"Close your eyes and listen." As most of us Yes fans well know, Yes music requires the listener to immerse themselves, with repeated listenings, and within the privacy of one's own head; therefore to allow the music to carry you on a journey within one's own soul. With Peace and Love to all! (Michael)
"The Gates of Delirium" for half of my long life was my choice of the pinnacle of musical composition, the "1812 Overture" of my generation, until I heard "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Nightwish. It now has a firm grasp on second on my personal list, but that does not diminish it by a single molecule of affection or appreciation. Both compositions tell a volume of knowledge and express a wealth of emotion. Never has war been better described in prose or poetry, the futility and inhumanity of killing one another in the name of greed and control. The "battle" passages establish two themes, representing the different sides of the conflict, and they take turns overpowering the other. Both are chaotic and aggressive. The crashing of the auto parts is the clash of the two sides at a pivotal moment in the struggle. When the resolution arrives, I "see" the sun rising over a field of death and smoke, bodies strung across the landscape and the total absence of anything a creator would condone for either side. The inability of man to co-exist is screamed from every instrument, and quietly sung in the lyrics. If this song does not resonate in your very existence, you have never studied history or philosophy, and you need to crack a book, because a whole world awaits you. Where "Yes" defines war in music, Nightwish, with their opus perfectum defines the existence of mankind and all living things in their masterpiece of evolution. I do not think that either overshadows the other, but like we, as people, are unable to do, they co-exist as supreme expressions of music side by side, hand in hand ... creation and destruction.
There is a magnificent live version of this on the live album: Yesshows. Patrick Moraz was a great addition to the band (albeit brief), after Rick Wakeman’s departure.
Great idea, revisiting these tracks you haven't listened to again (at least in a while). This is my personal favorite of "the big three" Yes epics, though I absolutely adore the other two as well. In fact, it is easily a top 5 track for me by any band ever. The version on Yesshows is arguably even better (or at least equally awesome in a different way). So much energy! Side 2 of Relayer is killer as well, so you'd be wise to revisit it too! As much as I love Rick Wakeman (second only to Keith Emerson for me), Relayer is my favorite Yes album.
I am a huge Yes fan since I first listened to then 1971, when I was 11 years old. I got Relayer in 1974 when it came out, my sister who was in England at the time brought it home to Honduras our home country. I never forgot how disappointed I was when I saw Rick Wakeman was not in it. But that disappointment lasted only a few minutes, by the time the battle section was in full swing, I was a fan of Patrick Moraz, and Relayer became my favorite Yes album, it still is. I think it is the most progressive, with a cohesive story, starting with the vilagers talking about how they were being oppressed and the need to go to war was looming in the air, to the decicion to go and Kill their oppresors, the battle, the victory and returning home and Peace. It is a masterpiece. In my opinion Close to the Edge is important and considered the ultimate prog record because no one had ever heard anything like it, but I think Yes find themselves at the most progressive with Relayer. I am so glad that you listened to this again and now you will never forget this is one Yes' masterpieces along with Close to the Edge, all of Tales, Awaken, and I will include Mind Drive in the mix.
for me, 70s YES are a band you never tire of, unique, innovative , quality music that never seems to date. I have yet to find a band that appeals to me in the same way, although Led Zep come very close. I remember watching them play this live and laughing at the rack full of junk, including a frying pan, that Jon hammered away at .I think he also used it in Ritual live. .although he didnt knock it over
I often find original copies of this LP in very decent condition for £5 or so, and insist on gifting them to certain friends and colleagues. I almost feel duty bound in proving that there's more to Yes than just Roundabout and Owner of a Lonely Heart!
I have dabbled with Gates and other early Yes tunes on the piano my whole life, now 61. I am listening now on my more morning 👂🎶💃 Thank You Jim, Hello All 👋 ❤🙂
There really isn't another piece of music quite like 'Gates Of Delirium'. Even within the Yes canon it stands alone as a progressive masterpiece that no other band could have written and performed. I am so pleased you were able to revisit and reconnect with this track Jim. I love it when music strikes an emotional chord. Perhaps you should hear Side 2 again? 'Sound Chaser' and 'To Be Over' are wonderful as well!
I heard this live shortly after the album came out. I really didn't appreciate it at the time, but it soon became, and still remains, my favorite Yes song of all time. A real masterpiece.
I suggest THE RITUAL from Tales of Topographic Oceans. My personal favourite of the four tracks. I have listened to Yes for over 55 years now. They don't get old and I enjoy them more now having retired and listen to them in my own time without life pressures.
Hi Jim, My first Live experience with YES was in 1976. They played the entire Gates Of Delirium and it was AWESOME! I never looked back after that. I been to many YESSHOWES over the years. The last was in 2022 after the release of THE QUEST. Personally, for me the vinyl still sounds superior over this Wilson remix.
Their composing skills were as good as their technical skills, which at that level is rare. To be "delerius" during the battle scene and then be absoulte butter with "soon", and execute it flawlessly, is artistry.
This is the kind of music that gets better the more you listen to it. Being so complex it takes several spins on the turntable to learn it all. Still one of my favorite pieces ever. Let the music play. (The chills down one's spine when Jon sings SOON is the best high ever. Who needs drugs? I still smoke the good stuff though ;-) )
Good idea. I've listened to this hundreds of times. Play it while doing the elliptical in the gym and it makes the time fly. Same with Close to the Edge.
In 1975 i was a music major at university, and was part of the campus radio as the "classical" host. So i hung out with other show hosts. Graham, one of them acquired RELAYER and wanted to listen to it in my flat. So the day he came for the visit to hear his LP on my monster Bozak system, I told him wait just a second, and hooked up my open reel recorder in the loop. So we listened to Gates of Delirium on a fresh pressing free of pops and clicks and i had a recording of it to hear again. As a classical student, I found it interesting, intriguing and quite wild. It was a full year later when i suddenly got vitally interested in YES, seriously collecting the catalogue of vinyl. So I was listening to this even before i became a die-hard fan.
