Tarkus

by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Overview

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1970 eponymous LP was only a rehearsal. It hit hard because of the novelty of the act (allegedly the first supergroup in rock history), but felt more like a collection of individual efforts and ideas than a collective work. All doubts were dissipated by the release of Tarkus in 1971. Side one of the original LP is occupied by the 21-minute title epic track, beating both Genesis' "Supper's Ready" and Yes' "Close to the Edge" by a year. Unlike the latter group's cut-and-paste technique to obtain long suites, "Tarkus" is a thoroughly written, focused piece of music. It remains among the Top Ten classic tracks in progressive rock history. Because of the strength of side one, the material on the album's second half has been quickly forgotten -- with one good reason: it doesn't match the strength of its counterpart -- but "Bitches Crystal" and "A Time and a Place" make two good prog rock tracks, the latter being particularly rocking. "Jeremy Bender" is the first in a series of honky tonk-spiced, Far-West-related songs. This one and the rock & roll closer "Are You Ready Eddy?" are the only two tracks worth throwing away. Otherwise Tarkus makes a very solid album, especially to the ears of prog rock fans -- no Greg Lake acoustic ballads, no lengthy jazz interludes. More accomplished than the trio's first album, but not quite as polished as Brain Salad Surgery, Tarkus is nevertheless a must-have. ~ Francois Couture

Product Details

Release Date:	08/05/2016
Label:	Bmg
UPC:	4050538180053
Rank:	7196

Tracks

1. Tarkus: Eruption/Stones of Years/Iconoclast/Mass/Manticore/Battlefield/Aquatarkus
2. Jeremy Bender
3. Bitches Crystal
4. The Only Way (Hymn)
5. Infinite Space (Conclusion)
6. A Time and a Place
7. Are You Ready Eddy?

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Emerson, Lake & Palmer   Primary Artist,Director
Keith Emerson   Primary Artist,Organ,Piano,Celeste,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Organ (Hammond),Moog Synthesizer
Carl Palmer   Drums,Percussion
Greg Lake   Bass,Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)

Technical Credits

Carl Palmer   Composer
Greg Lake   Composer,Musician,Producer
Steven Wilson   Mixing,Producer
Keith Emerson   Composer,Musician
Eddy Offord   Engineer,Producer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer   Arranger
Andy Pearce   Remastering
Zal Schreiber   Mastering
William Neal   Paintings
Matt Wortham   Producer,Remastering
Gregory Lake   Composer