WORKS VOL. 1

Works Volume One. What do you want to know - that it is flawed? Check. That it has moments of brilliance? Check, But then again so do all ELP albums. However, this is a disappointing affair until the last 2 tracks. Ok, I can stand a bit of Emerson's classical playing on piano, let's face it he's a consummate genius, but a whole album side? I don't think so.

I remember as a young wide-eyed student getting this album for the 'Fanfare' track and hoping it would be as good as that. But then the piano started and just kept going for the whole album and I was not prepared for this at all. I turned the vinyl over breathlessly hoping it would not be more piano. Instead I got love songs from Lake crooning to some unknown woman. Ho hum.

Side Three and I was blown away at last with the first 2 tracks. Palmer's compositions bury the other two on this album. But, the tracks soon merged into purile pretentious cowpad and none were even close to the standard of previous ELP. It's quite tiresome and surprisingly pretentious, so frustrating that a band as excellent as ELP could expect anyone to put up with this after their other brilliant albums, Tarkus, Brain Salad Surgery and Trilogy. In comparison 'Works' is the pits and should have been shovelled into a hole before anyone could dig it out and unleash this overblown nonsense.

The saving grace of the album is definitely without question 'Pirates' and 'Fanfare for the Common Man'. I had heard 'Fanfare' years ago, and I think it was the first ELP song I had heard. Instantly I loved it for all the reasons mentioned on this review forum. It was one of the catchiest tunes on the radio and it progressed to TV themes of various kinds. It is definitely an ultimate ELP track especially this long version of it.

'Pirates' is memorable for its conceptualisation and lyrics. It works well and I particularly love the live version on the ELP DVD 'From the Beginning'. The track at times could be mistaken for the soundtrack to 'Pirates of the Caribean' but at least ELP are working together at something that has heart and is progressive in style. However, the rest of this album is at best ordinary.

This album is a curiosity piece rather than a masterpiece. 'Fanfare' is always on compilations of ELP so it's not a good reason to get the album. Pirates is as readily available too I have found.

So in conclusion, get hold of the last 2 tracks and ditch the rest.

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