ELP Emerson Lake Palmer - Love Beach - 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

  "Love Beach" is a studio album by English progressive rock group Emerson, Lake & Palmer released in 1978. It was the band's final album of original material until Black Moon (1992) and was produced to satisfy contractual obligations with the group's record company. It was a critical and commercial disappointment, charting at #55 on the Billboard 200, although it did eventually go gold. The group was reportedly not satisfied with the album; drummer Carl Palmer even compared the cover photograph to the works of disco stars the Bee Gees.

 

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer love beach

Album Description:

ELP, short for Emerson, Lake & Palmer, is widely regarded as one of the most influential progressive rock bands of the 1970s. Known for their virtuosic musicianship and ambitious compositions, the trio consisting of keyboardist Keith Emerson, bassist Greg Lake, and drummer Carl Palmer captivated audiences with their unique blend of classical music, jazz, and rock elements. However, their 1978 studio album, "Love Beach", was met with mixed reviews and marked a significant departure from their earlier works.

"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. Despite being critically acclaimed, it failed to achieve the commercial success of their earlier releases. As a result, their record label demanded another album to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The album's cover artwork drew particular attention and criticism. It featured a photograph of the band members on a beach, dressed in white suits, which some likened to the style of disco stars like the Bee Gees. This departure from their usual artistic direction added to the disappointment felt by both the band and their fans.

Musically, "Love Beach" took a more accessible and commercially oriented approach compared to their earlier albums. The songs featured shorter and more straightforward structures, with a stronger emphasis on melodic hooks. While this shift in style may have appealed to a broader audience, it alienated some of the band's loyal fan base who had come to appreciate their complex and intricate compositions.

The album opens with the track "All I Want is You", a catchy and radio-friendly song that showcases Greg Lake's soothing vocals. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its melodic hooks and straightforward lyrics. Other notable tracks include "Taste of My Love" and "The Gambler", both of which feature energetic performances from all three band members but lack the progressive complexity that defined their earlier works.

Despite the mixed reception, "Love Beach" did achieve moderate commercial success, eventually earning a gold certification. However, it failed to make a significant impact on the charts, peaking at #55 on the Billboard 200. The album's lukewarm reception and the band's dissatisfaction with the final product led to a hiatus for Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with each member pursuing solo projects.

In retrospect, "Love Beach" stands as a pivotal moment in Emerson, Lake & Palmer's career. It represented a departure from their progressive rock roots and a move towards a more accessible sound. While the album may have attracted a broader audience, it also left behind the intricate and complex compositions that had defined their earlier works. Nevertheless, ELP's legacy in the world of progressive rock remains intact, and their earlier albums continue to be celebrated as masterpieces of the genre.

Album Production Information:

  The album: " Love Beach" was produced by: Palm Beach International Recordings, Schott & Co  

Music Genre:

  English Prog Rock Supergroup 

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Atlantic K 50552

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 210 gram  

Year & Country:

  1978 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: ELP Emerson Lake Palmer Love Beach
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Keith Emerson: keyboards

    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.

    Read more...

    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: vocals, guitar
  • Carl Palmer: drums, percussion
  • Peter Sinfield: lyrics
Complete Track Listing of: " Love Beach"

The Song/tracks on " Love Beach" are

  • All I Want Is You (Lake, Sinfield) 2:35
  • Love Beach (Lake, Sinfield) 2:46
  • Taste Of My Love (Lake, Sinfield) 3:33
  • The Gambler (Emerson, Lake, Sinfield) 3:23
  • For You (Lake, Sinfield) 4:28
  • Canario (From Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre) (J. Rodrigo) 4:00
  • Memoirs Of An Officer And A Gentleman (Emerson, Sinfield) 20:16
Album cover photos of : ELP Emerson Lake Palmer Love Beach

High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer love beach

High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer love beach

High Resolution Photo of the Record's label  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer love beach

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Emerson Lake Palmer Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery (Four European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery (Four European Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Self-titled (Germany & UK Versions)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Self-titled (Germany & UK Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

"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)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Love Beach
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Love Beach album front cover vinyl record

"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
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - (Mussorgsky's) Pictures At An Exhibition (Three European Versions)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition (Three European Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

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)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus (Three European Versions)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus  (Three European Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Trilogy (Three European Versions)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE  & PALMER -Trilogy  (Three European Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

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)
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Works
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Works album front cover vinyl record

"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
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2  album front cover vinyl record

Released as the sequel to the groundbreaking "Works Volume 1", this album showcases the band's evolution and musical maturity. The artistry of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer shines through in every note,

Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP