Thanks again for covering the magical Jon Anderson solo album of Olias of Sunhillow, the final track on side 2 "To The Ruuner" is among my most played songs, and Yes, I'm a runner, the strong (and yet tender) pace is a perfect tune to play for this album, I do not believe it's an anticlimactic finish, I feel that it's a perfect summary finish, brilliant indeed.
I've been listening to this album since its release. It still gets regular play here. Will always be one of my favorites. Absolutely beautiful work of art, gorgeous in scope and execution by an artist for the ages. I have met Jon many times. And, yes, I have thanked him for this...
...great reaction on this masterpiece by J.A., very uplifting and still one of my favourites. I try to pass this onto my children, as they need to be aware of the otherworldly things in life...not everything needs to make money, sprituality and feeling good is worth much more....
I saw you wipe that tear out of your eye... This was an extraordinary work of art, a masterpiece considering how his technical proficiency is barely competent, but he put a lot of hearts soul and work into it and compositionally it's quite stunning.
I loved this album when it came out, have listened to it hundreds of times (maybe more) and still very much enjoy it. I listen to it in a different state of mind now (I was a teen then) and still still get lost in the melodies. Thanks for reviewing!! Would be great to hear some of your music. I think we'd all enjoy it and appreciate it.
There is a little bit already scattered around the channel, but I haven't uploaded any for a long time. Need to do that again soon! Thanks for asking 👍🏻😁
Olias was very much present during Yes' Going for the One tour featuring the Olias Symbol on a tamborine stand. (Same symbol can be seen during the Union tour). Anyway, each member did a song from his solo efforts. Jon's was To The Runner. Chris, Hold Out Your Hand. And yes, the climax happened earlier, the afterglow came last.
*_"Chris Squire's Fish Out of Water is great too"_* _"You know we love you, we can't be without you!_ _When we're at home we still feel this way about you!_ _Everything's clear._ _Here is here._ _And everything is as it appears to be so._ _Here we are dreaming, we stand by ourselves._ _Look and it's easy to see that we're not the only ones reaching for a new kind of wealth._ _Reaching with nothing to hide..._ _And you by our side!"_ {:o:O:}
Hi Jim just got around to watching this one. It's great to see how each of the band mates solo's shows how the contribute to make the whole of YES. Will look for your take on the others solo works.
I've always thought of Olias specifically, and Jon generally, as elven... Wore out my vinyl copy back in the day, but relived those magical moments this morning listening to this lovely reaction. Thanx
I love Olias of Sunhillow, I've been listening to it more and more lately. I find side one is like Sci Fi sea shanties and side two is like really good film score music.
Jim, i was enraptured watching you listen to this...part of my life since 1975...especially side 2..... I've never heard Squire's Fish Out of Water, but everyone seems to like it...i would like to hear some of your work that you stated might have had the same feel as Olias....looking forward to it...thanks for the video!... Just bought a new 180 gram vinyl.of OLIAS...just transcendental.
This album is celestial and one I turn to when I need to chill out. You are the first I have seen review the album and am delighted you really got it. Keep up the great work. One to consider is one of Jon’s recent albums called 1000 hands and of course any of Rick’s early solo stuff.
Justin of JustJP also did Olias of Sunhillow on his channel. He did it in three parts, not really comprehending when he started how essential the tracks melding in to each other by album side it is to truly get this album. Justin did the first two tracks, then let a year go by before returning to it. If, as Jim says in the video, I can blow my own horn as no one else is going to do it, I believe Justin returned to Olias because I sent him a 1976 vinyl to encourage him. Apparently I was the first to send him gifts, which later prompted him to finally get a PO Box. Anyway, after Justin finished out side 1, he listened to side 2 all in one go fairly quickly. So, you can find his listens in three parts. If Jim approves this, here's a link to the playlist of Justin's listens to Olias: m.ru-vid.com/group/PLk5U1pT6RIR1hz2rle6olMastSN7oWIBp
This album gives an idea of Jon Anderson's compositional skills. For he not just provides the lyrics but plays the major role in creating the music of Yes. Then the other musicians add their own parts and interpretations into the music structure. If I could recommend an album for your collection Jon Anderson "Change we must". He#s not completely solo on this he has an orchestra backing him. Also one song he shares the vocals.
This is one of those albums that takes you to somewhere else. Its like where do these guys come up with this stuff?? The final passage is like the end to a long epic story.
Bought this back in '76 or '77. Herbal enhancements were quite the rage at the time and my first listen to this was quite magical. Still is, despite the lack of those enhancements nowadays Loved your reaction. Fish Out of Water is a MUST!!!! Just sub'd. Thank you for this!!!! :)
Anderson never performed "Olias Of Sunhillow" completely live as far as I know, only parts of it. Since you were talking about the solo albums of the Yes members from that time at the beginning ... Steve Howe made quite a few (around 20), but Chris Squire only made one; and I would strongly recommend that to you. It is of course very different from "Olias ...", but also very unique and absolutely worth listening to.
