Album Info
| Artist: | Emerson, Lake & Palmer |
| Album: | Tarkus |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | UK, Europe & US, 29 Jul 2016 |
Tracklist:
| A | Tarkus | |
| A1 | Eruption | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| A2 | Stones Of Years | |
| Written-By - Lake, Emerson | ||
| A3 | Iconoclast | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| A4 | Mass | |
| Written-By - Lake, Emerson | ||
| A5 | Manticore | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| A6 | Battlefield | |
| Written-By - Lake | ||
| A7 | Aquatarkus | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| B1 | Jeremy Bender | |
| Written-By - Lake, Emerson | ||
| B2 | Bitches Crystal | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| Written-By [Uncredited] - Lake | ||
| B3 | The Only Way (Hymn) | |
| Written-By - Emerson | ||
| Written-By [Uncredited] - Lake | ||
| B4 | Infinite Space (Conclusion) | |
| Written-By - Palmer, Emerson | ||
| B5 | A Time And A Place | |
| Written-By - Emerson/Lake/Palmer | ||
| B6 | Are You Ready Eddy? | |
| Written-By - Emerson/Lake/Palmer |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
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- Happy Listening!
Description
Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1971 album "Tarkus" is a landmark in progressive rock, showcasing the trio's virtuosic musicianship and their ability to craft complex, ambitious compositions. Released on June 14, 1971, "Tarkus" was the band's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1970. It solidified their reputation as one of the leading acts in the burgeoning progressive rock movement of the early 1970s.
The album's centrepiece is the 20-minute title track, "Tarkus", which occupies the entire first side of the record. This epic suite is divided into seven sections, each with its own distinct musical themes and moods, yet all seamlessly interconnected. The piece tells a surreal, allegorical story of a half-armadillo, half-tank creature named Tarkus, engaging in battles with various other fantastical beings. While the narrative is open to interpretation, the music itself is undeniably captivating. Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboard work drives the composition, with his Hammond organ and Moog synthesizer creating a rich tapestry of sound. Greg Lake's bass and vocals add depth and emotion, while Carl Palmer's drumming is both intricate and powerful, providing a dynamic foundation for the piece.
The second side of the album features a collection of shorter tracks, each showcasing a different facet of the band's musical style. "Jeremy Bender" is a playful, honky-tonk-inspired tune that contrasts sharply with the intensity of the title track. "Bitches Crystal" combines jazzy piano lines with a driving rhythm section, while "The Only Way (Hymn)" and its instrumental counterpart "Infinite Space (Conclusion)" explore themes of religion and existentialism, with Lake's poignant lyrics and Emerson's classically influenced piano work taking centre stage. "A Time and a Place" is a hard-hitting rock number, and the album closes with "Are You Ready Eddy?", a lighthearted boogie-woogie tribute to the band's engineer, Eddy Offord.
"Tarkus" was both a critical and commercial success upon its release, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 9 on the US Billboard 200. It demonstrated the band's ability to push the boundaries of rock music, blending classical, jazz, and experimental elements into a cohesive and innovative whole. The album's production, handled by the band themselves, captures the energy and precision of their performances, with each instrument clearly defined in the mix.
Over the years, "Tarkus" has remained a favourite among fans of progressive rock, and its title track is often regarded as one of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's finest achievements. The album's boldness and creativity continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike, cementing its place as a classic of the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of progressive rock, "Tarkus" is an album that demands to be experienced, offering a journey through sound and imagination that is as thrilling today as it was over five decades ago.
