ELP Emerson Lake & Palmer - Tarkus 12" Vinyl LP Album
- German Release on Manticore Records

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1971 "Tarkus" LP, released in Germany, stands as a pinnacle of progressive rock. With sound engineer Eddy Offord shaping its immersive sound and artist William Neal contributing iconic cover art, the album epitomizes the genre's innovative spirit. Its conceptual nature and departure from musical norms marked a transformative period in the early 1970s, solidifying its enduring impact on progressive rock.

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer tarkus germany

"Tarkus" Album Description:

In the realm of progressive rock, few albums have left as indelible a mark as Emerson, Lake & Palmer's "Tarkus." Released in Germany in 1971, this 12" vinyl LP stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the era and the musical prowess of the band. With sound engineering by Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord and captivating cover art by William Neal, the album's contributions within the context of its time are both distinctive and lasting.

One of the notable aspects of "Tarkus" lies in its sonic landscape, crafted under the expert guidance of sound engineer Eddy Offord. Offord, renowned for his work with progressive rock acts, played a pivotal role in shaping the distinct sound of the album. His technical expertise and creative approach contributed to the immersive experience that "Tarkus" offers, making it a standout release in the progressive rock genre during the early 1970s.

The cover art, featuring intricate paintings by William Neal, adds a visual dimension to the album that complements its musical complexity. Neal's artistry captures the fantastical and otherworldly themes present in the music, creating a symbiotic relationship between sound and imagery. The album cover itself has become iconic, symbolizing the fusion of music and visual art that defined the progressive rock movement.

Released in 1971, "Tarkus" arrived at a time when the landscape of popular music was undergoing significant transformation. The early 1970s witnessed the rise of progressive rock as a genre that pushed the boundaries of conventional rock music. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with their virtuosic musicianship and conceptual approach, were at the forefront of this movement. "Tarkus" not only showcased the technical prowess of the band members but also demonstrated their willingness to explore unconventional musical structures and themes.

The production of "Tarkus" stands as a testament to the creative freedom and experimentation that characterized the progressive rock scene of the early 1970s. The album's conceptual nature, evident in its titular track "Tarkus," marked a departure from conventional song structures, embracing a more symphonic and narrative approach to music. This departure from the norm contributed to the evolution of progressive rock as a genre that celebrated innovation and artistic expression.

Album Production:

Sound/Recording engineer: Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord

Album covert art paintings by William Neal

Record Label & Catalognr:

Manticore 87 225 XOT

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record

Year & Country:

1971 Made in Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: Emerson Lake & Palmer Tarkus

Keith Emerson (ex The Nice)
Greg Lake - Vocals, Bass Guitar
Greg Lake – Bass, Vocals, Guitar
The voice behind "Lucky Man" and the basslines that kept prog from floating into space. Read more...
Greg Lake was the warm-voiced anchor who made prog rock feel human even when the music went full sci-fi. I first heard him with King Crimson (1969-1970), where his bass, acoustic guitar, and vocals helped define the debut-era drama. Then he co-founded Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970-1979; reunions 1990-1998), writing and singing the tunes that gave all that virtuosity a heartbeat. In the mid-80s he took another run with Emerson, Lake & Powell (1985-1986), proving the songs still landed even when the lineup shifted. Before the big leagues, he cut his teeth in The Gods (1967-1968), already aiming for bigger stages than the clubs could offer, with a songwriter's grin.
Greg Lake Wiki
Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer – Drums, Percussion
The human metronome who could still swing while the time signatures did parkour. Read more...
Carl Palmer was the turbo-charged drummer who made prog rock feel like a high-speed chase in a concert hall. Before the supergroup mythology, he cut his teeth with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (late 1960s) and Atomic Rooster (1969-1970). Then he strapped in with Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970-1979; reunions through the 1990s) and turned odd meters into something you could actually head-nod to. After ELP’s first run, he helped launch Asia (1981-1986, 1989-1992, 2006-2022), where his precision kept the arena hooks from going soft. Palmer’s playing is all snap, elegance, and controlled chaos—the kind of drummer who makes keyboards and guitars behave by sheer force of timing.
Carl Palmer Wiki

Complete Track Listing of: Emerson Lake & Palmer Tarkus

Tarkus 20:35
- Eruption (Emerson) 2:43
- Stones of Years (Emerson, Lake) 3:44
- Iconoclast (Emerson) 1:15
- Mass (Emerson, Lake) 3:11
- Manticore (Emerson) 1:52
- Battlefield (Lake) 3:51
- Aquatarkus (Emerson) 3:59
Jeremy Bender (Emerson, Lake) 1:46
Bitches Crystal (Emerson, Lake) 3:55
The Only Way [hymn] (Emerson, Lake) 3:48
Infinite Space [conclusion] (Emerson, Palmer) 3:18
A Time and a Place (Emerson, Lake, Palmer) 2:57
Are You Ready Eddy? (Emerson, Lake, Palmer) 2:10

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Emerson Lake & Palmer Tarkus

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer tarkus germany

Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label Manticore with Lion Logo

High Resolution Photo record label

Emerson Lake Palmer Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery (Four European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP

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- Brain Salad Surgery (1979, Austria) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, France) - Brain Salad Surgery ( 1973, Germany ) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, UK)

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- Self-Titled (1970, England) - Self-titled (1970, Germany)

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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)

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"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.

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ELP Emerson Lake & Palmer - Tarkus 12" Vinyl LP Album - German Release on Manticore Records