The Last Days of 70s Yes: The Making of TORMATO (1978) - Documentary

[@dummytree]

I didn't know "Tormato" was a...debatable album until I started reading about it. I always loved it, and "Release, Release" is a favourite. I even like the artwork.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh yes, Tormato has long been stonewalled by prog fans and critics. I happen to like the album too!

[@yaybestos]

On the Silent Wings of Freedom, one of the greatest Yes tracks ever.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Absolutely, love this tune! Thanks for watching!

[@tonyspada2744]

Very nice review and work! Yes gave me a career. In fact I have done a few shows with Wakeman and Howe as a supporting act . Rick is hysterical ❤

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Tony Welcome to the channel. Glad you enjoyed this episode. I salute you as a fellow guitarist. You've lived the dream like very few, CHEERS to music!

[@tonyspada2744]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories thank you !!🎼🎸😊

[@1edarnold]

I purchased this album the week it came out with money I made on a paper route. I played it to death with a diamond needle. Went through two other LP copies, a cassette version, CD version purchased the week it came out (at the same mall in 1993). I save the album for special occasions and do as you do, play it all as one. :) My very first live experience was on June 22 1979 at The Spectrum when I heard Yes (minus Jon) rehearse Arriving UFO at soundcheck. I was so hooked on Yes at that moment. They were and are the greatest band I have ever seen live.

[@marcusharrison6617]

Chris squire was a amazing original one of a kind bass player genius

[@jeffreycase9497]

Chris was lovely . Highly Highly recommend listening to Chuck Rainy(sp? ) on "Green Earrings " for more super sick bass eloquence .

[@earlgrey3461]

Chris left his arsenal of basses to his daughter, Xilin Squire- and she’s been learning to play. She’s 14 years old now. Keep an eye on that kid! 🤗 She’s a smarty! Chris doted on Xi, and her mom is wonderful, and involved. I expect great things from her. ❤ She’s got her Dad’s DNA, and his sense of humor.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

One of the most original musicians in Rock. How Rush fans get mad at this...trying to put Geddy at the level of Squire hehe. Thanks for watching!

[@scottsuvoski9574]

​@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesGeddy will tell you himself! Squire was his hero. Thanks so much for this, Excellent!

[@88Binky88]

@@earlgrey3461 I have read that interviews were in process for a (much needed!) biography of Chris. . . . but after he died, we've heard nothing more about it. Do you know anything, can you find out more? I hope the family will allow the material to be released, even if in partial form.

[@podwithmadness]

People say Rick Beato is a great music analyst but I've never seen him chuck tomatoes at a tree! You went above and beyond (and before), sir, great video!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much! Tomatoes and music make good tormato soup!

[@AdamLeon-yf4yo]

At the age of 16, 1978, I went to our local record store just to shop. I see an LP at the cash register marked $2.99. Already a Yes fan, turned onto them by a friend a year or two earlier, I see that the posted album was Yes Tormato. I asked the store owner, why is this only 3 bucks? He said that the album had been taken out of print due to lack of sales. I took a chance, and again, for 3 bucks, how could I lose? I played it at home, and was stunned, I absolutely loved it, especially the opening "Future Times"/"Rejoice" and the closing track "On the Silent Wings of Freedom". I quickly fell in love with those two, and grew into the middle tracks, Release Release was another favorite, and arriving UFO. My final comment is, I was stunned as to how and why was this taken out of print, and that I was lucky to pick it up, because in 1982, the CD revolution began, and you could not get Tormato on CD, not for several years, early 2000's I believe.

[@timn5008]

You named the two best songs on Tormato for sure. Too bad the rest of the record didn't come up to that level.

[@earlgrey3461]

Yes’s Tormato shows (1978-79) were the best I’ve ever seen YES play. And I’ve seen a LOT of Yesshows, 1974-on. I followed them like a Deadhead… The album Tormato is mixed horribly. Sadly, it was originally recorded with Dolby noise reduction, when they switched engineers, Dolby wasn’t used: Dolby was accidentally not notated on the tape boxes, so overdubs were recorded without noise reduction. Because of this, we’ve never had a decent mix (perhaps Peter Jackson’s new technology will allow for a good mix finally- most of the tape masters were sadly lost in the WBs fire- but they were digitally saved. I know, I was there when they baked the old tapes. 😅. I have “interesting” friends). YES’s catalogue is now in the capable hands of Jon Dee, who’s overseeing new ‘old’ releases on WB/Rhino; you’re going to see some pretty cool live stuff from the 1970s released in box sets over the next few years… I’m one of Jon Dee’s private consultants (since I was one of Chris Squire’s close friends, I do know what Chris hoped for in the future, when we sadly sadly lost him 😭), and I’ve been pushing for us to get a good Tormato period “live” release: Watch for a 1978 concert box set next year. Cross your fingers kids! 😄

[@mallorga1965]

Brian Kehew has mentioned the transfer of those multitracks to digital and being surprised when doing the Dolby "trick" you comment. I've tried to contact him with the intention of campaigning a remix based on those tapes, but no reply. Maybe you can do something in that direction.

