He said From the beginning was rather simple. He ought to listen to The Sage from Pictures. It is anything but simple. Hybrid picking at its finest. :)
I've watched several livestreams, this might be the best. Pure enjoyment from you, and deep understanding and appreciation of these true Gods of music. We grasp at an unattainable youth through things like this, and your joy is an adrenaline rush. Peace, young Daniel, and thanks.
ELP!? I'm so proud. Our boy is really coming along. :)) Now: Look for Take a Pebble, Jerusalem, Still (You Turn Me On) and pretty much everything on Brain Salad Surgery.
There is an ELP video out there where Carl Palmer goes OFF on a drum soloin the middle of Karn Evil 9, that would leave even Neil Peart gassed - this one - th-cam.com/video/P19BpRijJD4/w-d-xo.html
Congratulations on "Tarkus" - one of ELP's more challenging works. I think it's probably the purest distillation of the essence of ELP's musical aesthetic. "Karn Evil 9" is the epic, "Pirates" is the cinematic tour-de-force, "Knife-Edge" established the darker edge, "Abaddon's Bolero" is the meticulous construct, and so on. "Tarkus" is all of it. I must admit to some amusement at your attempts to nod along with a series of rapid changes of melody, tempo and time signature. But it's not fair of me; because I already know what's coming next, I can think ahead past this change and the next three coming up. Believe me, it took a few listens to get it straight. At a rough estimate, I've probably heard "Tarkus" close to 400 times, including three times live. Watching your first hearing brings back so many memories of my own musical explorations, though finding music in the 70's was quite a different challenge from what you're doing today. Okay, so now you've heard "Tarkus". You'll be receiving all manner of ELP suggestions; while some pieces are more or less 'mandatory listening' each of us also has a few more obscure songs that we hold as personal favorites. It's hard to steer you wrong with their work, at least until 1978. (Avoid the 'Love Beach' album as you would The Plague. It was one of the tangible things that led to the end of Prog's popularity. The Sex Pistols wanted to destroy Prog, but where Johnny Rotten failed, 'Love Beach' succeeded.) You already know what my next suggestion is, but now that you've heard "Tarkus", you have a frame of reference by which to judge the live version. Let me put it this way: what you've heard is the slow, anemic and thin "Tarkus". Live, it's a whole 'nother ball game. Food for thought: although the live version is played faster, the song is nearly seven minutes longer. You've missed quite a bit. Again, use the live version from 'Show That Never Ends'. Significantly absent from the studio recording is almost all of the final section, "Aquatarkus". Keith Emerson's primary synthesizer was an electronic monstrosity called The Beast. Being a 21st-century person, I can confidently say that you've never heard a synthesizer that can make sounds like that one can. It can produce feedback and distortion that any guitarist would envy. It's capable of producing signal frequencies well below and above the range of human hearing: from direct current to 150,000 Hz. Emerson's keyboard tech had to put circuit-breakers on all the PA system's tweeters, otherwise, the voice coils would melt. "Aquatarkus" live is The Beast on full display.
Wow. You DO take on challenges...and ALL classics! I'm of your Grandfather's era (Viet Nam Vet) and am sorry for your loss. I really enjoy your choices to react to! Tarkus and ELP have always been favorites. May I also suggest Chuck Mangione - Hill Where the Lord Hides - one of my super favorites.
Just hear Feels so Good by Chuck yesterday and realized it had been a Long time since I listened to his music. AND I haven't seen a reaction to his music by anyone... will be recommending Chuck for sure.
Emerson, Lake and Palmer were all three basically show-offs, fortunately for us, they were also all three masters of their instruments. Combine that with some amazing studio engineering, (not to mention writing), and you get one of the best catalogs in rock history.
So grateful for this and looking forward to it. I may be in the minority here, but Brain Salad Surgery is my opus for ELP, for Karn Evil 9 alone. And the rest of the album is not filler, many classics among them. At least you will explore more ELP, and that is vital in any proper progressive rock journey.
