Tales From Topographic Oceans

About This Product

'Tales from Topographic Oceans' (super deluxe edition) is the definitive version of Yes' ambitious sixth album, the record that stands as one of the most sprawling and intricate works of the progressive rock era. This expansive album version includes twelve CDs, two LPs, and a Blu-Ray disc. Introducing, a newly mastered/remastered version of the original album by Bernie Grundman for vinyl and CD. Delve deeper with new 2026 Steven Wilson remixes of the core album, including instrumental versions, alongside a treasure trove of previously issued rarities. This collection is further enriched by portions of two previously unreleased live performances from the legendary Tales tour. A Blu-Ray disc completes the collection with Steven Wilson's new mixes, including the album in immersive Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Mix DTS-HD MA.

Product Details

Brand

Yes (Artist) Format: Blu-ray

Manufacturer

Yes (Artist) Format: Blu-ray

Warranty

and Repairs

ASIN

B0FZLXG5DL

Customer Reviews Summary

Well it's finally here and well worth the wait and the cost. The original album was an outrageous product in its own right with four tracks on a double album, so what better way to celebrate its 50th anniversary (or thereabouts) than with a massive set of 12 CDs, a blu-ray and double vinyl.If you're reading this then you're probably already a Yes fan of one shape or another, so there's no point in me describing the actual music, but what is worth talking about are all the different versions of each song on offer in this package. There seems to be literally every possible incarnation from original stereo mixes, 2026 remixes, subtly revisited 2016 5.1 remixes, Dolby Atmos mixes, instrumental versions, studio run throughs and demos, Steve Wilson's 'single edits' and live tracks. I've probably missed a few variants there's so much here to take in.For me the live tracks and Atmos mixes were what I was really excited to hear having had the 2016 reissue since it came out and already being familiar with the 5.1 and instrumental mixes. There was one live track on that set, but this new release brings together a whole series of live versions from three different shows, although the booklet notes do admit that the material from Manchester and Cardiff was considered to be a 'best guess' in terms of origins. Nevertheless, wherever they came from these live songs are MAGNIFICENT. The Manchester pieces sound like Yes are in a tiny club setting and although the material is incomplete, the highlight has to be Rick Wakeman's solo section in The Remembering, which was apparently rarely played and even more rarely heard since then. It is stunning.The Atmos mixes place instrumentation and vocals all over the soundstage and bring more life to familiar recordings. It's hard to describe, but drums appear overhead and various guitar sections are placed in front, left and right before moving to make way for other instruments. Chris Squire's bass parts are particularly noticeable, Not necessarily loud, but subtle and clear like I haven't really picked up on before. Vocals sound a bit flatter than the 5.1 mixes on Dance of the Dawn for example and with less echo throughout, which I like. The 5.1 mixes were always beautiful, but compared to the Atmos mix, for me at least, are a bit 'in your face' but not at all unpleasant.The packaging takes me back to the 1970s when I first bought Tales and sat with the album sleeve open while listening, reading every word, lyric and credit and admiring the truly beautiful Roger Dean artwork.I don't imagine this is going to appeal to the casual listener (!) or for fans for whom Tales left them cold, but for Yes fans who already love Tales this has to be an essential purchase for the depth and breadth of material, the obvious care put into the packaged, the artwork and the sheer scale of the thing. Marvellous.