Forum Home Forum Home > Progressive Music Lounges > Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Should I give ELP another try?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Should I give ELP another try?
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 5>
Author
Message
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Tendiwa View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 14 2020
Location: Netherlands
Status: Offline
Points: 109 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tendiwa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Should I give ELP another try?
    Posted: April 15 2020 at 06:51
I like their first album, and that's the only one I kept. The other albums I've heard in the past were too much trying to mix in classical influences for my taste. I like it when bands use techniques derived from classical music, but I don't like it when rock bands try to actually sound classical or downright play classical pieces. To me it's like orchestras playing pop/rock music. It's gimmicky.
But with all the praise I see you guys give ELP, I'm thinking I should give them another try. But what album?
Back to Top
chopper View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: July 13 2005
Location: Essex, UK
Status: Online
Points: 20030 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote chopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 07:29
You're going to find classical influences on most of their albums (including the debut). I guess you'd probably want to avoid Pictures at an Exhibition but maybe something else from their "classic" era e.g. Tarkus, Trilogy and Karn Evil 9.

Edited by chopper - April 15 2020 at 07:30
Back to Top
Lewian View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: August 09 2015
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 14733 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lewian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 07:38
I can identify with that, I am not a fan and also I prefer the first album by some distance. However (if I leave out the stuff that is dominated by classical influences) I still find Tarkus and Trilogy (the tracks I mean, not the whole albums) to be pretty irresistible pieces of genius rock music.
Back to Top
Rick1 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 14 2020
Location: Loughborough UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2792 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rick1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 08:22
To begin with, ELP are one of the few bands to transcend the genre.  They were the most exciting prog band - ever.  If you have any doubts, read Danny Baker's article on seeing ELP in 1971 in the latest ed of 'Prog' magazine.  It says it all - better than I could express.  Sadly, I was too young to see them in their prime - but I finally saw them at the Albert Hall in 92.  
Back to Top
AFlowerKingCrimson View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 02 2016
Location: Philly burbs
Status: Offline
Points: 18272 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AFlowerKingCrimson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 08:25
Tarkus doesn't really have any parts or songs that borrow from classical(at least not directly)so I suggest that one to get next.  
Back to Top
Grumpyprogfan View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 09 2019
Location: Kansas City
Status: Offline
Points: 11611 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Grumpyprogfan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 08:28
Nyet
Back to Top
Argo2112 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 20 2017
Location: New Jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 4462 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Argo2112 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:08
I'm wearing my Tarkus shirt now so I'm going to say yes. 
Back to Top
Tendiwa View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 14 2020
Location: Netherlands
Status: Offline
Points: 109 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tendiwa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:13
Originally posted by Argo2112 Argo2112 wrote:

I'm wearing my Tarkus shirt now so I'm going to say yes. 
Fanboy ;-)
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Online
Points: 43671 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:26
Tarkus and Trilogy deserve at least a few listens. 

Even ELPowell is worth checking out, just out of curiosity. 
Back to Top
geekfreak View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 21 2013
Location: Musical Garden
Status: Offline
Points: 9872 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote geekfreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:27
Originally posted by Argo2112 Argo2112 wrote:

I'm wearing my Tarkus shirt now so I'm going to say yes. 
 


I`m a Fanboy too!
Friedrich Nietzsche: "Without music, life would be a mistake."



Music Is Live

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.



Keep Calm And Listen To The Music…
<
Back to Top
SteveG View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 11 2014
Location: Kyiv In Spirit
Status: Offline
Points: 20604 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SteveG Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:35

Nah.
This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State.
Back to Top
TCat View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Joined: February 07 2010
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 11612 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TCat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:42
To give them a fair shake, you should at least check out the albums "Tarkus", "Trilogy" and "Brain Salad Surgery" (which is where you will find Karn Evil 9) as these are probably less "classically influenced" sounding (though most of their music is classically influenced).

