A truly unique journey on a distant progressive rock planet...where classical beauty and bizarre alien music coexist in harmony! Thanks for watching! 🥰
"Trilogy" is, for me, their crowning achievement. A lot of people cite "Brain Salad Surgery" as ELP's best work, but "Trilogy" is more varied and, in my opinion, more creative and innovative. 52 years after buying "Trilogy", I haven't changed my mind! I am so glad you liked it Brandon. I'm SO enjoying this journey with you, as your musical selections feature so many of my favourites, and I love watching you hear them for the first time. I'm jealous that I'm not doing likewise! :) All the best of luck with your channel - you deserve it.
@@SpaceOdditiesLive I agree and I've been listening to them since they first came out in 1970. Second for me would be I want to give you pictures at an exhibition
You can listen to this 1,000 times and hear something new every time. Emerson's "Fugue" is astounding, but listen to Lake's bass on that part! It's so imaginative and almost speaking.
I love that these 3 are not their most complex yet I found them equally captivating and interesting. I will have to relisten and zone in on Greg's bass....Thanks for watching!
Trilogy, ELP's fourth album, features the trio settling down in more crowd-pleasing pastures. Actually, the group was gaining in maturity what they lost in raw energy. Every track has been carefully thought, arranged, and performed to perfection. A very romantic sounding album with a very restrained use of the synthesizer, which stands in for an orchestra here rather than setting new boundaries in electronic sound ... Prog rock fans had to satisfy themselves with the three-part "The Endless Enigma" and "Trilogy," both very strong but paced compositions. By 1972, Eddie Offord's recording and producing techniques had reached a peak. He provided a lush, comfy finish to the album that made it particularly suited for living-room listening and the FM airwaves. - Excerpts from All Music Guide Greg Lake: "It was a hard album to make because it was a very accurate album. A lot of time went into it - a lot of care. In many ways, it's one of the best albums we've done ... It’s got flashes of all the best things of what we were.”
If there were ever a 2 part song composition that would drive me into loving this band, it would certainly be the Endless Enigma and the entire Trilogy album. I never really knew how great ELP was until my freshman year in college and that’s when I first discovered the magic of those 3 genius musicians. I really think this album is their finest work and absolutely quintessential. Glad you enjoyed this !
I'm on the ground!!! 'Trilogy' (1972) is an incredible album. With 'Tarkus' (1971) and 'Brain Salad Surgery' (1973), three albums whose ranks I have never been able to determine in an ELP top 3. What more could you ask for in creativity, musical exploration, virtuosity? ELP at its most revolutionary. On this same album ('Trilogy'), in the title composition "Trilogy", Keith Emerson is simply breathtaking! Thanks.
I never need anything more from ELP in a song! Yes, I've reacted to Trilogy and loved it as well. Can't wait for more, early and late ELP (Love Beach, 90s albums), even though I heard many don't like their later material as much...Thanks
@@retroreactions.... I'm going to see your reaction to "Trilogy"! And sorry, I'm one of those who don't appreciate their latest productions. Sincerely.
@synthplayer1563 Sorry to sound condescending. There are aspects of fugue in Ian's melodies as they are repeated and interwoven throughout his compositions, however not titled 'Fugue'. Emerson is undoubtedly the premier progressive keyboardist/composer of the '70s and is unequaled to this day. Be well.
Thanks for sharing your ELP education with us, Brandon. This song is thought to be directed at the critics, who were for the most part awful to ELP. The whole suite is incredible, but the fugue stands out to me. I love the piano and bass weaving in and around each other with such speed and virtuosity.
You're welcome. Ah yes, I read about that meaning, then others thought it was directed at certain religions. Sad that most of the critics couldn't recognize or appreciate their musical genius back then. Fugue piano is gorgeous. Keith always amazes me, just like Banks and Wakeman! Thanks for watching..
@@retroreactions.... Interesting about religion. I've never heard that. Do you remember where you saw it? They only did one song that took a direct potshot at religion, and that was "The Only Way" on the Tarkus album. It segues into "Infinite Space." Both are fantastic, and you should put them on your ELP to-do list for down the road. There are a few others that should come first. Karn Evil 9 is mandatory listening.
