TRILOGY

ELP released Trilogy as their third studio release in three years. This one really hits the mark as well did all of the 4 they had written and recorded from 1970 to 1973. This one has a very friendly or light feel to it. This one was also really a studio album as they had done so many production techniques and overdubs that a lot of it couldn't be reproduced live. All in all though it is a most satisfying and complete recording.

From the opening notes of The Endless Enigma you know you are in for something special. I consider the first three songs to be one suite and it moves seamlessly through each section. From the majestic chords of the chorus to the romantic piano offerings in the fugue section the piece runs the whole gambit without wasting space. Follow this with From the Beginning the best ballad in ELP's selection. This one is a group effort and not a solo Greg Lake song. The acoustic guitar solo and synth solo at the end givers what a DJ said a long time ago and eargasim. Some people don't like the Sheriff but this is part of ELP's sense of humor and I don't mind these songs. This one is almost a hinge between the first and second part of the album. The great Aaron Copland adaptation of Hoedown which was double timed live is presented in a slower stage here but still very well done. The next three are all fine songs and Trilogy maybe the best single song ELP ever wrote. Moving from pastoral piano to highly charged synthesizer held together with Greg Lakes beautiful vocal.

I have always thought that you would be hard to argue against that ELP's first 4 studio albums in 4 years were one of the best streaks of any band anywhere. It is one of the best albums period by anyone. 5 stars.