BRAIN SALAD SURGERY

Emerson Lake & Palmer

Symphonic Prog

4.17 | 2123 ratings

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jammun
Prog Reviewer

Though additional albums were to follow, Brain Salad Surgery was ELP's last hurrah. Regarded by many as their pinnacle, it is perhaps their most consistent album, though not without fault.

The first song -- Jerusalem -- gets the album off to a great start, courtesy William Blake. Ginastera's Toccata is up next, and ELP are in great form on this song, which is virtually tailor-made for their style. These two songs are among the best ELP ever recorded. Unfortunately, Benny the Bouncer is typical ELP filler, a la The Sheriff and Jeremy Bender. Still You Turn Me On is the requisite Lake composition, obviously included for commercial potential, but it is lacking when compared to From The Beginning.

Which brings us to the Karn Evil 9 suite. There are many who feel this is ELP's masterpiece, but to me it's a step below Tarkus. While Part 1 starts off with great promise, Parts 2 and 3 drag on a bit too long for my tastes, and the production is muddy -- it seems as though I get aurally strained trying to take it all in. But there is certainly a lot of great playing here -- it's ELP after all -- and this was the last time they were able to capture the magic on tape. I'd say Jerusalem and Toccata are required listening for any prog fan, with the rest being merely recommended.

jammun | 4/5 | 2007-9-19

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