Yes - The Tormato Story Paperback – 19 May 2023

A amazing readLooks of Information

A good account of an underrated album.

An excellent compilation of information and insights, brilliantly researched!

Tormato is the ninth studio album by Yes, the best band in history. Released in 1978, it was their last album of the 70s. After that there was Drama, and subsequent Perpetual Change. I always loved this album but some reason a fair number of Yes fans have issues with it. This is not unusual, it has to be said. After this there is the whole Yes East / Yes West, etc., nonsense. Sigh.Anyway, the book. Written and narrated by Kevin Mulryne, co-host of the Yes Music Podcast, it is an absolute joy for dedicated fans. The attention to detail is astonishing, and fascinating. Song writing, recording, live performances, memorabilia, the search for the Birotron (the world’ rarest musical instrument), comparison of recordings … I could go on, and on.It’s very well read by Kevin, very much in the relaxed style of YMP, and is meticulous in acknowledging his sources. The only real issue I have with the audiobook is the absence of a PDF of the large number of images in the print book (yes, I have both). They aren’t necessary for the enjoyment of the audiobook, but would have helped.As I said, this is one for fans, well-versed in Yes and Tormato in particular, and probably not for causal readers, unless interested in production of albums in the late 70s.Still, with Yes leading the 21st century progressive rock renaissance, especially with the superb new album, Mirror to the Sky, the book may pick up curious new Yesfans.

An overlooked, somewhat maligned album from Yes, 'Tormato' is a strange record in that despite its reputation, it contains more than its fair share of musical gems and is a relatively satisfying entry in the band's distinguished musical cannon. You would never think that the writing, recording and release of the album would warrant a book devoted to it though, or would you...?Well, it turns out that the story of 'Tormato' is a fascinating one that is covered extensively here, with a level of research and knowledge that goes well beyond that of even the most devoted fan. Sure, not everyone will be interested in the fine details of Rick Wakeman's Birotron keyboard or the nuances of Alan White's drum kit, but hard-core fans of the band and those interested in this much underrated record will devour every word.As a Yes fan myself, having read this book it's hard not to listen to 'Tormato' in a totally different way and I hope that it leads to a bit of a reappraisal of the album.Take a bow, Mr. Mulryne on a fantastic piece of work that every Yes fan should grab at the first opportunity.Now, do 'Drama'...

For any Yes fan who wants to dig deep into the details of their music, their lyrics, the instruments they play, the production, cover art and so much more … this is the book for you. Why Tormato? Well why not? So much has been written about many Yes albums, but Tormato captures the band at a really interesting point in their career - classic line up reunited, GFTO a huge success, their 10th anniversary … what could go right … and arguably what could go wrong. I thought I knew my YesStuff but Kevin’s book blew this out of the water with primary research and detailed first hand comments from the people who were there at the time. And… you’ll never listen to the album in the same way again!

Kevin Mulryne’s book goes deep into the mystery that is Tormato. It combines astonishing research, well-written analysis, delightful surprises, and heartfelt reappraisals. I loved this book! It ties together so many interesting aspects of the band’s neglected 1978/1979 history, their most misunderstood & underrated album. A must read for any fans of YES.

Después de años leyendo críticas nefastas sobre Tormato, y comprobando cómo este álbum es nunguneado por biógrafos, periodistas y, sobre todo, el propio grupo, no podía creer que alguien hubiese escrito un libro dedicado al disco.Lo más importante: no defrauda. Maravilloso

thoroughly enjoying this book as i am not finished with it yet. it is well written and not just about the making of the TORMATO album but all about YES my favorite band !

Muy buen trabajo sobre el que es quizá el álbum peor valorado de Yes de la década de los 70. Lamentablemente, mi ejemplar llegó sin el suplemento fotográfico que anuncia el autor en su página de internet, y además muchas páginas venían agrietadas. Amazon debería cuidar un poco más estas cosas.Por otra parte, el trabajo de investigación es excelente y cubre todos los aspectos de la producción del disco.

…maybe too much detail, but still very informative. I have skipped over some pages, but overall, I am glad I got this!