TRILOGY

As self serving as any band might get (DT comes to mind about being utterly self serving), Emerson, Lake and Palmer has always done it properly. Music and art for it's own sake with a bit of ego dashed in. Hot off of Tarkus and having Pictures Of An Exhibition put out for the masses (and a bit of cashing in), Trilogy shows their most even and strongest effort. Without the overtly bombastic epics and outright silliness which was shown on both Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery (both great albums) as well as other sub-par albums that followed.

"The Endless Enigma PT.1-Fugue-The Endless Enigma PT.2" combo shows Lake's view on hypocrites and selfishness (IMO), though at times I think he switches from First person to Second person providing a "devil's advocate". Sometimes his "A/A/B/B" rhyming scheme comes across as childish or pure genius. With the band utilizing some Space Rock atmospheric alien landing theme, maybe signifying that the song's cast has arrived, then charge in like a mad Hammond to solidify that they are here and you better get used to it... Greg then starts to threaten "Why do you stare? Do you think that I care?". Well? (Hands on hips) I never. The story continues, runs through a nice fugue featuring multi-tracked piano with bass, and stomps back into the story with the Moog making it's appearance again, but more like an orchestra. Excellent.

"Trilogy" is more of the same with the band jamming out more and Greg lamenting love. Perfect.

"From The Beginning" is always a favorite Greg solo number, not unlike Lucky Man, with the band being more laid back and tighter. Not treating the song with afterthoughts. Poor Greg. His heart must have been torn too many times.

I swear, if Greg could, he would do great Canzone Napoletana. i think he knows this.

"Hoedown" needs no description save for it being the closest thing to an instrumental party. Justice was done.

"The Sheriff" starts of with Palmer cribbing off of Buddy Rich (s$@t!) within the first few seconds and is not hoaky like "Benny The Bouncer" or "Jeremy Bender". It's a true cool western tune. I love story time!

"Living Sin" is such a creepy, foreboding, powerful two faced mother. Damn Scorpios.

Abaddon's Bolero is what it is: another Bolero. Nicely done.

I was completely satisfied when I first heard this. Then it got better and better... but my friend wanted to listen to Kiss (ick) so I had to run home for a 3rd listen. A 15 year old in 1989 should only be this lucky. All there was then was Glam and Thrash Metal as well as junky disco bunny glop. Nothing was ground breaking there. Thank you, ELP.

I gave this 4 and 1/2 because I just can't throw 5 star ratings around. I'll save those for some RPI reviews.

Get this album.

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