Realyer is maybe one of the most underrated Yes-albums partly because it came out 1974 when the golden age of prog was about to end. The departure of Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford an album earlier was also noticed by the Yes-purists. And after the over-massive Tales-album many Yes-fans wanted something else. So Relayer came out in troubled times but in my opinion it is one of the bands best albums with it's adventurous compositions and some of the best instrumental performances. And it's a shame that mr. Moraz didn't continue with the band.
This is Yes's foray into futuristic progressive jazz fusion at the time and were heavily influenced by not only Patrick Moraz's jazz fusion leanings but from what I have read from several sources Mavishnu Orchestra...they took a different direction after getting slammed by critics and some fans after TFTO...as Alan White always said..Yes we're always a band looking over the horizon in their approach...the band is so energetic....unfortunately those days are gone...but we have the music to always remember and remind us..
You can hear the bass is more pronounced in this remix. He also enhanced the keyboards. Percussion was played with slightly and there seems to be a clarity to Steves playing. It brings a much enhanced pleasure to this masterpiece. To quote...Yes, painting with music!!
The more you listen to this ,the more you appreciate this piece of music , from the powerhouse middle section to the sublime "soon" an incredible musical journey.
Absolutely and I may be a bit slow to absorb new music but all the things I love the most are pieces of music that confused me on first listen. This includes Genesis, Tull, Yes, Elp et al.
I experienced the same with pieces like "Super's Ready" by Genesis. They just get better and better, while the 1980's and beyond commercial stuff just gets more boring with time. "Gates.." is timeless.
My favorite live version of Gates is from a live album called Yesshows. Just an incredible live performance. There’s also a strong performance when Yes had a symphony tour. This was captured on a video. This can be found on RUclips.
Symphonic Yes Live DVD. I have it, and it's crazy great! Ritual is on it too. Can you imagine a Yes concert with an orchestra doing Ritual, Gates, and Edge? Best Yes concert I was ever at in the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia with the Haddonfield Symphony Orchestra!
I guess listening to this for the first time is just too much to comprehend right away. This needs to be listened to quite a few times. I bought the album in '75 or just around that time. The strange thing is that over 40 years later it still doesn't sound outdated. I think that makes this music special and different. I love it but at the seem time I understand why many people will never be able to enjoy it. You need to have the patience listen.....
This is on my tri-monthly rotation list & I JUST LISTENED again yesterday. It's pure MAGIC. It was HIGHLY anticipated when it was released after TALES because MORAZ had joined and from the OPENING shimmering harmonics from Steve & Chris, I KNEW it was going to be EXTRA SPECIAL & today I still get that same immediate TINGLE INSIDE 49 years later. RELAYER/GATES is EVERYTHING you'd want and deserved from YES. ALL the members are performing at the virtuoso highest level. MORAZ added the perfect new ingredient that YES needed to live up to their relentless non-conforming reputation & evolution. It's one of the most PROGRESSIVE songs in Rock music & of the genre. BUT after this I ALWAYS encourage people to hear MORAZ solo album, "THE STORY of i " next in order to understand his contribution to GATES. It is the perfect companion album to RELAYER! It is also number 3 in the TRINITY of YES member's first solo albums
@@JimNewsteadMay I suggest listening to Ritual again? Only this time the live version from Symphonic Yes Live. The orchestra is phenomenal with Yes. They also do Gates Of Delirium with the orchestra. Completely outstanding.
This is definitely one that, while it was already great, gets even better on multiple listens. Great idea for a series Jim, we'd buy the albums back then and listen to them dozens of times, or at least until the next great album came along lol.
This music will be enjoyed hundreds of years from now, much as Handl, Bach, Prokofiev, et al are today. The big difference is it will still be played by the ever evolving Yes!
Listening to this over dinner with my lovely wife and we both well up with tears as John brings Soon and the song to a magnificent climax. One of those songs that literally takes your breath away. Thanks for revisiting this Jim. I plan on doing the same on my walk later this evening. Loved this feature. ✌️👏
Hey Jim! Always good to hear The Gates of Delirium. Still have my original copy of Relayer. Also have a copy that is framed hanging on the wall signed by the band. Enjoy this masterpiece Jim yet again!🔈🔉🔊😎
@@jeffschielka7845 I can't get enough of it? I listened to it yesterday, then Jim's review and again just now from another reviewer. What other band can have this effect on people that their music gets played every day for 50+ years?🤩
The Steven Wilson remix of Relayer does not contain any of the audio effects that were employed during the middle instrumental (battle). Some fans have said they prefer this remix. However, if you listen closely, with headphones, and compare this with the original, you will find some overtones missing that were present on the original, particularly in the drums, the toms, chimes, and cymbal bells. It is subtle but is undoubtedly the result of the age of the original tapes that were sampled for the remix. Some of the Wilson remixes are more rewarding than others. Personally, I think the best remix is the one he did of Tales from Topographic Oceans. It is filled with interesting nuances that bring out some parts that were otherwise buried in the original.
Each time you listen you catch new “bits” and familiar bits that you love! You soon just Have to hear it again…❤ Continue on with Sound Chaser & Too Be Over is cool too!
The Gates of Delirium is definately an epic, my second favorite YES song. Good way to start a Friday morning. This might be the 3000th time at least I've listened to it, including yesterday. Thanks Jim!🤩
Over almost 40 years it’s become my favorite of theirs. Only so slightly ahead of CTTE and Awaken; such a composition and execution. Makes my heart race, my eyes well, and my heart soar all in 22 mins. The fade out chords at the end just ❤❤❤❤. Nice for a wet Friday. Can you revisit the Great Om Riff? 😊
It is a Masterpiece!!! The whole album is a Masterpiece!!! Just close your eyes and listen to the Whole album AGAIN!!!! Enjoy The Bliss until tears stream from your eyes!!! I think Jim, that you need to revisit "Heart of The Sunrise," AGAIN by YES and Jethro Tull's "God." I think these songs will bring tears to your eyes of pure Magic and Joy!!! Great reaction!!!
I remember when you first listened to this, and at the end had a bit of a talk, back then said you felt a bit emotional. Some times we want just a simple blast, we get maybe an adrenalin rush and we move on. With some a lot of the Yes catalogue, if you let it, it will draw you into a complex world of musical structure, and some times you don't get it straight away, but you know that was something special. Music is a very personal thing, and familiarity with pieces of music can be comforting, I especially find Yes to be a positive experience every time I take the time to sit down and listen to them. Thanks for the revisit, I enjoyed listening to this again with you.
Sooo glad your revisiting this epic!!! I watched your original reaction quite a few times-simply because I LOVE this song and I liked your reaction! I’ll watch Again! And see what you Feel listening again….
I hope you'll get to 'Keystudio' soon Jim. Can't wait for you to hear 'Mind Drive' and 'That, That Is', 2 more long epics from the greatest band to ever do it, ever!🤩
Great idea, and "Gates" was the perfect first candidate for it. Nobody, even the most attentive of listeners, could get everything there is to get out of that piece on a first listen. A suggestion for a more contemporary revisit - "Stardust We Are" by the Flower Kings. Fingers crossed that might even spur you on to check out some of their other wonderful epics like "The Truth Will Set You Free" and "Love is the Only Answer"!
Very lucky to see them play this on The Relayer tour back in the day at Newcastle City Hall. They had huge weird creatures thrashing around to the music as the dry ice flowed, amazing. I would love to see you re-visit Steven Wilson's 'The Raven That Refused To Sing' with the Jess Cope video, I remember it was quite an emotional reaction for you Jim and if it would have the same effect today.
Live Cobo Hall Detriot Yesshows from 1976 is a Masterful version (Jim) 😀Chris Squire played a big part in the live Mix of the Yesshows Live Double Album👍
I agree with @stanleymerritt4722's comments about YES' music getting better and better...maturing, if you like? I think, Jim, this came too soon for you, first time round? You've listened to a lot more music since then, but you've definitely revised your opinion and are, now. much more settled into this phenomenal piece. Although, with Gates...and Soundchaser, this is one of YES' more aggressive... dynamic and kinetic pieces...there are elements of sheer beauty throughout. Jon's singing and the rest of the band's contributions to "Soon" are immense...powerful and vulnerable...haunting and ethereal. Waves and layers of sound, backed up by individual components...a phrase from Chris...a brief passage from Steve...all so very cleverly wound together! I'm glad you listened again, Jim!
This is possibly my favourite Yes song, but it's so hard to decide! Yeah I believe the original vinyl version is extremely trebly and thin, luckily the Wilson version fixed that up I was actually a bit disappointed when I found your channel as you didn't seem to enjoy this album as much as the others, you didn't mention it but I could tell cause you weren't being your usual fun silly self as much in that video compared to the other Yes stuff! It is a really overwhelming album since it incorporates a lot of Jazz Fusion elements - I'd love for you to relisten to Side B as well because Sound Chaser and To Be Over are also insanely good Also, get around to the Yesshows live album when you can because the live version of Gates on there is epic! Really glad you relistened to this and gained a new found love for it :)
Great album. At my local Goodwill I found a copy with "Gates" demo for fifty cents. One of Yes's last great albums... and with Patrick Moraz! Peace on earth.
Yes! Music like this deserves, needs, multiple listens. Gosh, I'll listen to an album 5x just to decide if I'll listen to it 5 more times, so that I can make a judgment if it'll go into regular rotation. My first reaction videos would take hours!
This whole album is amazing (and underrated)... if you still can (it may be out of print) and you have a surround sound system get the Steven Wilson remixes because they're even more amazing in surround.
Steven Wilson puts an absolute sense of definition and clarity from the original version. I have a hard time listening to the earlier versions anymore.
You haven't gotten it because one needs to listen to it more than once and get somewhat familiar with it for it to be more thrilling. For me I'd say the first 50 times I listened to it it got more thrilling every time!
100% agree with the previous comment - listening to Yes requires no outside visual distractions. Let your mind and consciousness paint the picture. Especially true as Jon Anderson's lyrics are largely non-linear and cannt be fully comprehended in a 3D perspective. The soul needs to translate.
This song for me was less accessible than close to the edge, but after having digested it after multiple listens, I think I might like it more. The way yes is able to capture chaos and build up to the climax, is absolutely ethereal. Then it goes in to the heavenly “soon” part which is serene
reminds me of a seen from Rocky when Adrian is in a coma and soon before his big fight, he won't leave the church. His manager is frustrated but he relents, "I'll sit widcha Rock. You wanna sit here, i'll sit widcha"
YES at their maddest ever...Moraz brought a different dimension..Great album, kept it short unlike Topographic Oceans...Every track a joy...Topographic Oceans only 2 and a half tracks decent !! Oi..only my opinion...Soon like Awaken a magical track..
Great video, Jim! “Gates of Delirium” is amazing. I’m glad you revisited it. It’s a challenge, but if you have the time, perhaps consider doing an epic video where you “hear again” Tales from Topographic Oceans, but in its four-movement entirety as intended! It’s truly their greatest work, but it takes many listens to fully appreciate it because of its scope.
