My Top 5 70’s albums by Rick Wakeman – 711

Hello YMP, and thanks for a killer solo podcast re:Mark on Rick Wakeman. Best wishes to Kevin on a speedy recovery from surgery as well. I appreciate the teamwork you guys have; it’s nice to see you covering for each other when something comes up, as it feels like you guys are looking out for us poor lost Yes nerds wandering the internet looking for a fresh fix of archival prog madness!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Wakeman episode, and wanted to mention that it could have gone on much longer! (Of course I want to hear Mark’s full thoughts on the legendary Rock’n’roll Prophet album!! I find that album particularly fascinating in that his approach to the bass parts strike me as if he went in with the concept of “playing the bass parts as if he were a bass guitarist and not as an organist”. Not always successful but interesting nonetheless.) Now I’ll begin looking for a copy of King Arthur with the book included, as I didn’t know it was so important….
Thanks again YMP, you make the internet OK!

Hiya Mark

Thanks for this fabulous episode and holding the fort for Kevin while he recuperates.

But I have one criticism. Just because you are presenting alone is no reason to skip the weather update! We are keen to hear what’s happening in the Great White North!

Wishing Kevin a very speedy recovery!

Six wives deserves to be at the top of your list, as it is almost a lost yes album, recorded just after Fragile when the team were at their height of creativity.

I love the album because it is not supported with orchestra brass and strings, and Rick creates the rich sonic textures with his organ, minimoog, mellotron , pianos and other keyboards. I feel the melodies and textures capture the historic themes really well, and some of the music has a renaissance feel to it..

The only comparable band at that time were ELP, but their incredible Trilogy album of 1972, while a technological and performative marvel, lacked the warmth and sensitivity of Six Wives… Maybe because Keith didn’t use Mellotron?

I always remember as a Uni student listening to my beloved copy of Journey. My girlfriend of the time tells me that they had studied ‘Journey’ in music classes in high school. I was really jealous.

Thanks for your vote for Criminal record. Definitely under appreciated!

Thanks again!

Great episode, Mark…I haven’t listened to either Criminal Record or No Earthly C except in bits and pieces, so now you have tasked me to make up for lost time. I have a feeling that my ratings will be very close to yours. The fact that at least half of his solo piano concert tour in 2024 was music from 6 Wives and King Arthur shows you that Rick himself may agree with your rankings. I was fortunate to see him October 2024 in Houston, TX–fabulous show which also included some Bowie selections and the YesSonata!

What do you think of White Rock (1977) also a Mountain studio recording I do believe and used in a movie about the winter olympics? Another 70’s recording is Rhapsodies, and the bits I’ve listened to on it were under par. If and when you get to the ’80’s there are 11 albums so a lot to sort through. Rick has spoken fondly of his work on 1984 (with lyrics by Tim Rice did it begin as a musical piece which evolved into a concept album)? Thanks for keeping the podcast going.