BRAIN SALAD SURGERY

This is the peak of Emerson Lake and Palmer's creative genious and one of the best examples of Progressive rock to ever hit the stands. ELP amazes me before and after this album but this seems to be the their most solid effort. It starts with a reverant yet rocking version of "Jerusalem" with a very good vocal representation from Greg, awesome organ and synth from Keith, and of course, the completely original and incredible drumming of Carl Palmer. This breathes life into the old hymn and then some! Tocatta is a whole differant matter. It is quite definatly one of the most wild peices of music I have heard. I have to admit, when I first heard it I thought it was an abomination but after many listens I am quite fond of it. Being a young progger who had never heard of ELP until they were long a legend in progland, I simply had not heard anything remotely resembling "toccata" The only complaint I have about it is the drum sequencer could be labled as "lame old technology sounds," but I geuss this is a reason that you dont just pop ELP in your cd player when your taken a joy ride with your non-prog freind...you've got to slowly introduce them to it. "Still You Turn Me On" often gets bashed for having badly written lyrics and annoying electric guitar, but I think it is a lovely song. The instruments are so well layered. I do think the vocal track could have benefited from being a little louder in the mix... "Benny The Bouncer" isnt outstanding but its a fun little peice that always deserves a listen. Ahh...and then there they are. All three of them...impressions, and they will forever leave an impression on music as we know it. Karn Evil 9...although being a christian I can't say im particulary fond of the name, is a masterpiece. Although the first impression is very catchy and solid on both parts, and the 2nd impression isn't shabby either, the 3rd impression has quite a good melody in my opinion and seems to be the standout. All 3 are completely good, and who can forget the obvious line? "welcome back...etc" This album is essential! ELP has brought prog to areas that no band had gone before and done a brilliant job at it too, this is most demonstrated in this album. If you call yourself a prog fan.............

Share this EMERSON LAKE & PALMER review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to endlessepic
• Report this review (#83195)
• Buy EMERSON LAKE & PALMER music online with PA partners
• Show all EMERSON LAKE & PALMER MP3/Stream
• Go to EMERSON LAKE & PALMER page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Brain Salad Surgery page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for EMERSON LAKE & PALMER related discussions