TARKUS

Tarkus is another piece of mastery. After their dubut, ELP tried to produce a masterpiece in term of progressive suite. Yes, the title track is one of the best prog composition of all time. From the massive beginning through some brilliant vocal and even guitar passages (e.g. battlefield), this song is worth five stars. And it would seem that nothing can destroy this value.

Unfortunately, the second side of the album is not as good as the title track. It has its moments, I personally like Time and a place and Bitches crystal, but Jeremy Bender and Are you ready Eddie don't fit to the concept. I don't think they are bad, but their foolish hooray sound somehow decreases the value of the whole album.

It's a pity, but I have to give it only four stars. Nevertheless, this album is necessary for all prog fans if only for Tarkus itself.