More than any other member of the band, "Relayer" is Steve Howe's album. He dominates every track and his playing really hit a peak here, with such a wide range of dynamics and sounds. And what a perfect way to close a record.
Yes, he got a great deal of free space because of Wakeman's exit and then they didn't find Moraz until much of the music had already been written and rehearsed, so a big part of the sessions were done without keyboards. That left it very open, but Steve rose to the opportunity/challenge by inventing a new idiom - almost nothing he had done with Yes before sounds remotely like his playing on Relayer, or his solos here. He gets this metallic, sharp, gleaming and creamy sound out of his Telecaster - often a very bright sound, but there's still a powerful feeling of space around it despite the heavily packed sonic image (especially on Gates). Relayer is such a unique album, and I think no other record from the seventies sounds like it (it's just amazing that they were able to achieve that production with the tech of the mid-seventies....before modern samplers came around, for one thing).
@@L33Reacts Yes, this is a record to delve deep into... Extraordinary sounds, sky-high contrasts that still work out and unique soundscapes. They were really breaking new ground here, but they did it with supreme confidence. I agree Moraz is essential to the album, it wouldn't have worked with Wakeman and I doubt it would have worked with Vangelis (they tried him out in between, he was a very original player but he didn't have Moraz' lightning-fast touch on the keys and his sense of Latin/jazz rhythms, plus he wasn't keen on going on a live world tour!) 😀 Moraz was the right man, for sure.
"Do not suffer through the game of chance that plays." Love this song, Love this album. I love Rick. But this album with Patrick, is just OUTSTANDING!! I have it hanging on my wall. 💙🎵🎶🎶
I recently had a very dear friend pass away and I put together a memorial video of photos of her and this song seemed to fit perfectly for that video. It is so calming and beautiful.
I am so sorry to hear that my friend... they are not only still here with you in your mind but they have transcended to another plane of reality where hopefully they have hatched into the minor gods we become for the next age. Rest in peace 🙏 what a beautiful track to honor a fallen friend
Yes. It’s another Masterpiece from the Masters of Prog’. I saw this Album performed live in 1975 on the ‘Relayer Tour’. I was 19. Absolutely amazing Show. Patrick Moraz was brilliant too. Love it. 🎶❤️🎶
You’ve needed to hear this for a long time. Maybe all your life. We all need to hear this. Again and again. The entire nation, the entire world. It should be mandatory listening for all of humanity upon waking in the morning. Cranked up. Anger issues worldwide would decrease, then dissipate, because this song, in addition to being absolutely gorgeous, just beautiful, is also a major league creeper. It just gets better every time you hear it. I’ve listened thousands of times and love it more now than ever. Until my next listen. Does it sound like I love this song? ❤😂❤ Relayer as a whole. Nothing like it, before or since. May never again be. Yes may have done work as near and dear to our hearts, or in some cases more so, but never again did they reach the originality, uniqueness or overall beauty of Relayer. Nice work, Lee!
I remember somebody calling this song "the Hallelujah Chorus of prog rock", and that really nails it - it achieves this level of elevation and irresistible melodic and rhythmic power. The sound gets wider and wider all through the track, there's a subtle sense of growth without ever having to use just loud volume as the main thing - the strength in this song comes from within, it's a very organic piece.
@@carlscarlet Thanks, Carl! I think what you respond to is my deep love for Yes. When younger maybe in the back of my mind I may have thought it was something I’d grow out of. Instead I’ve discovered it’s something I’m still growing into! Yes music does not wear out with time, does not dull. It just gets better. But, you know this, Carl! You, too are a Yesfan. I can tell. ❤️
@@frankhoulihanfh4972 Thank you so much Frank; my Yes journey began when I was lucky enough to be taken by my parents to see them on the Topographic Oceans tour in 1973, as a small child. My parents felt I had to see them live as they had left their concert at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester in a state of elevated joy and emotional collapse after the Fragile concert there in 1971. Your comment reminded me what my mum told me at the time; that if we all listened to Yes, there would be no wars, no hate, only Love as Yes music was a source of Peace, enlightenment and beauty. Before the show, I sat on Chris Squires' knee backstage and turned the key on his Rickenbacker, obviously detuning it, but I didn't know what I'd done at the time! He was distracted as he was signing the inner booklet of Yessongs for me, (I still have it, all the band signed it) I later found out about his obsession with tuning, and it horrifies me now that I'd done this! I was fortunate to meet Chris at the Classic Rock awards years and years later and I mentioned it. He laughed but he didn't remember. What a man. In '73 I was entranced by what seemed to be (to my 7 year old self) a GIANT dressed in satin. I was then to have my young mind blown by the music and the pods on stage, and the manic intensity of the drum part in Ritual with all the lights flashing. Two years later it was the RELAYER tour I experienced. A real education. It's hard to listen to certain Yes songs without crying; To Be Over is one of those tracks. Blessings to all
We go sailing down the calming streams Drifting endlessly by the bridge To be over, we will see, to be over [Chorus] Do not suffer through the game of chance that plays Always doors to lock away your dreams Think it over, time will heal your fear, think it over Balance the thoughts that release within you [Interlude] [Guitar Solo] [Verse 1] Childlike soul dreamer One journey, one to seek and see in every light Do open true pathways away [Verse 2] Carrying closer Go gently, holding doors will open every way You wander true pathways away [Instrumental Break] [Bridge] After all your soul will still surrender After all don't doubt your part Be ready to be loved [Outro] Nous somme du lay Sah du rah Sah du lay Tu sah rah Du sah du lay Sah du rah Tey tu sante
This is the song I want played at my funeral. And I want a really good sound system to be playing it too, so that people are immersed in it and touched by it.
