For those who look forward to a dazzling wonderous afterlife full of extraordinary beauty, treasure, eternal youth, angels, harps, a heavenly abode, etc... If there IS sn afterlife, it will likely be nothing like what one is expecting..."no candy floss, toffee apple, no clowns..."
Chris would often have his bass lines playing to imagined rhythms as he played them. IF you take the bass line to Parallels and isolated it it WOULD feel very blues
Here's a link to a live performance of Yes performing "Circus of Heaven", in the round, in Philadelphia, 1979: th-cam.com/video/-B8b_brLJYU/w-d-xo.html, if anyone is interested.
This is one of the very few times when Jon Anderson wryly pokes fun at himself a little bit. "Look at all this grand, mystical, wondrous spectacle! Legends brought to life in fantastic visions! Isn't this amazing?" "But there were no clowns! Or lions!" Disappointed expectations. Like bringing a kindergartener to Cirque du Soleil, lol. Another strange track that doesn't have drums. They were still stretching even if the songs were shorter and had a more traditional structure.
You correct again, the Beatles were really influential to Yes, and Chris did so admire McCartney's bass playing. I did wonder if this song had a South African "reversed2 bass riff, that's what it reminded me of?
In around this period, Yes members started to go in two general directions with their music - Anderson & Wakeman were playing the lighter styles, while Squire, Howe and White were getting a heavier style as became clearer in the next album Drama. Tormato had this strange mix of both styles.
I was 12 when this came out, and although I was beyond 'kid stuff' it let me know that I could enjoy the wonder of my inner child throughout life. I have never forgotten to enjoy simplicity. Some cotton candy, or a candy apple can be restorative to the soul
Hey Justin-was speaking with the late great Chris Squire one evening after a YES show. He asked me “what did you say about my bass?” A Rickebacker 4001 early ‘70s i think. I said it was one of the most beautiful instruments I’d ever seen-/because it was. He laughed and told me, “oh, that thing practically plays itself.” I have another friend with about 50 years of playing the bass, and he got rid of his Rickenbacker because he “hated the tone.” VAST differences of opinion, i play guitar but am curious of your opinion on Rickenbackers, in general. Peace my friend.
I've never owned a Rickenbacker. I'm not even sure if I've played one before (maybe I have at a music store forever ago). But I love the sound of them. Very distinctive. Not for all styles but for what it does it is perfect.
True that. Love that start, song and album! Though, that's the Bradbury book I believe. Mr. Dark: The Circus Master. The Circus always arrives at 3:00 AM. Because, that is the hour most like death. Fantastical...Disney turned into a movie, that made them start Miramax, because too scary (back then) for Disney.
I saw this song live in 1979 (my first concert ever, if you remember). Would have preferred Perpetual Change or something else from the back catalogue. Good thing it's short.
after Going For The One album, I was so looking forward to this album coming out and bought it the day it was released...oh dear, I was shocked and couldnt believe it was the same band..I occasionally play On The Silent Wings.. but nothing else from this album...truly awful to my ears
Next step for yes was paris sessions. They had to stop...they were going nowhere. Result... Drama. A fantastic album that initially shocked me.. yes without Jon and Rick. But it was a glass of fresh water
Perhaps these words would have been better suited for an Anderson solo project, rather than a Yes album. The use of his young son Damion’s voice presses home that point... “Circus of Heaven” starts off with great promise, yet the world’s greatest progressive rock band disappoints in the end... Fortunately, the next song on Tormato meets and possibly exceeds expectations for Yes. - SOMETHING ELSE!: YESterdays (excerpts) Yes charms. 'Circus of Heaven' is lovely and wistful. It's a benevolent Dr. Lao idea for a father and son outing... - Audio magazine The quirkiness continues with this cloying piece of kitsch Bossa Nova, with hints of the Beatles... Such high concept music is difficult to pull off, and some inventive playing from the band cannot save it. - Stephen Lambe "Circus Of Heaven" is in my opinion, Tormato's finest hour. Jon singing/reciting a soaring, fanciful poem over a celestial reggae anchored by Squire's playful basswork. Alan stays back with bass drum timekeeping and tinkly crotales. Steve and Rick continue their duel but tastefully..." - Martin Popoff
As Jon told the audience when I saw him in 2010 he had loved reggae since at least 70. He wanted to used reggae rhythms on Time and a Word but the band said no. Steve's electric mandolin parts are cool but too high in the mix. The lyrics are OK but the melody was weak. Alan's opening perc was a crotale probably hand muted.
