TARKUS

I would really like to give this, and all ELP albums, higher star ratings, but...there always seems to be at least a track or two of "gimmicky" throw-away songs on all their releases. The examples here are "Are you Ready Eddy?" and "Jeremy Bender", both fortunately short, but both annoying as well. However, here of course is also the monumental "Tarkus", a true progressive rock classic. "Bitches Crystal" and "The Only Way" are very good while "Infinite Space" and "A TIme and a Place" are good but not really special. If the whole album were as good as "Tarkus" thhis would be a 5 star but because of weak moments I rate it only 4 stars. (I don't think ELP ever did make a perfect album, but this and BRAIN SALAD SURGERY come closest.