This Day in Music History (09/20): Yes/Tormato and Yes/The Ladder

On this day in music history, Yes was at it again (they love the month of September apparently) with not one, but two different albums released on this date.

First, in 1978, Yes released Tormato, which had a few decent ideas, but overall was basically crap.

The original album title was to be Yes Tor, referring to a geological formation in southern England. The photographs taken by Hipgnosis for the album cover were seen as so unimpressive that Rick Wakeman (RW!), in frustration, threw a tomato at the pictures. The cover and title were adjusted accordingly. No, really. That's how it got its name.

I have more in depth info for this album in these posts: Side 1, Side 2.

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In 1999, Yes also released The Ladder, which to me is the best album they had done in years. 

Musically I feel like its similar to ABWH and many of the songs references the band's own past:

"Homeworld (The Ladder)" references the working title for Talk, "History of the Future".

The track "Lightning Strikes" borrows the opening flute solo from The Kinks' song "Phenomenal Cat". The song also references "The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)" from Tales from Topographic Oceans and "Endless Dream" from Talk.

"Can I?" quotes Anderson's 1971 composition "We Have Heaven" from Fragile.

"Face to Face" references "Lift Me Up" from Onion Union.

"The Messenger" is a tribute to Bob Marley.

"New Language" is based on a jam from the Open Your Eyes album sessions. The backing track from the guitar solo also references the bass line to "Roundabout" from Fragile.

"Nine Voices (Longwalker)" references "Your Move" from The Yes Album.

I have previously covered this album in more depth in these posts: Side One, Side Two.

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