Progressive Palaver

Episode 17 - Yes Part 8, Drama

Paul, Ken, Jay and Joe finish out their initial discussion of the Yes catalog with the 1980 powerhouse Drama. The group delves into the evolution of Yes music brought on by the departure of Rick and Jon and the arrival of Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. Jay clues us in to why Drama speaks to him over some of the Yes albums. The place of Drama in the greater context of 1980’s music is explored as well. We hope you enjoy this exploration of a brilliant and potentially underappreciated album.

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Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Bonus Episode 3 – Marillion Palaver Awards

Tom, Paul, Ken and Joe revisit Marillion for a little year-end holiday cheer. Buoyed by some listener input on the story behind Three Minute Boy, the Palaver reconvenes and discuss the entire Marillion catalog with the format of some fun awards. Each category received a nomination from each participant and then the group discussed and ultimately awarded a winner. This exercise is solely for entertainment purposes and is not meant to be taken (too) seriously. An unexpected outcome from this is the apparent need for an in-depth discussion of the one- versus two-disc formats for Marbles! Stay tuned…

Twitter: @progpala

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured

Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 16 – Yes Part 7, Tormato

Paul, Joe and Ken, with the help of Jay, move on to 1978’s Yes offering, Tormato. The group struggles with how to place this album coming as it does between Going for the One and Drama. Why Don’t Kill the Whale as the single? Did marijuana use contribute to both the album itself and its popularity? Inquiring minds want to know. Ken posits an interesting theory to explain the whole thing…

Twitter: @progpala

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured

Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 15 – Yes Part 6, Going for the One

Paul, Joe and Ken continue discuss Going for the One by a rejuvenated Yes. Themes in the conversation range from the songcraft involved in this album, to Yes being “cowboy crazy” to the virtues of Swiss telephone infrastructure in the 70’s (complete with a consideration of the economics of copper) to the respect Rick Wakeman has for the church organ. The Palaver is struck by the overall sense of renewal in this album and how it manifests in both the fun (Going for the One and Parallels) and the beautiful (Turn of the Century, Awaken).

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Episode 14 – Yes Part 5, Tales From Topographic Oceans & Relayer

Paul, Joe and Ken continue their consideration of the early Yes catalog by covering the two progrock juggernauts Tales From Topographic Oceans and Relayer. The group ponders topics like the influence of personnel changes (the departure of Bill Bruford’s big ball of influence and Rick Wakeman, the arrival of Alan White and Patrick Moraz) on Yes music, the heyday of early 70’s progrock, and did Genesis’ Supper’s Ready influence The Gates of Delirium? Enjoy a lively discussion of these most progressive of Yes albums.

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Episode 13 – Yes Part 4, Close to the Edge

Paul, Joe and Ken discuss the seminal Yes album Close to the Edge. Ken opens the episode with a dramatic impression of Chris Squire (apologies to our UK listeners lol) before we move on to consider the role of Eddie Offord in the creation of Yes music. Paul provides a moving account of the inspiration for the song Close to the Edge, a song we finally decide is pure art.

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Episode 12 – Yes Part 3, Fragile

Paul, Joe and Ken discuss Fragile. The conversation gets started with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (where Alan White gets invited to the dinner club) before moving into the album proper. The discussion obviously centers around the musical interactions among this, the arguably “best” Yes lineup. The magic of Bill Bruford, is Rick Wakeman subtle and how great is Roundabout are all explored.

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Episode 11 – Yes Part 2 The Yes Album

Paul, Joe and Ken discuss The Yes Album, the genesis of the truly classic Yes. The group considers the impact of adding Steve Howe (and his myriad instruments) to the lineup and discuss the meaning of Yours Is No Disgrace. Paul revels in the Hammond work of Tony Kaye and Peter Banks is ultimately invited to join the dinner club.

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Episode 10 – Yes Part 1 “Yes Preamble” Paul, Joe and Ken begin their discussion of the early Yes catalog (through Drama) with an overview of their thoughts on Yes. Joe explains his biases and the group explains how each discovered Yes. Bill Bruford is discovered, Tony Kaye is redeemed and Joe needs to buy Jay Schellen dinner.

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Joe and Paul discuss Joe's recent experience seeing Toad the Wet Sprocket in Dallas, TX. Topics include Jonathan Kingham, outstanding live sound, and whether Toad are progressive (spoiler - they really aren't prog, but they are spectacular).