True Story: Someone once asked Led Zeppelin's drummer, John Bonham, "So, how does it feel to be the best drummer in rock?". To which he replied. "Why...did Carl Palmer die?". He had always thought that Carl was a better drummer, especially in a matter of precision and technicality.
So fun to see a younger generation exposed to the music of my youth. Got introduced to ELP by a friend from church who played piano. Could play anything you asked him to by ear but did not read music (he could also play violin and filled in on drums during a pep rally at high school once having never played them before). We'd go on church youth group ski trips in his family's van which had quad speakers and listen to ELP. Their music was awesome in quad. ELP is not for everyone. So glad you liked this. If you like Carl Palmer's drumming listen to Tank.
Emerson wrote the music ! 1 of the best musical master pieces of all time ! Everyone should listen to that classical composer that explains the music . He Evan explains that he can't understand it 100 percent ! Than Lake wrote the Lyrics. You did a great job with the Lyrics. Than Carl filled in the drums to this masterpiece. Just so you know Emerson invented Prog ! ELP forever! Don't miss the next tour .
Daniel, great that you reacted to Tarkus. The keyboard player Keith Emerson, along with Rick Wakeman of Yes, are considered the greatest keyboard players in the history of rock. Also, Neil Peart called drummer Carl Palmer one of his influences. I got to meet ELP twice in life, experiences of a lifetime. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you checking out ELP's Karn Evil 9, all three impressions!! It's another longer piece, but you will definitely find it more musical and it is another prog rock masterpiece!!!
One of my favourite bands. As well produced as their records were and their incredible playing, nothing compares to their live performances. When you have time, listen to their live album "Pictures at an Exhibition". More in the classical vein and it takes a few listens to get it, but it's worth it.
I for one watch the videos from start to end. I stop at certain points to leave a comment...only to remove them, more often than not, once I see that song facts has already made that point for me. I wind up leaving some mundane comment like: You've haven't lived until you've seen a Carl Palmer drum solo. 🤷♂️
This is the worlds first large scale MOOG Synthesizer to be used as a touring instrument. It would pretty much fill your entire living room with the keyboards. Cost? Between 50-100,000$ and needs a small moving truck to move it. Keith Emerson may be the best keyboardist to have played rock, Carl Palmer may have been the best drummer, they're both on people's top 5 lists. On the war aspect you felt, this was written during the Vietnam War that had many bands writing anti-war songs.
There was after all only the three of them. Keyboards, Bass & Percussion. They did multitrack in the studio so you can often hear bass and guitar together. The one thing they did always was write every song with the goal of playing it live so they always had a plan to adapt it so it would sound as close as possible to the studio version. While Greg generally played bass, Emerson when needed would play either a bass line or guitar riff on one of the keyboards/synth.... whichever was required.
Greatest Prog group EVER.. Imagine seeing them do this Live .at 100x that volume ... they were great.you gotta check out thier other stuff.ANOTHER CONVERT !! Subscribed....looking forward 2 more.......
Got Here a few months late - Much has been said. A big pat on the back for diving in to Tarkus - there is much more to dwell upon in the future from ELP. Well done Daniel!
Saw them in Germany 1972 or so. But they are very good live. Emerson jumping all over organ stabbing it with Real Golden daggers, and Palmer's drum set unreal
I grew up listening to ELP and saw them several times live . . . you have to see Keith Emerson on stage . . . . my brother is a sound engineer and worked with Keith a lot towards the end of his life - much missed musical genius.
In 1971 I was about to start my senior year in high school and my older brother was just home from 3 years in the navy. He brought this LP home and we listened to it. When done we looked at each other and said - play it again ! We had never heard anything like it. Thanks for the memory.
Well done my man, TARKUS has been my favorite song since it came out in '71, the year I graduated H.S. And yes almost 50 years ago, and I'm still not sure of the full meaning the lyrics, but I did like your interpretation.. Still I grab bits and pieces of the lyrics over the years that hit me with just the right chord right when needed. So glad you liked it so much Man! New scriber, Tim @poetreats on Twitter, where I have a lot of #musictreats of this same caliber, if so inclined (:
Just another note, Keith Emerson was the greatest keyboardist in all of Rock N Roll. And he could play 4 keyboards at the same time using 2 hands and 2 feet. Saw him do this 2 times in concert. Incredible.
