BRAIN SALAD SURGERY

While I like the raw, post-Woodstock quality of ELP's self-titled first album, Brain Salad Surgery really put ELP on the map with 'mainstream' FM rock stations in the early- to mid- 1970s (that is either a good or a bad thing). I never tire of ELP's rendition of the British hymn, 'Jerusalem,' though it perpetuates the myth that all Brits (if not all Europeans) are Zionists. 'Toccata' is a masterful performance of a now-famous neo-classical, avant garde piece. Palmer's use of electronic drums is especially notable as it had to be one of the first recordings of such a novel instrument at that time (as was Pink Floyd's use of roto-toms in 'Time' from Dark Side of the Moon). 'You Turn Me On' is balladic Lake in quintessential form. 'Benny the Bouncer' proves that Emerson played Joplin's ragtime (as did anyone else who studied piano) and copies the style very well. The prog suite, Karn Evil 9, is the showcase of the album: '1st Impression Part 2' even made FM radio airplay in the mid- 1970s. The '2nd Impression' again shows Emerson's (and Palmer's) abilities in jazz, or at least jazz-pop. This album was first in my collection as vinyl in the late 1970s, and now I have it on CD. More polished than ELP's first album, it still delivers a musical prog delight.