He performed just short bits of it in the Yes solo albums tour 1976, where each Yes member contributed parts from their respective solo albums. Chris Squire and Steve Howe did several songs.
If you search on YT you'll find a video of a school (a junior college, I think) that put on a full presentation of Olias. It's a bit rough, but just the fact that they did it at all is amazing. It involved a full band plus a small choir.
I've loved this album since it was first released. It remains my favorite solo album from a Yes member. (Squire and Wakeman have stuff not far behind, though.) Great reaction! I'm very much appreciative when this album is given some love publicly.
My favourite Rick Wakeman quote is that "Jon is busy trying to save this planet whilst living on another one". When you listen to this masterpiece you know EXACTLY what he means. Both sides are good but side two definitely has that little something extra.
@@JimNewstead Mr Wakeman has a great sense of humour as well as being hugely talented. Just as a side note, you mentioned Mike Oldfield in your selection of people to listen to. I would highly recommend Sally Oldfield's album titled "Water Bearer". An amazing album where, like her Brother, she plays most of the instrumentation herself.
Have you considered The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Rick Wakeman? It's one of the most loved/recommended out of all of the Yes solo output. It has members of Yes and the Strawbs on it. Cheers Jim
When you get to Yes' Going For The One, especially side 2, keep this album in mind. It is the next project Anderson was involved with after Olias. While not thematically related lyrically, I do think Anderson's song writing on Wondrous Stories and Awaken hearkens back to Olias melodically, with the input of the rest of the band thrown in. You'll get the instrumental virtuosity you were looking for on Olias in the songs on side 2, while getting a similar atmosphere to Olias.
@@paulvalletta While musically I can see that, but for me Wondrous Stories and Awaken tie in to each other lyrically. I'll get in to that on the video for the album side.
@@IllumeEltanin With Jon"s style of lyric writing, you can find a thread of love and caring in most of his songs, for instance "song of seven" his is "new life" era, musically it is non progressive, but more what i believe was commercial, even though it is spiritual?
this album was/is so forward thinking, what we know now about climate change, this album has another species having to exit their planet before its destruction?. Along with mike oldfields "songs of distant earth", this is so relevant to todays future? amazing listen Jim thanks very much for your precious time.
It’s funny you mentioned you can’t imagine him doing this live at the time Solid Space is playing they do a short version of that song on his 1000 Hands tour Love the channel
I felt so lucky when I found a used vinyl copy of this around 84 or 85, I still have it as well as newer copies and CD's. Amazing. His solo stuff is quite diverse. Check out a few of his newer ones also, Anderson/Stolt Invention Of Knowledge is really cool, and 1,000 Hands. Bill Bruford's Earthworks albums are great, and try Time by Steve Howe.
Question for the community, or Jim if he may know. I'm also a fan of Jean-Michel Jarre's Oxygène, which came out the same year. Everyone always gushes at the lushness of sound Jarré creates on Oxygène, using only analog and monotone synthesizers, supposedly being all that was available at the time. If that's the case, was the same true for the synthesizers on this? I know Anderson has real instruments and vocals also mixed in. But, if he was programming the synthesizer sounds on analog monophonic synthesizers with dials and levels, and no sampling, I'm even more awed at the accomplishment than I have been all these years.
Hi Pam, I can’t answer this with any authority, but I know that the Polymoog was released in 1975 which allowed for more notes to be played at once. Certainly sampling didn’t reality become possible until the 80s and the most noteworthy early sampler was the Fairlight which cost many thousands of £ or $. It is indeed an awe inspiring accomplishment!
Just making sure I complete the first listen of this album on vinyl with you Jim....got it ready and waiting on my zen player...it's really good so far. I like how it feels more experimental and spacey than Yes. As if he found a good way to let himself off the Yes leash. I'd say it's more space age / organic psychedelic folk than prog rock and super interesting for it. Love the chant on 2nd song of this side....oh yes.... Oh and have you managed to check out Nektar yet? (much underappreciated prog band I feel)....so into them still at mo.
As I said before Jim, the tip of the iceberg, Have a look at Steve How's and Rick's solo list, you will not believe how much work they have done. Another great show Jim.
Regarding the skip... I'm really glad you got an older printing of this, as I have heard the recent Record Day reissue sounds as though the mix is muted or not as vibrant. However, I have heard really good things about the recent 5.1 DVD reissue from a year or so ago. I don't have either, but if I were to get a newer copy, I would go with the DVD. As long as an older copy of the vinyl with the original artwork is already in my collection.