First let me commend you on the superiority of your production. The care for your work and consumer is evident in every evolving episode. Then let me commend you on your taste. I inadvertently licked your neck while changing bat traps the other yuga. Balenciaga? That settled, let me, in the time remaining, heartily approve of your decision, and your choice for first in series. I saw them perform this in NYC, with orchestra, less than a hundred hours before 9/11, and the gates of delirium became the once WTC, and environs, including the Upper East Side where I was trapped, breathing dead bodies and asbestos but alive, with only the plants dying. Jon and Yes were a healing, strengthening force that helped many get through it. I shall write about it. The clanging! G.O.D.: Gates Of Delirium.
So much music, so little time. But some music you have to make time for. I'm not a fan of every decision Steven Wilson makes, but IMO Relayer is one of his better Yes remixes.
Here are a few ideas, in case it's been a while since you last heard them, and perhaps cannot remember them all that well: Renaissance - Turn of the Cards (perhaps 'Mother Russia'?) Transatlantic - I would suggest a live medley from their first two albums Also a friendly reminder to get acquainted with Big Big Train (their recent 'album' would be a good appetiser) before getting tickets to one of their shows next month!
I may have said this before but that end note reminds me of Princess Diana's funeral. When they were taking her body back out to the hearse before driving up to her resting place, they played a piece of music and the end note as she left the church invoked the same emotion as the end note on this song although completely different circumstances. Nevertheless the beauty in both pieces were still there.
I know, "real Yes fans" will want to stone me and will be outraged that I abuse this Yes sanctuary to express the following wish, but... could you listen to the title track "Mirror to the Sky" from the new Yes album? I know this band is not "Yes" anymore, neither in terms of line-up nor in terms of passion - one guy called them "Steve's Garageband" - but I think it's a really good song, no matter what the band is called. The song could be even better if they had made the "finale" a bit longer and more spirited (you'll understand what I mean when you're sitting there at the end of the song thinking "oops, finished already?" But I think the song is worth listening to.
If I can remember your reaction the first time Jiim, you did enjoy it but you made a comment of "it's a lot to take in" so you'd probably not mentally processed it in your mind at the time and that maybe why you couldn't remember very much. I also can't help remember your comment with rspect to Supper's Ready and the difference between CD and vinyl. This is a point in case, I agree that the Stevn Wilson remix is clearer but I also sensed a narrowing of the sound between the quiet and loud parts as you mentioned. I can't say I particularly liked that. I always used to think that a "remix" means that the sound was made better but I think sometimes there is a cost. Compare for example after the battle finishes and the transition to Soon the comparison between the chaos and loudness of the battle and the transition to the quiet and calmness of Soon as much more effective in the original version. Talking of Yes .......is your reaction to "Yes studios" coming soon ;-)? Finally my thoughts on a first reaction channel. It is what is says it's a first reaction. Is it your only reaction? No, of course not, you listen to it in privacy of your own home. For a person listening for the first time, do they listen only once? Most likely not, if they enjoyed it, they will watch your video again multiple times or watch the original album on you tube, or download it, buy the record, buy the CD. So although it's often played just once on the channel that's not the end of the journey instead it's just the beginning.
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
Steve howe..is one of the greatest performers. Master
"Close your eyes and listen." As most of us Yes fans well know, Yes music requires the listener to immerse themselves, with repeated listenings, and within the privacy of one's own head; therefore to allow the music to carry you on a journey within one's own soul. With Peace and Love to all! (Michael)
Thank you
"The Gates of Delirium" for half of my long life was my choice of the pinnacle of musical composition, the "1812 Overture" of my generation, until I heard "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Nightwish. It now has a firm grasp on second on my personal list, but that does not diminish it by a single molecule of affection or appreciation. Both compositions tell a volume of knowledge and express a wealth of emotion. Never has war been better described in prose or poetry, the futility and inhumanity of killing one another in the name of greed and control. The "battle" passages establish two themes, representing the different sides of the conflict, and they take turns overpowering the other. Both are chaotic and aggressive. The crashing of the auto parts is the clash of the two sides at a pivotal moment in the struggle. When the resolution arrives, I "see" the sun rising over a field of death and smoke, bodies strung across the landscape and the total absence of anything a creator would condone for either side. The inability of man to co-exist is screamed from every instrument, and quietly sung in the lyrics. If this song does not resonate in your very existence, you have never studied history or philosophy, and you need to crack a book, because a whole world awaits you. Where "Yes" defines war in music, Nightwish, with their opus perfectum defines the existence of mankind and all living things in their masterpiece of evolution. I do not think that either overshadows the other, but like we, as people, are unable to do, they co-exist as supreme expressions of music side by side, hand in hand ... creation and destruction.
Unleash the great Steve Howe! Never in my life have I heard a guitar with such an individualistic unique sound. Hail to Yes!
Steve was quoted as saying that he didn't think the band was going to let him get away with it after playing on Gates.
There is a magnificent live version of this on the live album: Yesshows.
Patrick Moraz was a great addition to the band (albeit brief), after Rick Wakeman’s departure.
Now you understand why my husband has seen YES live, 49 times. Best band, ever. Period.
Hello 49, I'm 36 and there's a gent who is 214
I'm a Philadelphia Venue fan, I'm in your Club😅 What a Wonderful Addiction ❤
All Yes songs get better and better with repeated listens. After my 50 years of listening to them, most of the songs have reached glorious level. :)
Could not agree more with this statement.
Yes forever. ❤
I too am a 50 year veteran; not 50 years old. I am 68. I get up and every morning whilst shaving listen to "The Revealing Science Of God"
Close to the Edge is a divine and redeeming prayer for me. With me for 38 years now ❤
Great idea, revisiting these tracks you haven't listened to again (at least in a while). This is my personal favorite of "the big three" Yes epics, though I absolutely adore the other two as well. In fact, it is easily a top 5 track for me by any band ever. The version on Yesshows is arguably even better (or at least equally awesome in a different way). So much energy!
Side 2 of Relayer is killer as well, so you'd be wise to revisit it too! As much as I love Rick Wakeman (second only to Keith Emerson for me), Relayer is my favorite Yes album.