[@ministerofdarkness]

There’s been talk of remixing Tormato for years! Let’s do this

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

THAT'S SO COOL, a 1978 Box Set....I'll buy it. Will Tormato get a REMIX?

[@mallorga1965]

@@ministerofdarkness It's about time!

[@scottsuvoski9574]

Wow, cool. I saw Yes, In the Round, '78 & '79. Best Concerts in my entire life, to this day. I think there was no where else for them to go!? They were at the height of their Musicianship and Live Performance. So, a break up probably was inevitable. Thanks for the Info!

[@highfell1]

@ JCM - this is a wonderful , enjoyable and respectful review of this album. You are spot on that it is creatively up there with the best of the other top Yes albums, played by the core Yes musicians playing at the top of their game. Thank you for spending the time to do this. Do continue, you will give pleasure to many people.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank YOU for watching! It's funny how Tormato gets bashed but the playing...it's FANTASTIC. Yes had more problems on TALES i believe, as a cohesive album. But overall, they never made a BAD album in the 70s, no way. I love their debut!

[@eileensullivan7937]

just to note that Tomato was a play on the English word Tor (A tor is a large, free-standing rock outcrop that rises abruptly from the surrounding smooth and gentle slopes of a rounded hill summit or ridge crest. In the South West of England.) Tormato was named for Yes Tor and was the original inspiration for the name of the Yes album Tormato and a picture of the Tor features on the album cover, and a topographic map on the inner sleeve. The planned name for the album was Yes Tor until Rick Wakeman, or more probably Hipgnosis designer Aubrey Powell, vandalised the prototype artwork using a ripe tomato. Yes Tor /ˈjɛs/ is the second highest point on Dartmoor, Devon, South West England, at 619 metres (2,031 ft) above sea level. It is one of only two wholly English peaks south of the Peak District National Park-the other being nearby High Willhays-that are above 2,000 feet (610 m).

[@manitheman0806]

I actually really like that album

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You have great taste in music! Thanks for watching!

[@DEE-o4v]

I play it QUITE often myself!......In fact, I play it WAY more than 90210......

[@mechanknuckle]

Tormato is a jewel!! The album didn't sound like other Yes albums. I wish I appreciated the brilliance more as a kid.

[@maxo1124]

I like this album. Bought this vinyl when was in Finland in 1979. Good memories

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

A Finland pressing? This album has GREAT music, it needs more love!

[@jimlutz8092]

This tour, which I saw at MSG in late 78' or early '79 was the beginning of the In-The-Round stage show. That in itself, aside from the new tracks that played well live from the Tormato album during the show, made it a memorable time to see YES. But I liked the time I saw them the year before (also at MSG with the traditional rectangle stage) even better, as that was the Going for the One tour with Wakeman back in the band and YES perhaps at their performative peak during that time in the late '70's.

[@kenyonmau7197]

I loved your program. I have always felt this was a better album than people gave credit. Thank you for putting this out.

[@StunGib]

Love this album, thanks JCM for doing this!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for watching Stun!

[@suttonsuede]

Thanks for the lead to Miguel Falcão! What an amzing bass player!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Miguel is incredible, i hope many people on this channel tune in to his content! He rocks!!

[@LeviGarryRoberts]

Thank you JCM you are the man. I drive for work and love listening to your stories in the car. As a prog fan it’s great to hear you discussing Yes. Rock on!!!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks man! It was tricky working out this one, but always a learning opportunity for me while compiling this stuff!

[@Humb7757]

Thanks JCM for this great report !! I’m still trying to Like Tormato! I worked in a record Shop in the 1977-80. In Downtown Montreal And witness its release… in receiving boxes… 😊🎉 I was happy to see a new Yes Album… But… But it can never be a success like ‘Relayer’ ‘Going for the one’ ‘Drama’ …IMO I am a Fan of Rick’s ‘ Criminal Record’ For ever…

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Rick's Criminal Record is a CRIMINALLY underrated record. I need to get a copy. Yes Tormato will never be Relayer, but at least, it's not Union :)

[@danielbowden6330]

Well done! Surprised by the Sea of Tranquility shot. Looks like we are in the same circles. Have a great weekend.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I love Luis Nasser's input on Sea of Tranquility, easily the best commentator/scholar on the panel. Pete Pardo knows it, i have nothing but respect for his channel!

[@lahloonatic]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I found your thesis that Tormato was the breeding ground for Drama very interesting. Thank you foir the kind words!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Luis Nasser omg! What an honor. Soy admirador de su trabajo y pensamiento. Sería un honor conversar sobre musica como oyente y ejecutante. Le comparto mi email es [e-mail] muchas gracias por sintonizar este programa!

