- Rare Swiss Pressing, see +ML+ on record's label
“Works” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer wasn’t just an album—it was an ego symphony carved into four vinyl sides. Each member took a solo journey before reuniting for the thunderous “Fanfare for the Common Man.” The Swiss pressing, marked with the mysterious +ML+ on its white Ariola label, is a collector’s delight—clean, weighty, and impeccably produced. It captures that shimmering late-1970s moment when prog rock still believed it could outplay the universe, one Moog solo at a time.
In the world of progressive rock history, few albums have left as indelible a mark as "Works Volume I" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). This 1977 masterpiece stands as a testament to the band's virtuosity and creative prowess. Among the myriad editions of this album, the Rare Swiss Pressing, distinguished by the enigmatic "+ML+" mark on its label, stands out as a cherished gem among collectors and aficionados of the genre.
A Brief Overview of Works Volume I: A Musical Odyssey
"Works Volume I" is not just an album; it's a musical journey that traverses diverse sonic landscapes, each shaped by the distinctive talents of the three band members – Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer. This opus is ingeniously divided into four sections, with each focusing on the individual virtuosity of the band members and a concluding section showcasing their combined brilliance.
The first section, curated by Keith Emerson, exudes his keyboard wizardry and compositional finesse. His intricate arrangements and seamless fusion of classical influences with rock elements redefine the possibilities of progressive rock.
Greg Lake, the voice behind some of the genre's most iconic anthems, curates the second section. His soulful vocals and introspective songwriting paint a vivid emotional tapestry, showcasing a different facet of ELP's multifaceted artistry.
In the third section, Carl Palmer's percussive prowess takes center stage. His rhythmic dynamism and technical mastery infuse the music with an infectious energy, solidifying the band's reputation as virtuoso performers.
The culmination of "Works Volume I" arrives with the fourth section, where all three virtuosos combine their talents. This harmonious synergy results in a musical climax that demonstrates the band's prowess as a collective force.
The Enigma of the Rare Swiss Pressing
Among the various pressings of "Works Volume I", the Rare Swiss Pressing possesses an aura of mystique that captures the imagination of collectors. Distinguished by the "+ML+" mark on the record's label, this pressing represents a unique moment in the album's history. While the exact significance of this marking remains shrouded in mystery, it serves as a symbol of rarity and exclusivity.
Collectors and enthusiasts alike covet the Swiss Pressing for its exceptional audio quality and historical significance. The meticulous craftsmanship that went into the production of this pressing is evident in its pristine sound reproduction, which allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the sonic intricacies of ELP's magnum opus.
Keith Emerson: The Mastermind Behind the Album
"Works Volume I" owes much of its brilliance to the masterful production of Keith Emerson. As a pioneering keyboardist, composer, and arranger, Emerson's innovative vision was instrumental in shaping the album's diverse sonic landscape. His ability to seamlessly blend classical motifs with rock elements imbues the album with a timeless quality that continues to captivate audiences.
Emerson's role as a producer is also noteworthy, as he expertly navigated the delicate balance between individual creativity and collective cohesion. The album's structure, which showcases each member's distinct voice while maintaining a cohesive narrative, stands as a testament to Emerson's meticulous craftsmanship.
Progressive Rock
Progressive Rock flourished during the 1970s with its fusion of rock, classical, and experimental elements. Emerson, Lake & Palmer were among the genre’s most successful pioneers, known for ambitious arrangements and virtuosic performances that redefined rock musicianship.
Ariola 28 612
Ariola Records was a leading European label in the 1970s, known for distributing both international rock and pop artists. Their Swiss pressings were prized for high-quality vinyl and crisp mastering.
Gatefold / FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork and photos on the inside cover pages.
The fold-open design mirrored the band’s ambition—luxurious presentation for an equally grand musical statement.
Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover + Record) weight: 380 gram
1977 – Made in Switzerland
Released during the height of ELP’s fame, this 1977 Swiss pressing coincided with the group’s massive European and American tours.
Orchestration by Keith Emerson and John Mayer
Arranged by Emerson, Lake and Palmer
The Orchestra de l'Opéra de Paris conducted by Godfrey Salmon
The use of a full symphony orchestra elevated the album into crossover territory, combining Emerson’s classical leanings with rock dynamics on a scale few others attempted.
Mountain Recording Studios
Pathé Marconi EMI Studios, Paris
Both studios were known for high-fidelity production during the 1970s. Mountain Studios in Montreux would later become famous through Queen’s recordings.