@@kratinohi Kathy how is my little Pooh Bear haha by the way I'm not mad at you anymore isn't that great news? I would also add Jerusalem and the Barbarian to that list. What do you think sweetness😊
It was just a user comment on Songmeanings.com Here is the actual comment: I think the entire song is a critique of organized religion particularly Christianity. when church bells are played near end of part 2 that convinced me. later in career Lake releases I Believe in Father Christmas as a satire of Christmas. I don't know if he ever spoke on record of his beliefs or non beliefs. I will add your 2 suggestions to my list thanks!
Here's one from the '80s: Greg Lake singing "Haunted." (On his solo album "Manoeuvers.") He shows his full range from bottom to top. It would be an excellent showcase, considering that his new solo box set is out. It's a song of great beauty and depth. Dude, have I ever steered you wrong?
Thanks! It's on the list now. It pains me a bit to see my wonderful list these days...since there are almost 4,000 great songs on it to get to, but only 365 days in a year...thanks bud...
My first ELP album after the music teacher played Mussorgsky's version of ELP Pictures At An Exhibition for us. Unfortunately, ELP only played this fantastic opener on the USA tour (have a concert with it) and the brilliant title song was never played live. Reason: It cannot be implemented live. Like the debut, Trilogy is the album for every mood; PAAE is the album that I have to completely "immerse myself" in in order to enjoy it. Keep it up!!!
A unique listening experience every time with ELP! Could be on a sci-fi soundtrack…..imagine the sheet music for these pieces? Just one day left to see your 12th pick.
Who knows what else they have created that I've yet to discover and love! Sheet music would be insanity for many of their songs! Ah yes, it's over tomorrow...I think there's a 99 % chance you can guess my final artist.. 😃
New subscriber here. Found this channel watching Genesis reviews. Awesome stuff dude. ELP is one of my classic prog favorites along with Genesis, King Crimson and Yes.
Hello Shane. Thank you so much for your subscription..I really appreciate your support! Haven't done any KC, but Yes, ELP and Genesis are all some of my new favorite bands that I've discovered or further discovered within the past year on my channel. Not sure if you know, but Genesis has a weekly spot on my channel. I've done 60 reactions to them! All the playlists for each band are on my home page. Thanks again!
@retroreactions.... you should also check out the band Aphrodites Child (who Vangelis was in). There is a song "All the seats were occupied" from their album 666. Also Freedoms Children from South Africa. They did an awesome album called Astra. And if you don't mind a newer band that did prog that sounds like something out of the early 70s, check out the band Astra who did 2 albums "The Weirding" and "The Black Chord". It's all available on TH-cam.
@@retroreactions.... Montreux Jazz Festival 1997 Tarkus/pictures @ an Exhibition too see the magic Live. Or if you really want to get blown away by Keith Emerson… Medley Part 2🔥💥
Excellent review and assessment as always. The bells and trumpets at the end section are surely why I consider this a Christmas song, and often play it at this time of year. Greg's "here" really does deserve that chef's kiss too. RIP brothers. For a real treat, checkout the liver version of Tarkus from "Welcome Back My Friends". It was made for headphone listening. They jam out toward the end in the Aquatarkus section.
And you haven't even reached the masterpiece from "Trilogy" yet: "Abaddon's Bolero", similar in structure to Maurice Ravel's famous piece, but with completely different music. It sounds complex on first listening, but instead of becoming simpler and being gradually deciphered with repeated listening, it's a sort of chaotic fractal trap that only reveals more intricacy every time. ELP's attempts at playing it live, even with parts of it on tape, failed miserably. I remember I got "Trilogy" as a gift from a friend on my 13th birthday, and I listened to "Abaddon's Bolero" repeatedly, completely mesmerized by it (and this was one of those songs my mom didn't complain about).
AB...that title alone sounds amazing. I guess the biggest I've yet to get to are that one, Toccata, Karn Evil, Siberian, Wondrous...oh who am I kidding, all their songs are big I'm sure! So interesting to learn that some of their songs are so complex that they can't be replicated live...even your mom liked AB...better add another vote!
