UK Release with Gatefold cover
In 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's groundbreaking album "Tarkus," produced by Greg Lake and engineered by Eddy Offord at Advision Studios, UK, marked a pinnacle in progressive rock. Enhanced by William Neal's captivating artwork, the LP's intricate compositions and classical influences defined the era. Released amid the genre's rise, "Tarkus" remains a testament to musical innovation, pushing the boundaries of rock in the early 1970s.
UK First Pressing Printed by E.J. Day Group (not Howard Printers) Label is Island with PINK rim Matrix / Runout (Runout, A-side, stamped): ILPS 9155 A - 1U Matrix / Runout (Runout, A-side, hand etched): PORKY Matrix / Runout (Runout, B-side, stamped): ILPS 9155 B - 1U Matrix / Runout (Runout, B-side, hand etched): PECKO |
The year 1971 marked a pivotal moment in the progressive rock landscape with the release of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's iconic album, "Tarkus." Produced by the accomplished musician Greg Lake, the album not only showcased the band's exceptional musical prowess but also contributed significantly to the evolving soundscape of the early 1970s.
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 in defining the sonic identity of "Tarkus." Offord's expertise in the studio undoubtedly contributed to the album's rich and immersive sound, allowing the intricate details of each instrument to shine.
The recording sessions took place at Advision Studios in the heart of London. Advision, a renowned studio in the UK, provided the perfect environment for ELP to experiment with their musical ideas and push the boundaries of conventional rock music. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics played a pivotal role in capturing the nuances of the band's performance, adding a layer of sophistication to the final product.
One cannot discuss the "Tarkus" album without acknowledging the captivating visual aspect brought to life by artist William Neal. Responsible for the album cover paintings, Neal's artistic interpretation provided a fitting visual representation of the music within. The intricate and surreal artwork adorned the gatefold cover, inviting listeners to embark on a visual journey that complemented the sonic exploration within the grooves of the vinyl.
Released in the United Kingdom in 1971, "Tarkus" arrived at a time when the progressive rock movement was gaining momentum. The album's fusion of classical influences, intricate compositions, and virtuosic performances resonated with a generation of music enthusiasts seeking a departure from conventional rock norms. "Tarkus" stood as a testament to the genre's ability to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of rock music.
Music Genre: British Progressive Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus " was produced by: Greg Lake Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord This album was recorded at: Advision Album cover paintings: William Neal |
Record Label Information: ISLAND ILPS 9155 |
Packaging:Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1971 Made in England / UK |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus |
|
Complete Track-listing of the album "EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus " |
The detailed tracklist of this record "EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus " is:
|
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. 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 ).
"Tarkus" Record Label Details: ISLAND Records ILPS 9155 ℗ 1971 Sound Copyright
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.