WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS TO THE SHOW THAT NEVER ENDS

The album opens up with the definitive version the group's interpretation of Hoedown. This is the 'put a quarter in and wind 'em up" ELP at their best. The live version takes on a new sense of urgency that the studio version lacks. Just a great opening track. ELP puts the audience on notice that they better hold on to their seats.

The next great track is Tarkus and again the group is ready to go. They blaze through the piece. The addition of King Crimson's 'Epitaph' is perfect addition to the 'song'. And if that is not enough, the live version of Aquatarkus is a masterpiece. If you love 70's sounding synthesizers, it probably doesn't get any better than this. Emerson is IMHO is at his finest here and Palmer puts on a show throughout the enter piece.

The next section of this album is the 'acoustic set'. This is probably to let the amps cool down. But, don't think that the boys are also cooling down, they're not. The next section shows a different side of ELP, most notably as a jazz combo during 'Piano Improvisations'. Listen to Emerson's left hand; it is amazing that he doesn't cramp up. I also want to give Greg Lake some kudos here. His bass playing is great. Unlike most of their music, Greg is not just holding up the melody. He is all over the place.

The last section is the 'Karn Evil 9' opus. To keep this short, there are two standouts moments here:

1. Carl's drum solo in the 1st Impression. While Carl might not be the 'best' drummer in the world from a technical sense; he plays a mean drum solo. Personally he is my favorite soloist and this recording is a testament to why. 2. Emerson's playing and keyboard sound in the 2nd impression is, again in my opinion, an improvement to that of the studio version. Enough said.

Now the hard part. The sound on this album is poor (Even for a live album!). And the packaging sucks! (One bury picture?!) You can live through the packaging, but the recording does take away from the album. Which is too bad, because the performance is a great. For a much better version of Karn Evil 9, get a copy of the King Biscuit Flower Hour CD. Same tour; much better recording. (Too bad Tarkus wasn't included).

Still, this is a good addition to your collection and a very good introduction for the novice.

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