Hi Jim, me again, this album like every Yes album I own hold a memory for me. Olias is one of 2 Yes albums bought for me as presents from my mum. I still have both in my rack, the other is Yesterdays. I'd still love to hear your thoughts on the Yes cover of Simon and Garfunkle's America. Speaking of Patrick Moraz and Mike Oldfield, Moraz solo album The Story of I is fabulous and out of left field from Oldfield I give you AMAROK and disc 2 from Light and Shade, all 3 are dynamic bombshells of sonic perfection. Great review again from my favourite tuber. Not a potato 🙂👍👍
If you get the opportunity try listening to Palace of the Winds by Mind Over Matter (Klaus Hoffman-Kooch) as it has all of the hallmarks of 'right up your alley' statement.
Jim, to the best of my knowledge, you're right, the Olias album was never toured. He's performed bits of it, and some fans have attempted a couple of one-off shows. I've got nine years on you --- been a fan almost 50 years. The only Yes solo albums I still listen to are by Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. But there are many gems along the Yes trail. I'm working on a project dedicated to ELP, and I'm posting a book here on RU-vid called "The Spy Who Loved Keith Emerson." So I'll come running for your ELP output -- to enjoy your input.
Jim, add the following to your list of Yes related albums: Badger - one live badger (Tony Kaye) Flash - flash and/or flash in the can (Peter Banks) Well worth a listen Phil
Ah, the dreaded skip! As I said on Pt 1, all of my copies of Olias have been scratch-fests, so you're in good company. But the CD version forces you to pull out a magnifying glass to read the liner notes! But this is really a magical album. My partner generally dislikes all prog and most Yes, but she actually immediately took a fancy to Olias! Jon's been threatening to make a follow-up for at least 20 years. I really hope he finally gets around to it before he or all of us are gone!
Yeah that's interesting, the musical limitations I think that Anderson might've had here were what makes it richer in a way....it's a really peaceful track this chanty one. Ha everytime I hear a church organ these days I think of the amazing Anna Von Hausswolf🎹⛪....check out All Thoughts Fly. Awesome organic organ orgasms guaranteed😉😂😂😂
Regarding To The Runner being an anticlimactic finish... If you think about it, To The Runner is the most radio accessible track on the album. I have a suspicion it may have actually been tacked on at the end to provide a potential single. If I recall correctly, To The Runner did chart, although not particularly high. But, it does fit in to the overall feel of the album, and doesn't become jarring, despite being more radio accessible.
@@JimNewstead fantastic news Jim. I’ve got tickets for the NEC (3rd time seeing them). I’m going into hibernation now to make time pass more quickly, the alarm is set for May
Spurn all ye kindle, sure, but does that include the reader? Maybe he can do a "To the Reader" next go? Please forgive for attempting English English, as I am, alas, an overseasman, yet one forever fond of ye wondrous musicks and stories. Jon created a world from his imagination and inspirations, and also gave us the soundtrack. I do, however, think Elvis could take him in a wrestling match.
I bought all 3 Yes "Solo" albums as a young man when they came out. I loved Fish Out Of Water, and Olias of Sunhillow. I didn't care for Steve Howe's solo album - Beginnings, I think - because he made the fateful decision to sing on it himself. It was the weakest of the three, and sounded like a garage band album, with underwhelming mixes. This album was a labor of love, it sounded like. So was Chris Squire's FOOW. I recommend it highly. Cheers.
@@bokiphoto Thanks. I think Alan did "Ramshackled", which I never saw as a young man. Help me with the other. Patrick Moraz or Rick Wakeman? I've heard Journey to the Center of the Earth on vinyl years ago. Thanks!
Jim, keep a lookout for a band called Starcastle, their self-titled lp and their second, Fountains of Light. Highly influenced by Yes, but brilliant nonetheless!
