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Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus (1971)

Track listing:
  1. Eruption
  2. Stones of years
  3. Iconoclast
  4. Mass
  5. Manticore
  6. Battlefiled
  7. Aquatarkus
  8. Jeremy Bender
  9. Bitches Crystal
  10. The Only way (Hymn)
  11. Infinite space (conclusion)
  12. A time and a place
  13. Are you ready Eddy?

Notes

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1970 eponymous LP was only a rehearsal. It hit hard because of the novelty of the act (signifying 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 epic title 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 is particularly rocking. "Jeremy Bender" is the first in a series of honky tonk-spiced, Far-West-related songs. This song, 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. [The 13-track edition of Tarkus separates "Tarkus Medley" into six separate tracks.]