PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

ELP's adaption of Mussorgsky's piece was a regular mainstay of their live shows. Here is a performance from Newcastle in 1971 and its a cracker! The playing is top notch and reaches breakneck speed.

This is the most energetic performance by the band on record with Hut of Baba Yaga/ Curse Of Baba yaga/ Great Gates Of Kiev being the best example. There is an excellent acoustic passage by Lake included in The Sage and the whole thing is rounded off by a version of Kim Fowleys Nutrocker.

Another standout for me is The Old Castle/ Blues Variations which is a terrific rocking number!