So why do so many of you hate ELP?

Blacksword wrote: I loved hearing Cozy Powell doing his drum solo to the 1812 Overture, when I was 13, but when I last heard it it sounded like something Spinal Tap may have rejected for being ridiculous.

But the late CP did have the good grace to call that album Over The Top, so you knew what you were getting..............................

Jim Garten wrote: It does seem strange that ELP seem to polarise opinion within the prog-rock fraternity in the same way as prog-rock itself polarises opinion within the music fraternity.  .

They do seem to do that, and I think I understand why that may be. While their music can be dismissed as pompous and over the top, it also far more accessable to the ear of non proggers than, say early Genesis or Yes. Think about it, big classical themes that everyone recognises, lots of blaring fanfares. 'Ordinary' people who dont come from prog land are suckers for that kinda thing. Although more 'pompous' and over the top than other prog bands, the listerner is not required to think so much about what is going on with ELP. ELP are arguably entertainers first, and musicians second. I'm sure their fans would disagree, but I know ELP regard the 'entertainment' side of what they do as very important - the knife throwing, the Hammond organ wrestling, the spinning grand piano, and of course not forgetting Greg Lakes show stopping Persian rug

Appreciating most prog rock requires patience, and an attention span. ELP dont make such demands on the listener IMO.

Jim Garten wrote:

I can happily admit to being 100% in love with some of their recorded output - there is no doubt (in my mind, at least) that ELP produced some of the most spectacular moments of prog - take as an example, the live version of 'Tarkus' from 'Welcome back my friends....' - from Emerson's inspired beginning to the spectacular conclusion, pure class!

Hi Jim

Listerning to 'Welcome back my friends' & judging ELP as a live band through that is no good,I've never yet listerned to a band live on album which actually creates the true band live,these are manufactured albums for general salebeing what the record company whans the fan base to hear,You must must see the band live to realise what a fantastic trio they actually are...Even there Studo albums don't do the band justice...But it's all to late now boys...'BSS' was over 30 years ago..

It goes like this..You cannot actually say the band or good or bad if you did'nt actually see them play.

ELP definately have their moments - But are they any more accesible to the average "popophile" than Old Genesis/Yes , can't see it myself.

The problem with ELP is they haven't produced a piece of music that is magic from beginning to end (that I've heard) - Tis the same with Floyd they always have a weird/weak bit in their epics that detract from the whole, Suppers ready/Tales x4/Gates/Close are truly fine pieces of music from beginning to end (IMO)....................

Why is the Pallas Atlantic suite Cringeworthy ?

Ok the "All the world hold hands with me" bit is a bit pacifist and Girlie and should have been replaced with a bit of political psycho-babble like Twelfth Night - But the chord-build up and guitar solo are quite spectacular - are they not ???

Swinton MCR wrote: Why is the Pallas Atlantic suite Cringeworthy ? Ok the "All the world hold hands with me" bit is a bit pacifist and Girlie and should have been replaced with a bit of political psycho-babble like Twelfth Night - But the chord-build up and guitar solo are quite spectacular - are they not ???

There's nothing wrong the pacifist element in principle, but the cheesy ending ruins a potentially good song. The build up and chords as you rightly say are very dramatic, but all it amounts to is a second rate gospel tea party IMO

Just to let you know Richard, I am one who likes ELP and put them in my top 5 of all time list. The first album, Tarkus, Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy, and Brain Salad Surgery were the soundtracks to my teenage years. I played those albums endlessly and loved them.

Interesting comments by all.Thankfully the thread has stayed on track so far and hopefully will continue to do so.