I am a huge Yes fan since I first listened to then 1971, when I was 11 years old. I got Relayer in 1974 when it came out, my sister who was in England at the time brought it home to Honduras our home country. I never forgot how disappointed I was when I saw Rick Wakeman was not in it. But that disappointment lasted only a few minutes, by the time the battle section was in full swing, I was a fan of Patrick Moraz, and Relayer became my favorite Yes album, it still is. I think it is the most progressive, with a cohesive story, starting with the vilagers talking about how they were being oppressed and the need to go to war was looming in the air, to the decicion to go and Kill their oppresors, the battle, the victory and returning home and Peace. It is a masterpiece. In my opinion Close to the Edge is important and considered the ultimate prog record because no one had ever heard anything like it, but I think Yes find themselves at the most progressive with Relayer. I am so glad that you listened to this again and now you will never forget this is one Yes' masterpieces along with Close to the Edge, all of Tales, Awaken, and I will include Mind Drive in the mix.
for me, 70s YES are a band you never tire of, unique, innovative , quality music that never seems to date. I have yet to find a band that appeals to me in the same way, although Led Zep come very close. I remember watching them play this live and laughing at the rack full of junk, including a frying pan, that Jon hammered away at .I think he also used it in Ritual live. .although he didnt knock it over
Unique. Immersive. Mesmerizing. Complex. Emotional. Evocative. Brilliant. God damn I love Yes
Yes
Forever!❤
I often find original copies of this LP in very decent condition for £5 or so, and insist on gifting them to certain friends and colleagues. I almost feel duty bound in proving that there's more to Yes than just Roundabout and Owner of a Lonely Heart!
I have dabbled with Gates and other early Yes tunes on the piano my whole life, now 61. I am listening now on my more morning 👂🎶💃 Thank You Jim, Hello All 👋 ❤🙂
Discovering Relayer was formative in directing my music appreciation.
There really isn't another piece of music quite like 'Gates Of Delirium'. Even within the Yes canon it stands alone as a progressive masterpiece that no other band could have written and performed. I am so pleased you were able to revisit and reconnect with this track Jim. I love it when music strikes an emotional chord. Perhaps you should hear Side 2 again? 'Sound Chaser' and 'To Be Over' are wonderful as well!
One of the greatest things ever: Relayer!!!
👍😎
It certainly is Scot!
@@JimNewsteadThe finest concept album ever created. Billy Shears cannot begin to compare to The Relayer.
I heard this live shortly after the album came out. I really didn't appreciate it at the time, but it soon became, and still remains, my favorite Yes song of all time. A real masterpiece.
Another couple of Yes second listen ideas: Cinema/Leave it from 90125 and Final Eyes/I’m Running from Big Generator ❤❤
I suggest THE RITUAL from Tales of Topographic Oceans. My personal favourite of the four tracks. I have listened to Yes for over 55 years now. They don't get old and I enjoy them more now having retired and listen to them in my own time without life pressures.
Great, isn’t it. And here we are with this, as fresh and sparkling as ever. Gets better and better. ❤
Great idea Jim. YES music needs multiple listens to fully appreciate and understand all that's going on.
Now he needs to listen to the live version from _Yesshows,_ which I feel is the definitive version of this masterpiece.
Hi Jim, My first Live experience with YES was in 1976. They played the entire Gates Of Delirium and it was AWESOME! I never looked back after that. I been to many YESSHOWES over the years. The last was in 2022 after the release of THE QUEST. Personally, for me the vinyl still sounds superior over this Wilson remix.
Their composing skills were as good as their technical skills, which at that level is rare. To be "delerius" during the battle scene and then be absoulte butter with "soon", and execute it flawlessly, is artistry.
This is the kind of music that gets better the more you listen to it. Being so complex it takes several spins on the turntable to learn it all. Still one of my favorite pieces ever.
Let the music play.
(The chills down one's spine when Jon sings SOON is the best high ever. Who needs drugs? I still smoke the good stuff though ;-) )
Good idea. I've listened to this hundreds of times. Play it while doing the elliptical in the gym and it makes the time fly. Same with Close to the Edge.
In 1975 i was a music major at university, and was part of the campus radio as the "classical" host. So i hung out with other show hosts. Graham, one of them acquired RELAYER and wanted to listen to it in my flat. So the day he came for the visit to hear his LP on my monster Bozak system, I told him wait just a second, and hooked up my open reel recorder in the loop. So we listened to Gates of Delirium on a fresh pressing free of pops and clicks and i had a recording of it to hear again. As a classical student, I found it interesting, intriguing and quite wild. It was a full year later when i suddenly got vitally interested in YES, seriously collecting the catalogue of vinyl. So I was listening to this even before i became a die-hard fan.
I've probably heard this song nearly a hundred times. Now I'm Hearing it again.
Thanks for reminding me how wonderful this song truly is.
I’m in the thousands of listens and wish to enthusiastically inform you it just continues to get better, to amaze more.
Realyer is maybe one of the most underrated Yes-albums partly because it came out 1974 when the golden age of prog was about to end. The departure of Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford an album earlier was also noticed by the Yes-purists. And after the over-massive Tales-album many Yes-fans wanted something else. So Relayer came out in troubled times but in my opinion it is one of the bands best albums with it's adventurous compositions and some of the best instrumental performances. And it's a shame that mr. Moraz didn't continue with the band.
One of Yes & Classic Progs Greatest Epics !!!!
Fantastic fantasy with amazing Musicianship from all !! 👍🎶🎸🎹🎤🥁🎼✌
This is Yes's foray into futuristic progressive jazz fusion at the time and were heavily influenced by not only Patrick Moraz's jazz fusion leanings but from what I have read from several sources Mavishnu Orchestra...they took a different direction after getting slammed by critics and some fans after TFTO...as Alan White always said..Yes we're always a band looking over the horizon in their approach...the band is so energetic....unfortunately those days are gone...but we have the music to always remember and remind us..
