ELP EMERSON LAKE & PALMER Brain Salad Surgery Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

"Brain Salad Surgery" Album Description:

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's fourth studio album, "Brain Salad Surgery," stands as a testament to the band's innovative fusion of rock and classical elements. Beyond its musical prowess, the album is also renowned for its distinctive cover art, a mesmerizing creation by the Swiss surrealist artist H.R. Giger. In this exploration, we delve into the historical backdrop of "Brain Salad Surgery" and uncover the genesis of the iconic album cover.

The Birth of "Brain Salad Surgery" (1973):

Released in 1973, "Brain Salad Surgery" marked a significant milestone in ELP's career. The album was not only the band's first under their Manticore Records imprint but also a departure from their earlier works, featuring a more avant-garde and experimental approach. With a lineup comprising Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer, the album showcased the trio's musical virtuosity and willingness to push artistic boundaries.

Confluence of Minds: Lake, Sinfield, and Giger:

One of the distinctive features of "Brain Salad Surgery" lies in its collaborative lyricism. Greg Lake, a co-founder of ELP, teamed up with Peter Sinfield, a fellow ex-King Crimson member, to craft the album's poetic narrative. This collaboration brought a unique blend of introspection and fantasy to the lyrical tapestry, complementing the progressive and eclectic nature of the music.

Visual Alchemy: H.R. Giger's Artistic Imprint:

At the heart of the album's visual allure is the enigmatic cover art crafted by H.R. Giger. Renowned for his surreal and nightmarish imagery, Giger was already gaining acclaim in the art world. The collaboration between ELP and Giger resulted in a visual masterpiece that seamlessly intertwined with the album's musical complexity.

Giger's Aesthetic and Symbolism:

The album cover features a biomechanical landscape, a hallmark of Giger's distinctive style. Intricate and otherworldly, the imagery evokes a sense of cosmic surrealism. Giger's use of biomechanical elements, blending organic and mechanical components, adds a layer of depth to the visual narrative, mirroring the eclectic fusion of rock and classical influences within the album.

Legacy and Impact:

"Brain Salad Surgery" became an influential work, not just for its musical innovation but also for its iconic visual representation. The album cover remains a symbol of the progressive rock era and a testament to the power of collaboration between musicians and visual artists. H.R. Giger's contribution to the album's aesthetic elevated it to a realm beyond mere music, turning it into a holistic sensory experience.

Music Genre:

Progressive Rock, Acid, Psych, Synth

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"

Album Packaging / Information:

Fold Open Cover design, Original company inner sleeve, includes poster

Record Label Information:

Manticore Records LTD MC 6669

Packaging: The original Gatefold (FOC) Cover designed by HR Giger (Aliens)

H.R. Giger a Swiss artist, achieved fame for his dark, biomechanical style that blends human and machine. His airbrushed paintings often depicted disturbing dreamscapes. He designed the terrifying xenomorph in the movie "Alien," which earned him an Academy Award. The H.R. Giger Museum in Switzerland showcases his work. See some of his most famous designs:

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record

Year & Country:

1973 Made in England

Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery

Keith Emerson (ex The Nice)

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.

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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.
Greg Lake (ex King Crimson)
Carl Palmer (ex Atomic Rooster)