[@dalestubitsch6253]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Bonus points for referencing Luis!! :-) Our discussions about Yes were always... interesting. :-)

[@kc0lif]

i like the album. be interesting to see a documentary about yes drama album. great documentary thanks.

[@DanielA-wb3zy]

I always loved much of Tormato. Of course, we were all kids then and felt like we were the outcasts for liking Yes. But we were the ones recognizing the beauty of the music from a band we spent the rest of our lives enjoying.

[@emiliojoseguimaraes6736]

My all time favourite album ! All songs are perfect! 🌟🤩👏🏻👏🏻

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I can't get this songs out of my head now !! Thanks for watching!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

YES, the greatest show on earth. Saw this tour twice ✨️🎶✨️

[@TheAlbumReviewchannel]

Hi there. Very special album indeed this one

[@timwhite5647]

Just listened to "Tormato" recently. Personally, I think this is a highly innovative album. "Arriving U.F.O." as an album opener, is really going "out there", but it really works well in the mode of Anderson/ Howe's "esoteric meets monster guitar". I think the sound of the album throws people off a bit, due to Chris Squire's use of upper frets on his bass, using a stereo bass sound which mixed high end with low end. There's a lot of imagination on this album, including Jon's "Circus of Heaven", which also features his son Damion on vocals, but the two heavy hitters "Release, Release", and "On the Silent Wings of Freedom", point to the fact that Yes could, and indeed would, rock out when they wanted to!

[@ewancarmichael3412]

Tomato is my favourite Yes album by a country mile. It's brilliant. 👍

[@DEE-o4v]

I absolutely LOVE "and then there were 3"...awesome album.

[@DonaldSingerhouse]

Great video... So glad you did this one... It really is a great album, different album, but great...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

It really is! Tormato is no different than Going for the One in the approach, just the length is shorter!

[@Rickpa]

Tormato's existence doesn't erase the greatness of what came before. I can still celebrate the band from that eponymous first album through Going For The One!!!

[@simonwithers4941]

I am a supporter of the LP cover!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for watching Simon!

[@earlgrey3461]

The “sticks” the guy on the cover is holding are dowsing sticks (you’ve possibly seen dowsers using this method for finding water underground; where one should dig a well). Cool concept, but it went right over most people’s heads.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Not sure this concept is strong enough, specially after looking at the site in Devon. At least they could have move closer to the coast. Hipgnosis were full of crap sometimes, the documentary made that quite clear for me lol. Thanks for watching!

[@1edarnold]

I have heard the term "divining rods" used to describe them.

[@fogzax]

I always thought they were drum sticks!

[@EmilioGarcia-fr5po]

Fell in love with this album from the first chords.

[@FVD]

Nice coverage of the album. Wasn't aware of the extra tracks and agree with Mister Wakeman that this album could use a remix - but if only the multi-tracks can be found (along with Going for the One and Drama). I'm sure they'll get Steven Wilson to remix them too as I'd imagine they'll all sound amazing in Atmos and 5.1 too. Hope springs eternal...

[@64north20west]

I still have the cassette copy from a friend's vinyl when it first was released. I wore the tape out. It was much different than previous work by them, but that was e benefit because a Relayer part 2 would not have worked. The skill this band had was incredible. Thanks again, Jose. Saludos!

[@greggildersleeve3484]

This album was released three days before my birthday, but I wouldn't know about Tormato until several years later. True story: I bought this album by accident. While rummaging through albums at a book sale in a mall, I came across the cover of Close to the Edge. I checked the album for scratches, as you must, but did not look at the label. When I got home, I was surprised and a bit dismayed to learn that the LP inside was Tormato. Some idiot had put the wrong album inside! I've listened to entire LP a couple of times. While it's the classic Yes sound, it doesn't resonate with me like some other albums (The Yes Album, 90125, Talk). After watching this video, I'm going to have to give it another listen. I still don't have Close to the Edge, except for the cover.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Oh wow, somebody put Tormato instead of CTTE? That's quite shocking. I am glad this video will make you spin this again. If you can, put the audio through a compressor with extra bass boost if possible. Or you can rip the CD into your PC to do this with a digital audio workstation. I am glad you tuned in to this episode. My birthday is just days before yours!

[@popguy68]

I've always loved Tormato. The pop accessibility of some of the tracks just added to their legacy for me. It's a very well balanced effort with complex tracks and simpler, beautiful pieces. The strong melodies and amazing musicianship of Yes are always there. Nice work on this! I hope more fans go back to this album and mine the riches found within!

[@tproudboomer5965]

Fantastic job. Love revisiting these overlooked classics from my youth! You have one of the best rock documentary channels on yt. Keep it up!

[@UNUSUALUSERNAME220]

Lets hear it for Jose's commitment to our entertainment! He had to go into the wild to stalk, capture, and dispatch the wily and elusive tomato, to make his point! That's dedication! He also had to buy, and listen to Tormato. I'm teasing you Jose! I happen to like Tormato. Keep em comin!

