The World’s Greatest Progressive Rock Band has been the focus of eye-opening books that are too numerous to mention. After reading Yes: The Tormato Story by Yes Music Podcast creator Kevin Mulryne, it’s apparent that this well-researched and dynamic read is among the better offerings.
Mulryne, an accomplished musician in his own right, doesn’t explore the well-worn subjects related to Yes, a band with more than 50 years of fascinating history. Instead, he focuses on their ninth studio album, 1978’s multiplatinum and controversial Tormato.
Why not a book on 1983’s 90125, 1980’s Drama, or 1977’s Going for the One? Mulryne, in his nearly 400-page deep dive, answers that question.
Former Yes man Oliver Wakeman’s forward kicks off this trip down the rabbit hole. Yes: The Tormato Story is divided into seven parts that delve into the strange circumstances around the recording of the album, the writing of some of Yes’ iconic songs, and the innovative use of traditional and rare musical instruments. Mulryne also explores the controversial artwork and the successful in-the-round tour Yes embarked on for the album.
Additionally, the topic of a remixed and/or remastered version of the album is addressed. Tormato, the last album from what Kevin Mulryne refers to as the “main sequence” of Yes albums, has an epic back story. You won’t find a better telling of this album or, for that matter, any Yes album than Yes: The Tormato Story.
- Nosotros, “Mentiras” (2024): One Track Mind - April 10, 2024
- Nick Finzer, Christian Fabian, Rachel Z + Others: Five for the Road - April 5, 2024
- Terry Blade on ‘Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper’: Something Else! Interview - March 10, 2024
