THE BEST OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER

Emerson Lake & Palmer

Symphonic Prog

2.47 | 78 ratings

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clarke2001
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

Not one of the best ELP compilations around, but I have a soft spot for this one: it was my introduction to the ELP's world. And it served it's purpose perfectly: I'm a die-hard ELP fan now.

Of course, of course...the selection of the songs is far from perfect. This is showing the "catchier" and poppier side of ELP. The proggier tracks are "Hoedown", "Karn Evil 9" (just the First Impression Part 2 of course) and "Trilogy". The only lengthy track is "Trilogy", and there is not a single song from "Tarkus" masterpiece or any Keith's piano improvisations. And no sign of Mussorgsky.

Having that said, I still think that this is the ultimate young person's guide to Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I'm almost glad that there is no tracks from "Tarkus": compilations can be a nice introduction, but they are usually distorting the listeners perception of the main artistic unit: an album. There is always enough time to discover "Pictures To An Exhibition".

ELP's two most omnipresent ballads are here, band's habit of adopting hymns is represented with "Jerusalem", and lighter, rocky aspect of the band could be found in "Tiger In The Spotlight", the track that is, in my opinion, much better that any Benny-Jeremy Bounders & Bouncers. "Peter Gunn" is a nice excerpt of ELP's live catalogue, sounding a little bit more modern (late seventies) than the rest of the compilation, because of use of multi-layered and polyphonic synths. Very expressive solo is rising an average song above average.

One more thing to be mentioned, the cover of the vinyl is awesome. If you have a chance, take a look at back side - it's lovely and funny.

This compilation can fully satisfy any newbie; but since it's just a compilation, it's not fulfilling the needs of an average ELP fan (or progressive rock fan), not to mention that it can't actually be compared to any of the key studio albums.

Three stars, well-deserved.

clarke2001 | 3/5 | 2006-12-5

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