[@davidgeorge8226]

This was the first concert that I ever saw! I went on to see them at least once a year until 2003❤

[@SOALNightLive]

From the seeds on the cover it looks more like a smashed cherry tomato. Thanks for tackling this underrated classic!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That is a possibility, but still the consistency requires some boiling or cooking. Also, after watching Hipgnosis documentary, i can't take Storm's word 100% lol. Thanks for watching!

[@SPY1964-LL]

I always loved Tormato. I love the orphan albums too, like Black Sabbaths Never Say Die, Zeppelin's Presence. They are actually really good albums, but not the typical traditional sound of the bands. There is always something there. I really dig your videos as they are so well done. Cheers!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The orphan albums actually reveal MORE about an artist because you are only as good as your weakest link!!

[@poodius7]

I love Tormato!! It took me some time to get into it but it grew on you.

[@terrencereardon6374]

Also Supertramp played Pavillion De Paris in September 1977 on their Even In The Quietest Moments Tour for one show before Yes played there. Of course Supertramp’s 1979 performances were documented for the Live in Paris 1979 concert film and Paris live album.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT STEVE hahahahahah

[@terrencereardon6374]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories It’s TJR’s Classic Rock Corner podcast BTW.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Sorry Terrence it seems i commented om Steve's reply and it got added here. I know you are TJR :)

[@shenzhen2112]

Ugh... You make a very good case for revisiting this album. I'm going to have another listen this morning. Thanks for your content.

[@leamanc]

Excellent work, JCM. I agree that Tormato set the stage for Drama. I'd even argue it sowed the seeds for 90125 and their pop success. Also, I love And Then There Were Three. That album could make for a good JCM video.

[@ChromeDestiny]

I see the seeds of Yes' 90125 in Tormato and also in even earlier works like Going for the One and Chris' Fish Out of Water solo album.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes you are right. The seeds , even the tomato seeds, set the stage for the 80s. I wanna do And Then There Were Three, thing is, Rael's Prog Docs already has one on his channel.....BUT, i am sure our approach is different so i could definitely explore a different avenue, what do you think? I am just respectful of other people's content i guess? Crazy maybe!!!

[@leamanc]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I saw Reed's doc and it was excellent. But I don't think you have to worry about stepping on his toes. You take a different approach to your docs by providing the historical context in which the music was made. And you always include the Zeppelin crossovers, which it seems there are always some!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thanks for saying this. It definitely makes me see things different for good :) The Zeppelin crossovers are definitely trademark here!

[@davep8221]

Just saw Jon + The Band Geeks the other night in Bevery, MA, in a beautiful olde theater. That nigh on 80 yro man played a 3 hour concert (with blessed 1/2 hour intermission). Grey was everywhere, but a few young'uns who were brought up well were there. Jon mentioned the "backwards piano chord" at the beginning of the next song, and got a big response. Saw him years ago in Boston (in an even older theater), during his solo tour. He played all kinds of unusual stringed instruments and percussion. He's unstoppable. It was amazing.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I'm glad Jon Anderson was able to continue his career without toxic Steve Howe's desire to carry on as YES at any cost. Thanks for watching!

[@RainsonZeppelin]

Hi José, how good to see you're also making videos of Yes!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Slowly working my way to it. This was a hard video to make because i came off the burnout of THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME hahahaha.

[@RainsonZeppelin]

Omg, take your rest! But again thanks for your great work!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I can't rest. Only with 80 Patreons at least could i lol. Hustle mode On!

[@DEE-o4v]

Did NOT know about the 2004 release with the extra songs.....I WILL BE searching that OUT! Thank YOU for making me aware of that!!!!!

[@nellymartinez2110]

Interesting information about classic bands from the 70s, they created the best music. Thank you so much.

[@Denis-pj6zg]

Sorry JCM. I left you for a bit… but I am back. Thanks for sticking with it. Great posts. This one is really great.

[@jeffdowning4877]

I like the album cover actually. It is thought provoking and mysterious with its deep colors and juxtaposition of textures. I have not listened to the album but will do so now. I did not realize it was a commercial success, as I saw it in the record store cutout bins. I liked the Drama album a lot so here it goes....I'm going in.....

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Enjoy your Tormato explorations, if you can, try to listen to this on a stereo with added bass frequencies or download it, put it through a compression effect on a audio workstation, it's a killer record. Thanks for watching!

[@daviddryden8088]

A well made and thought out video. This band, more than any other band I can think of with more drama within it's ranks, save perhaps Fleetwood Mac, is Yes. Moraz got hosed. Wakeman hosed repeatedly or did the hosing. Bruford knew when to bow out. But the top of the list in this regard has to be Jon Anderson. His dismissal in 2008 because of illness has to rank up to one of the lowest blows ever in the annals of music history. His come back with the LP True with great musicians of the Band Geeks prove, in my mind, that Yes is Jon Anderson. Without Jon, Yes is merely a coverband. (Camel~Breathless: a must in any serious collection)

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Fleetwood Mac certainly had DRAMA, i agree, Yes, can be a handful when it comes to this topic. Bruford could never record TORMATO...can you imagine him on these sessions? Jon Anderson's blow, yeah i think it was bad, but....then again....if you look at the history itself, it unfortunately makes sense (not taking sides with anyone, just saying). Thank you very much for watching this. I agree, JON is the voice of YES!

