Tales from Topographic Oceans

hcnoer wrote: Personally I think it's more about playing with four rather strange ppl, where for instance was the only one not being a vegitarian. And the theme for the album that is even a bit way out for him. But oh well, that is just my theory.

Interesting thought. I wouldn't be surprised if that were a factor ... in addition to it, the years have given us a lot worse Yes for Wakeman to compare to ... I think despite all his hatred for Tales, he'd still pick that over "Onion".

...I don't get the preference of Remembering versus The Ancient... I adored all of The Ancient - especially the screwy first half! But what I REALLY don't get is how RSoG gets such high marks on this poll! I can't stand it. The part where they all sing "moment" =  for me.

The Green Tank wrote: The first time I listened to this album I was totally dissapointed. I just didn't GET it. But after my third time listening to it, I totally got used to all the random changes in tune and mood. And one track I still listen to over and over and OVER again is "The Revealing Science of God". It is simply one of the best songs I've ever heard.

Agree with you Green Tank! I think it's their best song ever after Close to the Edge.  It's a shame Rick Wakemen hated this album, as I think his contribution, especially on this track, is superb. The Mellotron parts are superb.

The Revealing (side one), and on the Rhino re-master, you get an extended intro with the sounds of presumably the Topographic Ocean washing over you - works so well I can't think why they didn't use it originally.

The first part of The Ancient on the other hand is bleaahhhh

The Green Tank wrote: The first time I listened to this album I was totally dissapointed. I just didn't GET it. But after my third time listening to it, I totally got used to all the random changes in tune and mood. And one track I still listen to over and over and OVER again is "The Revealing Science of God". It is simply one of the best songs I've ever heard.

I know where you are coming from, funny how many people have that opinion on the first listens.

The first time I listened to this album I was totally dissapointed. I just didn't GET it. But after my third time listening to it, I totally got used to all the random changes in tune and mood. And one track I still listen to over and over and OVER again is "The Revealing Science of God". It is simply one of the best songs I've ever heard.

kirklott wrote: If you picked any two sides at random, like 1 and 2, or 3 and 4, would fans rate it ahead of Close to the Edge or Relayer? No.

Well obviously not, because the album works MUCH better when taken as one gigantic whole.  It's a single entity in four parts.

kirklott wrote: I think most prog fans are somewhat deluded by double concept albums, like Lamb, Works or Topo. IMO, they're among the weaker releases by those bands.

Well, I can't speak for Works Volumes 1 or 2, because I haven't heard either of them, but they doesn't seem to get great glowing praise around here, so I don't think anyone's deluded by their length. And really, does the Lamb have one moment of filler (save the Waiting Room) in all ninety minutes?

It's kinda funny how different our views are, 'cause The Lamb and Topo are my favorite albums from their respective bands.  Guess I'm going to have to check out Works now!

Genesisprog wrote:          There are four songs.Choose 2 stronger songs.Releace it as ordinary LP.    Not double album.Then that album would have been more succesful.   Music critics would have liked it more...

I agree. I would have edited the album down to parts of RSoG, second half of Rembering, Leaves of Green, first half of Ritual.

That would have been a great album on part with CttE.

Genesisprog wrote:          There are four songs.Choose 2 stronger songs.Releace it as ordinary LP.    Not double album.Then that album would have been more succesful.   Music critics would have liked it more...

and then we would have been denied all the noteriety, and debates that have surrounded this album since it was released.   Prog was about expanding the boundries... well Yes did that didn't they. Besides it was sucessful enough, it was a top 10 album on both sides of the Atlantic.  Imagine that happening today.  BTW who cares what the critics think,  it's easier to sell mags by trashing something you don't understand then to invest time to understand something for something as banal as a positive album review. 

ohh... has to the The Ancient.  Hated it at first, grew to be my least favorite, over time, became my favorite on the album,  more time passed.... amoung my favorite Yessongs period.

The first track, although many would say that the best part is when they stop playing at all...