There is a live version of that or rather this song on TH-cam I've seen it. I'll if I come across to I'll send you the link it's pretty cool cuz Greg Lake plays the mellotron live. Excuse me I was wrong it's on Abadons Bolero where Greg is playing the mellotron. Keith didn't like using the mellotron for reasons only Keith know why? Great reaction to one of my favorite bands.
I found a live recording of Trilogy. You'll be able to see why they dropped playing it live. th-cam.com/video/JeL-eBFKmuQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9K4iXL3JWOnlu8te
Better on 2nd listen. Beautiful in parts but I'll fire from the hip, strange noises and 'twiddly' keyboards doth not music make! No 'WOW' from me. A comparison between ELP and your coverage of the unfussy APP tells the tale. Often 'more is less' with music (for me).
A truly unique journey on a distant progressive rock planet...where classical beauty and bizarre alien music coexist in harmony! Thanks for watching! 🥰
"Trilogy" is, for me, their crowning achievement. A lot of people cite "Brain Salad Surgery" as ELP's best work, but "Trilogy" is more varied and, in my opinion, more creative and innovative. 52 years after buying "Trilogy", I haven't changed my mind!
I am so glad you liked it Brandon. I'm SO enjoying this journey with you, as your musical selections feature so many of my favourites, and I love watching you hear them for the first time. I'm jealous that I'm not doing likewise! :) All the best of luck with your channel - you deserve it.
@@SpaceOdditiesLive I agree and I've been listening to them since they first came out in 1970. Second for me would be I want to give you pictures at an exhibition
Very well expressed thank you
Thanks for watching!
The single greatest vocal performance in rock music!!!!!
Excellent reaction again Brad! Have you ever notice - no-one ever has tried to copy ELP? Because they are/were Unique with a capitol U!
My absolute favorite piece from the ELP catalog😮
You can listen to this 1,000 times and hear something new every time. Emerson's "Fugue" is astounding, but listen to Lake's bass on that part! It's so imaginative and almost speaking.
I love that these 3 are not their most complex yet I found them equally captivating and interesting. I will have to relisten and zone in on Greg's bass....Thanks for watching!
Came to hear Greg Lake(RIP) sing, stayed for the music. Quite the way to get a Friday night rolling
From a fellow lover of Lake's voice: Have you ever heard his song "Haunted"?
ELP can certainly perk up any moment! Extravagant musicianship!
My favourite piece of ELP, together with Karn Eval 9 and Trilogy.
Nice...will have to cover Karn Evil this year! Thanks for watching..
My favorite band! So glad I got to see them in the early 70's. Twice.
Nice! There's nothing quite like seeing your favorite band live in concert...thanks for watching!
Emerson’s ‘Fugue’ would get a stamp of approval from J. S. Bach himself. These three parts combine to be a masterclass in theme development.
ELP at their best!
Always amazing...such a unique sound too...Thanks for tuning in!
Trilogy, ELP's fourth album, features the trio settling down in more crowd-pleasing pastures. Actually, the group was gaining in maturity what they lost in raw energy. Every track has been carefully thought, arranged, and performed to perfection. A very romantic sounding album with a very restrained use of the synthesizer, which stands in for an orchestra here rather than setting new boundaries in electronic sound ... Prog rock fans had to satisfy themselves with the three-part "The Endless Enigma" and "Trilogy," both very strong but paced compositions. By 1972, Eddie Offord's recording and producing techniques had reached a peak. He provided a lush, comfy finish to the album that made it particularly suited for living-room listening and the FM airwaves. - Excerpts from All Music Guide
Greg Lake: "It was a hard album to make because it was a very accurate album. A lot of time went into it - a lot of care. In many ways, it's one of the best albums we've done ... It’s got flashes of all the best things of what we were.”
Hello. Thanks for sharing that great info. And for watching!
If there were ever a 2 part song composition that would drive me into loving this band, it would certainly be the Endless Enigma and the entire Trilogy album. I never really knew how great ELP was until my freshman year in college and that’s when I first discovered the magic of those 3 genius musicians. I really think this album is their finest work and absolutely quintessential. Glad you enjoyed this !