[@IraSiegel]

Awesome bro! More Yes deep dives please.

[@ph.mountain]

Thanks. Well done documentary. Very interesting.

[@seanarthurjoyce7366]

Thanks so much for covering this "lost" Yes album. I always liked it, not as much as The Yes Album, Fragile and Close to the Edge, but enough that it has remained with me through the decades. Recently I bought a new vinyl copy of it (but agree with Wakeman a remix would be great). The two faults that leap out at me are, as you say, the strangely trebly sound, and the domination of the compositions by Steve Howe's frenetic guitar parts that tend to overwhelm the arrangements. Whereas on Going For the One you can hear Wakeman somewhat more dominant with lovely compositions such as Awaken (best version: Live at Montreaux 2001). Still, from Tormato there's much to love with some truly beautiful moments such as Onward, Madrigal and even Circus of Heaven. Squire's bass parts are amazing.

[@jimilove7773]

Love Tormato!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Great album indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@familydogg1234]

Hello! I heard this when it came out. I very much remember " Don't Kill the Whale" and " Circus....."- Andersons son talks on the song I believe.? Lol- Lets just say I'm a bigger fan of Early days of YES and the Live album." Yes Shows".....I love your Tormato demonstration! Try canned tomatoes dropping them out a three story window on a photo.

[@mikehaliday8302]

Yeah, I'm in the CTTE and Relayer camp of thought as well, but I've always also loved Tormato. My first concert was that tour in the round (ka'ching!). Drama is very good, too

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The Tour recordings are FANTASTIC! Maybe i should have featured these and do a summary! Thanks for watching!

[@LaurenMirandaG]

I may need to get a copy of the 2004 edition with the extra tracks. I was fortunate enough as a teen to see the GFTO concert in 1977 and I saw two nights in a row of the Tormato concert in 1978, all in the L.A. area. Because Jon left, I didn't see any Yes members again until the ABWH concert at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Sept 1989 (which was filmed). Great memories.

[@TheAlbumReviewchannel]

I have just found your channel and instantly subscribed as this is a high class production of video content to a standard that I wish to attain on my channel at some point in the future. All the best. Dave✅✅

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Dave, welcome to the channel! Thank you! All a labor of admiration for the music of the heroes that forever changed the face of rock and roll. Best of luck with your channel, will check it out!

[@TheAlbumReviewchannel]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Thank you. Looking forwards to seeing more of your stuff. All the best. Dave✅✅

[@matthewtapley2765]

Fascinating as always! Great band

[@paolovincent6800]

ciao ciao JCM... im a 1976 guy.. Destroyer, Boston, TSRTS, Technical Ecstasy ......

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That is also a fascinating year Paolo. Can'T go wrong.

[@joechase283]

Well,,,,, you did a nice job! It hasn’t worked with my ears when I keep replaying this album 😂 I’ve had too many years with it, and it just never sounds right. I think you mentioning the heavy touring helped me understand the band was just most likely worn out, and had little time to write material. That’s where I’ve found it lacking, good songs (playing still awesome). Appreciate your work!!!! ❤ Blessing 🙏🏽

[@oiramsq73]

Thanks for this fantastic tribute to an album that was NOT well loved at the time (I was a child, but I was into music and I can remember it! I really can!). And, yeah, when I was old enough to buy the catalog on cassette (they WERE a thing!) it did sound truly awful! When I heard about the DOLBY settings being … ummm… uncertain it reminded me so much of that classic scene from “THIS IS SPINAL TAP”! (Hey - it would perhaps make an interesting project to breakdown some of those scenes in “TIST” and link them back to possible origin stories from some of the bands of the 70’s!) Again - thank you for making and sharing this.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

OH MAN what a GREAT IDEA, SPINAL TAP FACT CHECK vs. Reality. ON IT. You are a genius!!!! Thanks for watching!

[@oiramsq73]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories hahaha! Great!

[@grantpenton1850]

I bought Tormato and Wet Dream on the same day, and still enjoy them both!

