a used vinyl copy (very good condition) on Stanton T55 USB directly through ERIS 3.5 BT powered speakers. It has taken me some time (considering the fact that I am part of the he digital generation) to fully appreciate the vinyl experience, but I get it now. It's not a lie. It's better! Thanks for your time man. We appreciate it!

[@TheProgCorner]

Once a month is my prescription. And vinyl is the preferred delivery method!!!

[@barrypeirson3710]

@@TheProgCorner What is your set up? Turntable, pre-amp(built-in or otherwise), receiver/amplifier... anything else. Let us know man. Thanks again man And yes once-a-month is the bare minimum dosage!

[@barrypeirson3710]

By the way My pre-order of the he new album is done ✅ I have a new copy of "Tales from Topographic Oceans" (aka GOAT album) in Shrink wrap but copy I'm listening to now copy is a really good pressing IMO

[@TheProgCorner]

I have yet to plunk down the money for a good rig. I’m too addicted to vinyl. So I proudly rock the Crosley…

[@KevinEllis-b2p]

I agree with you Scott. Tales is my favourite Yes album. I bought it when it was released and loved sides 1,2 and 4. But now after all these years listening to the album I love side 3 and the whole album. Brilliant video mate.

[@TheProgCorner]

I appreciate that!!! 👍👍👍

[@alanweissaltz6053]

Man did you give me the chills I went through the same experience as you with Tales it only took me 49 years to get it, a die hard Yes fan that waited for that moment moment moment and I'm so glad I did thanks for the upload

[@charleswagner2984]

Finally on The Ladder.

[@dangerdolls]

I dig Tales quite a bit. There are few sections I could still skip to this day, but the good sections are amazing. As you say the first track is incredible. That acoustic bit on side three is as lovely as it gets. And the conclusion of side four just absolutely soars. I need to sit down and listen to the whole thing from start to finish again. But you're not wrong. Maybe nuts. But not wrong. You rant like Macbeth. It is a Tales told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Tehehe. 😂

[@TheProgCorner]

If I had kids I’d be King Lear!!!

[@elfensteen5222]

Great review of one of the best albums ever made!! "Tales" by "Yes" I have the new remaster from steven Wilson but have to listen to it again the whole album in one listen, I always listen all 4 sides.. I do not like the cover for tales as much as the original cover.., it is also the best cover Roger Dean did for Yes.. I hope lot of Yes lovers go and listen to this album again and again... the video from Michael P Dawson is a recommendation .. what are your thoughts from that video ? thanks Scott !

[@TheProgCorner]

I loved what he did but I wish he had dug deeper into the recurring themes - like he did so effectively when pointing out Howe’s first notes are the same as Wakeman’s synth line. Very cool stuff.

[@frommetoyou1981]

Ive been enjoying your enthusiasm for prog over a series of video's ranking Genesis, ELP, Yes (great show with Scott) Rush and this one! I am still to be convinced about this album but im putting the hours in like you say! I WILL like this album!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

It kinda takes that sort of determination. If I hadn’t already fallen in love with Yes there is no way I would have spent the necessary time on it. No doubt!!! Hang in there and it will all click!!! ❤️❤️👍👍

[@charleswagner2984]

May I suggest before listening to each song, read what Jon writes about each song in the liner notes. About The Revealing Science Of God, Jon said in an interview that "When we wrote that song, we didn't know what we were writing." One of the themes in The Remembering is The Relayer, whom they created a concept album about. Listen to The Ancient with your ear tuned to King Crimson. The seven notes of FREEDOM are the seven segments of drumming during the actual ritual in the longest love song in all music history. Some of those segments are very short, two of them are very long and difficult to drum out to attain the FREEDOM. Take it from someone who knows in The Gospel of Mark chapter 16 verse 9.

[@wizardofoz6811]

Very brave Scot! What an election. This is a tough album

[@TheProgCorner]

My one true love!!!

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Like Sparks "Kimono My House" I hated the album at first. It is padded but the overall experience is incredible. Ha ha, you said "incredible" when I was typing the word. 😃

[@TheProgCorner]

Really? I loved that album from the first time I heard it. Sparks has always had a very positive and immediate effect on my mood. Yeah, Tales might be a bit overlong but what would Rupaul’s Drag Race be without padding???

[@jeffgreenberg5306]

great stuff. my favorite all-time album as well. only thing i would say is wilson's surround sound mix of rsog has howe too low in the mix at critical moments, and although its generally great for hearing the different elements and a fresh way to listen, i think the original mix, loud on good speakers can't be beat. and chris on the remembering is my favorite bass work ever. agree fully howe is amazing, and its wakeman's best work.