Nice!!!!!! Legendary musicians. 💙💙🎼🎹🥁🎻🎤🎶🎶
Got that right!...so much sound and talent pouring from 3 humans...Thanks for being first again 🎵🥇🎹
Bizarre alien music!! LoL 👽👽🎵🎶🎶
I'm on the ground!!! 'Trilogy' (1972) is an incredible album. With 'Tarkus' (1971) and 'Brain Salad Surgery' (1973), three albums whose ranks I have never been able to determine in an ELP top 3. What more could you ask for in creativity, musical exploration, virtuosity? ELP at its most revolutionary. On this same album ('Trilogy'), in the title composition "Trilogy", Keith Emerson is simply breathtaking! Thanks.
I never need anything more from ELP in a song! Yes, I've reacted to Trilogy and loved it as well. Can't wait for more, early and late ELP (Love Beach, 90s albums), even though I heard many don't like their later material as much...Thanks
@@retroreactions.... I'm going to see your reaction to "Trilogy"! And sorry, I'm one of those who don't appreciate their latest productions. Sincerely.
The title track is Another of my ELP favorites.
Yes, loved that one as well! So many amazing ones I've yet to discover no doubt...
WANT TO IMPROVE THE MUSIC FROM THIS BAND, PLAY IN COMPLETE DARKNESS
I really appreciate the video. Truly one of their best songs. Fine art, all other progressive rock bands cannot achieve this kind of complexity.
Well spoken! Thanks so much for tuning in...
Try Jethro Tull 'A Passion Play' or 'Thick as a Brick' if you want complexity. ELP hardly has the corner on complexity.
@@phillyflyer12 Of course I know this songs. Question: Is there also a fugue composed and played by Jethro Tull? I don't know of any.
@synthplayer1563 Sorry to sound condescending.
There are aspects of fugue in Ian's melodies as they are repeated and interwoven throughout his compositions, however not titled 'Fugue'. Emerson is undoubtedly the premier progressive keyboardist/composer of the '70s and is unequaled to this day.
Be well.
Thanks for sharing your ELP education with us, Brandon. This song is thought to be directed at the critics, who were for the most part awful to ELP. The whole suite is incredible, but the fugue stands out to me. I love the piano and bass weaving in and around each other with such speed and virtuosity.
You're welcome. Ah yes, I read about that meaning, then others thought it was directed at certain religions. Sad that most of the critics couldn't recognize or appreciate their musical genius back then. Fugue piano is gorgeous. Keith always amazes me, just like Banks and Wakeman! Thanks for watching..
@@retroreactions.... Interesting about religion. I've never heard that. Do you remember where you saw it? They only did one song that took a direct potshot at religion, and that was "The Only Way" on the Tarkus album. It segues into "Infinite Space." Both are fantastic, and you should put them on your ELP to-do list for down the road. There are a few others that should come first. Karn Evil 9 is mandatory listening.
@@kratinohi Kathy how is my little Pooh Bear haha by the way I'm not mad at you anymore isn't that great news? I would also add Jerusalem and the Barbarian to that list. What do you think sweetness😊
It was just a user comment on Songmeanings.com Here is the actual comment:
I think the entire song is a critique of organized religion particularly Christianity. when church bells are played near end of part 2 that convinced me. later in career Lake releases I Believe in Father Christmas as a satire of Christmas. I don't know if he ever spoke on record of his beliefs or non beliefs.
I will add your 2 suggestions to my list thanks!
I have reacted to Jerusalem already. Let me know if you'd like the link..
Here's one from the '80s: Greg Lake singing "Haunted." (On his solo album "Manoeuvers.") He shows his full range from bottom to top. It would be an excellent showcase, considering that his new solo box set is out. It's a song of great beauty and depth. Dude, have I ever steered you wrong?
Thanks! It's on the list now. It pains me a bit to see my wonderful list these days...since there are almost 4,000 great songs on it to get to, but only 365 days in a year...thanks bud...
My first ELP album after the music teacher played Mussorgsky's version of ELP Pictures At An Exhibition for us. Unfortunately, ELP only played this fantastic opener on the USA tour (have a concert with it) and the brilliant title song was never played live. Reason: It cannot be implemented live. Like the debut, Trilogy is the album for every mood; PAAE is the album that I have to completely "immerse myself" in in order to enjoy it. Keep it up!!!
