WORKS VOL. 2

A collection of uninspired numbers that have no relation with one another makes me believe that this is a bunch of outtakes released into an album to bring in some money. The music is either the band just goofing around and not paying attention to songwriting, uninspired efforts, or covers

Opener Tiger in a Spotlight is a highlight, but it's nothing more than just a fun rock&blues tune with a nice beat and entertaining but unimpressive keyboard work. When the Apple ... is purely uninspired jamming that shouldn't be preset here. Bullfrog borders on unlistenable avantgarde. Brain Salad Surgery shows why it hasn't been on the album, it is extremely corny and out of place, almost as bad as Benny the Bouncer. Barrelhouse Shake-Down and Honky Tonk Train Blues are just Emerson having fun with the grand piano in a boogie-woogie style while the rest plays some swing-style jazz. I find the latter more enjoyable, but it is close to a carbon copy of the original. The greg-driven Watching Over You is an average mellow ballad that does nothing for me and So Far To Fall is another subpar moment with weak lyrics, unmemorable melodies, and Keith Emerson not being to his usual standard. Maple Leaf Rag is an unnecessary cover of a classical piece, and it's just a forgettable cover. Thanksfully I believe in Father Christmas is of stronger quality: a good ballad with finally some worthy melodies, musical arrangements, and ironic and controversial lyrics. Close But Not Touching is just bad, another big-band sounding song with awful arrangements. It just doesn't sound good. The closing song Show me ... is a reinterpretation of a piece. Not bad, there's some good piano work here, but again ... why would I want to listen to this?

I think this is purely for fans, but even I don't recommend this to fans of ELP at all. Avoid this album.

1. Tiger In A Spotlight (C) 2. When The Apple ... (D) 3. Bullfrog (D-) 4. Brain Salad Surgery (D) 5. Barrelhouse Shake-Down (D) 6. Watching Over You (D) 7. So Far To Fall (D) 8. Maple Leaf Rag (D) 9. I Believe In Father Christmas (C+) 10. Close But Not Touching (F) 11. Honky Tonk Train Blues (C) 12. Show Me The Way To Go Home (D)

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