I became a drummer because of Carl Palmer. He was known as the Buddy Rich of rock for a good reason. When Palmer unloads in a live setting he is mine blowing just like Keith Emerson was. Rip Keith and Greg.
Re: "a world where time signatures don't exist," the opening is mostly in 5/4 with occasional measures or even longer phrases in 4/4 interspersed. You'll find a lot of prog music uses what I call kick or drop beats, especially 5/4, 7/8, 10/8, 11/8, but I've seen 13 and 21 also used. This may be related to Indian music, where the raga might have 22 or more beats in the pattern. "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" by King Crimson is an excellent example of 10/8 put to good use.
For me, there are 2 types of ELP: The Greg Lake, him with his guitar and wonderful voice, like Lucky Man, From the Beginning & Still You Turn me on and then it’s the super progressive stuff like Tarkus, Karin Evil 9, etc, where all three members show off what great musicians they are. Love both.
ELP were a 'Supergroup' comprising musicians who were already established and had mastered their chops elsewhere. Keith Emerson was in The Nice, originally soul singer P.P Arnold's backing band. Greg Lake came from King Crimson and Carl Palmer from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster. They were jaw droppingly good musicians, but often polarised opinion among prog rock fans, for being overly bombastic and lacking the 'depth' and feel of acts such as Genesis and Yes. Whatever one thinks of them, there's no denying their musical genius and popularity at the time. The Tarkus suite is ELP at their best IMO, but it's worth checking out their eponymous debut album - their best album overall IMO - Songs like Take a Pebble and The Barbarian are fantastic. Also check out the Trilogy album and Brain Salad Surgery, the latter regarded by many as their best.
That my friend is the best drummer live I have ever seen in concert. Seen Peart, Copeland, and many more over 40 years of concerts. Carl Palmer is still incredible now in his 70's. Closest thing to Buddy Rich/Gene Krupa rockprog. ever saw.
Greg Lake was also in a band called King Crimson. He borrowed a few lines from one of their songs to finish up the live version of this piece. "Confusion will be my epitaph. As I crawl a cracked and broken path If we make it we can all sit back and laugh."
Sin duda joven amigo , has escuchado una gran obra de este trio de otra galaxia ..Tarkus es la gran obra progresiva , Keith Emerson un dios de los teclados y la vida lo unio a un gran musico , guitarra bajo letras y voz con Greg Lake y uniendose tambien al gran dios delos tambores , Carl Palmer ...el mejor de todos los tiempos ...piensa tu que esta grabacion como muchas del progresivo ingles son de los años 70 y 80.......GENIOS ABSOLUTOS ...nadie hasta el momento los supera ...
Just FYI, the story of monster vs. monster comes from the art work seen in the artwork on the inside of the album. But I do like your interpretation of Tarkus. Even if I didn't, I'd like the effort you put into trying.
Well that was another great reaction. Pretty good interpretation. You got the whole battle concept right. Now you just have to finish the album. Especially tracks 4,5 and 6. This band is incredible. Remember it's only a 3 piece band. "Pictures at an Exhibition" and "Trilogy" are also great albums. Progressive rock is the best. How can Modern Rap music come close to music like this? Hope more Pink Floyd is coming soon too.
So now that you've done Thick As A Brick and Tarkus, you'll be able to tackle Karn Evil 9 (ELP) and the big piece A Passion Play (Jethro Tull) !!! i'm sure you'll love both !
I like your perspective from a Christian upbringing. I grew up in a fairly strict Christian home, but Progressive Rock became one of my go to music outside of Church hymns and pop music on the 70's, ELP and Yes were my favorite bands. You might want to listen to some of Rick Wakeman's stuff, "journey to the Center of the earth is an album long story. Just magnificent!!!