Love this song as well. Curiosity on your “Lathe of Heaven” id. Is it based on the Ursula K LeGuin book? The only reason I’m asking it that there was a PBS movie on it in the late ‘70’s and it’s one of my favorites
immediately I'm transported back to my first year away at college and one of most beautifully magical times of life. EMACULATE MASTERPIECE. STEVE is pure SHINING GOLD here! The trio interplay section between Pat, Steve & Chris during MORAZ'S SOLO is just brilliant & trademark 70's YES!!!!! "Don't doubt your part, be ready to be LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!" PURE HEAVEN! This is not their last great album but their last GREATEST ALBUM.
What a great way to start a Saturday, or should I say YesSaturday! "To Be Over" is a very beautiful song. And I believe you're right about Steve playing a sitar. I just love the outro, with the repeating motif. It gives me heavenly sensations, almost like a feeling of watching beaming shafts of sunlight coming down from the clouds to give us a peek at the Divine. In structure _Relayer_ is very similar to _Close to the Edge,_ with an epic length track on Side 1 with two 10 minute songs on Side 2. But _Relayer_ is far more complex than _Close to the Edge._ Steve Howe in particular really shines on this album. The addition of Patrick Moraz really adds a different dimension to the music as well. If you decide to do a live version "The Gates of Delirium", Lee, I highly recommend doing the _Yesshows_ version. I think that is the definitive version of that masterpiece. Anyway, peace, brother! 🙏😎
Yeah this seems like the upgrade to close to the edge (which is already a masterpiece) I'm so glad you enjoy Yessaturday my friend. I TRULY enjoy it too
Relayer album by Yes is a piece of abstract art. It's like a Picasco painting, where the figure in the painting has an outer structure but the inner structures contain disconnected pieces that make up the outer structrure! That;s Yes!!!
This song is my Favorite YES song Being a Abstract Artist .I have painted many Paintings to this song A Masterpiece. Thank you for sharing this song and taking the time to listen to it 🙏🎨😍 Namaste 🎨🕯️💜🤗🙏
I find original pressings of this record in good condition for £5 or so pretty often, and always gift them to friends and colleagues who have a turntable! A lot of them obviously aren't familiar with Prog Rock, and having to listen to The Gates of Delirium as their first song must really throw them into the deep end 😂 If I can add my own recommendation, I'd suggest that you listen to the first two Yes albums, if you haven't already. They don't have any of the lengthy masterpieces on them like the other albums do, but the band is incredibly tight and self assured in their playing and compositions right from the start, and the production is first rate!
I have been thinking about going back to the beginning once we get through tormato. I haven't heard a single song from the first 2. And if I Can find a pressing for cheap I'm grabbing it for sure
An incredible example of how (should that be Howe?) you can imbue music with emotion without having to scream or fit 300 vocal notes into one syllable.
LOL with your "naughty Santa". Anyways, "To Be Over" is a deep cut from an under-appreciated album, a song that fans have been dying for them to play live for years. Steve Howe has been including it in his solo live shows for decades (not the whole thing, obviously). But it's a quintessential, beautiful mid 70's Yes song.
Much of what you are attributing to Patrick moraz is actually Howe on a peddle steel. Guitar World magazine had a Best Guitarist poll during the late 1970’s, the readers of the magazine voted Steve Howe the best in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980. In 1981 they opened their HOF, with Howe as the first inductee which disqualified him from the best poll to give the other guitarists a shot at the title;);) Watch a live version you be flabbergasted at what is making the sounds;)
I dont think Yes ever performed this live. It's one of Steve's favourites and he did a version on of his solo albums. If you're a Steve fan I'd recommend Natural Timbres. His son Dylan is an awesome drummer who can play everything from straight rock to jazz fusion.
So glad you chose to listen to Relayer!!! Many of us have had that album for Decades!! Each time you listen it’ll take you on a ride. You’ll hear new pieces each time u listen…(I know I’ve said that before), but it’s true! I just played it again and Dam if this album doesn’t Rock!!!❤
I had listened to and enjoyed this song for many years before realizing what the lyrics are about. It's a song about how dying isn't the end, but rather a passage, a doorway into a new and ultimately more transcendental phase of life. The song expresses this in such positive and sublimely beautiful terms that it became one of the few songs that actually made me cry. Those who dismiss it as a letdown ending to the rest of the album have never delved into its true meaning and beauty, and coming after the chaos of "Gates" and "Sound Chaser", it's akin to "Soon" as a calming lullaby.
Howe: “It was one of my songs that Jon liked. It was quite a well-structured song. We had this abundance of rich ideas that weren’t simply knitted together in an abstract way. They were meant to be together. For me, this song has one of Yes’ best middle eights.” Moraz: “I treated [the synth solo] exactly like a fugue, a classical fugue. Although it doesn’t sound as baroque as it could have, given less modern harmonies, it is really structured like a fugue. I always acquaint Yes with what Stravinsky would have done as a rock musician. Yes music has that kind of symphonic approach and arrangement. The sophistication of the orchestration is absolutely staggering.” To Be Over (Steven Wilson mix) th-cam.com/video/aOsUlsx8ADE/w-d-xo.html
This entire album was a musical interpretation of war and peace acording to what Jon told Roger Dean who is responsible for the cover art. It too, is one if my favorites in the Yes catalog.
I have no idea why toy skipped this one. Great vocals and amazing guitar solo (The synth solo isn't bad either. And the rhythm guitar during the synth solo is such an original approach).
A perfect album closer, serving as the calm after two impressive “storms” (‘Gates’ and ‘Sound Chaser’). The initial sound is actually an unusual instrument called a sitar guitar that found favour in the late 60s (The Byrds etc). This track has so much grace and understated power which gets unleashed in the last third of the song with those incredible harmony vocals. Although not as famed as epic tracks like ‘Awaken’ or ‘…Edge’, this “deep cut” is one of my favourite Yes tracks. Another first rate reaction review. 👍
This is one of my favorite songs (by Yes or anyone else). It's amazing that this and Sound Chaser make up one side of a single album! I love Patrick Moraz's keyboards - I've found it pretty fascinating that apparently when Rick Wakeman heard this album he was like "yup, glad I left, that is not where I want to go." I've always wondered what a second album by this line-up would have been like, but the rest of the band went back towards the not-quite-as-experimental approach and apparently Moraz wasn't enthusiastic which led to Wakeman being brought back. Great observation that Moraz is in a way like Tony Banks - I'd never considered that (and Banks is one of my favorite keyboardists), but even though Moraz has Wakeman's virtuosity, he and Banks often work more with texture. I also really appreciate your comments about Alan White's drumming. As much as I'm a fan of Bruford, this album made me really appreciate White. Sound Chaser is the obvious attention-grabber for his work, but as you mentioned, White's more subtle work on this song really work well. BTW if you haven't seen any of the live footage from the Union tour with the Anderson/Squire/Howe/Rabin/Bruford/White/Kaye/Wakeman line-up, there are at least two full shows out there on TH-cam - one "in the round" (on a slowly spinning stage) and one on a regular stage. The Union album was a disaster but the tour was amazing. Howe and Rabin kinda just co-exist, but the interplay between Bruford and White, and Kaye and Wakeman is pretty fascinating. Also, there's a bit of footage with the original lineup featuring Kaye and Peter Banks, and it's pretty eye-opening to see how those two played in the early years.
You do a great job with your reactions, maybe my fave reaction channel. I kinda of wish that last few minutes of the song would go on like that for another 10 or 20 minutes, but it does leave you wanting more, so it's perfect as is. The beginning and middle of the song are a perfect balance and lead up to the ending, but Yes is amazing at doing that in the compositions.
Man that's so nice to say thank you so much! That means the world to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes has shot to the top of my favorite bands quicker then Usain Bolt. It's just perfect. And like you said, everything is working together to bring that climax at the end (or middle)
YES.... Very abstract is right... But as this comes after the Jagged Abstract that is the rest of the album it is so soothing and such a brilliant way to end. If I HAD to choose one Yes album to take then this would be the one. And this is coming from a BIG Rick Wakeman fan.
The first time i heard "To be Over" I just fell in love with rhe song. It usually takes me more than one listening to get attached to a song. I was touched by the sadness of the song, lamenting our own mortality! I was really impressed by the introduction of the different instruments used... guitar, slide guitar, synthesizer, sitar... and TUBULAR BELLS! Of course bass and drums, just magnificent layering of all of the different sounds..almost perfect!
You like Bruford. You like Moraz. It will be time to listen to the Moraz-Bruford albums. Their two studio albums are both great but very different from one another!
Glad you enjoyed it my friend. This was absolutely gorgeous in so many ways. I have a feeling ill be discovering new things about this album for years.
Thanks Lee, Love, Love this song. Wishing you all the best brother. You should check out the poem that is inside the album cover. Certainly in my top 10 albums. "Don't doubt your part, be ready to be loved"
Appreciate your attempts to find the right words to describe this masterpiece of a Yes album. All your observations are valid and remarkable for a first listen. All I can say is that, as with any great work of art, your appreciation for it will morph and evolve with every subsequent listen. Your focus may shift; now the lyrics, now Steve’s guitar, now Alan’s drumming, later how it all weaves and dances together. Yes lives on as it’s fan base continues to grow!
I thought this was a Chris song but checking online maybe not. It’s lovely but for me, Gates and Sound Chaser dominate this album ❤ I agree that it’s a special album. CTTE is stunning but this is a step away and up. The cover reflects this for me. I always describe the whole product as sparkling-ice Yes ❤
@@L33Reacts Sound mixing is a little variable but if you wanna see some magic, it’s special. Five guys in a 40,000-seater soccer (football) stadium. No digital effects and so on. It’s just so so special
YES, has some of the Best Album Art. Some of it is just as confusing as the Lyrics from most of the songs...! PS: A hint about the Lyrics... Think " Spiritual Thoughts" and you will see the link between GOD and Song. YES was very spiritual in many aspects.
Oh I could feel the spiritual energy radiantly emanating from Close to the edge. And I've never looked back since.... that was a watershed moment for me.
Close to the Edge vs The Gates of Delirium Siberian Khatru vs Sound Chaser And You And I vs To Be Over Two incredible albums that were almost identical in their construction. Love all 6 pieces, but CttE just narrowly beats TGoD for me, while SC just barely edges out SK, but as beautiful as TBO is, AYAI is still better, imo.
Like I said in a different comment, I feel like Relayer is the upgraded version of CTTE. And it's just a marvel to hear. It's a Gothic cathedral in audio form, like I mentioned in the video. I love it.
And don't worry I didn't forget about you I have just been run ragged and so busy it's not even funny. When I have time on Monday I'm gonna check it out for sure :)
@@L33Reacts i know you didn't. I'm just being a little snit 😎 I think CttE is better than Relayer, but the fact that some think Relayer is better just proves that they achieved their objective. They created another album that is compared to CttE, and some prefer it. Nothing more needs to be said.
@@L33Reacts by the way, if I didn't already tell you, if you're a fan of Old School D&D, the two channels that you will greatly enjoy are 'thedungeondelver' and 'The Dungeon Minister'. The first one is all about 1st edition AD&D, and does live streams Mon-Fri evenings, and the other is an Anglican Priest who plays BECMI D&D with his wife and 3 sons, and then tells the tale of all that happened in their last session. The entire campaign is in a Playlist, so you can listen from the beginning.
To Be Over is a great palate cleanser after all the chaos that precedes it. Steve OWNS Relayer.
You are so right bro! This is the perfect way to end relayer. Just, beautifully and chaotic in its own way.
I can’t think of a YES album that Howe doesn’t dominate!!
More than any other member of the band, "Relayer" is Steve Howe's album. He dominates every track and his playing really hit a peak here, with such a wide range of dynamics and sounds. And what a perfect way to close a record.
Yes, he got a great deal of free space because of Wakeman's exit and then they didn't find Moraz until much of the music had already been written and rehearsed, so a big part of the sessions were done without keyboards. That left it very open, but Steve rose to the opportunity/challenge by inventing a new idiom - almost nothing he had done with Yes before sounds remotely like his playing on Relayer, or his solos here. He gets this metallic, sharp, gleaming and creamy sound out of his Telecaster - often a very bright sound, but there's still a powerful feeling of space around it despite the heavily packed sonic image (especially on Gates).
Relayer is such a unique album, and I think no other record from the seventies sounds like it (it's just amazing that they were able to achieve that production with the tech of the mid-seventies....before modern samplers came around, for one thing).
Absolutely! He is ALL over this record. Him and moraz Create such detailed and emotional soundscapes. It's absolute bliss!
@@L33Reacts Yes, this is a record to delve deep into... Extraordinary sounds, sky-high contrasts that still work out and unique soundscapes. They were really breaking new ground here, but they did it with supreme confidence. I agree Moraz is essential to the album, it wouldn't have worked with Wakeman and I doubt it would have worked with Vangelis (they tried him out in between, he was a very original player but he didn't have Moraz' lightning-fast touch on the keys and his sense of Latin/jazz rhythms, plus he wasn't keen on going on a live world tour!) 😀 Moraz was the right man, for sure.
Absolutely! His fingerprints are all over this album, in all the best ways!
Most underrated Yes track. Lifts you up and calms you down simultaneously. Transcendent, cathartic, timeless, cleansing music
"Do not suffer through the game of chance that plays." Love this song, Love this album. I love Rick. But this album with Patrick, is just OUTSTANDING!! I have it hanging on my wall. 💙🎵🎶🎶
Moraz was on the good shit for this album. He killed it
I know right!!🤣🤣Give me some of that good good .
I recently had a very dear friend pass away and I put together a memorial video of photos of her and this song seemed to fit perfectly for that video. It is so calming and beautiful.
I am so sorry to hear that my friend... they are not only still here with you in your mind but they have transcended to another plane of reality where hopefully they have hatched into the minor gods we become for the next age. Rest in peace 🙏 what a beautiful track to honor a fallen friend
❤
Just another masterpiece in the plethora of YES masterpieces!🤩
You ain't kidding bro... they have so many good songs it's kind of sickening on a certain level 🤣🤣but I'm ok being sick in this department 🤪
And guess what? You've got so many more yet to hear!🤩@@L33Reacts
Close to the Edge was such a masterpiece you wondered what could they do next - then this came next and it made your jaw drop.
Howe shines so bright on this Track ! Relayer is a superb Record 😃
He really does! He was playing with so many different sounds here. And he is wizard of emotion with that thing.
Yes Mind Drive is a Bobby Dazzler Classic Line up@@L33Reacts
Beautiful start to my day. Thanks for sharing this. Peace, all 💕
So glad you enjoyed it ☺️ I really did too. It was amazing 😊
Yes. It’s another Masterpiece from the Masters of Prog’.
I saw this Album performed live in 1975 on the ‘Relayer Tour’.
I was 19. Absolutely amazing Show. Patrick Moraz was brilliant too.
Love it. 🎶❤️🎶
Evansville, IN. Saturday night...I think it was July 5th. 1975 was a great concert year for me.
You’ve needed to hear this for a long time. Maybe all your life.
We all need to hear this. Again and again. The entire nation, the entire world. It should be mandatory listening for all of humanity upon waking in the morning. Cranked up. Anger issues worldwide would decrease, then dissipate, because this song, in addition to being absolutely gorgeous, just beautiful, is also a major league creeper. It just gets better every time you hear it. I’ve listened thousands of times and love it more now than ever. Until my next listen.
Does it sound like I love this song?
❤😂❤
Relayer as a whole. Nothing like it, before or since. May never again be. Yes may have done work as near and dear to our hearts, or in some cases more so, but never again did they reach the originality, uniqueness or overall beauty of Relayer.
Nice work, Lee!
My favourite comment on TH-cam..take a bow my friend for encapsulating what this song and Relayer as a whole does/means to us
I remember somebody calling this song "the Hallelujah Chorus of prog rock", and that really nails it - it achieves this level of elevation and irresistible melodic and rhythmic power. The sound gets wider and wider all through the track, there's a subtle sense of growth without ever having to use just loud volume as the main thing - the strength in this song comes from within, it's a very organic piece.
I'm honored to have heard it's beauty. It made me feel so calm and ok with myself
@@carlscarlet
Thanks, Carl!
I think what you respond to is my deep love for Yes. When younger maybe in the back of my mind I may have thought it was something I’d grow out of. Instead I’ve discovered it’s something I’m still growing into!
Yes music does not wear out with time, does not dull. It just gets better.
But, you know this, Carl! You, too are a Yesfan. I can tell. ❤️
@@frankhoulihanfh4972 Thank you so much Frank; my Yes journey began when I was lucky enough to be taken by my parents to see them on the Topographic Oceans tour in 1973, as a small child. My parents felt I had to see them live as they had left their concert at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester in a state of elevated joy and emotional collapse after the Fragile concert there in 1971. Your comment reminded me what my mum told me at the time; that if we all listened to Yes, there would be no wars, no hate, only Love as Yes music was a source of Peace, enlightenment and beauty. Before the show, I sat on Chris Squires' knee backstage and turned the key on his Rickenbacker, obviously detuning it, but I didn't know what I'd done at the time! He was distracted as he was signing the inner booklet of Yessongs for me, (I still have it, all the band signed it) I later found out about his obsession with tuning, and it horrifies me now that I'd done this! I was fortunate to meet Chris at the Classic Rock awards years and years later and I mentioned it. He laughed but he didn't remember. What a man. In '73 I was entranced by what seemed to be (to my 7 year old self) a GIANT dressed in satin. I was then to have my young mind blown by the music and the pods on stage, and the manic intensity of the drum part in Ritual with all the lights flashing. Two years later it was the RELAYER tour I experienced. A real education. It's hard to listen to certain Yes songs without crying; To Be Over is one of those tracks. Blessings to all
We go sailing down the calming streams
Drifting endlessly by the bridge
To be over, we will see, to be over
[Chorus]
Do not suffer through the game of chance that plays
Always doors to lock away your dreams
Think it over, time will heal your fear, think it over
Balance the thoughts that release within you
[Interlude]
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 1]
Childlike soul dreamer
One journey, one to seek and see in every light
Do open true pathways away
[Verse 2]
Carrying closer
Go gently, holding doors will open every way
You wander true pathways away
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
After all your soul will still surrender
After all don't doubt your part
Be ready to be loved
[Outro]
Nous somme du lay
Sah du rah
Sah du lay
Tu sah rah
Du sah du lay
Sah du rah
Tey tu sante
Absolute beauty in lyrics Jon was a wizard
This is the song I want played at my funeral. And I want a really good sound system to be playing it too, so that people are immersed in it and touched by it.
It seems like there are a few of you who would want this at your funeral. I agree, it's beautiful yet haunting at the same time. It's amazing.
Love this song as well. Curiosity on your “Lathe of Heaven” id. Is it based on the Ursula K LeGuin book? The only reason I’m asking it that there was a PBS movie on it in the late ‘70’s and it’s one of my favorites
immediately I'm transported back to my first year away at college and one of most beautifully magical times of life. EMACULATE MASTERPIECE. STEVE is pure SHINING GOLD here! The trio interplay section between Pat, Steve & Chris during MORAZ'S SOLO is just brilliant & trademark 70's YES!!!!! "Don't doubt your part, be ready to be LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!" PURE HEAVEN! This is not their last great album but their last GREATEST ALBUM.
What a great way to start a Saturday, or should I say YesSaturday! "To Be Over" is a very beautiful song. And I believe you're right about Steve playing a sitar. I just love the outro, with the repeating motif. It gives me heavenly sensations, almost like a feeling of watching beaming shafts of sunlight coming down from the clouds to give us a peek at the Divine. In structure _Relayer_ is very similar to _Close to the Edge,_ with an epic length track on Side 1 with two 10 minute songs on Side 2. But _Relayer_ is far more complex than _Close to the Edge._ Steve Howe in particular really shines on this album. The addition of Patrick Moraz really adds a different dimension to the music as well. If you decide to do a live version "The Gates of Delirium", Lee, I highly recommend doing the _Yesshows_ version. I think that is the definitive version of that masterpiece. Anyway, peace, brother! 🙏😎
Yeah this seems like the upgrade to close to the edge (which is already a masterpiece) I'm so glad you enjoy Yessaturday my friend. I TRULY enjoy it too
I think Steve Howe also plays pedal steel guitar on this song, the wailing tones in the first part
@@erickvermeulen9734 You are right. Either that or a slide guitar. Steve Howe played a lot of pedal steel during this era of Yes.
Relayer album by Yes is a piece of abstract art. It's like a Picasco painting, where the figure in the painting has an outer structure but the inner structures contain disconnected pieces that make up the outer structrure! That;s Yes!!!
What a way to conclude an album, following the musical madness of Gates and Sound Chaser. A perfect trio of perfect Prog!
This song is my Favorite YES song
Being a Abstract Artist .I have painted many Paintings to this song
A Masterpiece. Thank you for sharing this song and taking the time to listen to it 🙏🎨😍
Namaste 🎨🕯️💜🤗🙏
YES inspires so much creativity in me as well. I will have to check out your work! Sounds awesome 👌
Thank you so much for checking my Art out .I really appreciate it 🙏🎨💜
My favorite Steve Howe solo. Just takes to a place where times runs slow.
I find original pressings of this record in good condition for £5 or so pretty often, and always gift them to friends and colleagues who have a turntable! A lot of them obviously aren't familiar with Prog Rock, and having to listen to The Gates of Delirium as their first song must really throw them into the deep end 😂
If I can add my own recommendation, I'd suggest that you listen to the first two Yes albums, if you haven't already. They don't have any of the lengthy masterpieces on them like the other albums do, but the band is incredibly tight and self assured in their playing and compositions right from the start, and the production is first rate!
I have been thinking about going back to the beginning once we get through tormato. I haven't heard a single song from the first 2. And if I Can find a pressing for cheap I'm grabbing it for sure
An incredible example of how (should that be Howe?) you can imbue music with emotion without having to scream or fit 300 vocal notes into one syllable.
His touch is magic. And the emotions he can stir in you with just a note or two is insane.
His touch is magic. And the emotions he can stir in you with just a note or two is insane.
@@L33Reacts absolutely!
LOL with your "naughty Santa". Anyways, "To Be Over" is a deep cut from an under-appreciated album, a song that fans have been dying for them to play live for years. Steve Howe has been including it in his solo live shows for decades (not the whole thing, obviously). But it's a quintessential, beautiful mid 70's Yes song.
That’s Steve doing his thing with surround sound vocals amazing!
Wise yet celebratory.
Indeed my friend.
Much of what you are attributing to Patrick moraz is actually Howe on a peddle steel.
Guitar World magazine had a Best Guitarist poll during the late 1970’s, the readers of the magazine voted Steve Howe the best in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980. In 1981 they opened their HOF, with Howe as the first inductee which disqualified him from the best poll to give the other guitarists a shot at the title;);)
Watch a live version you be flabbergasted at what is making the sounds;)
Written after the death of one of Howe's sons. What a gorgeous tribute w the Howe grand theme at the end. Triumph over tragedy. Wow!
No this was written as a love song.
Gods, I hadn’t heard that in decades. Time to get out the old vinyl.
I dont think Yes ever performed this live. It's one of Steve's favourites and he did a version on of his solo albums. If you're a Steve fan I'd recommend Natural Timbres. His son Dylan is an awesome drummer who can play everything from straight rock to jazz fusion.
th-cam.com/video/0Lh-pee0ccg/w-d-xo.html
The definitely did. There’s a live version here on youtube..
They did indeed performed it live, at Q.P.R. in 1975. Here's the link. th-cam.com/video/0Lh-pee0ccg/w-d-xo.html
The did on the Relayer Tour, I was lucky enough to see it.
Ok. Maybe Steve wanted to keep it in the set list after the tour, I've seen Yes live a dozen times and never heard it played. @@edf13
You’ll love this !!! The last song of Relayer…very Emotional!
Awesome.
I loved it. Such a beautiful ending to a complex and deep LP
Yes - I've said it before - please do the Yesshows versh of Gates. It is monster.
I'll second the notion.
I will keep that in mind for a certain holiday coming up. Not Christmas tho ☺️
Another Masterpiece ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
They are chock full of them, eh? ☺️☺️
So glad you chose to listen to Relayer!!! Many of us have had that album for Decades!! Each time you listen it’ll take you on a ride. You’ll hear new pieces each time u listen…(I know I’ve said that before), but it’s true! I just played it again and Dam if this album doesn’t Rock!!!❤
A gorgeous piece of YES. Thanks!
I had listened to and enjoyed this song for many years before realizing what the lyrics are about. It's a song about how dying isn't the end, but rather a passage, a doorway into a new and ultimately more transcendental phase of life. The song expresses this in such positive and sublimely beautiful terms that it became one of the few songs that actually made me cry. Those who dismiss it as a letdown ending to the rest of the album have never delved into its true meaning and beauty, and coming after the chaos of "Gates" and "Sound Chaser", it's akin to "Soon" as a calming lullaby.
Best days ov my life
Howe: “It was one of my songs that Jon liked. It was quite a well-structured song. We had this abundance of rich ideas that weren’t simply knitted together in an abstract way. They were meant to be together. For me, this song has one of Yes’ best middle eights.”