For those interested in the libretto/concept of the album as told in the gatefold booklet. I shared side 1's story on the previous video. The Story (side 2) by Jon Anderson Slowly she dragged herself along the plain, onto the ocean from which point the ocean began to move underneath the feel of the ship. The solar shell counter-reacting with the live made sense of vision, and as the Moorglade began to race, inventing speed, a great writhing tidal wave became and rose high towards the stars, thrusting the Moorglade high into space and to flight with giant sails beaming to the stars, and as the ship travelled into space a thunderous crash was heard in the distance as Sunhillow exploded into millions of silent teardrops. Inside the ship all had quietened and as Olias and Qoquaq were in a unified trance piloting the ship and Ranyart in deep space of position; the tribes were left to see for themselves their own situation. Almost at once there was a hum of doubt which doubled to a noise and shuffle of discontented tremours within. Moon Ra, the disorientation had shown its face, they cried and screamed for mercy tearing at each others and their own feelings, releasing only fear and pain. The sound was utter disharmony of balance resounding to such a voiceless pitch and counterpitch so that which rose from their surroundings was awkward and sullen, their own fear had created a form from deep within their own souls. All was bared before them. The form rose and filled the inside walls of Moorglade so as to split the walls around to such a force and strain as to crash all into the vastness of space to be lost forever. At this moment Olias awoke from his pilot position, standing, his arms outstretched he held within him the terror and cries of torment from the people, he sang chords of love and life and caressed the form until it surrended. The people now in a dazed light relaxed and slept underneath a crystal blanket, each in a chrysalis state, as the Moorglade journeyed on through space a song of love was released and played among them. Ranyart had spelt out the path and danced a cascade of joy as the ship stretched towards the earth, he began to sing a new Song of Search as he soared over the hills. Clouds moved along with the silent wind, as the silver chord of life began, for as the Moorglade came to rest on the plains of Asguard, one mind of many thoughts emerged from within; one sound; one soul; one. And so in parting Olias, Ranyart and Qoquaq climbed to the highest mountain, lying down with eyes fixed to the stars, only seeing the stars, they again became one with the universe and drifted away towards the sun.
"Moon Ra" (beginning at around 6:30) easily qualifies as one of the weirdest Yes-related tracks ever - those multi.layered droning vocals; "Dum-Dum-dum-dum Deh /Na-nu-Naah!" and heavy percussion patterns really sound odd... I agree it feels like it's crying out for a releasing guitar solo that never arrives! :) Very strange, but it goes to show how much this was a personal project for Jon.
Wonderful reaction, Jim. Thank you for your "labour of love!" Fish Out Of Water is a must but please please please..."The myths and legends of King Arthur and the knights of the round table" by Rick Wakeman. Orchestra, choir, band + Rick. It's got it all.
So, over on Dicon Dissectional Reactions discord, Lightmane is discussing Vangelis' inspiration on Anderson in creating Olias. Lightmane thinks Albedo 0.39 influenced him, but that came out in '76, the same year as Olias. Vangelis' Heaven and Hell, which has a vocal appearance by Anderson, came out in '75, so that was my thought of the most direct influence. However, when Anderson tells the story of how he and Vangelis met, the influence apparently goes back much farther. I'll post a link to a performance where Anderson tells the story of how they met, and what happened when Vangelis played with Yes when Wakeman first departed. However, I'll put the link in a reply to this comment. If you don't see, perhaps a suggestion of how to share links without RU-vid deleting them would be welcome.
Jim, if you see this, the link that Illume posted apparently didn't post. The title of the video is "Jon Anderson recount's his first meeting with Vangelis". You'll love it 🙂 I'll try to post it here too ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ItV5h3Arl5M.html
Jim, if you see this, the link that Illume posted apparently didn't post. The title of the video is "Jon Anderson recount's his first meeting with Vangelis". You'll love it 🙂
Your links are there, you have to wait for me to approve them. I changed a setting a few weeks ago because I was getting hit with a lot of spam. Any comment with a link will be automatically held for me to approve before being posted. Sorry for the inconvenience! And thanks for the comment and the link. It’s now live!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
And again... :mellow happy sigh: For me, not only is this my favorite album ever, it is the one I turn to after a stressful time, and I need to unwind and totally mellow out. Olias puts me there instantly. As far as live performance of this, as others have said, Anderson has included pieces of it in his solo tours. Personally, I only know of one full performance which was endorsed by Anderson, and introduced by him, but I don't believe he performs anywhere during it. Like Jarré's Oxygène in Your Living Room, the performance I'm linking took many more musicians than a layer upon layer of tracks solo work. But, it's pretty spectacular for a live performance, especially considering the age of the musicians. m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RQm-7HlaHco.html
Thank you so much for this recommendation Pam, and sorry it took a while. There's a lot of stuff on my to do list!!!!! Really really enjoyed this. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@JimNewstead I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Again, it's my favorite album ever, but I do worry that those who expect a sound similar to Yes will be dissatisfied. But I knew, *knew*, as soon as you said you appreciate Jarré, Vangelis, and other electronic/ambient maestros that this would appeal to you. And while I'm pleased it inspires you to get creative, I hope your community doesn't blame me if you disappear from RU-vid for awhile. 😉
Olias is such a magical and inspirational album. Jon Anderson plays almost all the instruments on this! Amazing! Please check out Chris Squire’s Fish 🐟 Out Of Water with Bill Bruford and Patrick Moraz. It’s my favorite of the Yes solo albums and sounds like a mix of Yes and King Crimson. You will love it! Thx for your wonderful reactions on this channel.