[@terrencereardon6374]

Tormato was amazing. 1978 was a schizophrenic time for Rock. The three Prog pillars on Atlantic Records were trying to adapt to the Punk Rock and New Wave agenda. Jethro Tull released Heavy Horses and the offshoot double live album Bursting Out which was awesome. The Moody Blues released the worst album of the classic lineup Octave although Stepping In a Slide Zone was a great tune and the closing track was great but the rest was a band who was not functioning as a band. When Patrick Moraz came along for the Octave Tour, he made sure that the next album Long Distance Voyager. Kansas were at their pinnacle with Two For the Show live album documenting the Point of Know Return Tour and Styx released the Pieces of Eight album which was a huge success. Then you had Pink Floyd whom were on hiatus from July, 1977 to July, 1978 and both of the other key members David Gilmour and Richard Wright each released their first solo albums. Wright recorded his Wet Dream album that January and a month later Gilmour recorded his self titled debut album. David’s album did modest success and went Gold and reached number 29 in the States. Not bad considering most people had no idea who the members of Pink Floyd were and he made a promo film for five songs on the album and first series of interviews with people like Scott Muni, Jim Ladd and others who were fans of the band (eventually Doug Pringle, JJ Jackson, Redbeard and Bob Coburn). Wright’s album peaked at 201 on the chart and is overlooked and is my second favorite Pink Floyd solo album after David’s first. The two could have been combined the spiritual successor to Wish You Were Here but Roger Waters’ behavior and bullying tactics were manifesting themselves starting with Animals and carried on into The Wall which he wrote simultaneously with The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking. The band began working on The Wall at the end of 1978 and carried on to 1979. Also David and Rick recorded their albums in France as tax exiles as the UK tax laws were mad as in bonkers back then.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Pink Floyd's hiatus is a very good piece of information. I don't like The Wall as a concept for some reason, i don't find the same band who did Meddle! Don't hate me hehe.

[@terrencereardon6374]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories It turned into the Roger Waters Project. David Gilmour and the estate of Richard Wright agreed that Animals was the start of the separation and The Wall and The Final Cut were the end (Gilmour was against Wright’s ouster at the hands of Roger). Rick was the key to the Floyd sound and The Final Cut suffered from no Rick. David rehired him in 1986 and was on A Momentary Lapse of Reason on certain parts but did the tour and subsequent live album and Rick was playing the keyboards like the old days again (the Updated and Remixed version of Momentary Lapse adds Rick to all of the songs and Delicate Sound was remixed and Rick’s genius and work is all over the album). David and Nick Mason eventually reinstated Rick as a full member after Roger’s lawsuit hence you got The Division Bell and The Endless River the latter was released after Wright died. David refuses to reunite the band because of the loss of Rick and the fact that Roger hates them both. David has outtakes of Rick playing which is on his upcoming new album.

Tormato close an era.. the best creative yes álbum. I saw yes for first time in 1979 Long Beach Arena.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You saw the 1979 show...WOW.....i bet the sound was COSMIC!

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Yes wonderful and first time they using láser lights and rotatory stage.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I still wonder how Anderson didn't get motion sickness at the revolving stage hehe.

[@keriford54]

Thanks for this, really enjoyed it, I just listened to Tormato a couple of days ago and was again struck by how good it was, maybe it could do with a remix but as it is it is a great album, there isn't a track I'd like to skip , it is Yes at full creativity. I also found it very interesting that you show that it was actually a very commercially successful album, I think that it was the last album by the original line up makes people think it somehow caused the break up.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Tormato suffered from a calculated media attack on Virtuoso ability, the more you look into the dumbing down of the music biz...it's eerie lol. Glad that you listened to this album and felt it is a strong record. I got the original release, the bonus tracks were not THAT good BUT, gotta love YES!

[@JA-mq3os]

Great post as usual.

[@findJLF]

I loved Tormato from the first listen. I know I’m in the minority however I consider it an amazing mix of Progressive songs. The music and lyrics are both consistent with the spirit of the band and also offer something fresh and unique. It also features the best love song Yes has made. The sound of the album is also first rate! Maybe it was something in the Mastering facilities that year!?

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad you are in the minority of people who considered this a great album. The songs...are FANTASTIC. Funny how critics and fans take on the production here, i mean....what about it? If the compositions are good, that's what matters!

[@marcusharrison6617]

I heard a jam session on you tube with yes and jimmy page very intresting chemistry

[@steve-0493]

Super animation,turning on the nation, and they see that all moving parts stand still..🙃✌️🥃🤟

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You can check my Making of Post Led Zeppelin Episode 1 for the story behind this session. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnnZqqd4e6l4kNEsi=Ktyh6dtZl67yaJkB

