Tales From Topographic Oceans

Yes goes all out into prog excess

Even today, the sixth studio album for Yes, and their first double (not counting the triple Yessomgs- see article, as this was live) divided opinion amongst prog rockers. It was grandiose, with one track taking up each of the four side of vinyl, it was excessive, it was virtuosic. A few years later, this was the type of album that punk rockers threw their safety pins at. A three chord thrash is was not.

Even at the time of its release, at the tail end of 1973, it was given a mixed reception by fans and critics alike. Some saw it as overblown and pompous, others viewed it as a masterpiece and a logical progression from their critically acclaimed album of the previous year, Close to the Edge. The latter is still often polled in the number one position as the greatest prog album ever.

Tales from the Topographic Oceans even caused controversy amongst the band members. Keyboardist, Rick Wakeman, one of the finest musicians of his era, nicknamed the album, ‘Tales from Toby’s Graphic Go-Kart.’ He thought the album was bloated and over considered, and left the band shortly after the album’s release. Patrick Moraz, filled his large boots for their next magnificent offering, Relayer.

At the time of its release I had recently dropped out of college. I was still only…