You can hear the bass is more pronounced in this remix. He also enhanced the keyboards. Percussion was played with slightly and there seems to be a clarity to Steves playing. It brings a much enhanced pleasure to this masterpiece. To quote...Yes, painting with music!!
Yeah... love this! Every time I listen, for some reason I think of Stravinsky...
The more you listen to this ,the more you appreciate this piece of music , from the powerhouse middle section to the sublime "soon" an incredible musical journey.
Absolutely and I may be a bit slow to absorb new music but all the things I love the most are pieces of music that confused me on first listen. This includes Genesis, Tull, Yes, Elp et al.
I experienced the same with pieces like "Super's Ready" by Genesis. They just get better and better, while the 1980's and beyond commercial stuff just gets more boring with time. "Gates.." is timeless.
Immortal.
Yes forever.❤
My favorite live version of Gates is from a live album called Yesshows. Just an incredible live performance.
There’s also a strong performance when Yes had a symphony tour. This was captured on a video. This can be found on RUclips.
Symphonic Yes Live DVD. I have it, and it's crazy great! Ritual is on it too. Can you imagine a Yes concert with an orchestra doing Ritual, Gates, and Edge? Best Yes concert I was ever at in the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia with the Haddonfield Symphony Orchestra!
I guess listening to this for the first time is just too much to comprehend right away. This needs to be listened to quite a few times.
I bought the album in '75 or just around that time. The strange thing is that over 40 years later it still doesn't sound outdated. I think that makes this music special and different. I love it but at the seem time I understand why many people will never be able to enjoy it. You need to have the patience listen.....
This is on my tri-monthly rotation list & I JUST LISTENED again yesterday. It's pure MAGIC. It was HIGHLY anticipated when it was released after TALES because MORAZ had joined and from the OPENING shimmering harmonics from Steve & Chris, I KNEW it was going to be EXTRA SPECIAL & today I still get that same immediate TINGLE INSIDE 49 years later. RELAYER/GATES is EVERYTHING you'd want and deserved from YES. ALL the members are performing at the virtuoso highest level. MORAZ added the perfect new ingredient that YES needed to live up to their relentless non-conforming reputation & evolution. It's one of the most PROGRESSIVE songs in Rock music & of the genre. BUT after this I ALWAYS encourage people to hear MORAZ solo album, "THE STORY of i " next in order to understand his contribution to GATES. It is the perfect companion album to RELAYER! It is also number 3 in the TRINITY of YES member's first solo albums
And I listened to The Story Of I seven months ago ruclips.net/video/_OQuH_ZEKTs/видео.html
@@JimNewsteadMay I suggest listening to Ritual again? Only this time the live version from Symphonic Yes Live. The orchestra is phenomenal with Yes. They also do Gates Of Delirium with the orchestra. Completely outstanding.
To Be Over on side 2 is my hidden Yes masterpiece.
This is definitely one that, while it was already great, gets even better on multiple listens. Great idea for a series Jim, we'd buy the albums back then and listen to them dozens of times, or at least until the next great album came along lol.
This music will be enjoyed hundreds of years from now, much as Handl, Bach, Prokofiev, et al are today. The big difference is it will still be played by the ever evolving Yes!
Listening to this over dinner with my lovely wife and we both well up with tears as John brings Soon and the song to a magnificent climax. One of those songs that literally takes your breath away. Thanks for revisiting this Jim. I plan on doing the same on my walk later this evening. Loved this feature. ✌️👏
Thank you! I would say sorry for bringing out the tears, but it’s Yes’s fault, not mine!
I love that story!
Yes forever!❤
Hey Jim! Always good to hear The Gates of Delirium. Still have my original copy of Relayer. Also have a copy that is framed hanging on the wall signed by the band. Enjoy this masterpiece Jim yet again!🔈🔉🔊😎
It never gets old, does it Jeff?🤩
@@TigerMtnKing No it doesn't. Was like hearing it for the first time. A tear still goes down my face during the Soon part.😥😎
@@jeffschielka7845 I can't get enough of it? I listened to it yesterday, then Jim's review and again just now from another reviewer. What other band can have this effect on people that their music gets played every day for 50+ years?🤩
@@TigerMtnKing YES❗️❗️❗️❗️😎
214 👑
My favorite Yes song and or epic. So Yes repeat yourself.
The Steven Wilson remix of Relayer does not contain any of the audio effects that were employed during the middle instrumental (battle). Some fans have said they prefer this remix. However, if you listen closely, with headphones, and compare this with the original, you will find some overtones missing that were present on the original, particularly in the drums, the toms, chimes, and cymbal bells. It is subtle but is undoubtedly the result of the age of the original tapes that were sampled for the remix. Some of the Wilson remixes are more rewarding than others. Personally, I think the best remix is the one he did of Tales from Topographic Oceans. It is filled with interesting nuances that bring out some parts that were otherwise buried in the original.
Here again Jim…..it just so touches your soul. Love, Light and Peace 💛
Each time you listen you catch new “bits” and familiar bits that you love!
You soon just Have to hear it again…❤
Continue on with Sound Chaser & Too Be Over is cool too!
The Gates of Delirium is definately an epic, my second favorite YES song. Good way to start a Friday morning. This might be the 3000th time at least I've listened to it, including yesterday. Thanks Jim!🤩
Over almost 40 years it’s become my favorite of theirs. Only so slightly ahead of CTTE and Awaken; such a composition and execution. Makes my heart race, my eyes well, and my heart soar all in 22 mins. The fade out chords at the end just ❤❤❤❤. Nice for a wet Friday.
