Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus [Cotillion Records SD 9900] (14 June 1971)

Released: 14 June 1971
Country: US
Label: Cotillion Records
Catalog: SD 9900
Pressing: Specialty Records Corporation
Genre: Progressive Rock

Item# SR-COSD9900
Ratings: C=VG; LP=VG


T R A C K L I S T:
01 Eruption
02 Stones Of Years
03 Iconoclast
04 Mass
05 Manticore
06 Battlefield
07 Aquatarkus
08 Jeremy Bender
09 Bitches Crystal
10 The Only Way (Hymn)
11 Infinite Space (Conclusion)
12 A Time And A Place
13 Are You Ready Eddy?




Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer


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Album Review

Francois Couture [allmusic.com]

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1970 eponymous LP was only a rehearsal. It hit hard because of the novelty of the act (allegedly the first supergroup in rock history), but felt more like a collection of individual efforts and ideas than a collective work. All doubts were dissipated by the release of Tarkus in 1971. Side one of the original LP is occupied by the 21-minute title epic track, beating both Genesis' ''Supper's Ready'' and Yes' ''Close to the Edge'' by a year. Unlike the latter group's cut-and-paste technique to obtain long suites, ''Tarkus'' is a thoroughly written, focused piece of music. It remains among the Top Ten classic tracks in progressive rock history. Because of the strength of side one, the material on the album's second half has been quickly forgotten -- with one good reason: it doesn't match the strength of its counterpart -- but ''Bitches Crystal'' and ''A Time and a Place'' make two good prog rock tracks, the latter being particularly rocking. ''Jeremy Bender'' is the first in a series of honky tonk-spiced, Far-West-related songs. This one and the rock & roll closer ''Are You Ready Eddy?'' are the only two tracks worth throwing away. Otherwise Tarkus makes a very solid album, especially to the ears of prog rock fans -- no Greg Lake acoustic ballads, no lengthy jazz interludes. More accomplished than the trio's first album, but not quite as polished as Brain Salad Surgery, Tarkus is nevertheless a must-have.