Of course those people they are referring to are the music critics😮
A unique listening experience every time with ELP! Could be on a sci-fi soundtrack…..imagine the sheet music for these pieces? Just one day left to see your 12th pick.
Who knows what else they have created that I've yet to discover and love! Sheet music would be insanity for many of their songs! Ah yes, it's over tomorrow...I think there's a 99 % chance you can guess my final artist.. 😃
I met my ex boyfriend in a ELP fan group. Oh well, at least I still have ELP..🤗
😊 There ya go...Happy weekend!
@@retroreactions.... 😎👌
New subscriber here. Found this channel watching Genesis reviews. Awesome stuff dude. ELP is one of my classic prog favorites along with Genesis, King Crimson and Yes.
Hello Shane. Thank you so much for your subscription..I really appreciate your support! Haven't done any KC, but Yes, ELP and Genesis are all some of my new favorite bands that I've discovered or further discovered within the past year on my channel. Not sure if you know, but Genesis has a weekly spot on my channel. I've done 60 reactions to them! All the playlists for each band are on my home page. Thanks again!
@retroreactions.... you should also check out the band Aphrodites Child (who Vangelis was in). There is a song "All the seats were occupied" from their album 666. Also Freedoms Children from South Africa. They did an awesome album called Astra. And if you don't mind a newer band that did prog that sounds like something out of the early 70s, check out the band Astra who did 2 albums "The Weirding" and "The Black Chord". It's all available on TH-cam.
Thanks!
💥🔥
Thanks for stopping by my friend!
@@retroreactions.... Montreux Jazz Festival 1997 Tarkus/pictures @ an Exhibition too see the magic Live. Or if you really want to get blown away by Keith Emerson… Medley Part 2🔥💥
Excellent review and assessment as always. The bells and trumpets at the end section are surely why I consider this a Christmas song, and often play it at this time of year. Greg's "here" really does deserve that chef's kiss too. RIP brothers. For a real treat, checkout the liver version of Tarkus from "Welcome Back My Friends". It was made for headphone listening. They jam out toward the end in the Aquatarkus section.
Thank you very much. Oh wow, I can totally see the Christmas angle now that you mention it. Ah yes, Tarkus live must be quite the experience! Thanks
Carl should be Rush's replacement drummer. I totally am behind that!@@retroreactions....
And you haven't even reached the masterpiece from "Trilogy" yet: "Abaddon's Bolero", similar in structure to Maurice Ravel's famous piece, but with completely different music. It sounds complex on first listening, but instead of becoming simpler and being gradually deciphered with repeated listening, it's a sort of chaotic fractal trap that only reveals more intricacy every time. ELP's attempts at playing it live, even with parts of it on tape, failed miserably. I remember I got "Trilogy" as a gift from a friend on my 13th birthday, and I listened to "Abaddon's Bolero" repeatedly, completely mesmerized by it (and this was one of those songs my mom didn't complain about).
AB...that title alone sounds amazing. I guess the biggest I've yet to get to are that one, Toccata, Karn Evil, Siberian, Wondrous...oh who am I kidding, all their songs are big I'm sure! So interesting to learn that some of their songs are so complex that they can't be replicated live...even your mom liked AB...better add another vote!
There is a live version of that or rather this song on TH-cam I've seen it. I'll if I come across to I'll send you the link it's pretty cool cuz Greg Lake plays the mellotron live.
Excuse me I was wrong it's on Abadons Bolero where Greg is playing the mellotron. Keith didn't like using the mellotron for reasons only Keith know why?
Great reaction to one of my favorite bands.
th-cam.com/video/e-HcQ7iySgw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_7ahP8mgoi5geHQn
A bit better copy?
I found a live recording of Trilogy. You'll be able to see why they dropped playing it live.
th-cam.com/video/JeL-eBFKmuQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9K4iXL3JWOnlu8te
Thanks so much Glenn! I will check out the links...
WOW
Better on 2nd listen. Beautiful in parts but I'll fire from the hip, strange noises and 'twiddly' keyboards doth not music make! No 'WOW' from me. A comparison between ELP and your coverage of the unfussy APP tells the tale. Often 'more is less' with music (for me).