Moraz: “I treated [the synth solo] exactly like a fugue, a classical fugue. Although it doesn’t sound as baroque as it could have, given less modern harmonies, it is really structured like a fugue.
I always acquaint Yes with what Stravinsky would have done as a rock musician. Yes music has that kind of symphonic approach and arrangement. The sophistication of the orchestration is absolutely staggering.”
To Be Over (Steven Wilson mix) th-cam.com/video/aOsUlsx8ADE/w-d-xo.html
This entire album was a musical interpretation of war and peace acording to what Jon told Roger Dean who is responsible for the cover art. It too, is one if my favorites in the Yes catalog.
I have no idea why toy skipped this one. Great vocals and amazing guitar solo (The synth solo isn't bad either. And the rhythm guitar during the synth solo is such an original approach).
Steve's layered guitar work on. This is incredible some of my all time favorite.❤
A perfect album closer, serving as the calm after two impressive “storms” (‘Gates’ and ‘Sound Chaser’). The initial sound is actually an unusual instrument called a sitar guitar that found favour in the late 60s (The Byrds etc). This track has so much grace and understated power which gets unleashed in the last third of the song with those incredible harmony vocals. Although not as famed as epic tracks like ‘Awaken’ or ‘…Edge’, this “deep cut” is one of my favourite Yes tracks. Another first rate reaction review. 👍
Best yes album for me . I love the mood of it. Chaos in the first two tracks then absolute bliss to end it. I think Moraz was amazing.
Moraz is the fucking man!! He was killing it this album. And you are right, the mood is perfect. And varied.
I think the words you're looking for are "Well structured Chaos". My favorite Yes album.
I think this is some of Steve Howe's best work.
I totally agree. He was shining SO bright here in so many different ways
Agreed
YES! 😁
This is one of my favorite songs (by Yes or anyone else). It's amazing that this and Sound Chaser make up one side of a single album! I love Patrick Moraz's keyboards - I've found it pretty fascinating that apparently when Rick Wakeman heard this album he was like "yup, glad I left, that is not where I want to go." I've always wondered what a second album by this line-up would have been like, but the rest of the band went back towards the not-quite-as-experimental approach and apparently Moraz wasn't enthusiastic which led to Wakeman being brought back. Great observation that Moraz is in a way like Tony Banks - I'd never considered that (and Banks is one of my favorite keyboardists), but even though Moraz has Wakeman's virtuosity, he and Banks often work more with texture.
I also really appreciate your comments about Alan White's drumming. As much as I'm a fan of Bruford, this album made me really appreciate White. Sound Chaser is the obvious attention-grabber for his work, but as you mentioned, White's more subtle work on this song really work well.
BTW if you haven't seen any of the live footage from the Union tour with the Anderson/Squire/Howe/Rabin/Bruford/White/Kaye/Wakeman line-up, there are at least two full shows out there on TH-cam - one "in the round" (on a slowly spinning stage) and one on a regular stage. The Union album was a disaster but the tour was amazing. Howe and Rabin kinda just co-exist, but the interplay between Bruford and White, and Kaye and Wakeman is pretty fascinating. Also, there's a bit of footage with the original lineup featuring Kaye and Peter Banks, and it's pretty eye-opening to see how those two played in the early years.
You do a great job with your reactions, maybe my fave reaction channel. I kinda of wish that last few minutes of the song would go on like that for another 10 or 20 minutes, but it does leave you wanting more, so it's perfect as is. The beginning and middle of the song are a perfect balance and lead up to the ending, but Yes is amazing at doing that in the compositions.
Man that's so nice to say thank you so much! That means the world to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes has shot to the top of my favorite bands quicker then Usain Bolt. It's just perfect. And like you said, everything is working together to bring that climax at the end (or middle)
All appropriate adjectives. Glad you got it. Keep exploring!
YES.... Very abstract is right... But as this comes after the Jagged Abstract that is the rest of the album it is so soothing and such a brilliant way to end. If I HAD to choose one Yes album to take then this would be the one. And this is coming from a BIG Rick Wakeman fan.
Balance the thoughts that release within you…
I'm trying and it's working better then usual.
Love Steve Howe's pedal steel guitar work
I have been planning to use this at my own memorial service - eventually. Says it all.
What a fitting tribute to any soul to be over and laid to rest to "to be over" 😊
The first time i heard "To be Over" I just fell in love with rhe song. It usually takes me more than one listening to get attached to a song.
I was touched by the sadness of the song, lamenting our own mortality! I was really impressed by the introduction of the different instruments used... guitar, slide guitar, synthesizer, sitar... and TUBULAR BELLS! Of course bass and drums, just magnificent layering of all of the different sounds..almost perfect!
I agree with the one comment A great way to start a day. Great reaction Thanks
It really is. Yes is the perfect cup of coffee for the soul.
You like Bruford. You like Moraz. It will be time to listen to the Moraz-Bruford albums. Their two studio albums are both great but very different from one another!
One of my favourites. Sad I never got to hear them play this live (aside from the short classical guitar solo version from the 2003 tour).
Wow. Haven't heard this in a long time. It's a favorite of mine, for sure. ❤❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it my friend. This was absolutely gorgeous in so many ways. I have a feeling ill be discovering new things about this album for years.
