Happy 50th Tales From Topographic Oceans! - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Hi,

All Things considered, for me, this is one of the top albums ever. It's sad that folks do not seem to consider it a "symphony" in 4 parts, which would better describe the whole work and perhaps give it a better standing, but it seems to me that the preference for rock music is to NOT do anything that is more "classical" in form, instead of being more song oriented.

I don't think the idea that Rick mentioned was a good idea. I think it is excellent as it is, although some folks do not seem to like Side 3 of the double album, but in my book, all of it stands out for something that rock musicians can do that ... in some ways ... they are too lazy to do, and will often select the easiest path and cheapest design.

I have always looked at a lot of these musicians as the classical musicians of our time, and in all honesty I have this bit of stomach noise when folks want to see it brought down to the level of a song, albeit a long song, which should have been broken up. I, for one, am glad it stood out in one piece, and 50 years later, it still lives as one of the greatest achievements with rock musicians.

The concert I saw at the Long Beach Arena, was one of the saddest things I have ever seen. It was a magical concert and it was really beautiful and 10 years later I heard a bootleg and it was indeed a well played show .... with one sad moment. The audience did not wake up until after their break at the end of TFTO. The next section started with Roundabout if I remember correctly, and from then on the audience was on fire.

I left the show crying. Some of the prettiest and best playing by folks my age, was not appreciated, and only applauded when the "hit song" came on, which already tells you what the business was about at the time ... it was very sad, because you knew that this piece was gonna get trashed for a long time ... and I'm just happy that 50 years later ... all those haters, lost ... the piece is remembered more than ever and will continue to be so!

Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told!
www.pedrosena.com

^Me too. I heard a Wakeman interview where he pointed out that they were supposed to do exactly that, 2 of the tracks were originally supposed to be 8 minutesish. They either had to edit down for one LP or write a bunch of filler. They chose the latter. He labeled it "studio busking".

Edited by Tapfret - December 07 2023 at 20:26

Bandcamp

^True, and the ending of Ritual, beautiful.

I'm listening to the album right now. My copy sounds amazing

The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...

one of my all times favorites :-)

Edited by mellotronwave - December 07 2023 at 14:37

JD wrote:

First things first...ELP, then Yes. It's a busy listening day.

But a good one!

The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...

TFTO is prog rock mastery, all the way down to the splendid cover art.

BSS has Giger, TFTO has Dean...both released on the very same day. Incredible.

eBay

Playing it now! Clap

Wow...two masterpieces of prog rock (BSS the other) released on the same day...crazy...