EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

This should be the definitive review on ELP's first effort. Some people dodn't understand why the boys included that drum solo in the song "Tank." In my opinion, it is one of the best solos I have ever heard. Also, it has been questioned why "Lucky Man" was included. I will also explain the reasoning behind that move.

This has to be one of the best dubut albums that I have ever heard. This music speaks! It is a visual journey into the future of pure music! The musicianship is immaculate. The singing is well done. This album has no flaws and you wish there was more to listen to when it is over.

The adventure starts with "The Barbarian." This song entices the ear with the mezmerising organ playing of Keith Emerson. His God given talent is seen at once. This guy just outplays any guitarist of that period, hands down! "The Barbarian" is a visual composition that tells a story through the medium of instrumental music. The listener can see a picture of a midevil hunter stalking his prey. Then story teller Emerson plays a middle section that gives the impression of the poor victim trying to get away from the hunter's wrath. For me, this contributes to the suspense of the tune. It is essential to the song. Emerson's playing is riviting and intense! As the song closes, the barbarian finally gets his enemy and bashes him to death. Carl Palmer does a superb job on the drums as he gives life to the end of the song. The listener can see the barbarian mercilessly beat his hapless victim and at the very end he gives his prey a couple more licks for good measure. Simply a facinating song to experience!

Next comes the classically driven "Take a Pebble." Emerson shines again, as continuous melody floods the ear from those beautiful fingers! He just compliments Greg Lakes lyrics. Lake has a strong, distinct voice, that is highly pleasing to the ear. The verse is like a call and answer session between Emerson and Lake. Greg's singing is powerful and evokes graphic images. He sings the first line and Keith pours out beautiful, moody, and fitting replies on his piano. Pure pleasure to hear!

After the second verse, Emerson takes us on a musical journey into the unknown. It is classical music that speaks with every touch of the keyboard. Just when one might think the song is done, Greg Lake begins some wonderful acoustic guitar playing. The reverb effect arouses images(for me, at least) of being out in a wooded meadow by a cool pool of water on a quiet summer's day. Greg does an extraordinary job of giving the listener the impression that he just picks the guitar up and plucks a note here and there. It then progresses to an almost bluegrass-like tune where and audience of 5 or 6 are rhythmically clapping to Greg's "improvised" playing. As the playing winds down, the audience claps as if the song is over. As the last clap is heard, Lake again plays a note here and there. Then he throws in a little classical stuff, showing his well rounded ability on the guitar. As the last harmonic note fades into the distance, Emerson begins to lead the band in a classical jam session that is musically speaking with every beat. As the final verse is sung, Emerson ends the piece with a retarded flurry of meloncoly notes. A real monster of a song!

Next is the dark and forboding "Knife Edge." Lake's lyrics on this one are striking. Again, the music is intense and disciplined. No wasted notes in this one. The bridge is a show case for Emerson's soloing technique. Very well crafted.

On side two "The Three Fates" begins with an overwelming pipe organ piece. It put me to mind of a madman playing the organ in an old horror movie. In contrast, the next part finds Keith playing some of the most beautiful classical music I have ever heard, on the piano. I don't care what anyone says; I can here a little Gershwyn in his style. At any rate, Emerson returns to the organ and again plays the scary. Afterwards the song progresses to multi-layered keyboards with band support. This song is essential for the music lover.

Speaking of essential; the next song "Tank" show cases Carl Palmer's drum pounding abilities. This is a must have for anyone contemplating a career as a drummer! This is pure visual imagery at it's finest! I have never heard anyone come close to a solo like his even in this day of humming bird like flurries.

It starts off with the band playing some animated melodic fare. It is very intricate stuff! Then Carl takes over. This solo had to be an act of God on his behalf! Carl makes the drums sound like a tank firing shells at the enemy. After this he gets the sound of mortar fire in the fast lane. He throws in some traditional drumming as well. Then to top it off, Carl uses the cymbals to emmulate the sound of distant explosions. It is awesome in effectiveness! At the end the band plays a victory march with the moog sounding like a flute player going wild with extreme happiness. It sounds like a celebration on wheels, no less! Like I said before, I have never heard anything like this to this day!

The finale to the album is "Lucky Man." Back in the early days of prog, Bands like ELP, Yes, and others wanted to induce the general public to listen to their music by giving them something easier to take. So they most generally put at least one pop tune on their albums. No doubt the record execs were pressuring the bands to use the top 40 as a springboard. Anyway Greg Lake is the featured artist here. This song blends the acoustic guitar with the electric, as well as the computer renderings of the moog synth. The tune is tastefully done with highly satisfying results. It almost sounds like something out of the 16th century. Palmer's playing is poised, polished, and proper. It really enhances the rest of the song. The theme deals with a sarcastic look at glorifying war. Lake is in top form as far as the lyrics and music go. He is also an excellent bass player.

For the above reasons, I can give this album no less than five stars. It is a killer effort! I just wish that this review would find its way into ELP's hands. I think they would get a kick out of it too.