My least favorite on Tormato. It’s become a skip track for me. Reminds me of a child’s fairytale song. This would have fit better on one of Jon’s solo albums. I like the background vocals. But I would have left out Jon’s child’s voice at the end.
"Circus of Heaven" is my least favourite track on Tormato. Listened to in the context of the album, it's fine, but I'd never listen to it on its own. On the other hand, I really like the airy "Onward" that follows.
This may be my least favorite Yes song from the 1970's. IMO it should have been held back for Jon's next solo album, but they were clearly running out of gas in the composition department (and if you want an example of Steve and Rick having no clue what to do, and just faffing about to fill space here ya go). I mean, isn't there a rule where kids should NEVER be allowed on a rock album? Jon obviously never got the memo, since all three of his kids show up on his next solo album. I get they were throwing things at the wall to see what would stick, but I just don't get why this song is on a Yes album. Re: the reggae influence, Jon has always been a big Bob Marley fan (see: "The Messenger" from 'The Ladder'), but yeah -- in Yes you get a bunch of white, English guys (literally choirboys, no less) attempts at blues, funk and reggae... 😄
They could have put this on a B side of a single and have a better song here. There are 10 bonus tracks recorded but not on the album. Several are better than this.
To be honest, the bonus tracks on Tormato are even less inspired (including "Abilene", single B-side to "Don't Kill the Whale"), so you might as well leave the album as it is with "Circus of Heaven".😉
@@a.k.1740 Agreed about "Abilene", but IMO there are other Jon-songs that they were working on that are better: "Picasso", "Some Are Born", and "Days" are all better songs IMO. I have a feeling they just ran out of time.
@@yes_head Yes spent some six months in the studio for Tormato, so you can't say they were short of time! I think the material on the album is very good overall, but the band used to bicker too much over nothing, so the tension only increased when they got to the Paris sessions in 1979 with Roy Thomas Baker (and it's obvious that the band's chemistry wasn't working at all by then).
I have called it Tormahto since it came out. I just didn't want to correct Justin. The most hated Yes song is a matter of opinion. I can see how someone who started with Yes in their infancy might hate it or not like it but starting in the mid 70's like I did must give me a different perspective. There is no Yes to "hate" in my opinion for their first decade anyway...
@@kennethmckinney2532 I totally agree with you. All 70s Yes is choice. I don't mind this tune. It works well in context. I think it gets a bad rep because it was the first sort of...short, fluffy subject matter tune. Looking at the next two decades many of it's "children" sprung up on later albums. Many tunes that make CoH seem like a masterpiece in comparison. I think the fans didn't want to see the band boil down to four minute POP prog tunes, but that change was inevitable with the oncoming 80s. This is a very Jon tune, it almost points to some of his solo work that was around the corner.
YES! 😊
For those who look forward to a dazzling wonderous afterlife full of extraordinary beauty, treasure, eternal youth, angels, harps, a heavenly abode, etc...
If there IS sn afterlife, it will likely be nothing like what one is expecting..."no candy floss, toffee apple, no clowns..."
Chris would often have his bass lines playing to imagined rhythms as he played them. IF you take the bass line to Parallels and isolated it it WOULD feel very blues
I love the little kid. Such a sweet voice..
I have no problem with it. Some people are too critical over little stuff.
Here's a link to a live performance of Yes performing "Circus of Heaven", in the round, in Philadelphia, 1979: th-cam.com/video/-B8b_brLJYU/w-d-xo.html, if anyone is interested.
I think you'll like "Onward". Nice melody.
YES and LA Bamba 😂 now that's off the rails
✨️🎶✨️
...and isn't Jon's singing kinda like rap?
This is one of the very few times when Jon Anderson wryly pokes fun at himself a little bit. "Look at all this grand, mystical, wondrous spectacle! Legends brought to life in fantastic visions! Isn't this amazing?" "But there were no clowns! Or lions!" Disappointed expectations. Like bringing a kindergartener to Cirque du Soleil, lol. Another strange track that doesn't have drums. They were still stretching even if the songs were shorter and had a more traditional structure.
You correct again, the Beatles were really influential to Yes, and Chris did so admire McCartney's bass playing. I did wonder if this song had a South African "reversed2 bass riff, that's what it reminded me of?
🤩
Jon loves reggae, his music in the late 70s onward is very eclectic and worldly.
Whimsical! For children...really fun, and the end....I want an ice cream!
In around this period, Yes members started to go in two general directions with their music - Anderson & Wakeman were playing the lighter styles, while Squire, Howe and White were getting a heavier style as became clearer in the next album Drama. Tormato had this strange mix of both styles.
Man o man o man...when will you review Bostons first album? Your listeners will appreciate your insights.
Omg. The anticipation for this song and the result of your reaction was well worth it. We're home free now lol
"Dear Prudence" for the descending chords.
Definitely. At around 5 minutes.
😎
I was 12 when this came out, and although I was beyond 'kid stuff' it let me know that I could enjoy the wonder of my inner child throughout life. I have never forgotten to enjoy simplicity. Some cotton candy, or a candy apple can be restorative to the soul
Hey Justin-was speaking with the late great Chris Squire one evening after a YES show. He asked me “what did you say about my bass?” A Rickebacker 4001 early ‘70s i think. I said it was one of the most beautiful instruments I’d ever seen-/because it was. He laughed and told me, “oh, that thing practically plays itself.” I have another friend with about 50 years of playing the bass, and he got rid of his Rickenbacker because he “hated the tone.” VAST differences of opinion, i play guitar but am curious of your opinion on Rickenbackers, in general. Peace my friend.
I've never owned a Rickenbacker. I'm not even sure if I've played one before (maybe I have at a music store forever ago). But I love the sound of them. Very distinctive. Not for all styles but for what it does it is perfect.
I think this song is one that many Yes fans dislike, however, I really like singing along with it.
TOR-MAA-TOE -
not like the fruit. Yes tomato is a fruit cuz it has seeds. lol
And I love this precious sweet song. Jon’s son’s voice is so sweet.
So Jon. Haha, yes, because he is in your band. 'Something Wicked this way Comes.' 😊 Ty for reaction sir.
@@ryanr5319 "Something wicked" this way comes? Yeah. It's the Machine Messiah. 666
True that. Love that start, song and album!
Though, that's the Bradbury book I believe. Mr. Dark: The Circus Master. The Circus always arrives at 3:00 AM. Because, that is the hour most like death. Fantastical...Disney turned into a movie, that made them start Miramax, because too scary (back then) for Disney.
I saw this song live in 1979 (my first concert ever, if you remember). Would have preferred Perpetual Change or something else from the back catalogue. Good thing it's short.
Jon Anderson's imagination in song form lol. Reggae vibe endorsed by Bob Marley lol.
Yah Mahn
I think Anderson wrote this for his son, which endears me to it somehow. Not what I really listen to Yes for.
after Going For The One album, I was so looking forward to this album coming out and bought it the day it was released...oh dear, I was shocked and couldnt believe it was the same band..I occasionally play On The Silent Wings.. but nothing else from this album...truly awful to my ears
no clowns....
Next step for yes was paris sessions. They had to stop...they were going nowhere. Result... Drama. A fantastic album that initially shocked me.. yes without Jon and Rick. But it was a glass of fresh water
Perhaps these words would have been better suited for an Anderson solo project, rather than a Yes album. The use of his young son Damion’s voice presses home that point... “Circus of Heaven” starts off with great promise, yet the world’s greatest progressive rock band disappoints in the end... Fortunately, the next song on Tormato meets and possibly exceeds expectations for Yes. - SOMETHING ELSE!: YESterdays (excerpts)
Yes charms. 'Circus of Heaven' is lovely and wistful. It's a benevolent Dr. Lao idea for a father and son outing... - Audio magazine
The quirkiness continues with this cloying piece of kitsch Bossa Nova, with hints of the Beatles... Such high concept music is difficult to pull off, and some inventive playing from the band cannot save it. - Stephen Lambe
"Circus Of Heaven" is in my opinion, Tormato's finest hour. Jon singing/reciting a soaring, fanciful poem over a celestial reggae anchored by Squire's playful basswork. Alan stays back with bass drum timekeeping and tinkly crotales. Steve and Rick continue their duel but tastefully..." - Martin Popoff
"Reggae adjacent..."
