- 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.
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 HipgnosisHipgnosis 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 |
Record Label Information: 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) |
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Track Listing of: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records) |
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Album cover photos of : Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records) |
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
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's Island Label
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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 ). |
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)
"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)
"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.
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This original live album was recorded at Newcastle City Hall in North East England. The opening track of the album was played on a Harrison & Harrison pipe organ which was instaled in the City Hall in 1928.
- Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Germany, Island Records) - Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Netherlands)
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)
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)
"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
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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,
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