[@TheProgCorner]

I love SW's work but I agree - the original is the way to go!!!

[@JohnnyRecently]

Took several decades to grow on me. Now, I love Tales! Kind of ironic that Wakeman objected, considering some of Rick Wakeman's solo output.

[@TheProgCorner]

Another great point!!!

[@hitcharide1971]

Love your take on the mighty Tales From Topographic Oceans! Yes is my absolute favourite band after Boston. “Tales” may not be my fav Yes album, but certainly my fav double studio album of all time! Your vids are awesome. -Bernard

[@TheProgCorner]

Boston is your favorite band? Wow. That’s cool. I love Brad’s voice!!! And Tom’s obviously a genius…

[@TheHarold1966]

Nice story Scott about Tales. Sometimes called Wishy washy Tales from the deep. I my opinion it's a good album. I just oploaded my Genesis episode on my own channel Harold's Prog Rock Show. Enjoy.

[@TheProgCorner]

I going to watch the Genesis episode right now!!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

Hey Scot! Subbed today via Jim Newstead. Still have my Tales album in excellent condition. TFTO, either you love it or you hate it. Incredible album!😎

[@TheProgCorner]

There is very little middle ground regarding Tales - you are exactly right!!! But I love it so much!!!❤️

[@thumbob]

I got it but couldnt love it like ctte. I have since gone through it quite a bit and really love a lot of it. I think rick had a point about some of it but there was the opportunity to feature each musician.

[@TheProgCorner]

There will never be another!!!

[@danaaronmusic]

Also took me a long time to get Tales, but so worth it. It truly is the most transcendent album in rock and nothing could reach greater heights. However, my favorite album is the exact opposite of the transcendent Tales From Topographic Oceans: the supremely down-to-earth Heavy Horses.

[@TheProgCorner]

I love Heavy Horses!!! ❤️

[@IllumeEltanin]

😮 I think this is the calmest I have ever seen Scot. Great content. But it took me awhile to focus on it.

[@TheProgCorner]

Those old videos. No bueno.

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@TheProgCorner Aww… I found it interesting!

[@TheProgCorner]

And quiet!!!!!

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@TheProgCorner Well… There is that. 😂

[@Mreger450]

Scott I did the work man! I've listened to tales so much I started liking it a lot! I don't know if it's my favorite Yes album but it's definitely in my top 3! If you would ask me my favorite song I couldn't answer haha

[@TheProgCorner]

Nice!!!! Putting in the work!!!!!

[@meloralovesdarkness2495]

This album is a thing of Majesty! Not for the novice YES fan for sure! This thing almost killed my fandship! I found Relayer and Drama not soon after, which brought me back to YES! This is a tough PROG Abum to swallow, but one of their most spiritual one as well! Check it out if you are a YES Newbie, but do not let it hinder your YES Experieince! This is Not a really Fun album.

[@TheProgCorner]

It's a meditative record. It's a spiritual record. It's a perfect record!!!! But yeah, not a joy ride by any means.

[@duanereed1857]

Great video! I have been enjoying your channel. It is joyful to see your enthusiasm for 'Tales From Topographical Oceans'. I love it too. It is massive! 'The Lord of the Rings' in size. Perhaps it is a little like reading Tarot cards, there is always something to ponder. Probably why I'm so fond of it. One of my favorite sides is 'The Ancients'. I know it doesn't get a lot of love, but it was my favorite section upon my first listen. Also, I am a fan of the Steven Wilson mix, but love most of them. In this case, more is better. Thanks!

[@TheProgCorner]

When the subject is Yes, more is always better!!!

[@sergiobucciarelli7514]

Great!!!

[@DRichardson00]

I really over looked this album, I think ive only listened through once and moved on. But seeing your video, I dusted it off my Tales LP and when giving it my full attention and was pleasantly surprised. I Was impressed by Steve Howes playing throughout, although not always front and center his little lead parts here and there in the first few songs were great. To me this album is a huge concept and that is how it comes across, it is a lot to digest initially but there are a lot of bits in it I like and im sure after 3-4 more listenings ill come to really understanding it! overall a plesant re-listening

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@stofffpv3128]

agree with ya man..i worke and worked to get into it..

[@TheProgCorner]

It was worth the effort!!!

[@markspooner1224]

I revisited the album a few months ago and again a couple of weeks ago and it really made me happy to hear it. I'll certainly be going to listen again soon. It's nice to hear an enthusiastic opinion on it!

[@TheProgCorner]

Just fanboy blather. But it needed to be said!!!

[@guitarscatsandmusic7733]

I meaeaeaeaean I have it on vinyl... soooooo... mayayayaybe... sure i'll give it another chance :)

[@TheProgCorner]

You never know!!!

