ELP EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - TARKUS 12" LP VINYL Album

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.

 

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album
 front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

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

"Tarkus" Album Description:

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 Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

 1971 Made in England / UK
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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.

    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."

    Read more...

    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)
Complete Track-listing of the album "EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus "

The detailed tracklist of this record "EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus " is:

    Track-listing :
  1. 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
  2. Jeremy Bender (Emerson, Lake) 1:46
  3. Bitches Crystal (Emerson, Lake) 3:55
  4. The Only Way [hymn] (Emerson, Lake) 3:48
  5. Infinite Space [conclusion] (Emerson, Palmer) 3:18
  6. A Time and a Place (Emerson, Lake, Palmer) 2:57
  7. Are You Ready Eddy? (Emerson, Lake, Palmer) 2:10

 

Front Cover Photo Of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album

 

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album
 front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 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 ).

Photo Of The Back Cover EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album

 

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album
 back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album

 

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album
 inner gatefold cover

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album

 

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album
 inner gatefold cover

Close up of Side One record's label EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus UK Release Gatefold 12" LP VINYL Album

"Tarkus" Record Label Details: ISLAND Records ILPS 9155 ℗ 1971 Sound Copyright

"Tarkus" Record Label Details: ISLAND Records ILPS 9155 ℗ 1971 Sound Copyright
 

Emerson Lake Palmer Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Band Description:

 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.