Back to Top
verslibre View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 01 2004
Location: CA
Status: Offline
Points: 17162 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote verslibre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 15 2020 at 09:55
Originally posted by Tendiwa Tendiwa wrote:

I like their first album, and that's the only one I kept. The other albums I've heard in the past were too much trying to mix in classical influences for my taste. I like it when bands use techniques derived from classical music, but I don't like it when rock bands try to actually sound classical or downright play classical pieces. To me it's like orchestras playing pop/rock music. It's gimmicky.
But with all the praise I see you guys give ELP, I'm thinking I should give them another try. But what album?
 

Brain Salad Surgery is the one to revisit.
eBay
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 28039 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (2) Thanks(2)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 00:22
The first album is very eclectic and varied but still as classically influenced as anything they did.

My brief summation of the other studio albums:

Tarkus- Side One is their masterpeice although I hardly evern listen to it as I much prefer the live version from Welcome Back My Friends 

Trilogy - Much more 'complete' and the lyrics are less Sc-fi dominated. Lake never sounded better and there is lots of lovely mini-moog, great piano work and hammond (on Hoedown) from Keith. Carl sounds a little less like he's had 10 cups of coffee. This album should be more appreciated imo.

Brain Salad Surgey - One for the fans maybe. Sci-fi themes dominates and Lake's voice is almost computerised. Palmer is amazing on this album if you are a conniseure of drumming. Up there with Peart on Moving Pictures and Bruford on Red. Lots of synths but a much more compressed sound production wise as Offord was no longer around.

Works Volume One - The second phase of the group after 3 years doing not much but a few solo projects. bills needed to be paid and that dominated the next few years.

Works Vol Two - Ditto

Love Beach - for a few dollars more

Emerson, Lake and Powell - the band returns with a different drummer and a heavily Yamaha GX1 dominated sound. Lake shouts a lot and it all comes across as so trying to recreate the past that it hurts.

Black Moon - Very decent late offering that is a bit overlooked . More song based but the Hammond returns and the Yamaha is consigned to history.

In The Hot Seat - sh*t!




Edited by richardh - April 16 2020 at 00:24
Back to Top
geekfreak View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 21 2013
Location: Musical Garden
Status: Offline
Points: 9872 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote geekfreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 00:30
Originally posted by richardh richardh wrote:

The first album is very eclectic and varied but still as classically influenced as anything they did.

My brief summation of the other studio albums:

Tarkus- Side One is their masterpeice although I hardly evern listen to it as I much prefer the live version from Welcome Back My Friends 

Trilogy - Much more 'complete' and the lyrics are less Sc-fi dominated. Lake never sounded better and there is lots of lovely mini-moog, great piano work and hammond (on Hoedown) from Keith. Carl sounds a little less like he's had 10 cups of coffee. This album should be more appreciated imo.

Brain Salad Surgey - One for the fans maybe. Sci-fi themes dominates and Lake's voice is almost computerised. Palmer is amazing on this album if you are a conniseure of drumming. Up there with Peart on Moving Pictures and Bruford on Red. Lots of synths but a much more compressed sound production wise as Offord was no longer around.

Works Volume One - The second phase of the group after 3 years doing not much but a few solo projects. bills needed to be paid and that dominated the next few years.

Works Vol Two - Ditto

Love Beach - for a few dollars more

Emerson, Lake and Powell - the band returns with a different drummer and a heavily Yamaha GX1 dominated sound. Lake shouts a lot and it all comes across as so trying to recreate the past that it hurts.

Black Moon - Very decent late offering that is a bit overlooked . More song based but the Hammond returns and the Yamaha is consigned to history.

In The Hot Seat - sh*t!


 

Excellent review Clap
Friedrich Nietzsche: "Without music, life would be a mistake."



Music Is Live

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.



Keep Calm And Listen To The Music…
<
Back to Top
Rick1 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 14 2020
Location: Loughborough UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2792 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rick1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 01:38
Originally posted by geekfreak geekfreak wrote:

Originally posted by richardh richardh wrote:

The first album is very eclectic and varied but still as classically influenced as anything they did.

