TARKUS

Tarkus is the second studio album from symphonic prog rock act Emerson Lake & Palmer. I remember when I purchased the LP in a second hand store back in the nineties. I was drawn to the album by the strange Armadillo/ Tank cover artwork and I remember thinking to myself that it had to be some really weird music. As it turned out the music on Tarkus isn´t that weird, but it certainly was different from anything I listened to back then.

As on all releases from Emerson Lake & palmer Tarkus is dominated by Keith Emerson´s organ, piano and synth work ( Moog). Lots of bombastic classical influences and fast runs. Every keyboard players wet dream. Carl Palmer´s drumming is also extraordinaire and really exciting most of the time while as always with Emerson Lake & Palmers releases I don´t enjoy Greg Lake´s input much. His bass playing is good and he also shows some average guitar skills but his singing never suited my taste. Every time he starts to sing the music falls flat on its face IMO.

Tarkus is dominated by the side long title track which is by far the most interesting piece here. I really enjoy the fusion like opening. Greg Lake´s singing is tolerable on this song. The short songs on the album vary in quality. Jeremy Bender is an absolute horror. It´s ELP trying to be funny, but it seems a bit humourless to me. The last song Are You Ready Eddy? is just as bad. Again the so called humour is waisted on me. Bitches Crystal, A Time And A Place and The Only Way (Hymn) are all good tracks while Infinite Space (Conclusion) is a bit too repetitive.

The production is excellent and very enjoyable. I especially enjoy the sound of the organ and the perfect drum sound.

Emerson Lake & Palmer has never been my cup of tea. I´ll acknowledge their outstanding musicianship anytime, but their compositional skills are questionable IMO. I´ve always considered their music to be a bit cold and emotionless. Tarkus is one of their best albums though and it deserves a 3 star rating.