THE RETURN OF THE MANTICORE

Others have written a disk by disk breakdown on this so I will just offer a few things about the set. It contains most of what is great about ELP without having to buy all the CDS. The bonus tracks include a re- recording of the EL Powell song Touch and Go with Carl taking on the drums. A new recording of a song from each of the groups roots including The Nice, King Crimson and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Also included is a 15 minute surround sound version of Pictures at An Exhibition with the London Symphony Orchestra. Of these the latter is really good and the surround sound is stellar, the others are novelties for the most part. It is amusing to hear Greg Lake singing Fire though. The box set contains a very nice booklet and it is well designed.

As I stated earlier it would be a very good introduction to ELP if you have the money and don't want to purchase all the CDs. If you already have all the CDs and are a fan of the band then you might want it for the bonus tracks and the booklet. All in all a pretty good collection. 3 stars