Alex Grob – Personal assistance
Alex Grob frequently supported ELP’s European sessions and tours, ensuring smooth coordination between the production crew and musicians.
The Yamaha GX-1 was the holy grail of analog synthesizers—part organ, part spaceship. Used by Keith Emerson on “Fanfare for the Common Man,” its towering frame and triple keyboards produced orchestral power through pure voltage. With a price tag rivaling a house, it embodied the wild ambition of 1970s prog rock excess.
This is the front cover of the rare Swiss pressing of "Works" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. It is a masterclass in minimalist album design, relying entirely on contrast, texture, and restraint.
Against a jet-black background, the band’s name “EMERSON LAKE & PALMER” is printed in clean, elegant serif capitals, centered and balanced, followed below by the single word “WORKS.” The typography’s precision evokes classical concert posters rather than rock sleeves.
Subtle and nearly hidden, an embossed ELP monogram rests in the center, only visible when light glances across the glossy surface — a small design secret that collectors love. In the upper right corner, the understated label “Volume I” completes the symmetry.
The overall design, executed with stark simplicity, mirrors the album’s concept — an ambitious orchestral rock statement by a band at the height of its technical and creative power.
The back cover of the Swiss pressing of "Works" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer continues the visual discipline of its front design. The surface is deep black, with a centrally placed white rectangular box bordered in black, creating a refined contrast.
Inside, all four sides of the double LP are listed: one for Keith Emerson’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” one for Greg Lake’s lyrical compositions, one for Carl Palmer’s percussive showcase, and a final side for the group’s joint performances including “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “Pirates.”
Below the track listings, meticulous production details, recording credits, and acknowledgements are displayed in a clear, elegant serif font. The layout includes thanks to Mountain Recording Studios, Pathé Marconi EMI Studios in Paris, and contributors such as Alex Grob, Ashley Newton, and Ian Murray.
At the bottom, the Ariola logo and ©1977 Palm Beach International Recording Ltd. appear, along with a note that it was printed in Western Germany. A small yellow sticker in the top right corner adds a nostalgic retail detail. The overall composition balances precision and restraint—perfectly in tune with ELP’s grand yet ordered musical vision.
The custom inner sleeve of the Swiss pressing of "Works" captures Keith Emerson at his most reflective and classical. The black-and-white photograph shows him leaning over a grand piano, its lid opened wide into a sweeping curve that dominates the composition.
The lighting isolates Emerson’s figure against a soft gradient background, creating a sense of focus and stillness. The photograph’s geometry — the sharp lines of the piano balanced by the gentle contours of his posture — evokes both discipline and emotion.
Beneath the image, fine serif typography lists the details of “Piano Concerto No. 1”, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, orchestrated by Emerson and John Mayer, and conducted by Mayer himself. Emerson’s name appears again as the performer on Steinway piano.
The layout’s purity — light background, generous spacing, and understated credits — reflects the high-art ambition behind this album’s opening side. It’s not rock packaging; it’s concert program design, reinterpreted for vinyl.
This close-up shows the Side One label of the Swiss pressing of "Works" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released on Ariola in 1977. The label’s clean white background and finely printed black text reflect Ariola’s meticulous European design standards.
The Ariola logo at the top center features a stylized grid globe, symbolizing the label’s international presence. Beneath it, the track listing details Keith Emerson’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with all three movements, their precise timings, and performer credits.
To the right, a small +ML+ mark identifies this as the rare Swiss pressing variant. The lower half carries full production credits and catalog numbers, while the rim text in German confirms continental European manufacture.
The centered typography, absence of decorative color, and the balance between utility and aesthetics give this label its distinctive, understated sophistication.
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.
Love Beach 12" Vinyl LPMussorgsky'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)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" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is where rock’s excess meets classical ambition head-on. Each side lets a band member take the wheel—Emerson with his grand piano concerto, Lake with melodic reflections, Palmer with percussive fireworks—before reuniting for the glorious roar of “Fanfare for the Common Man.” A lavish experiment pressed in Swiss precision wax.
"Works Volume 2" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is a 1977 vinyl LP showcasing the band's eclectic mix of prog rock, jazz fusion, and classical influences. Produced by Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, the album features a diverse tracklist, highlighting each member’s musical prowess. It remains a testament to ELP's creative evolution in the late 1970s.
Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP