TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

I can't believe the hate some have for this masterpiece. Along with Close to the Edge and Relayer, this is Yes at their Yessiest, Yes at their proggiest, Yes at their most inspired. Whether it's Yes at their best, I'll leave to you to decide. Many prefer the more accessible but still prog The Yes Album or Fragile, and that's fine -- those are both great albums, as is Going for the One. Some say they like sides A and D, but not B and C. Did you take the time to really listen to B and C? The Remembering does take a while to get going, I'll admit, but once it does, it takes off. The "Relayer" section with its 14/8 rhythm and Wakeman's wizardry, is especially memorable. Even better to me is The Ancient, with it's chilling opening section and some of Steve's most evocative playing coming later. Actually, the only negative for me is the way Ritual ends on a reverse Picardy Third (major to minor) -- seems like a downer for such a driving and joyous song. And what needs to be said about The Revealing Science of God -- a magical, magical work. Repetitive, yes, but the repetition is meant to drive certain themes home so they stick with you, just like in a symphony.