There is a live version on YT. It's just Steve on 12 string but it captures all the elements of the song.
the 3 mn solo of Steve Howe is definetly the peack of the track ! what a grace !
My favourite album. This track even has a waltz passage. Can’t decide on this or Awaken for my funeral.
Both would be fitting. This life may be over, but you have just awakened in your new reality.
@@L33Reacts have you seen the Todmobile live version of Awaken yet? Highly recommended.
Lee one of may favorite Yes songs Enjoy !
I definitely enjoyed it Patrick I love relayer so much!!
The "Relayer" album is the best ever!
tHE THE SH ROOMS ALONE!, YES Are jusr Kick - A SSED
I'm new, and you just made my day! 🤩
Welcome Rhonda! SO glad to have you! I'm glad you enjoyed ☺️
@@L33Reacts 🎶🤗🎶
Thanks Lee, Love, Love this song. Wishing you all the best brother. You should check out the poem that is inside the album cover. Certainly in my top 10 albums.
"Don't doubt your part, be ready to be loved"
Thank you Michael I really appreciate it 🙏 I am definitely going to read that because it sounds like i need to hear it lol
Appreciate your attempts to find the right words to describe this masterpiece of a Yes album. All your observations are valid and remarkable for a first listen. All I can say is that, as with any great work of art, your appreciation for it will morph and evolve with every subsequent listen. Your focus may shift; now the lyrics, now Steve’s guitar, now Alan’s drumming, later how it all weaves and dances together.
Yes lives on as it’s fan base continues to grow!
Congratulations on 7k!!! I’m right behind you!!!! Well deserved. You are awesome. As is To Be Over, perhaps Yes’ most underrated track…
Thank you so much bro! You deserve it! Let's keep climbing together 🙏
The adjective you were searching for might be one of the following:
Melancholy
Wistful
Autumnal
Somber
This song can really grow on you.
I immediately fell for it! It's absolutely gorgeous.
Howe used Fender guitars on this album. A real change from his early Gibson f hole sound.
Relayer - a--a-h-h-h-h-h...... !
Moraz came in for Relayer created his best work of his carrier and then he was gone This is my number 2 YES album CTTE is my number 1of course.
He came, he saw, he conquered. Then faded away into his own niche apparently
I can never make up my mind between the two. One day I'll say Relayer, another I'll say CTTE. They are both spectacular and unique.
No he went to the Moddy Blues@@L33Reacts
Don’t kill the whale is a fav of mine!! It was don’t at a time when whaling around the world was under attack by environmentalists!!
I thought this was a Chris song but checking online maybe not. It’s lovely but for me, Gates and Sound Chaser dominate this album ❤ I agree that it’s a special album. CTTE is stunning but this is a step away and up. The cover reflects this for me. I always describe the whole product as sparkling-ice Yes ❤
Gates live at QPR. Same gig that you took Ritual from ❤❤
That might be a good patreon exclusive $!!!
@@L33Reacts Sound mixing is a little variable but if you wanna see some magic, it’s special. Five guys in a 40,000-seater soccer (football) stadium. No digital effects and so on. It’s just so so special
God the groups back then
Absolutely amazing right? It's beautiful.
Danelectro Coral Electric Sitar
TRY OUT THE BAND ELOY-1979 AND 1976 PROG ROCK . HOPE TO SEE YOU DO IT !
YES, has some of the Best Album Art. Some of it is just as confusing as the Lyrics from most of the songs...!
PS: A hint about the Lyrics... Think " Spiritual Thoughts" and you will see the link between GOD and Song. YES was very spiritual in many aspects.
Oh I could feel the spiritual energy radiantly emanating from Close to the edge. And I've never looked back since.... that was a watershed moment for me.
Steve pkays guitar anf danelectro it sounds like guitar
Close to the Edge vs The Gates of Delirium
Siberian Khatru vs Sound Chaser
And You And I vs To Be Over
Two incredible albums that were almost identical in their construction. Love all 6 pieces, but CttE just narrowly beats TGoD for me, while SC just barely edges out SK, but as beautiful as TBO is, AYAI is still better, imo.
Like I said in a different comment, I feel like Relayer is the upgraded version of CTTE. And it's just a marvel to hear. It's a Gothic cathedral in audio form, like I mentioned in the video. I love it.
And don't worry I didn't forget about you I have just been run ragged and so busy it's not even funny. When I have time on Monday I'm gonna check it out for sure :)
@@L33Reacts i know you didn't. I'm just being a little snit 😎
I think CttE is better than Relayer, but the fact that some think Relayer is better just proves that they achieved their objective. They created another album that is compared to CttE, and some prefer it. Nothing more needs to be said.
@@L33Reacts by the way, if I didn't already tell you, if you're a fan of Old School D&D, the two channels that you will greatly enjoy are 'thedungeondelver' and 'The Dungeon Minister'. The first one is all about 1st edition AD&D, and does live streams Mon-Fri evenings, and the other is an Anglican Priest who plays BECMI D&D with his wife and 3 sons, and then tells the tale of all that happened in their last session. The entire campaign is in a Playlist, so you can listen from the beginning.
dont kill the whale has disappeared
It was out of sync apparently. I'll re-upload it when I get home
@@L33Reacts cheers mate