Prog Music Lounge - In defense of Works

Print Page | Close Window

In defense of Works

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=134531
Printed Date: February 27 2025 at 16:31
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: In defense of Works

Posted By: Nergdnur Ddot
Subject: In defense of Works
Date Posted: February 27 2025 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?

Replies:

Posted By: Rick1
Date Posted: February 27 2025 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.

Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: February 27 2025 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.

Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: February 27 2025 at 12:37

Both volumes are worth having if you dig ELP.

-------------
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay

Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 27 2025 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.