RELAYER

Easily the most experimental of all of the Yes catalog, "Relayer" is also a true progressive rock masterpiece that every prog fan MUST own. I must say that I really didn't like this album for about a year when I first bought it--it's an album that demands attention on the part of the listener, but once the listener gets accustomed to the incredibly complicated structures and melodies, it is completely intoxicating! "The Gates Of Delirium" is one of the five best progressive epics ever written, weaving excellent playing and singing around varied sections that express "War and Peace" musically. A musical thrill ride, especially in headphones, from the opening notes through the battle scene to the beautiful ending of "Soon." "Sound Chaser" is Yes going jazz fusion, and they do it well! Stunning playing through this piece shows the level of chops that all of these musicians had, including Alan White, who I've always considered inferior to Bill Bruford (and I still do, but Alan played great on this album). The closer "To Be Over" is again a tune that sucks you in--once you start listening to it you just get emotionally involved until it's over. This Yes album, along with "Close To The Edge," belongs in EVERY progressive rock fan's collection.