Classic Album of the Day- Emerson Lake and Palmer- Brain Salad Surgery (1973) **** 1/2
Today's selection is one of the great prog albums of all time. Granted ELP's formula of not being centered around guitar is often not in people's tastes and roundhouses. I very much stand by contention that this band along with Yes, Pink Floyd, and Rush, are the most talented center of musicianship in any era of rock. And I will add that as far as vocals, Greg Lake bests those from the other 3 bands. Back in the early 1970's, one might have considered ELP a niche prog band, for musical snobbery and classical bending of the flow. As a musician, I think I had somewhat of decent understanding of virtuosity. The thing about ELP.... With their mastery, no musical space was wasted, and it takes a careful ear to discern what is being shared at a musical level. Regardless, in their prime, they were the benchmark of prog on 'roids.
BSS really clicked in coherence versus some of their other works, and ways more prog than any other either. Tarkus, IMO was the most complex piece of music ever attempted. As brilliant, and complex it was, I will grant it is not an easy listen. ELP took the early brilliance, and almost calming impacts of their first album, and combined it Tarkus' wizardry to create their greatest and most iconic work. There is a reason Keith Emerson is pretty much regarded universally as Rock's greatest keyboards man of all time. A listen here, should nail it.
Rock's most under-rated drummer, Carl Palmer, is absolutlely brilliant, and I suggest listening to his iconic '74 California Jam performance a to provide some proof. As far as cuts, I will rank again in blue. Of course, call ELP's works songs, is not the correct nomenclatue. Emerson's works are more like classical movements in every respect. Again, a warning..... If you are not into classical music tinged with heavy and bombastic synthesizers.... This will not be your thing.
Fun Fact: Was shocked that ELP never had a Platinum Album. Actually more than shocked.
Side 1-
--------------
Jerusalem- Beautiful and majestic opening. Lake's voice is incredibly powerful and forceful. Will admit, when I first heard, and seeing Emerson mark the fitst work with a church organ, was kind of a shock, but really nice. Song sounds much like military anthem in its feel. Great start guys. 5
Toccata- Wow, Wow..... Song really doesn't truly match the musical term. The best way to describe this piece, is picture a dystopian battle between robots. Emerson nicley mixes synths and organ, while Palmer plays incredibly difficult percussion runs. This one was a favorite of those broadening their minds in the day. The all hell breaking lose with synths and drums late tune, is not only pretty unique to ELP, but to pretty much anyone else. What a classic. There is one point, you can almost visualize the carnage on battlefield. 3
Still.... You Turn Me On- Album's ballad, and thanks to Lake's voice, maybe their best since Lucky Man. Always thought it was amazing that ELP had the versatility to excel at both ballads and grounding breaking prog. 6
Benny The Bouncer- What the hell got into Keith's head in this one. Totally out of place 100 year old like piano barrel roll piano piece that tried a hand at humor. Hey guys, Wierd Al is funny, leave that part of the business to him. Instead you wasted a cut in this classic. Less than filler. What a shame 8
Karn Evil 9- 1st Impression Part 1- Karn Evil 9 is (was) ELP's most epic work. Overall it is a commentary of a dystopia by human's destruction in the world, and the most simple things are held in side show carnival. Most interesting of all is the vision (1973, no less), is of a war between humans and computers, and that aftermath. 4 minutes into the work you will hear one of the most incredible keyboard runs in history. To this day, it is hard for me comprehend how Emerson had the dexterity to play 32nd notes runs simultaneously not only the organ, but the synthesizer. 1
Side 2-
-----------------
Karn Evil 9- 1st Impression Part 2- Welcome Back My Friends to the Show that Never End, screams the side show barker. All the guys work great in tandem. Impression ends with classic drum solo from Palmer (abbreviated, see live below). Classic ELP at its best- 2
Karn Evil 9- 2nd Impression- 1st part highlights some jazz infused piano, that at 2 minute mark masterfully blends into a piano/steel drum with a Carabbean vibe. Keyboard wizardry. Oh yeah. And like great classical music, tone masterfully shifts mid way into a macrabe sounding Hitchcock type of far., and finally returning full circle to a jazz finale. Great musicianship, but I am not really into Jazz 7
Karn Evil 9- 3rd Impression- Anthem filled finale. Very majestic and beautifully played. Until.... Latter half of song reverts to almost like Toccata, and its crazy keyboard interplay and drum work. Way way back, I used to wonder if the intent of the very last of the album is epic with its electronic speeded up hysteria was intended to obfuscate a style, just to dazzle, not entertain. Still what a ride. 4
Today's selection is one of the great prog albums of all time. Granted ELP's formula of not being centered around guitar is often not in people's tastes and roundhouses. I very much stand by contention that this band along with Yes, Pink Floyd, and Rush, are the most talented center of musicianship in any era of rock. And I will add that as far as vocals, Greg Lake bests those from the other 3 bands. Back in the early 1970's, one might have considered ELP a niche prog band, for musical snobbery and classical bending of the flow. As a musician, I think I had somewhat of decent understanding of virtuosity. The thing about ELP.... With their mastery, no musical space was wasted, and it takes a careful ear to discern what is being shared at a musical level. Regardless, in their prime, they were the benchmark of prog on 'roids.