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

José, I remember seeing the promotional adverts for *Tormato* in *CREEM* and *Rolling Stone* magazines in the late summer and early autumn of 1978. I love the music on the album - plus, lead guitarist Steve Howe plays his 1976 Gibson (The) Les Paul Limited Edition model throughout the album, and we have Rick Wakeman on keyboards - so, with these two key members of the classic lineup still in the group - what's not to like...and the band toured - promoting this album extensively - from 28 August 1978 to 30 June 1979! As for the sound of late 1970s albums, I too prefer these lush, luxurious-sounding albums for a myriad of reasons: Analogue multitrack recording was at its peak; a typical example of a recording studio in those days would consist of two 24-track Studer 2-inch analogue tape machines - linked together by a then-quite-sophisticated technology called SMPTE Time Code (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers), which allowed the two tape machines to be used in tandem together giving you 48 tracks with two being used up for the synchronisation codes - so in effect - a total of 46 useable tracks. This allowed even more creative freedom in both the arrangements and mixing. Plus, several outboard rack-mounted devices - including special audio-enhancing effects - were employed, and one fine example is: The Aphex Aural Exciter, which was used entirely and on every track throughout Olivia Newton-John’s November 1978 album, *Totally Hot* which was produced by John Farrar, who also wrote many songs for Olivia and played guitar on the album as well. In 1974, the ARP String Ensemble (a polyphonic string voice keyboard manufactured by Solina) was introduced, and then another model was introduced in 1975 - the ARP String Synthesizer (a combination of the String Ensemble and the Explorer). These are just two examples of numerous ARP models released in the 1970s and early 1980s. These string synthesizers were very popular and ubiquitous on recordings made and released in the second half of the 1970s. They were used on so many pop and rock hits - and this may explain why John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin avoided these overused sounds altogether - searching instead for something unique sounding, such as the Yamaha GX-1 programmable, analogue polyphonic synthesizer and organ (that he employed so gracefully and masterfully on Led Zeppelin’s 1979 album, *In Through The Out Door.* ABBA keyboardist, Benny Andersson also used the Yamaha GX-1 on ABBA’s 1979 album, *Voulez Vous,* 1980’s *Super Trouper,* and on 1981’s *The Vistors.* YES, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, was signed on a separate recording contract to the A&M Records label for his solo album projects and soundtrack releases. Fun Fact: Rick often joked about how A&M Records and Atlantic Records would compete with each other trying to gain favour from him - with A&M trying to outdo Atlantic by sending out a bigger limousine to pick him up to take him to his solo gigs. LOL! Furthermore, I love the culture, fashions, women’s hairstyles, musical and visual aesthetics of the times, shopping malls, the free sexual attitudes, hedonistic lifestyles, and the entire and overall zeitgeist of the latter half of the 1970s. I guess I will forever be stuck in the late 1970s... 🛋🍹🚬 PS: The 1960s and first half of the 1970s also hold special meaning to me as well, but that is another story...

[@stephanechamberland8486]

Even Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman didn't like the album...and me ! They said this on the Yesyears DVD in 1991. But the tour was great ! Great video JCM !

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

They probably said that because they had too much Union lol. Thanks for watching!

[@stephanechamberland8486]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories 🤣

[@wrestledeep]

Another great video, JCM. Very informative. I did notice that Steve Howe was not featured as the driving force Partnership (along with Anderson) composer and writer for this album as he was with Anderson on past classic albums/hit songs (Close To the Edge for example). I wonder what was the creative differences that caused Anderson and Wakeman to leave the band after this album.🤔

[@jonesy2111]

I appreciate how you are looking into some overlooked records (Love Beach definitely has some fine music) I’m not a big Yes fan but I consider the Drama album their best… it’s my favorite anyway.

[@mikewest1542]

“You say TOMARTO I say TOMATEO let’s call the whole thing off ! Whatever it’s called in the US or Britain this is a good video, well done as usual!

[@4absentfriends]

The 'Tomato' material worked extremely well 'live'.

[@genericusername1365]

I've seen YES live 32 times and have never heard "Future Times", or "Release, Release", which would be a real treat.

[@88Binky88]

@4absentfriends, Agreed, better than on the recording.

[@pietromanno8916]

THIS IS A VERY GOOD ALBUM!!! AND LOVE THE COVER!!! IT'S JUST DIFFERENT!!! WHAT'S THE FUSS ABOUT!!!! THESE GUYS ARE MASTERS!!!!! LONG LIVE YES!!!!!!! 👍👍✌️❤️🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎵❤️✌️✨

[@marciashiraishi5891]

Hola José 👋 I don't usually listen to Yes... I don't know much about them. It's always good to learn more 😊 thanks for opening new musical horizons (do you like Pink Floyd? If so, would you consider talking about them? If not, disregard this question...) 🫢 have a good week, see ya 😊

[@tomdac]

I was in High School when Tormato came out and I absolutely loved it. I don’t get the negativity surrounding it.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Maybe some people just hate Tomatoes. Maybe Yes should've called this Pizza-to!

[@familydogg1234]

I have CHRIS SQUIRE " Fish Out of Water" LP. Pete Sinfield co- wrote one song. Actually- suggestions for " Safe" . He did Co- write " Run With the Fox" available on a single.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

What an album, i have it on CD, love it!

[@EM-mw2qr]

Tormato is beautiful. Why don't people like it??

[@EM-mw2qr]

Miguelbass is great!

[@markcoledrumteacher]

More Yes, please.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes it will be done! Thanks for watching!

[@henkvandenbosch8799]

I love the 1996 live version of Onward on Keys to Ascension

[@gaborkerenyi4970]

Future Times/Rejoice and Release, Release are two very-very underrated songs in Yes catalogue. Anyway in 1995 Yes played Onward live. It's on Keys to Ascension album.