My brief summation of the other studio albums:

Tarkus- Side One is their masterpeice although I hardly evern listen to it as I much prefer the live version from Welcome Back My Friends 

Trilogy - Much more 'complete' and the lyrics are less Sc-fi dominated. Lake never sounded better and there is lots of lovely mini-moog, great piano work and hammond (on Hoedown) from Keith. Carl sounds a little less like he's had 10 cups of coffee. This album should be more appreciated imo.

Brain Salad Surgey - One for the fans maybe. Sci-fi themes dominates and Lake's voice is almost computerised. Palmer is amazing on this album if you are a conniseure of drumming. Up there with Peart on Moving Pictures and Bruford on Red. Lots of synths but a much more compressed sound production wise as Offord was no longer around.

Works Volume One - The second phase of the group after 3 years doing not much but a few solo projects. bills needed to be paid and that dominated the next few years.

Works Vol Two - Ditto

Love Beach - for a few dollars more

Emerson, Lake and Powell - the band returns with a different drummer and a heavily Yamaha GX1 dominated sound. Lake shouts a lot and it all comes across as so trying to recreate the past that it hurts.

Black Moon - Very decent late offering that is a bit overlooked . More song based but the Hammond returns and the Yamaha is consigned to history.

In The Hot Seat - sh*t!


 

Excellent review Clap

This review misses the point that on the Works Tour, ELP were still sh*t hot live.  Anyone unconvinced by this should try the 'Live at Nassau' album.  The live versions of 'The Enemy God', 'Tank' and 'Pirates' - without the orchestra - are breathtaking.  Emerson skillfully rearranges those songs.  'Works Live' is also worth investigating - I was never a fan of 'Abaddon's Bolero' that gets a new lease of life as well. Oh, and 'Canario' off 'Love Beach' is storming as well - shame that was never performed live.
Back to Top
dr wu23 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: August 22 2010
Location: Indiana
Status: Offline
Points: 20623 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dr wu23 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 09:23
Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Nah.


LOL

Really...the first one is all you really need...imho they never topped that one even with the much praised Tarkus track. 
One does nothing yet nothing is left undone.
Haquin
Back to Top
AFlowerKingCrimson View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 02 2016
Location: Philly burbs
Status: Offline
Points: 18272 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AFlowerKingCrimson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 09:43
Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Nah.


LOL

Really...the first one is all you really need...imho they never topped that one even with the much praised Tarkus track. 

With the possible exception of Tocatta I don't think the drumming was ever better or at least more exciting than on the debut also. 
Back to Top
ExittheLemming View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 19 2007
Location: Penal Colony
Status: Offline
Points: 11415 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ExittheLemming Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 09:52
You could take a slightly different approach if you are discouraged by the many classical references from the '70 to '74 period e.g. start with Black Moon from 1992 which is a vastly underappreciated collection of short symphonic Prog tunes where a welcome 'modern' economy is evident i.e. no long conceptual suites and just the one classical adaptation (Prokofiev but with a Hendrixy kinda vibe)
After that, the closest album that inhabits that stylistic spirit is maybe the ELPowell offering from 1986
I've always felt that if you took the classical influence out of ELP you would end up with something that resembles an Argent/Greenslade hybrid.
Back to Top
verslibre View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 01 2004
Location: CA
Status: Offline
Points: 17162 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote verslibre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 16 2020 at 10:21
Originally posted by richardh richardh wrote:

Emerson, Lake and Powell - the band returns with a different drummer and a heavily Yamaha GX1 dominated sound. Lake shouts a lot and it all comes across as so trying to recreate the past that it hurts.
 

I think Greg sounds just fine, especially on "The Miracle," "Touch and Go" and "Step Aside."

But I'm biased. I love that album. I like Black Moon, too (I saw them play at the Wiltern), but I think it's a little less consistent. I also prefer the version of "Romeo and Juliet" that's on Keith's Changing States, retitled "Montagues and Capulets."
eBay
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 5>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.137 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.