As Jon told the audience when I saw him in 2010 he had loved reggae since at least 70. He wanted to used reggae rhythms on Time and a Word but the band said no. Steve's electric mandolin parts are cool but too high in the mix. The lyrics are OK but the melody was weak. Alan's opening perc was a crotale probably hand muted.
My least favorite on Tormato. It’s become a skip track for me. Reminds me of a child’s fairytale song. This would have fit better on one of Jon’s solo albums. I like the background vocals. But I would have left out Jon’s child’s voice at the end.
"Circus of Heaven" is my least favourite track on Tormato. Listened to in the context of the album, it's fine, but I'd never listen to it on its own. On the other hand, I really like the airy "Onward" that follows.
It’s not a bad song. However, like many songs with a gimmick, it has worn a little thin after 40 years of knowing this music.
This is the Tai Shan of Yes
Nope. Up to this point Yes doesn't have a Tai Shan or Net Boy Net Girl. Not even close. Just my opinion loving both bands
This may be my least favorite Yes song from the 1970's. IMO it should have been held back for Jon's next solo album, but they were clearly running out of gas in the composition department (and if you want an example of Steve and Rick having no clue what to do, and just faffing about to fill space here ya go). I mean, isn't there a rule where kids should NEVER be allowed on a rock album? Jon obviously never got the memo, since all three of his kids show up on his next solo album. I get they were throwing things at the wall to see what would stick, but I just don't get why this song is on a Yes album. Re: the reggae influence, Jon has always been a big Bob Marley fan (see: "The Messenger" from 'The Ladder'), but yeah -- in Yes you get a bunch of white, English guys (literally choirboys, no less) attempts at blues, funk and reggae... 😄
This is the song that truly broke me on this album. This song and most of this album are so terrible. 🤮 Thank god Drama came next.
I totally agree. And Drama, as you say, is a far, far superior album
They could have put this on a B side of a single and have a better song here. There are 10 bonus tracks recorded but not on the album. Several are better than this.
To be honest, the bonus tracks on Tormato are even less inspired (including "Abilene", single B-side to "Don't Kill the Whale"), so you might as well leave the album as it is with "Circus of Heaven".😉
@@a.k.1740 Agreed about "Abilene", but IMO there are other Jon-songs that they were working on that are better: "Picasso", "Some Are Born", and "Days" are all better songs IMO. I have a feeling they just ran out of time.
@@yes_head Yes spent some six months in the studio for Tormato, so you can't say they were short of time! I think the material on the album is very good overall, but the band used to bicker too much over nothing, so the tension only increased when they got to the Paris sessions in 1979 with Roy Thomas Baker (and it's obvious that the band's chemistry wasn't working at all by then).
TormAHto, not TorMAYto. Did you know that this (for many) is the most 'hated ' 70s yes song?
I have called it Tormahto since it came out. I just didn't want to correct Justin. The most hated Yes song is a matter of opinion. I can see how someone who started with Yes in their infancy might hate it or not like it but starting in the mid 70's like I did must give me a different perspective. There is no Yes to "hate" in my opinion for their first decade anyway...
@@kennethmckinney2532 I totally agree with you. All 70s Yes is choice. I don't mind this tune. It works well in context. I think it gets a bad rep because it was the first sort of...short, fluffy subject matter tune. Looking at the next two decades many of it's "children" sprung up on later albums. Many tunes that make CoH seem like a masterpiece in comparison. I think the fans didn't want to see the band boil down to four minute POP prog tunes, but that change was inevitable with the oncoming 80s. This is a very Jon tune, it almost points to some of his solo work that was around the corner.
As a Yes fan, this is not on my play list.
They actually played this crap song on the Tormato tour. The creative juices were definitely scraping the bottom here.
Yes the biggest prog band. But tormato is odd..this song..weird..not like yes
I can't stand this track. I always skip it. To me, it's their worst song ever. At least there are no more turds on this album after this one.
Go off the rails????