EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

Keith Emerson (The Nice), Carl Palmer (Atomic Rooster) and Greg Lake (King Crimson) in one band. This debut by these great musicians is as good as one could expect. In some way it sounds like an improved version of The Nice with a far better vocalist and a better drummer. They copied some of the intellect and magic of King Crimson and made symphonic/eclectic prog. This trio of musicians became very influential with the key-bass-drum line-up and inspired bands like Triumvirat and Trace.

"The Barbarian" is an instrumental and the best track of the record. It's intellectual and dark. "Take a pebble" reminds me of King Crimson ballads: it's a good track with nice piano progression. It ain't no surprise that this track is written by Greg Lake. The record ends with a radio friendly track called "Lucky Man". The most tracks are mainly instrumental with long piano or keyboard solo's.

This record was essential for the development of progressive rock but is not a masterpiece IMO. A nice addition to a prog collection it is.