BSS really clicked in coherence versus some of their other works, and ways more prog than any other either. Tarkus, IMO was the most complex piece of music ever attempted. As brilliant, and complex it was, I will grant it is not an easy listen. ELP took the early brilliance, and almost calming impacts of their first album, and combined it Tarkus' wizardry to create their greatest and most iconic work. There is a reason Keith Emerson is pretty much regarded universally as Rock's greatest keyboards man of all time. A listen here, should nail it.
Rock's most under-rated drummer, Carl Palmer, is absolutlely brilliant, and I suggest listening to his iconic '74 California Jam performance a to provide some proof. As far as cuts, I will rank again in blue. Of course, call ELP's works songs, is not the correct nomenclatue. Emerson's works are more like classical movements in every respect. Again, a warning..... If you are not into classical music tinged with heavy and bombastic synthesizers.... This will not be your thing.
Fun Fact: Was shocked that ELP never had a Platinum Album. Actually more than shocked.
Side 1-
--------------
Jerusalem- Beautiful and majestic opening. Lake's voice is incredibly powerful and forceful. Will admit, when I first heard, and seeing Emerson mark the fitst work with a church organ, was kind of a shock, but really nice. Song sounds much like military anthem in its feel. Great start guys. 5
Toccata- Wow, Wow..... Song really doesn't truly match the musical term. The best way to describe this piece, is picture a dystopian battle between robots. Emerson nicley mixes synths and organ, while Palmer plays incredibly difficult percussion runs. This one was a favorite of those broadening their minds in the day. The all hell breaking lose with synths and drums late tune, is not only pretty unique to ELP, but to pretty much anyone else. What a classic. There is one point, you can almost visualize the carnage on battlefield. 3
Still.... You Turn Me On- Album's ballad, and thanks to Lake's voice, maybe their best since Lucky Man. Always thought it was amazing that ELP had the versatility to excel at both ballads and grounding breaking prog. 6
Benny The Bouncer- What the hell got into Keith's head in this one. Totally out of place 100 year old like piano barrel roll piano piece that tried a hand at humor. Hey guys, Wierd Al is funny, leave that part of the business to him. Instead you wasted a cut in this classic. Less than filler. What a shame 8
Karn Evil 9- 1st Impression Part 1- Karn Evil 9 is (was) ELP's most epic work. Overall it is a commentary of a dystopia by human's destruction in the world, and the most simple things are held in side show carnival. Most interesting of all is the vision (1973, no less), is of a war between humans and computers, and that aftermath. 4 minutes into the work you will hear one of the most incredible keyboard runs in history. To this day, it is hard for me comprehend how Emerson had the dexterity to play 32nd notes runs simultaneously not only the organ, but the synthesizer. 1
Side 2-
-----------------
Karn Evil 9- 1st Impression Part 2- Welcome Back My Friends to the Show that Never End, screams the side show barker. All the guys work great in tandem. Impression ends with classic drum solo from Palmer (abbreviated, see live below). Classic ELP at its best- 2
Karn Evil 9- 2nd Impression- 1st part highlights some jazz infused piano, that at 2 minute mark masterfully blends into a piano/steel drum with a Carabbean vibe. Keyboard wizardry. Oh yeah. And like great classical music, tone masterfully shifts mid way into a macrabe sounding Hitchcock type of far., and finally returning full circle to a jazz finale. Great musicianship, but I am not really into Jazz 7
Karn Evil 9- 3rd Impression- Anthem filled finale. Very majestic and beautifully played. Until.... Latter half of song reverts to almost like Toccata, and its crazy keyboard interplay and drum work. Way way back, I used to wonder if the intent of the very last of the album is epic with its electronic speeded up hysteria was intended to obfuscate a style, just to dazzle, not entertain. Still what a ride. 4
