"Brain Salad Surgery" is the fourth studio album by progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released in 1973 and the first under their Manticore Records imprint. It fuses rock and classical themes. Lyrics were co-written by Greg Lake with fellow ex-King Crimson member (and, beginning with this album, frequent ELP collaborator) Peter Sinfield. Cover art is by H. R. Giger.
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Summary: |
The original Gatefold (FOC) Cover designed by HR Giger (Aliens) |
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Music Genre: |
Progressive Rock, Acid, Psych, Synth |
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Collector's info: |
This is the UK pressing of Brain Salad Surgery. Collector's Notes: The label text is printed in white , the title on the record label reads: "Emerson Lake, Palmer / Brain Salad Surgery" Other pressing have text printed in silverish and the title on the record label starts with "Brain Salad Surgery" |
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Album Packaging / Information: |
Fold Open Cover design, Original company inner sleeve, includes poster |
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Record Label Information: |
Manticore Records LTD MC 6669 |
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Media Format: |
12" LP |
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Year & Country: |
1973 Made in England |
Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery |
Keith Emerson (1944-2016) was an English keyboardist and composer best known for his work with the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Born in Todmorden, Yorkshire, England, Emerson showed an early aptitude for music, starting piano lessons at the age of eight and later studying classical music and jazz.
In the 1960s, Emerson became a sought-after session musician in London, playing on recordings by The Nice, P.P. Arnold, and other artists. In 1967, he formed "The Nice"", a pioneering progressive rock group that blended rock, jazz, and classical music. The band released several albums and became known for their dramatic live performances, which often included theatrics like exploding pyrotechnics and Emerson's signature move of stabbing knives into his Hammond organ.
After The Nice disbanded in 1970, Emerson teamed up with bassist/vocalist Greg Lake and drummer/percussionist Carl Palmer to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1970 and became a hit, reaching #4 on the UK album charts. ELP went on to release several more albums, including "Tarkus" (1971), "Trilogy" (1972), and "Brain Salad Surgery" (1973), which featured the popular track "Karn Evil 9."
Emerson's keyboard skills were a defining element of ELP's sound, as he incorporated elements of classical music, jazz, and electronic music into his playing. He was also known for his use of synthesizers, which were still relatively new at the time, and he helped to popularize the instrument in rock music.
In addition to his work with ELP, Emerson released several solo albums, including "Honky" (1980) and "Changing States" (1995). He also composed music for films and television, including the soundtrack for the 1981 horror film "Inferno."
Emerson continued to perform and record music throughout his career, and he remained a popular figure in the world of progressive rock. He was known for his virtuosic playing, his showmanship, and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was possible with keyboards and synthesizers.
Sadly, in 2016, Keith Emerson was found dead in his home in Santa Monica, California. He had suffered from depression and physical ailments, and his death was ruled a suicide. His legacy as a pioneering keyboardist and composer in the world of progressive rock continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Track Listing of: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery |
| Photo of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery Album's Front Cover |
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| Photo of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery Album's Inside |
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High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #1
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label
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Emerson, Lake, and Palmer (ELP) were a progressive rock supergroup that emerged in the early 1970s. The band was composed of keyboardist Keith Emerson, bassist and vocalist Greg Lake, and drummer Carl Palmer. Together, they produced some of the most complex and innovative music of the era, blending classical and jazz influences with rock and roll to create a unique sound that continues to inspire musicians to this day.
Keith Emerson was already a well-respected keyboardist before joining ELP. He had previously played with the Nice, a British band known for its progressive sound. Greg Lake had also made a name for himself as a member of King Crimson, another influential progressive rock group. Carl Palmer, meanwhile, had played with Atomic Rooster and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
The three musicians first came together in 1970, when they formed ELP in London. They quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic playing and intricate arrangements. Their eponymous debut album, released later that year, featured a mix of original songs and covers, including a memorable version of Aaron Copland's "Hoedown."
ELP's second album, "Tarkus," was a concept album that told the story of a mythical creature. The album showcased the band's ability to blend rock and classical music, with Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboard playing taking center stage. The title track, a twenty-minute epic, remains one of ELP's most iconic songs.
The band's third album, "Trilogy," continued in the same vein as "Tarkus," with tracks like "The Endless Enigma" and "Living Sin" showcasing the band's musical range. ELP also began to experiment with synthesizers on this album, further expanding their sound.
ELP's fourth album, "Brain Salad Surgery," was another concept album that featured a longer, more complex version of "Karn Evil 9," a song that had previously been performed live. The album also included a cover of "Jerusalem," a song that had become popular in England as a kind of unofficial national anthem.
Despite their critical and commercial success, ELP were not immune to the changing musical tastes of the 1970s. The band's later albums, such as "Works Volume 1" and "Works Volume 2," featured more mainstream rock songs and failed to resonate with fans in the same way as their earlier work. The band eventually broke up in 1979, with Emerson and Lake going on to form a new version of the band in the 1980s.
ELP's influence on rock and roll cannot be overstated. Their intricate arrangements and virtuosic playing helped to define the progressive rock genre and inspired countless musicians in the decades since. Despite their short career, their impact on the music world continues to be felt today.
