Tarkus was actually Emerson Lake and Palmer's second album following their self titled first. The recording session almost caused the group to disband as Greg Lake disliked the first side thoroughly. So to appease him the second contained mostly composition of his. Tarkus was extremely critically well received and today is considered the foundation of the Progressive Rock movement. Much to the disagreement and anger by YES and Jethro Tull as Yes's self titled album and Tull's Living In The Past were released at the same time.
ELP then released their third album Pictures At An Exhibition which was composed by Modest Mussorgsky in the 19th Century.
Now we come to Trilogy, the most well known and popular album by the trio. It has most of the more recognizable songs (for lack of a better term) that are heard. A new rendition of Lucky Man, which Greg Lake wrote when he was 12, From The Beginning, and everyone's favorite Ho Down.
There were 5 more albums released but Tarkus remains the foundation that Progressive Rock is compared, much to the distaste of other PR artists and groups. Although Trilogy was the highest selling and most commercially successful of the 9, none ever reached the Critical Acclaim of Tarkus.
I am a massive ELP fan and aspired to become the next Kieth Emerson many years ago when I played keyboards. I would give my left leg (the good one) to have something like that drum head. NEVER EVER give it up. It means too much. I am green with envy.
Just a little rock history (with just a smattering of personal thoughts) from your old Uncle Bob.
Thump on all