When you hear Tarkus you realize you didn't know anything, and then you emerges feeling different, it's like a “brain salad surgery” and the feeling is very good. And Daniel has another song on the album "Bitches Crystal" even more alien-esque.
One of our favourite albums back in the early 70’s. Great example of jazzy and classically influenced prog rock put out by three giants of the genre. Interesting interpretation Daniel. Glad to see you getting into what 70’s prog had to offer.
The reprise will always get me the most. All that pain, the hollow victory. Silence. And then it just starts all over again. The sirens, the gong, the machine. This story has never ended.
"The weaver in the web that he made" - for fifty years I've misheard the lyrics as "Believer in the weapon he made". I hear new stuff on each listen, today in Carl Palmer's amazing drumming. Saw them twice in the 80s, though one time it was Cozy Powell on drums (still ELP luckily due to his name - even had the same initials).
You should hear Tarkus live on "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Emerson, Lake & Palmer." Actually the whole 2-CD set is fantastic. ;)
Ok, time for my ELP rant, hah hah : ) I think it's fine if you want to do Karn Evil 9 next, but that's not an easy listen, just so you know. It's a very bizarre piece of music, broken up into different "impressions". Some of it is very disjointed (yes, this is just my opinion, obviously) : ) I recommend you react to their first album and start with the opening track 'The Barbarian' ELP also has some very beautiful classical music (see their album 'Works Volume 1') My favorite piece by them is Trilogy. It's amazingly beautiful and my second favorite is The Endless Enigma, then Tarkus, but I think all 3 are amazing masterpieces. I also really hope you watch Rachel Flowers perform these pieces, after you listen to ELP perform them, obviously : ) Rick Wakeman also paid tribute to Keith, after he died, by performing Trilogy. And lastly, as I also said in the chat, check out Carl Palmer playing drums at 70. The man is unreal. Greatest Rock drummer I ever listened to. The greatest drummer I've ever listened to is Buddy Rich. These would all make wonderful reaction videos too. Enjoy the music of ELP
First heard this at a friends's house around 1974 and loved it ever since. I recommend checking out Rachel Flowers, a young (blind) pianist who plays Keith Emerson's moog and knocks it out of the park. th-cam.com/video/FLT3Cb96-Mk/w-d-xo.html
Having first heard the original album on vinyl with the inside art "explaining" the story for me, I am going to say that I prefer your interpretation of it and it will be the way I hear the song going forwards. I also felt that, after the victory march at the end it quickly goes back into the main Tarkus theme at the finish symbolizes how, no matter how good intentioned the Crusade, it will eventually become as bad as whatever it is replacing. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Good job. Think you would love the Tokyo Philharmonic version too. For ELP, maybe do live Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland), the live version when they are in empty stadium freezing their butts off. Then tackle Karn Evil 9.
Sorry I missed the live show. This one made me a big fan of ELP. Another Rabbit hole, but not as deep as some others.Tarkus is one of the foundational pieces of prog rock, and changed my life with it's 10/8 opening. Still sounds great after all these years. My personal favorite is 'Pieces at an Exhibition' as a classical music/rock statement. Since you are getting into longer pieces, you might want to try it. Many will recommend Karn #9. I always found Pt 1 to be a bit long and repetative, but Pt 2 is very good indeed. RIP Greg and Keith.
In the original gatefold sleeve of the album, there are paintings that tell the story of this Tarkus the tank armadillo. It is born, confronts various biomechanical, living weapons and prevails them. Then it fights a manticore and loses. Manticore is representing the wild, raw, untamed nature over technology. On the B -side of the Lp - format of the album "Tarkus", there are lyrics that point a finger on religion in general especially the song multi-part "Infinite Space".
