WORKS VOL. 1

I really enjoyed ExittheLemming's review on this album - it inspired me to listen to this luxurious tri-fold LP once again....... I can appreciate it for what it's worth, a 'solo' side for E, L and P, plus one side of a collective, ELP musical extravaganza. Keith's Piano Concerto is a lovely listen, but for me, I prefer his 'Five Bridges Suite' performed with 'The Nice' many years before. It strikes me as a complex enough composition and places Keith amongst one of Rock's 'elite' musicians (as if he wasn't already...). Greg's side of vinyl features ballads, and a couple of more 'Rocking' tracks - highlights being 'C'est La Vie' and 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' - I am fond of Lake's voice, and love his playing (especially when he is on Bass), but I do believe he's capable of more complex and engaging material...... Carl Palmer's side is the most exciting of the 'solo' offerings.......more involvement and creative colour evident here. I don't find much to disappoint me on this side. Well worth hearing. The 2 ELP performed pieces on Side 4 are superb..... 'Fanfare For The Common Man' is a magnificent arrangement of Copland's original tune - a dynamic performance that was committed to a film-clip of the trio performing in the snow at a soundcheck for the Olympic Stadium gig. I'm sure it's mimed, though. Great stuff, never-the-less. 'Pirates' is a top-notch composition with exciting instrumental passages, inspired lyrics and an overall great performance and arrangement. This album (and subsequent releases) are for confirmed fans of the band, whilst Prog- Heads should stick with their first 5 albums. 3 stars.