BRAIN SALAD SURGERY

Emerson Lake & Palmer

Symphonic Prog

4.17 | 2160 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

sj_digriz

I was listening to this last night while posting on the boards here and realized I hadn't reviewed it yet. So, here goes.

Yes, 5 Stars and is probably only 1 of maybe 40 or 50 progressive titles that deserve it. Probably even less than that. Progressive music to me is about scope, not about how fast you can play. Musicianship is a key part, but it is composition that is king in prog. Between composition, scope and musicianship you will not find a more expansive record.

Jerusalem: Doing rock interpretations of classical pieces was such a great success with Pictures and a few of the bits on other albums it would have been disappointing if they didn't have more on BSS. They don't disappoint and what a grand interpretation.

Toccata: When I first heard it I stood up I STOOD UP about halfway through. They already got my attention with Jerusalem, I had not imagined how strong this song could sound. It just dominates. It's like heavy metal with no guitars. I LOVE IT. People give ELP a hard time for being too serious. The drum solo is pure fun. So, you should have fun too!!

Still...You Turn Me On: Well ok, I'm not a huge fan of this song. Probably the weakest of the Greg Lake ballads that found their way onto most of the albums. It sounds great and has nothing really wrong with it other than some questionable lyrics. It's ok...but it's a cheezy ballad.

Benny teh Bouncer: COME ON GUYS, LIGHTEN UP. This song is fun, funny and a riot. Plus the Honkey Tonk Piano is awesome. Great song and a great change of pace.

Karn Evil 9: OK, now the meat. This is the best progressive song ever written hands down. There are other bands I like more, but no song captures what 70s prog was all about more than this one. The story, the themes, the melodies, the playing, the ambience. Everything about it is perfect. If you were going to start with ELP, you should start with this song. Don't even start with the other songs on the album. Start at Karn Evil 9. Of course that's like getting desert first.

| 5/5 | 2005-5-15

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