[@bradyhogan6366]

My favorite version is the Rhino 2003 remaster where the Ocean introduces the album then leads into The Revealing Science of God -Dance of the Dawn.

[@TheProgCorner]

Nice!!!

[@themusiccritic3196]

Starting today, I will listen to this album twice a day for one week; once in the morning, and once in the evening. I will repeat this with your second favorite album of all time (is it not The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway?).

[@TheProgCorner]

It most certainly is The Lamb!!! Nice! 👍

[@eatmysteel]

My favorite Yes album, the one that really got me into them too.

[@TheProgCorner]

I still love it !!!

[@jeffd5759]

Scott, thanks for your insight into Tales. As a relative newcomer to Yes, I have been buying up their catalogue. I’ve already gotten the Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Relayer and 90125. I’ve been purposely holding off on Tales so that I can give it the attention it’s going to deserve when I get it. Can’t wait to get into it.

[@TheProgCorner]

An excellent approach. I think that’s the right way to do it - it is just so incredibly dense!!!

[@jameshoey303]

You are in for a treat...difficult at first ..but stick with it...to my mind ..TFTO is peerless perfection...your mentioned collection is fantastic....however you need Relayer also ...it is also a unique masterpiece which is the only album featuring Patrik Moratz

[@TheProgCorner]

Relayer is another perfect Yes album!!!

[@jeffd5759]

I do have Relayer. I’m looking at picking up Going For the One, Drama then finally Tales

[@TheProgCorner]

That actually sounds like a very logical (and enjoyable) progression!!!

[@thumbob]

Jon redecorated the bathroom

[@frankmarsh1159]

Rick thought it was too long. There are some edited versions on KZbin made by fans. Most are about 45 minutes and have certain passages and repeated sections edited out. They have the main melodies and themes intact but cut the parts (that they feel) kind of meander.

[@TheProgCorner]

I’ve seen those edited versions but have never sat down and listened. To me it’s akin to painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa…

[@TABL3SIX]

Maybe it's because I didn't hear it when it came out. Sometimes you have to be there to have some context. Feel bad for calling it bloated and a mess, so maybe I will give it another chance. That said if you are a big fan of Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" I can't help you. 😎

[@VictorLazarov]

My favorite Yes album since i remember... And what do you think about the first two albums?

[@TheProgCorner]

I really like how raw the first two are. And Peter Banks does not get enough credit!!!

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

There is a lot of great stuff on there but a lot of "filler". They needed someone outside the Band to cut these songs down, a Producer. I'll admit I was surprised when I saw a video of them Performing one of the songs, I did not think it was possible to do what is on this album live. When it comes on the media player at random I usually listen to it, but some times the Percussions and shakers are just too much.

[@TheProgCorner]

I love the filler. The sound of Yes farting around exhilarates me!!!

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

Bought the British import in 1973 before it was released in the US. Still remember playing it for the first time and it was not what I was expecting. I was expecting the dramatic highs and lows of Close to the Edge - not the even keel flow that is Oceans. Still one of my favorite albums of all time. I let my x-girlfriend stay at my apartment one day and when I got home my import was gone. At least the bitch had good taste.

[@TheProgCorner]

The nerve!!!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I did an edit of TOP and made it into a tight 45 minute single album, but, what was interesting is that it lost much of its "epic-ness". The very length is a statement of sorts. Though in retrospect , I think it should have been released as a Steve Howe solo album. Most of it pretty much is. Curiously, Squire isn't as adventurous as he usually is. Then again -- Fish Out of Water would have made an amazing YES album.

[@TheProgCorner]

Squire is MIA on Tales. He made up for it on Relayer and Fish Out Of Water!!!!!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

@@TheProgCorner VERY TRUE!

[@MartinCymru]

yea it was tough album to make for Jon and Steve

[@TheProgCorner]

But I love it!!!

[@Z-eb]

Its a massive album, i even did what jon Anderson told me to do, make a singe "LP" of it, its on my channel

[@TheProgCorner]

Sweet!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Also: I’m working on my Deerhoof video…

[@Z-eb]

@@TheProgCorner COOL !!

[@TABL3SIX]

Not sure you'll get this Scot, but I'll try. I never owned it, but if I were to buy it for the first time which should I get. I get Cds btw no vinyl. -The inital release -Remaster/Expanded edition (has two bonus tracks) -The Steve Wilson remix. 🤔

[@TheProgCorner]

I love what SW did with Tales!!!

[@TABL3SIX]

@@TheProgCorner would that be the way to go?

[@TheProgCorner]

I think so!!!

[@topographic1973ify]

And we have swum the ocean.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes we have!!!!