Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a 1971 album
Tarkus is the song on the first side of the album, a splendid suite divided into seven sections composed by Keith Emerson, with the exception of "Battlefield," which is credited to Lake.
Tarkus is also the name of the monster on the album cover, an armadillo with tank tracks and cannons, half animal, half machine, whose story is told through drawings on the inside cover.
Tarkus is the title track, a true masterpiece, the best ELP song of all time in my opinion, and as a whole, it's more beautiful than any of the seven sections taken separately. It begins with an almost imperceptible intro and gradually builds over an endless 20 minutes until it explodes. A song comparable to a work of classical music that not only represents the best of ELP but also, in my opinion, the best of Prog. Greg Lake surpasses himself on vocals, Palmer creates perfect and virtuoso timing, and Emerson creates unparalleled atmospheres on keyboards. They should be taught this in music schools. It should be a treasure trove of humanity, protected for future generations.
The second side of the album doesn't hold a candle to the others. The songs are certainly beautiful, and we're talking about a band of exceptional musicians. "A Time and a Place" is a beautiful piece that blends joy and drama, while "Jeremy Bender" and "Are You Ready, Eddy" are pleasant but light-hearted. They're nothing compared to the title track. Despite this B-side being inferior to Side A, the album remains an absolute masterpiece.
I don't practice the option of just listening to Side A like many do. I always listen to it all, because ELP's lesser works would make many other bands pale.
A must-have, without a doubt!!!
Tracklist
1. Tarkus (20:43):
- a. Eruption (2:44)
- b. Stones of Years (3:44)
- c. Iconoclast (1:16)
- d. Mass (3:12)
- And. Manticore (1:52)
- f. Battlefield (3:51)
- g. Aquatarkus (4:04)
2. Jeremy Bender (1:51)
3. Bitches Crystal (3:58)
4. The Only Way (Hymn) (3:49)
(Themes used in intro & bridge from Toccata in F and Prelude VI, composed by JS Bach)
5. Infinite Space (conclusion) (3:20)
6. A Time and a Place (3:02)
7. Are You Ready Eddy? (2:10)
Duration 38:53
Lineup
- Greg Lake - vocals, bass, electric and acoustic guitar
- Keith Emerson - Hammond organ, St. Mark's Church organ, piano, celesta, Moog synthesizer
- Carl Palmer - drums, percussion
