ELP Emerson Lake & Palmer - Trilogy 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Island Records

ELP's 1972 "Trilogy" 12" Vinyl LP on Island Records, Germany, epitomized progressive rock. Produced by Greg Lake, the album's sonic brilliance, captured by Eddie Offord, echoed through Advision studios. The gatefold cover, a visual masterpiece designed by Hipgnosis, added aesthetic allure. The release marked a significant chapter in 1972's German music landscape, solidifying ELP's influence in the realm of progressive rock.

 

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer trilogy island

"Trilogy" Album Information:
Description

Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), already giants of the progressive rock movement, released their ambitious third album "Trilogy" in 1972. The album cemented their reputation as virtuosos and sonic adventurers, showcasing a dazzling blend of classical influences, rock energy, and a touch of the avant-garde.

Pushing the Envelope

"Trilogy" embodied the spirit of progressive rock's boundless exploration. Keyboardist Keith Emerson's flamboyant, organ-driven compositions drew heavily from classical music, showcasing his staggering technical prowess. Greg Lake's vocals and basslines added warmth and a touch of melancholy, while Carl Palmer's drumming was a powerhouse of precision and energy.

The album contained sprawling, multi-part compositions like the title track "Trilogy" and the ominous "Abaddon's Bolero," demonstrating ELP's mastery of complex arrangements and shifting dynamics. Their adaptation of Aaron Copland's "Hoedown" showcased their playful side and ability to weave diverse influences into their sound.

"From the Beginning" and Controversy

Lake's acoustic ballad "From the Beginning" became a surprise hit, its gentle melodies and introspective lyrics a stark contrast to ELP's usual bombast. However, the album was not without its detractors. Some critics found it overly pretentious and self-indulgent, a common criticism leveled against progressive rock bands of the era.

Production and Legacy

"Trilogy" was produced by Greg Lake, signaling the band's desire for creative control. The album's sonic clarity and dynamic range were a testament to the skills of engineer Eddie Offord. Furthermore, the iconic cover art by Hipgnosis added a visual element to the band's larger-than-life aesthetic.

Music Genre:

Progressive Rock Acid, Psych Synth Music

Collector's info:

This is the hard to find Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design (this album has also been released as non-gatefold.
Album Production: 
Album cover art design Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis, the legendary British art design group, revolutionized album cover art for rock music. Explore their iconic visual creations on our website, featuring a vast collection of their innovative designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

Here is the web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Record Label & Catalognr:

Island Records 86 230 IT  

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year & Country:

1972 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records)
    ELP 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.

    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 (ex King Crimson)
  • Carl Palmer (ex Atomic Rooster)
Complete Track Listing of: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records)
    Songs on Trilogy:
  1. The Endless Enigma Part One (Emerson/Lake) 6:37
  2. Fugue (Emerson) 1:57
  3. The Endless Enigma Part Two (Emerson/Lake) 2:00
  4. From the Beginning (Lake) 4:14
  5. The Sheriff (Emerson/Lake) 3:22
  6. Hoedown Taken from Rodeo (Copland) 3:48
  7. Trilogy (Emerson/Lake) 8:54
  8. Living Sin (Emerson/Lake/Palmer) 3:11
  9. Abaddon's Bolero (Emerson) 8:13
Album cover photos of : Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records)

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer trilogy island

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer trilogy island

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side Two  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer trilogy island

Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's Island Label  

High Resolution Photo elp emerson lake palmer trilogy island

 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