Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans

Aaron,

I remember buying Tales when it was first released, but I can't say I recall that much controversy; perhaps some surprise at the direction the band was taking, and I remember some people thinking the album pretentious, but I was not living in Europe or North America at the time so perhaps there was more reaction on those continents.

Tales is, in my opinion, an excellent album (and I still enjoy listening to it 30 years later). And that was the opinion of my prog-loving friends at the time it came out too.

I can't say the same for Relayer though, I'm afraid. I know I am in a minority here and many will disagree strongly with me, but Relayer was the first Yes album that I did not like and, in my opinion only, was the beginning of the end for Yes musically. I just didn't like the album when it came out and I don't like it now. That's just my own feeling as I do know how much many other people like it. (This does indicate that my perception of it hasn't changed with time!)

In general I don't think perception of music has changed with time, nor do I think today's younger audience is hearing the album differently. I think you'll find there are a lot of older prog fans out there who like Tales (and Relayer) a lot. I certainly know several. Same goes for ELP, although see my comment on ELP further on.

As for your speculation about today's younger audience enjoying the longer albums and longer songs, I would say that this is not the case. Believe me, us 'old folk' used to - and still do - like listening to longer albums and tracks too.

Actually, I'm very pleased to read your final comment. Everyone's taste is different, and I think a lot of it just boils down to that. Another possible factor is that when albums like ELP's Brain Salad Surgery came out they were quite radical musically. Perhaps after 30 years and in today's world it just doesn't sound so radical to the older audience any more. That's not surprising though. However, I'm sure you'll still find lots of older ELP fans who are just as keen on the music now.

Of course, ultimately, the only thing that matters is if you like them.

The main annoyance were the lengths of each song. They took up one side of each record. It was viewed as very pretentious, but I think Yes is the only band able to pull it off in this way (although Porcupine Tree did ok)

I don't regard it as pretentious, I revel in its mastery. That's the difference. You can be negative or positive.