Gatefold Cover, Manticore Records UK
Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1972 masterpiece "Trilogy," produced by Greg Lake, showcased a fusion of classical, jazz, and rock influences, revolutionizing progressive rock. Engineered by Eddie Offord at Advision, its sonic brilliance and visual allure, designed by Hipgnosis, marked a milestone for Manticore Records. Released under catalog number K43505, the album's enduring impact solidified its place in 1972's dynamic UK music scene, shaping the evolution of progressive rock for years to come.
In the vibrant musical landscape of 1972, the UK witnessed the release of "Trilogy," a groundbreaking album by the iconic progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Produced by the renowned Greg Lake, this masterpiece not only left an indelible mark on the music scene of its time but also contributed significantly to the evolution of progressive rock.
Production Prowess: A Symphony of Skill
At the helm of production, 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, a signature style that defined ELP's progressive sound. The meticulous craftsmanship in the production process, coupled with Lake's visionary approach, elevated the album to a realm of musical sophistication.
Eddie Offord, the sound and recording engineer, played a crucial role in capturing the intricate layers of sound that characterize "Trilogy." His technical expertise ensured that each instrument, from Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboards to Carl Palmer's dynamic percussion, was presented with unparalleled clarity. The Advision studio, where the album was recorded, became the sonic canvas for ELP's artistic expression.
Visual Harmony: The Album's Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond its musical brilliance, "Trilogy" boasted an album cover design that added a visual dimension to the auditory experience. The iconic cover, crafted by the visionary design team Hipgnosis, reflected the mystical and enigmatic themes woven throughout the album. The gatefold cover not only protected the vinyl within but also unfolded a visual narrative that complemented the sonic journey within.
Photography by Hipgnosis and tinting by Phil Crennell further enhanced the aesthetic appeal, creating a holistic artistic expression. The meticulous attention to detail in the album's visual elements echoed the precision found in its musical composition.
Manticore Records and the Release: A Milestone in 1972
Released under Manticore Records with the catalog number K43505, "Trilogy" marked a milestone in the UK music scene of 1972. The record label, founded by ELP themselves, provided a platform for the band's creative freedom. The release of "Trilogy" under Manticore Records reinforced the significance of artists taking control of their artistic direction.
Music Genre: Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)" was produced by: Greg Lake Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Eddie Offord This album was recorded at: Advision Album cover design & Photography Hipgnosis Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes. The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation. One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image. Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer." The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created. Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to. Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis Tinting by Phil Crennell |
Record Label Information: Manticore K43505 |
Packaging:Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1972 Made in UK |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)" |
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover
High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One
High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side Two
High Resolution Photo of the Record's Side One
High Resolution Photo of the Record's Side Two
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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, 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.