IN THE HOT SEAT

After the semi-comeback Black Moon, ELP decided to take the shred of credibility they regained and put it in a blender. In the Hot Seat is one of the most appropriate album titles ever, becasue listening to it is akin to torture. The opener Hands of Truth cruelly leads you to believe that the band is nearing their former style, Emerson even plays a solo. This is soon followed by crap after crap. Emerson apparently sold his Moogs in a garage sale and found a cheap beginner's keyboard to play on. Carl Palmer essentially sits behind the kit while his parts are looped and programmed. To top it off, the band decides to record a studio version of Pictures At an Exhibition. Intriguing certainly, buit any hope of a bombastic interpretation is shattered by the shortened and less energetic performance.

It seems that Love Beach set a precedant for horrible albums, and the band decided to break its own record. In the Hot Seat makes Love Beach look like the debut. It's insipid and it's very clear the band is running on fumes at this point. This album should be packaged with Love Beach and sold to suicide cults to prove to its members that the world is evil. Thankfully, there were no sharp instruments near me when I listened to it so my wrists were spared. A sad end to a once mighty band. If you really want to spend money, send the cash to me 'cause I could sure use it. Stick to the first four albums for your own safety.

Grade: F