Yes' LP masterpiece, 'Tales from Topographic Oceans,' was crafted during the late summer of 1973 at London's Morgan Studio. This ambitious work features intricate compositions and lush soundscapes. The album's iconic cover, adorned with Roger Dean's mesmerizing illustrations, adds to its allure. Produced by Yes and Eddie Offord, it remains a landmark in progressive rock history
Collector's info: Roger Dean ( full-name: William Roger Dean ) Roger Dean an English artist and designer who is best known for his work creating album covers for numerous rock bands, including Yes, Uriah Heep, and Asia. He was born on 31 August 1944, in Ashford, Kent, England. Dean's distinctive style is characterized by his use of fantastical landscapes, surreal imagery, and vivid colors. His album covers often feature otherworldly creatures, floating islands, and intricate patterns. Dean's work has become synonymous with the progressive rock movement of the 1970s, and his iconic designs have become an integral part of the visual language of rock music. In addition to his album cover work, Dean has also designed stage sets, costumes, and logos for numerous bands. He has also created artwork for book covers, calendars, and video games. Dean's influence extends beyond the world of music, and his artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. In 2018, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Arts University Bournemouth in recognition of his contributions to the fields of art and design. |
Music Genre: Progressive Rock |
Album Packaging / Information: Gatefold (FOC) cover design |
Record Label & Catalognr: Atlantic Records 80.001 / yPartx 75.572 |
Media Format: 12" Double Vinyl LP |
Year & Country: 1973 Made in France |
Band Members and Musicians on: Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans |
Jon Anderson, born on 25 October 1944, in Accrington, Lancashire, England, is a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the progressive rock band Yes, and has made significant contributions to the world of music throughout his career.
From a young age, Anderson displayed a deep passion for music. He started playing the guitar and honing his vocal skills while still in his teenage years. He became involved with various local bands, performing at small venues and events. This early experience helped him develop his musical abilities and establish a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Anderson's musical talents expanded beyond the guitar and vocals as he also learned to play the bass and drums. This versatility allowed him to explore different aspects of music and develop a unique style that would later define his contributions to Yes and his solo career.
In the late 1960s, Anderson's career took a significant turn when he joined the progressive rock band Yes as the lead vocalist. His distinctive voice, characterized by its soaring range and emotional expressiveness, became one of the defining features of the band's sound. Anderson's lyrics, often inspired by spirituality, nature, and human connections, added a poetic and introspective dimension to Yes' music.
With Anderson at the helm, Yes achieved great success and critical acclaim. They released a series of influential albums, including "Fragile", "Close to the Edge", and "Going for the One", which showcased the band's virtuosity and progressive sound. Hits such as "Roundabout" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart" further solidified Yes' place in the world of rock music.
Anderson's tenure with Yes lasted for several decades, during which the band went through various lineup changes and creative evolutions. However, his distinct voice and songwriting style remained a constant, contributing to the band's enduring popularity and legacy.
In addition to his work with Yes, Anderson embarked on a successful solo career. He released numerous albums, often exploring diverse musical styles and collaborating with other renowned artists. His solo endeavors allowed him to further express his artistic vision and experiment with different sounds and genres.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Anderson has also been involved in various philanthropic and environmental initiatives. He is an advocate for peace and harmony, using his music to inspire positive change and unity among people.
Track Listing of: Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans |
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Tales From Topographic Oceans" Record Label Details: Atlantic Records 80.001 / yPartx 75.572 ℗ 1973 Atlantic Records Sound Copyright
Yes is a progressive rock band that was formed in London, England in 1968. The band has undergone numerous changes in personnel over the years, with its current lineup consisting of Steve Howe (guitar), Alan White (drums), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Jon Davison (vocals), and Billy Sherwood (bass).
One of the defining characteristics of Yes' music is its complex, multi-layered arrangements that often incorporate classical and jazz elements alongside rock instrumentation. The band's early albums, such as "The Yes Album" and "Fragile," are widely regarded as classics of the progressive rock genre.
Perhaps the most recognizable aspect of Yes' sound is the use of intricate vocal harmonies, which are a hallmark of the band's style. Founding member Jon Anderson is particularly known for his soaring, ethereal vocal style, which has been imitated by countless other singers in the years since Yes first emerged on the scene.
Another defining characteristic of Yes' music is its sense of ambition and grandiosity. Many of the band's songs are epic in scale, featuring extended instrumental passages and complex compositional structures. The album "Close to the Edge," for example, features just three tracks, each of which is over 18 minutes long and incorporates a wide range of musical styles and influences.
Despite its many accolades and successes, Yes has also faced its fair share of challenges over the years. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with many key members departing and rejoining at different points in its history. In addition, the group's complex and often esoteric musical style has sometimes alienated mainstream audiences, leading to commercial struggles at various points in the band's career.
Despite these challenges, Yes remains a hugely influential and beloved band among fans of progressive rock and other experimental forms of music. The group's legacy has been felt across multiple genres, with countless musicians citing Yes as an influence on their own work.
One of the most impressive aspects of Yes' music is the way it seamlessly blends elements of rock, classical music, and other genres into a cohesive whole. The band's use of complex time signatures, soaring melodies, and intricate instrumental passages gives its music a sense of both sophistication and accessibility, appealing to both hardcore prog fans and more casual listeners.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Yes' music, however, is the way it manages to be both challenging and emotionally resonant at the same time. Many of the band's songs deal with themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life, imbuing its music with a sense of depth and emotional weight that is often absent from more straightforward rock or pop music.
ATCO , 1983 , UK
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Learn moreATCO 79-6976 , 1983 , Germany
The Special Dance Remix 12" Maxi version of "Owner of a Lonely Heart" was a popular dance version of the song, released in 1984. This remix version features an extended dance beat, enhanced percussion, and additional electronic effects, giving the song a more club-friendly sound.
Learn moreAtlantic ATL 50 096 (U) , 1974 , Made in Germany
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Learn moreAtlantic Recording Corp ATL 80 001 , 1973 , Made in Germany
This is the German release of "Tales from Topographics Oceans" is the sixth studio album from the English progressive rock band Yes. Presented as a double album with one track on each side, its concept is based on singer Jon Anderson's interpretation of four Shastric scriptures from a footnote in Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Learn moreAtlantic Records 80.001 / yPartx 75.572 , 1973 , Made in France
This is the French release of "Tales from Topographics Oceans" is the sixth studio album from the English progressive rock band Yes. Presented as a double album with one track on each side, its concept is based on singer Jon Anderson's interpretation of four Shastric scriptures from a footnote in Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Learn moreAtlantic 40 106 (K40106) , 1971 , Made in Germany
"The Yes Album" is the 1971 studio album by the English Progressive Rock band "YES", it was their first record with Steve Howe on guitars. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
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Yessongs is a live triple album by the British progressive rock band Yes, released in 1973. The album was recorded during Yes' Close to the Edge Tour in 1972, and features material from their first four studio albums: "Yes," "Time and a Word," "The Yes Album," and "Fragile."
Learn moreATCO 7567-91747 , 1991 , Made in Germany
Yesstory is the studio album by the Melodic Prog Rock band YES is a three-lp set , released in 1992. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Learn moreAtlantic ATL 50 048 (ATL 50048) , 1974 , Made in Germany
Yesterdays is the first compilation album by the English progressive rock band YES. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
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