Can you revisit the Great Om Riff? 😊
Ooooo! Yes indeed, Steve Hillage again 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
It is a Masterpiece!!! The whole album is a Masterpiece!!! Just close your eyes and listen to the Whole album AGAIN!!!! Enjoy The Bliss until tears stream from your eyes!!! I think Jim, that you need to revisit "Heart of The Sunrise," AGAIN by YES and Jethro Tull's "God." I think these songs will bring tears to your eyes of pure Magic and Joy!!! Great reaction!!!
There are so many times working on music when I’m thinking if I could just make this part half as beautiful as the end of Gates of Delirium.
I remember when you first listened to this, and at the end had a bit of a talk, back then said you felt a bit emotional. Some times we want just a simple blast, we get maybe an adrenalin rush and we move on. With some a lot of the Yes catalogue, if you let it, it will draw you into a complex world of musical structure, and some times you don't get it straight away, but you know that was something special. Music is a very personal thing, and familiarity with pieces of music can be comforting, I especially find Yes to be a positive experience every time I take the time to sit down and listen to them. Thanks for the revisit, I enjoyed listening to this again with you.
Always been my favourite epic by Yes by far, the complexity but it flows so well, 'To Be Over' from this album just beautiful Jim.
Absolutely brilliant, you can't go wrong with a bit of Yes, just gets better.😊
Hear again...! Well that's nice but i sure hope The Ladder isn't too far off! Looking forward to this :)
Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth.
Illusions On A Double Dimple by Triumvirat 🙏
I thought ELP used that tag line!
Sooo glad your revisiting this epic!!!
I watched your original reaction quite a few times-simply because I LOVE this song and I liked your reaction!
I’ll watch Again! And see what you Feel listening again….
This was played probably 50 times in the year that I first bought it so I haven't forgotten a single note. First loves are often the best though.
I hope you'll get to 'Keystudio' soon Jim. Can't wait for you to hear 'Mind Drive' and 'That, That Is', 2 more long epics from the greatest band to ever do it, ever!🤩
27:03 The last chord, from minor to major. Haven't listened to this in ages, but let's face it, it is SUPERB.
@@youandwhosearmy6339 The ending chords sequence in this is so fascinating, very lenghty, mysterious but ending hopefully. Masterful
Great idea, and "Gates" was the perfect first candidate for it. Nobody, even the most attentive of listeners, could get everything there is to get out of that piece on a first listen.
A suggestion for a more contemporary revisit - "Stardust We Are" by the Flower Kings. Fingers crossed that might even spur you on to check out some of their other wonderful epics like "The Truth Will Set You Free" and "Love is the Only Answer"!
A great choice, thank you!
Hi Jim, Jim here again my self visiting your page Love all things YES
Jim I went to rewatch The Relayer Album side 2 and I couldn't find a video on that from you. Now I wonder if you you ever visited it?
Very lucky to see them play this on The Relayer tour back in the day at Newcastle City Hall. They had huge weird creatures thrashing around to the music as the dry ice flowed, amazing. I would love to see you re-visit Steven Wilson's 'The Raven That Refused To Sing' with the Jess Cope video, I remember it was quite an emotional reaction for you Jim and if it would have the same effect today.
That’s a great call! I have listened many times since then of course, but not for several months.
Live Cobo Hall Detriot Yesshows from 1976 is a Masterful version (Jim) 😀Chris Squire played a big part in the live Mix of the Yesshows Live Double Album👍
I agree with @stanleymerritt4722's comments about YES' music getting better and better...maturing, if you like? I think, Jim, this came too soon for you, first time round? You've listened to a lot more music since then, but you've definitely revised your opinion and are, now. much more settled into this phenomenal piece. Although, with Gates...and Soundchaser, this is one of YES' more aggressive... dynamic and kinetic pieces...there are elements of sheer beauty throughout. Jon's singing and the rest of the band's contributions to "Soon" are immense...powerful and vulnerable...haunting and ethereal. Waves and layers of sound, backed up by individual components...a phrase from Chris...a brief passage from Steve...all so very cleverly wound together! I'm glad you listened again, Jim!
This is possibly my favourite Yes song, but it's so hard to decide! Yeah I believe the original vinyl version is extremely trebly and thin, luckily the Wilson version fixed that up
I was actually a bit disappointed when I found your channel as you didn't seem to enjoy this album as much as the others, you didn't mention it but I could tell cause you weren't being your usual fun silly self as much in that video compared to the other Yes stuff! It is a really overwhelming album since it incorporates a lot of Jazz Fusion elements - I'd love for you to relisten to Side B as well because Sound Chaser and To Be Over are also insanely good
Also, get around to the Yesshows live album when you can because the live version of Gates on there is epic!
Really glad you relistened to this and gained a new found love for it :)
My favourite Yes album and always has been since I first heard it back in 1975. Epic, awesome stuff.
Still get tears at the end of this song since I've heard it.
It is my Ues favourite. I cannot wait to see Yes play it live next May
Great album.
At my local Goodwill I found a copy with "Gates" demo for fifty cents.
One of Yes's last great albums... and with Patrick Moraz!
Peace on earth.
Soon... Sums it all up, there's HOPE after the Battle.. ❤
Yes! Music like this deserves, needs, multiple listens. Gosh, I'll listen to an album 5x just to decide if I'll listen to it 5 more times, so that I can make a judgment if it'll go into regular rotation. My first reaction videos would take hours!
This whole album is amazing (and underrated)... if you still can (it may be out of print) and you have a surround sound system get the Steven Wilson remixes because they're even more amazing in surround.
I don’t have surround, not the funds. It’s a very expensive release!
Def up there!❤
One in a century voice....
Great mix !! Never get tired of this !
Steven Wilson puts an absolute sense of definition and clarity from the original version.
I have a hard time listening to the earlier versions anymore.
