EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

ELP get up and running with 'The Barbarian' as Carl Palmer ably demonstrates why he won so many drum polls. Then follows the majestic 'Take A Pebble' which has become one of the high points of ELP's music.Keith Emerson's piano work is exceptional ,well beyond the normal boundaries of 'popular music' while Greg Lake sings in his typical laid back style.Perfect. My least favourite track on the album 'Knife Edge' makes good use of Lake's deep baritone but I find the structure flawed and it lacks the usual fluidity I associate with ELP.'Three Fates' is a chance for Emerson to demonstrate his considerable skills and show off he does. Amazing piano and church organ! 'Tank' is very much a chance for Palmer to indulge his love of all things Buddy Rich and Emerson gets to have some fun as well.'Lucky Man' finishes the album on a highpoint with Emerson's powerfull moog solo. Overall this is a solid debut album that falls only marginally short of being a masterpeice.