Structurally, Relayer is very similar to Close to the Edge: Side 1 is comprised of a ~20-minute-long epic, while Side 2 features two other pretty long songs that reveal a different dimension of the band. Maybe since Close to the Edge is regarded by many as the quintessential progressive rock masterpiece, it isn't fair to compare the two, but I'm going to anyway because I just don't give a fuck.
Relayer's album art is roughly seventy quo-gillion times better than Close to the Edge's green-fade job. The full band pic on the inside cover is a nice touch as well, although the way everyone's positioned around that bench in the middle of a pleasant field somewhere sort of makes Yes seem like a bunch of pansies. There's a badass snake on the back, though, so I guess that counts for something.
"Gates of Delirium" is the mammoth track this time around, and to be perfectly clear, it probably isn't as good as "Close to the Edge." Then again, not many songs are, and by any reasonable measure it's still an astounding work of art. It does take its time getting going, but once it does, it really does not let up. Steve Howe is masterful throughout, contributing some incredible solos and rhythm parts, and new keyboardist Patrick Moraz is no slouch either. There is one section in the middle of the song, a very thunderous and chaotic part with what sounds like swords clashing (the lyrics are as indecipherable as ever, but I think the song is about a battle of some sort). During this section, the drums and bass get really quiet, which makes me sort of lose track of what's going on. As I become more comfortable with the track, I'm sure I'll get used to it, but this is not a point in Relayer's favor. Overall, as I said, this song just doesn't stick with you like "Close to the Edge" does.
Side 2 kicks off with "Sound Chaser," a blazing-fast virtuosic whirlwind in which Yes seem to be saying, "Yeah, Bruford and Wakeman are gone, but clearly we don't need them." There isn't an equivalent to this song on Close to the Edge, but it's more like "Siberian Khatru" than "And You and I," and for my money it's much better than "Siberian Khatru." It's certainly not catchy, but the instrumental sections are mesmerizing. "To Be Over" closes out Relayer with a somewhat forced attempt at something pretty. They're successful to an extent, but "And You and I" wins hands-down.
I suppose Close to the Edge is a better album, but I don't think I've reached my potential with Relayer quite yet. I've had the album for two days, and it generally takes a bit longer than two days to become comfortable with a 21-minute song. However, I've definitely heard enough to say that Relayer is an essential album for prog fans.
One interesting note: Yes released consecutively Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and Relayer. Tales spans 2 LPs and contains a whopping four songs. So that means, over three albums and four vinyls, Yes released just ten songs. All but "Siberian Khatru" clock in at nine minutes or longer, and that song is only three seconds shy. Six of the ten top eighteen (!!!) minutes.
So when critics of progressive rock point to Yes as the prime example of how overblown and demanding the genre can be, I suppose they have a point.
Yes personnel:
Jon Anderson - vocals
Chris Squire - bass and vocals
Steve Howe - guitars and vocals
Patrick Moraz - keyboards
Alan White - drums
Track - Time
Side 1
1. Gates of Delirium - 22:55
Side 2
1. Sound Chaser - 9:25
2. To Be Over - 9:08
All songs written and arranged by Yes
Purchased at Wuxtry Records in Athens, GA
Condition: F (some minor water damage)
Back:
Inside:
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