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As an avid and rabid Yes fan I give them the benefit of the doubt (always). This is one of my favorite Yes albums. This remastered version has some extras like Soon (single edit), Gates of Delirium (studio run-through) and Sound Chaser (single edit). Being a music purist, I like to hear the artist's original vision not some re-edited version to get radio play. For attempts at more radio friendly Yes go to 90125, Big Generator, and Tormato (none among my favorite Yes work... I have to admit Yes Talk is a guilty pleasure though). Having said that, the studio run-through of Gates of Delirium is interesting but warrants only a single listen. Soon is nice enough but seems almost like it belongs on one of Anderson's solo albums. And Sound Chaser is better in its original form. The remastered quality of sound is great. Until companies started remastering in 20 bits or greater, AAD productions were not very good (e.g. the vinyl was far superior). With the advent of the 20-bit technology, CDs of previous analog work are approaching the sound quality of analog and vinyl (there I said it, aside from the wearing and life of vinyl, vinyl always sounds better than CDs to me (given a good turntable, needle, stereo, etc...)). One of Yes' best albums and the sound quality of this remaster gives the musice the tone and attention it deserves.Read full review
I remember when this album was released. Rick Wakeman had left the group and Patrick Moraz was to only play on this lone record (yes, they were called records in those days!). Wakeman commented back then he was 'glad he wasn't around for this album and the group should go back to recordings like 'Fragile'. The press agreed saying these long songs are too much for the common rock fan and the group was dooming itself to become only a cult following. Yes, 'Close to the Edge' was great and 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' was triumphant but, hell, enough already! Give us Fragile!!! There was to be nothing fragile about this one. Jon Anderson put Tolstoy to song and the classic was introduced to the young with 'Gates of Delirium'. This was to be the 6th song to fill a whole side of an LP (over 20 min) in the span of three albums and it was too much for the critics. This album was released with little fanfare compared to the others and even fans were saying the band had peaked out already on the last one. But something with time began to surface after a few listens to 'Gates of Delirium'. There was something more here than another 'long' song. This one builds with lyric and slow guitar for several minutes then a sudden change of tempo launches you beautifully into the mid instrumental. You are carried through a war sequence like nothing ever heard before and it's the ultimate trip through human destruction and ignorance. After this period of atomic warfare another music movement leads us nicely into the final piece and what a finale it is. We are awakened into the dreamlike world of 'Soon'. After hopeless war we are led into another dimension introduced to the cold world as peace and hope. A place awaiting those who believe and abandon the realm of hatred and fear. Without doubt, Yes got it right on this one. The lyric and music are a solid masterpiece. On many Yes tours, 'Gates of Delirium' has been the most requested song of all. Delirium carries perhaps even better live and with the musicians of Yes still going strong, it's got to be a show. The other two songs are without doubt interesting to make the complete album a must hear. Yet another fantastic memorable album cover by Roger Dean. Take my word, they sure don't make 'em like this anymore!Read full review
One of my all time favorite Yes albums, very close in nature to Topographic Oceans yet very unique. Such a great build up in the first track to the main solo, and I think the studio run-through may even be better. The album slows down by the last track, but that's not to say it's not beautiful in its own way. Such an enjoyable album that I wish it had been longer, but that's alright. If you like the more proggy side of yes check these out: a) Tales From Topographic Oceans b) Close To The Edge c) Rick Wakeman, Journey To The Centre of The Earth d) Rick Wakeman, Return To The Centre of The Earth Please Vote If You Like My Reviews
Relayer (1974) was Yes's 7th album at the height of their craft. Patrick Moraz replaced Rick Wakeman on keyboards, which might explain the special sauce this album is packing. This album will give your stereo a workout. It is three very long songs that are heavy on the art in the era of art rock.IMHO, it's one of the band's best albums
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The sound quality of this new remastering of the Prog Rock classic "Relayer", is far superior to previous CD issues. Totally gone now is any background hiss, which was all too apparent in the quieter sections. Also, in musically "busy" areas where either Steve Howe's guitar or Patrick Moraz's keys got lost in the mix - something that plagued every issue of this album since it was first released on vinyl - that issue has been remedied here. Included with this reissue are some unecessary (except perhaps to the completist) demos & single edits, but these are not a major distraction, as the original album is still an absolutely irreplacable masterpiece; a must have for any serious Progreesive Rock collection.
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