TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Shame on anyone who doesn't like this album, as it is an absolute masterpiece of 70's symphonic prog rock and is one of the most significant albums in the whole genre. Tales has always been an album that divides Yes- and prog fans into two groups; those that love it to bits, and those who bitterly hate it. I happen to belong to the former.

Okay, the music is extremely experimental and mystic (because of Jon Andersons' lyrics mainly..) and really really hard to get into, because of the fact that Tales consists of four movements that all clock in at approx. 20 minutes and don't have a lot to grasp with the first listen, but Tales needs quite a few listens before you get what it's all about. It's worth it, believe me! Every track has the trademarks of Yes' music; fantastic complex compositions with long technical solos for Howe and Wakeman, the voice of Jon Anderson that everyone knows, and especially the unique and outstanding guitar sound and technique of the one and only Stewe Howe.

So as a conclusion, please don't judge this album by one listen, give it time 'cos that's what it needs. You'll end up loving this album with all your heart and treasuring it as one of the most loved and played album of your collection!

An essential masterpiece that belongs to every prog-rock collection.