[@artmccartan4911]

Future Times / Rejoice conjures up a military marching song to me. Squires bass is over the top ,almost lead guitar like

[@cheesechannel7154]

I remember in the mid-80's Tormato was out of print and dropped from the back catalog of Yes albums. It was not even listed in the 90125 tour book on the back catalog album page. I did not even know about it until I found a cassette of it in the discount bin at my local (now long gone) record store called Peaches Records.. It had the little hole drilled in it, I guess that made it cheap/ write-off..? Anyway, I was intrigued...what was this Yes album..? I loved Future/ Times and Silent Wings.. did not care much for the rest of the album... I did wear that cassette out though..

[@cannyvalley]

Another great vid…thank you! And my offer to gift you my vinyl of Love Beach still stands btw! As a teenager I loved everything by Yes, but hated all of Topographic & Tormato. Stopped listening to Yes for two decades, then went through every album. Suddenly every second of Topographic was brilliant-I finally got it! I couldn’t wait to get to Tormato-but when I did…I still hated it, with 2 exceptions: Onward & Whale. I’m hoping one day it will click for me…perhaps two decades hence? The Dolby issue may partly explain my problem with it. Does anyone know if the Rhino Deluxe Edition from 2004 corrected the Dolby issue? If not, where can I hear the properly revised version?

[@howardduck2851]

Thanks for mentioning Yes’s Union album. That one is quite an oddity. To me, it seems that Anderson Bruford Wakeman & Howe had about 90% of a second album finished - complete with Tony Levin’s excellent bass and stick playing. Meanwhile, Chris Squire, Alan White and Trevor Rabin fought for control of the Yes franchise, but were short on new material. To add further turmoil, record executives and management were keen for a new Yes album. So the scheme was hatched to have Squire add a few bits to the ABWH tracks, and have Anderson return the favor on the Rabin tracks. Et voila, a new Yes album was born. Ironically (but maybe not surprisingly), the Trevor Rabin song Lift Me Up wound up as the big radio single.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I wanna do Union at some point, although i don't like the album as a whole, the story behind it, just watching Howe look pissed next to RABIN is gold, but Trevor did save YES! Squire....poor Squire, always falling for Anderson's plans. I don't know man, but the fact PATRICK MORAZ was not in Union says it all.

[@howardduck2851]

The holy grail of Yes for me is live recordings from the Talk tour. The little bit I have heard, Chris Squire had a very thin gacked out bass sound. And Tony Kaye is an interesting study; he seemed to have a demure subjugated personality, and willing to come back onboard almost as a sideman. And Moraz had his own personality quirks, with Refugee, Yes and Moody Blues; I don’t think the Yes guys wanted him back onstage.

[@howardduck2851]

The best thing to me about the ABWH (plus Union) material is Bruford and Tony Levin playing together. I will never get tired of hearing those two.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You are right on Tony Kaye. A fascinating character.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

This is a good album. I bought it new in 1978 and instantly loved it. Sure, Yes made other albums that were better, but this is still a very good album.

[@phatpaws1351]

Great video! But at least one Tormato track WAS played in the 90's: Onward, which is featured among the live tracks on Keys to Ascension 1.

[@PabloCasas-y1u]

Tormato es pura magia .Con Going for the one, los dos mejores discos de Yes .

[@YesSabbath5]

The main guitar lick in Onward is the EXACT same lick Tony Iommi plays at the end of Fairies Wear Boots

[@doomedcolonist]

I just went and checked - good catch! To my ears, it sounds just a little different. Like, a semitone's difference on the first note in the phrase, maybe? But there's almost nothing in it.

[@ChromeDestiny]

It shows up in a modified version on Yes' own Machine Messiah too.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

FANTASTIC catch, i need to delete this video and re-do it now hahahaha, i mean it, this is GREAT STUFF!

[@johnwolf3294]

I love Tormato.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

You know your YES!

[@stefannelson]

Great video. I just wanted to point out something. According to one of the engineers Eddie Offord was not going to produce the album, apparently he just showed up on one of the first days of recording. Also the engineer was quite sure the record was not originally recorded in Dolby, this was a theory that another engineer had when playing with the original tapes. This is was something Kevin Mulranye talked about in a podcast.

[@hpatss4966]

Everybody’s Song might be the frenetic and crazy song that was written during the post-relayer period that Jon mentions quoted on the Relayer Wikipedia page with Patrick Moraz contributing keyboards.

[@JohnnyRecently]

I love Tormato too. I love The Big Generator as much or more.

[@markorendas1423]

Yaaaay!! O liked tormato.and going for one but drama bit

[@howardduck2851]

Correction - I did buy the original vinyl album of Richard Wright’s Wet Dream when it was released. So at least one copy did sell.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hahahahahah good!

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

super high quality critical analysis ❤