Close to the Edge--this album suck or what?

I think the Genesis vs Yes split boils down to people's personal taste in music - many people seem to have a strong preference for one or the other.
I really enjoy both, but for substantially different reasons.

Atavachron wrote: Whistler, I respect your tenacity and honesty. However, the feelings you're expressing on 'Selling' and 'Foxtrot' sound like many of us when we were sixteen. That's not say you have immature taste, just that it does take years, sometimes decades before one starts to appreciate these stellar works. On the other hand, I know many Tull fans who still couldn't care less about the G boys, so you do have company.

Sorry lads, I'm a progressive failure...I've banged my head against this album of a week now, and I just can't see it as "great." I don't even see it as particulalry good. I mean, if I'd have to give it an out of 5 stars rating, I'd say 3/5. It's sort of like Led Zep's Physical Graffeti (sic?); some really good tunes, but all played faaaaaaaar longer than they could sustain. And that even goes for the Siberian Khatru. And that almost rocked, but still came out longish and therefore boringish. And don't tell me I just don't like quiet atmosphere! The Preacher and the Teacher (from And You and I) started with a really cool folkish acoustic shuffle...

See my response in the other thread on this topic, aswell as my response in the "Are Pink Floyd Boring" (or something like that) poll. You might also want to look up a poll I made a while ago, CttE vs The Yes Album, as it also deals with this issue.

Fassbinder wrote:   Seriously, I would like to know why people like or (much more actual to me) dislike it. I tried it at least ten times, and still I fail to find there any interest (and that with other Genesis (Gabriel era) albums which I find quite interesting...)

I don't dislike it, I guess, but I fail to see what the big deal is.  For me Selling England is far superior.  But since I've only recently started to listen to Genesis in earnest, perhaps I'm not the best qualified to make an assessment.

Easy Livin wrote: I think there are enough reviews on the site to tell you why people like this album so much.

There will also be reviews from people who view the album as you do, nothing spectacular, or worse yet hate it.

Ghost Rider wrote: That said, I've got to admit I don't understand the point of these discussions. I don't like "Foxtrot", for instance, but I wouldn't dream to open a thread about it. Perhaps it's just me, though...

No, I don't see much point in this either.  Sometimes in an existing thread about a band or album I'll express my dislike, but even rarely then.

If part of the reason you're asking about the "masterpiece" status of Close to the Edge is because it's rated #1 on the site, be aware that a lot of "foul play", viz. rating monkey-business from fanboys have skewed things so badly that one shouldn't take that list (at least the top of it) seriously at all.  Suffice it to say that it's a consensus masterpiece on this site, but not without its detractors, as you will find on pretty much every album.

Foxtrot is my favourite album ,
but please dont compare it with "Close to the Edge"

please

The Whistler wrote: No, but I'm a gonna listen real good. 'Cept that my batteries did run out...

    
i'll kill you
if the batteries run out

there is nice theme music
if you notice it
you will love it


its like four notes from"Wish you were here"
that start "Shine on you crazy diomand"


folks
you know what i'm saying

Ghost Rider wrote: I don't like "Foxtrot", for instance,

!!!!!

well, all I can say, is that I sense danger within this subject; just to recal, people loving Ctte don't usual stand people hating Ctte; and the accent on "suck" rather than "dislike" is a leak gas, waiting just for the match...

Also, I think I've had enough of "who loves/hates Ctte" for one life.