WORKS VOL. 2

Works vol. 2 is a solid album, and one of my favorites. If their first 5 albums were their best, I would add this as a 6th best, if only for it makes for a good listen every time I hear it. While vol. 1 requires more time and patience for an equally rewarding experience, this requires less of an effort, and never gets boring or overlong. I especially like the swing and ragtime pieces. The instrumentals are top notch, and Lake's songs are catchy and entertaining. It's a great ELP album to put on in the background at a Christmas party, and a great album to listen to in the car. It always seems to put me in a good mood, and there's not one bad song on it.

Still, this is definitely an album one should get after getting the aforementioned 5 classics. ELP burned out after Brain Salad Surgery, and, let's face it, they're not going to top that period. But I certainly wouldn't mind a few more releases like this from them. Just a fun musical romp through all different styles of jazz, folk, and rock. In fact, this CD makes it into my CD player just as often as their earlier works. A very good album.