"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.
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.
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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 Production Information: Fold Open Cover design, Original company inner sleeve, includes poster |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Manticore Records LTD MC 6669 |
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Packaging:
The original Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album 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:
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record |
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Year & Country: 1973 Made in England |
Band Members and Musicianson: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery |
Complete 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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For progressive rock aficionados, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's (ELP) "Brain Salad Surgery" is a landmark LP. Released in 1973, it marked the band's first foray and stands as a testament to their fusion of rock and classical influences
- Brain Salad Surgery (1979, Austria) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, France) - Brain Salad Surgery ( 1973, Germany ) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, UK)
"Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is the eponymous debut album of this British progressive rock band, released in 1970. As a first album from the newly formed supergroup, the album clearly demonstrates the variety of influences
- Self-Titled (1970, England) - Self-titled (1970, Germany)
"Love Beach" was primarily a result of contractual obligations with their record company. The band had completed their previous album, "Works Volume 2", which was a double LP featuring individual contributions from each band member.
Love Beach 12" Vinyl LP
Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a suite of piano pieces inspired by an art exhibition of his deceased friend Viktor Hartmann. Each movement depicts a different artwork, connected by a recurring "Promenade" theme. ELP's version is a bold reimagining of the suite, incorporating rock elements, synthesizers
- Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Germany, Island Records) - Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Netherlands)
At the helm of the recording process was the skilled sound engineer Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord. His meticulous approach to capturing the intricate arrangements and complex compositions of ELP played a crucial role
- Tarkus (1971, Germany, Island Records) - Tarkus (1971, Germany, Manticore Records) - Tarkus (1971, UK)
Greg Lake demonstrated his musical prowess, steering the ship of "Trilogy" into uncharted waters. The album showcased a seamless fusion of classical influences, jazz improvisation, and rock elements
- Trilogy (1972, Germany, Island Records) Trilogy (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Trilogy (1972, UK)
"Works Volume I" it's a musical journey that traverses diverse sonic landscapes, each shaped by the distinctive talents of the three band. This opus is ingeniously divided into four sections
Works 12" Vinyl LP
"Works Volume 2" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is a 1977 vinyl LP showcasing the band's eclectic mix of prog rock, jazz fusion, and classical influences. Produced by Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, the album features a diverse tracklist, highlighting each member’s musical prowess. It remains a testament to ELP's creative evolution in the late 1970s.
Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP
