TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

This is the culmination of the symphonic progressive rock movement, bands like King Crimson did move into jazzy/avant-garde territory, but symphonic rock did not progress past this point. For that reason alone every prog fan needs to give it a listen. Another reason that on the whole, although undoubtedly dragging in some places, it really is an awesome album. Like a symphony, it only gets more and more rewarding with repeated listens.

The Revealing Science Of God (Dance of the Dawn) - this is the best song on the album. That chanting in the beginning is sure to make some cringe, but it is actually quite pretty and then you get to the meat of the song. This song has some absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful passages. Also notice how the song is one big, deliberate buildup to the climax. One of the best things Yes has ever done and the most accessible part of this album.

The Remembering (High the Memory) - this piece REQUIRES repeated listens, but it will grow on you. The soft parts will be dragging at first until you really grasp the song and realize how gorgeous these keyboard passages are. The acoustic guitar bits are great, and the Relayer! chorus really adds some energy to the piece. I love this one as well.

The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun) - really the only mishit on the album. The instrumental ideas are very cool and interesting, but it devolves into an avant-garde guitar collage after a while that REALLY drags, before segueing into the beautiful Leaves Of Green passage. I liken this to the dreary instrumental part of Moonchild. The rest of the album is so damn incredible, so don't let this bit ruin it. Let it grow on you and you will be able to enjoy it.

Ritual (Nu Sommes du Soleil) - a very nice closer that might be THE most progressive song ever written Really. This song is all over the place. It starts with the albums only true sing-along moment, then going into a great Howe section in which we reprises Close To The Edge, then the bulk of the song, then some tribal percussion passage that is VERY interesting, before going into the climax of the album. Nothing AS great as the first two movements for me, but still great.

I consider this record essential. Although not something you going love at first listen, given time this album will grow on you and you will be able to comes to terms with it's scope and enjoy most, if not all of it. Not to mention, it does have some of the most breathtaking moments ever put on record.

5 STARS