Thanks Jim
You haven't gotten it because one needs to listen to it more than once and get somewhat familiar with it for it to be more thrilling. For me I'd say the first 50 times I listened to it it got more thrilling every time!
It never stops. It always amazes more, astounds more. One of the great musical pieces ever.
It’s a bit like cold approaching…you need to get past the first 50 rejections 😂
100% agree with the previous comment - listening to Yes requires no outside visual distractions. Let your mind and consciousness paint the picture. Especially true as Jon Anderson's lyrics are largely non-linear and cannt be fully comprehended in a 3D perspective. The soul needs to translate.
This song for me was less accessible than close to the edge, but after having digested it after multiple listens, I think I might like it more. The way yes is able to capture chaos and build up to the climax, is absolutely ethereal. Then it goes in to the heavenly “soon” part which is serene
I am glad I have the original......
I'm not crying Jim...You're crying
love this idea!!
reminds me of a seen from Rocky when Adrian is in a coma and soon before his big fight, he won't leave the church. His manager is frustrated but he relents, "I'll sit widcha Rock. You wanna sit here, i'll sit widcha"
YES at their maddest ever...Moraz brought a different dimension..Great album, kept it short unlike Topographic Oceans...Every track a joy...Topographic Oceans only 2 and a half tracks decent !! Oi..only my opinion...Soon like Awaken a magical track..
Great video, Jim! “Gates of Delirium” is amazing. I’m glad you revisited it. It’s a challenge, but if you have the time, perhaps consider doing an epic video where you “hear again” Tales from Topographic Oceans, but in its four-movement entirety as intended! It’s truly their greatest work, but it takes many listens to fully appreciate it because of its scope.
Not sure I could do that as one video!
@@JimNewstead yeah, I thought an 90+ minute video might be a tall order 🙂
Possibly the best side of music - EVER!! Cheers Jim
Possibly….. probably…… you sound like a Carlsberg ad!
Ha. Ha. Very good there my friend. Didn’t realise how it read. Tickled me as I was having my tea and toast this morning. All the best. Dave✅✅
Alan White's drumming thru this incredible mess is unbelievable.
First let me commend you on the superiority of your production. The care for your work and consumer is evident in every evolving episode. Then let me commend you on your taste. I inadvertently licked your neck while changing bat traps the other yuga. Balenciaga?
That settled, let me, in the time remaining, heartily approve of your decision, and your choice for first in series. I saw them perform this in NYC, with orchestra, less than a hundred hours before 9/11, and the gates of delirium became the once WTC, and environs, including the Upper East Side where I was trapped, breathing dead bodies and asbestos but alive, with only the plants dying. Jon and Yes were a healing, strengthening force that helped many get through it. I shall write about it. The clanging!
G.O.D.: Gates Of Delirium.
That’s both horrific and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Much love ❤️
Great video..........thanks again Jim
For me the middle section sounds a lot like mid 80s stadium rock ✌️
Great song....Great reaction....Thanks!!
Now you can walk through the gate Jim
Its a sound explosion..
So much music, so little time. But some music you have to make time for. I'm not a fan of every decision Steven Wilson makes, but IMO Relayer is one of his better Yes remixes.
Best truly prog song ever.....
Here are a few ideas, in case it's been a while since you last heard them, and perhaps cannot remember them all that well:
Renaissance - Turn of the Cards (perhaps 'Mother Russia'?)
Transatlantic - I would suggest a live medley from their first two albums
Also a friendly reminder to get acquainted with Big Big Train (their recent 'album' would be a good appetiser) before getting tickets to one of their shows next month!
I may have said this before but that end note reminds me of Princess Diana's funeral. When they were taking her body back out to the hearse before driving up to her resting place, they played a piece of music and the end note as she left the church invoked the same emotion as the end note on this song although completely different circumstances. Nevertheless the beauty in both pieces were still there.
I know, "real Yes fans" will want to stone me and will be outraged that I abuse this Yes sanctuary to express the following wish, but... could you listen to the title track "Mirror to the Sky" from the new Yes album? I know this band is not "Yes" anymore, neither in terms of line-up nor in terms of passion - one guy called them "Steve's Garageband" - but I think it's a really good song, no matter what the band is called. The song could be even better if they had made the "finale" a bit longer and more spirited (you'll understand what I mean when you're sitting there at the end of the song thinking "oops, finished already?" But I think the song is worth listening to.
Then I guess I'm not a "real Yes fan"😜. In any case, you have my full support for your wish.
Great reaction Jim, now listen to the live version from Yesshows and hear them take it to another level.
Surely Sound Chaser next ? Another electric and mesmerising piece
If I can remember your reaction the first time Jiim, you did enjoy it but you made a comment of "it's a lot to take in" so you'd probably not mentally processed it in your mind at the time and that maybe why you couldn't remember very much.
I also can't help remember your comment with rspect to Supper's Ready and the difference between CD and vinyl. This is a point in case, I agree that the Stevn Wilson remix is clearer but I also sensed a narrowing of the sound between the quiet and loud parts as you mentioned. I can't say I particularly liked that. I always used to think that a "remix" means that the sound was made better but I think sometimes there is a cost. Compare for example after the battle finishes and the transition to Soon the comparison between the chaos and loudness of the battle and the transition to the quiet and calmness of Soon as much more effective in the original version.
Talking of Yes .......is your reaction to "Yes studios" coming soon ;-)?
Finally my thoughts on a first reaction channel. It is what is says it's a first reaction. Is it your only reaction? No, of course not, you listen to it in privacy of your own home. For a person listening for the first time, do they listen only once? Most likely not, if they enjoyed it, they will watch your video again multiple times or watch the original album on you tube, or download it, buy the record, buy the CD. So although it's often played just once on the channel that's not the end of the journey instead it's just the beginning.
A reaction is not an end point, it’s the start of a journey. You’re quite right!