- A Rare Glimpse into ELP's Sonic Versatility and Artistic Vision
"Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 'Works Vol 2' 12" Vinyl LP, curated by Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, stands as a musical testament to the progressive rock era of the late 1970s. Released during a period of sonic experimentation, the album showcases the band's diverse talents, offering a rich tapestry of compositions. This vinyl masterpiece not only epitomizes the musical landscape of its time but also reflects the collaborative prowess of its creators."
In the realm of progressive rock, few bands have left as indelible a mark as the legendary Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Their album "Works Volume 2", an exquisite creation produced by Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, stands as a testament to the band's unparalleled musicianship and innovative spirit. This 12" Vinyl LP Album is a treasure trove of sonic exploration that continues to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.
The Evolution of "Works Volume 2"
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, as they push the boundaries of their craft and redefine the possibilities of progressive rock.
With Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield at the helm of production, "Works Volume 2" takes listeners on a journey through a diverse musical landscape. Sinfield, known for his lyrical prowess and contributions to King Crimson, brings his poetic sensibilities to the album, infusing it with a lyrical depth that complements the instrumental virtuosity of ELP.
Mastering the Sonic Realm: A Look Behind the Scenes
The sonic brilliance of "Works Volume 2" can be attributed in part to the meticulous mastering process. The album was expertly mastered at two esteemed studios – Atlantic Studios and PRC Recording Company, Richmond. These studios, renowned for their commitment to audio excellence, played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound.
The mastering process is where the intricate layers of sound come together to create a harmonious whole. The delicate balance between the soaring keyboards of Emerson, the emotive vocals of Lake, and the rhythmic dynamism of Palmer is expertly crafted, resulting in a sonic tapestry that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its richness.
Visualizing the Art: Album Cover Photography
The visual identity of "Works Volume 2" is also a work of art in itself. The album cover, adorned with photography by Michael Putland of Retna, captures the essence of the music within. Putland's lens captures the essence of the band's dynamic energy and stage presence, offering a glimpse into the world of ELP's live performances.
The album cover serves as a visual gateway into the sonic odyssey that awaits within. It invites listeners to embark on a journey through the realms of progressive rock, where each track is a chapter in the larger narrative of musical exploration.
The Timeless Legacy of "Works Volume 2"
Decades after its release, "Works Volume 2" remains a cornerstone of the progressive rock genre. Its intricate compositions, emotive storytelling, and virtuoso performances continue to resonate with music enthusiasts across generations. Whether experienced through the warmth of vinyl or the crispness of digital formats, the album's impact remains undiminished.
The album: "Emerson Lake Palmer - Works Vol 2 " was produced by: Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield
This album was mastered at: Atlantic Studios, PRC Recording Company, Richmond
Album cover photography: Michael Putland, Retna
Prog Rock, Jazz Fusion Rock
Atlantic – SD 19147
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1977 USA
Front Cover of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP Album
This album cover embraces minimalism and sophistication. It features a solid off-white background with centered, large, uppercase serif text that reads "EMERSON LAKE & PALMER" followed by "WORKS" beneath it. Both lines are printed in classic black, giving the design a formal and elegant aesthetic.
Barely visible below the text, embossed into the white surface, is the band's circular monogram "ELP", rendered in a stylized format where the letters are interlocked in a geometric fashion. This subtle embossing adds texture and a sense of depth to the otherwise flat design.
In the top right corner, in much smaller italicized type, the text "Volume 2" appears, aligning discreetly with the corner and adding to the understated design approach.
The cover is free of imagery, photos, or color variations, making it visually stark yet striking. This restrained style is reflective of the album's refined content and the band's progressive rock identity during the late 1970s.
Back Cover of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP Album
This back cover combines visual personality with detailed album information. At the top center is a rectangular black-and-white photo of the band members—Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer—relaxed and smiling candidly. The photo is framed with a thin black line and set against an empty stadium-like background of seats and railings, lending an informal and spontaneous feel.
Beneath the image, the tracklist is divided into two columns: Side One and Side Two. Each song title is listed along with songwriting credits and production details. Notable entries include “Tiger in a Spotlight,” “Brain Salad Surgery,” and “I Believe in Father Christmas.” Some tracks feature orchestration by Keith Emerson and others, highlighting the album's stylistic range and classical influences.
Below the track listings, small print provides copyright and production details, including the Atlantic Records logo, address, and legal notice. In the bottom right corner, the photography credit is given to Michael Putland / Retna, affirming the professional quality of the photo used on the cover.
The design layout is clean and symmetrical, focusing attention on both the band's human side and the technical details of their musical craftsmanship.
Side One Record Label of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP Album
This image shows the center label of Side One of the vinyl record, printed on a clean white background with black text. At the top is the Atlantic Records logo, a prominent stylized “A” swirl icon inside a box. Just below it, the artist's name EMERSON LAKE & PALMER and the album title WORKS Volume 2 are centered in capital letters.
The track listing follows, presented in numbered order with song titles, durations in parentheses, composer credits, and publishing rights. Side One contains six tracks:
1. Tiger in a Spotlight (4:34) — Emerson, Lake, Palmer, Sinfield
2. When the Apple Blossoms Bloom in the Windmills of Your Mind I'll Be Your Valentine (3:55) — Emerson, Lake, Palmer
3. Bullfrog (3:52) — Palmer, Aspery, Hodgkinson
4. Brain Salad Surgery (3:05) — Emerson, Lake, Sinfield
5. Barrelhouse Shake-Down (3:47) — Emerson
6. Watching Over You (3:55) — Lake, Sinfield
The record's technical details appear on the left side: SIDE ONE, STEREO, SD 19147. On the right side is the copyright notice © 1977 and publisher Palm Beach International Recordings Ltd.
At the bottom, surrounding the edge of the label, the fine print reads: “MFG. BY ATLANTIC RECORDING CORP., 75 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, N.Y., N.Y. • A WARNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY” along with the matrix number STA-773933.
The label’s layout is meticulously organized, with the spindle hole at the center, clean typography, and clear separation between data fields. It reflects the album’s professionalism and the detailed documentation typical of major label releases from the 1970s.
Side Two Record Label of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP Album
This image shows the printed center label for Side Two of the LP. Set on a crisp white background, the label is headed by the bold, iconic Atlantic Records logo at the top. Below it, the artist's name EMERSON LAKE & PALMER and the title WORKS Volume 2 are centered in uppercase serif font.
Side Two contains six tracks, each listed with precise timing, composer credits, and publishing affiliations. The full track listing reads:
1. So Far to Fall (4:56) — Emerson, Lake, Sinfield
2. Maple Leaf Rag (1:55) — Scott Joplin
3. I Believe in Father Christmas (3:16) — Lake, Sinfield
4. Close But Not Touching (3:19) — Palmer, South
5. Honky Tonk Train Blues (3:09) — Meade (Lux) Lewis
6. Show Me the Way to Go Home (3:30) — Irving King
On the left side, the text reads SIDE TWO, STEREO, SD 19147, identifying the catalog number. On the right, the copyright symbol © 1977 is followed by Palm Beach International Recordings Ltd., indicating publishing rights.
Along the outer rim of the label, small print declares: “MFG. BY ATLANTIC RECORDING CORP., 75 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, N.Y., N.Y. • A WARNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY” and includes the matrix number STA-773934.
The centered spindle hole is clearly visible, aligning with the precision of commercial vinyl pressings. The layout mirrors that of Side One, maintaining consistency in the album’s graphic identity and production details.
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 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"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