Author:Kevin Mulryne
Sporting an introduction by Oliver Wakeman, this excellent book, written by the producer of the Yes Music podcast, takes an in depth look at the 1978 Yes album, Tormato, their final studio effort of the seventies. This may not seem an obvious choice to examine in such a detailed fashion – it certainly doesn’t rank that highly among my favourite albums by the band, not helped by the poor sound, and consequently it’s not one that gets much listening time. If I had to choose the stand out tracks I suppose I would go for Don’t Kill The Whale and On The Silent Wings of Freedom, but that’s by the by really. I have to say though that this is one of the most comprehensive, detailed and meticulously researched books I’ve ever read on a particular album. You want to know about the construction of the songs themselves, the individual instruments and set ups used, the recording studios, the artwork, the press reviews, the subsequent tours – well, it’s all here for your delectation, running to almost three hundred pages in fact. There’s even a separate colour supplement containing some great rare photos from that period. This whole project was obviously a labour of love for the author, and the amount of work that must have gone into it is quite breathtaking. Even if you’re not a fan of the record, and I suspect that applies to most of us, this is fascinating reading and provides a rare behind the scenes look at the making of the album. If you’re a Yes fan, then this is a book that is definitely worth seeking out – it certainly inspired me to dig out the album for the first time in many years and listen with fresh ears, even if it didn’t ultimately change my opinion of it.
Length of Read:Long
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
The music of Yes.
One thing you’ve learned
This is an album that would really benefit from a remix, but from a commercial point of view it’s unlikely ever to happen. If they did do more, then much stronger candidates would be Going For The One (if the missing multitracks were ever to be located) or even Drama.
Wow! I think this will have a limited market. Have they done a print run or is it print to order?
I presume there was an initial print run ( the book is available on Amazon) but don’t know how big it was.
I wracked my brain, but couldn’t think of a single time I’ve ever heard this album. I’d count myself a Yes fan (I’m of the “‘The Yes Album’ is the best thing they ever did” school of fandom) but the only copy of this that I own is part of a humungous boxed set, the one with 12 studio albums in a box. The last four of which I have never knowingly played. I’m flabbergasted to read that someone has researched and reported upon its creation in such detail!
Why not listen to it? What harm could it do? Even if you hate it, at least you’ll know why…
Yes became No for me after Relayer.
That’s a shame – you missed out on at least one more good ‘un: Going For The One.
I’m not a fan and despite liking And You And I have never been much interested in their albums. However I bought GFTO on the strength of Wondrous Stories and therein discovered a song of theirs that I like very, very much indeed. Critics always cite Awaken as the best track, but Turn Of The Century is my favourite.
I think Magnification is a very underrated album – and some of the studio material on Keys To Ascension is good too, it was rather wasted being tucked away with live material. I know it was subsequently issued as a standalone set, but the moment had passed by then.
I agree on both counts, Bargey – but, from eddie’s POV, I suspect GFTO is as far as he might be prepared to stretch (based on his comment above).
Some critics think Awaken is their best track evah! – not just on that album. I don’t agree (although it’s very good live).
But you’re right – Turn of the Century is a cracker. And a song where Alan White contributed a huge amount in both the writing and playing.
I recall having cracking seats for them on the Albert Dock in Liverpool donkeys years ago. The scally lad next to me got up and left after Awaken. He basically said his life’s work was now complete and it was all downhill from here.
An interesting approach to life…
I’m a big fan of Tormato. Like Heaven & Earth, it came alive once I tried playing it in the car while driving!