In defense of Works

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   I genuinely think Piano Concerto No. 1 and Pirates are amazing songs. I don't get all the hate for this album. Is it because of the songs in-between?

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Nergdnur Ddot Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Newbie Joined: February 25 2025 Location: The Many Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nergdnur Ddot Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: In defense of Works Posted: 4 hours 24 minutes ago at 08:39
	I genuinely think Piano Concerto No. 1 and Pirates are amazing songs. I don't get all the hate for this album. Is it because of the songs in-between?

Rick1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: April 14 2020 Location: Loughborough UK Status: Offline Points: 2944	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rick1 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 3 hours 13 minutes ago at 09:50
	ELP tend to be knocked by the prog purists - I've got used to it over the decades. I was really excited when this album came out (I assume you are talking about Vol. 1) and agree with your selection. I found Lake's side the weakest but Palmer's The Enemy God and the reworking of Tank are outstanding and sounded great live. (So does 'Pirates'). My only moan is that they did not tour the UK when it came out and I had to wait many years until I saw them live.

richardh Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 29523	Post Options Post Reply Quote richardh Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 2 hours 51 minutes ago at 10:12
	For my money it's typical of most double albums of the decade. About 80% is great but that other 20% could be left off. Piano Concerto No 1 and Pirates are solid. Do I need a whole side of Lake/Sinfield songs (no!) and there are at least 2 tracks on Carl Palmer's side that are self indulgent nonsense. Fanfare For The Common Man could have been left off the album altogether (apparently Keith Emerson was of that opinion as it didn't really fit the orchestral remit but he was overruled by Atlantic records) although admittedly I love it. Works Vol's 1 and 2 could have been organised a little better maybe? I rate it about 3 stars out of 5 but even the best version is not as good as Trilogy or BSS imo.

verslibre Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: July 01 2004 Location: CA Status: Offline Points: 18599	Post Options Post Reply Quote verslibre Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 minutes ago at 12:37
	Both volumes are worth having if you dig ELP.
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Hosydi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 25 2024 Location: Rolling Hills Status: Offline Points: 782	Post Options Post Reply Quote Hosydi Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 5 minutes ago at 12:58
	It was evident that ELP had lost its inventiveness after Brain Salad Surgery and a tiring tour. They chose to have a double LP with each member contributing a side and the last side being a collaborative effort, instead of a one-disc album where they perform as a group. And the result of such a decision is probably the most terrible double-LP album in the history of the genre. Only Lake's material has some lovely moments as well as parts with him on the vocals on Pirates. Love Beach, despite its awful sleeve design, is a masterpiece album in comparison with Works.