It took a while for me to formulate the kinds of words it takes to describe your reaction. Keith Emerson was coloring in a scene with sounds that could not be reproduced by natural means. The way you were drawn in was exciting to watch. At many points in the listening, your interpretation of filing in the narrative was artful and logically arrived with persuasive passion. Excellent! This Tarkus, is why E.L.P. is renown. I pondered your narrative, about children going off to war, only to die. For even the children understood that it was worth their own lives, to save the place where Jesus died and rose again. Whether truth or fantasy; They believed it. When you pulled up your hoodie, and slipped into some sort of Tarkish rebel leader, I was quite convinced, that you Daniel, are extremely creative, relentlessly clever, and quite possibly as insane as the rest of us.
I really wish you had been able to show a video of ELP performing, it makes such a difference in your understanding of what it took to make this music. - If you can give it another go, try a video showing them performing Karn Evil 2. I mean when the drummer is playing with both hands, both feet, AND his head (via teeth pulling a rope over his head) and the keyboardist is totally surrounded by keyboards of which he is playing two at a time, it is totally mind blowing! If you do, think of the sound of carnival music when you listen to Karn Evil.
"What the heck is going on here" pretty much sums it up when you don't know ELP! ELP is genius perfection! I have to laugh when these young people have no idea what is making the sounds...'is that an organ?' They have no idea what a moog synthesizer is. They should watch a live show.
FYI... several years ago Kieth Emerson developed a medical condition that prevented from being able to play keyboards...as a result, he took his own life. RIP Kieth Emerson.
very enjoyable watch of how you experienced this Masterpiece by my Fave Band of All Times ever since I first heard them back in 1970.. The story of Tarkus, there are various ways of interpreting the lyrics, the synopsis in combination with the truly amazing musical setting. Your interpretation is certainly interesting. Others have recommended you give Karn Evil 9 a try and I can concur. This too,musically but also storywise is such an Epic piece. Oh, and indeed their version of Pictures at an Exhibition. Originally composed for piano solo by Mussorgski and famed for the orchestral version (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel). I am very sure both composers would have loved ELP's rock version had they still been alive.
Bummed I missed this live, had other things that needed my attention at that time. Typing as we go... "Then we discover the truth." LOL BTW, my best friend had this album and I thought the cover art was pretty damn cool. If I remember, I only listened to this once back then and it wasn't really my cup of tea, I think I've grown enough to appreciate it more now despite being a bit slow...the music is awesome! What is going on? LOL, your guess is as good as mine. This sound reminds me of a late 60s style kinda....uhhh, can't think of the word...(two minutes later) PSYCHEDELIC era style, THAT'S the word...yeeaaahhhhhhh LOL! LOVE how that middle section picks up! Funny how you WHAT?? Spit it out Daniel LOL! Blinded by the Light?...isn't that another song by a different band? ; ) Quite the interesting analysis, well done!! I never would have dived down that far. LMAO!!!...the adults from peanuts...good call! No guitar...if any at all...as others have pointed out and a little FYI: Sometimes keyboards have setting to make the sounds of other instruments like horns and strings. Song facts for the...almost win LOL...interesting information, especially regarding the live concert incident! Finally, if people wanna spout off without getting the full story or all the info then just let them look silly!! GREAT reaction Daniel!!
Funny thing, the reason I bought the album was the picture of the armadillo on the front. I’d never heard of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. This was the week the album was released. You’ve got to understand that these guys were classically trained. They were musicians not just rockers. These recordings were their symphonies.
This is the kind of Moog Synthesizer Keith Emerson had hooked up to his keyboard....www.sweetwater.com/insync/media/2017/07/emersonmooghero.jpg That’s the sound you hear.
moody blues...procol harum...jethro tull... led zeppelin.... the who.... yes.... cream..... emerson lake and palmer....jimi hendrix...... even the beatles got into the act..... these among others were treasure troves of sound, poetry and music... in fact we didn't call them "music" or "tunes". we called them "sounds".... t'was mystical magical era... i am happy to see new generations are rediscovering them..... as we would say back in the day...... peace
Going to look for whether you got to the live version, the studio version has awesome tones with all the instruments but from a previous comment, the live version is to really blow you away, what a performance. Saw them first on the original Pirates tour, then several times later, so memorable.
Just found this - well done on tackling such an iconic prog epic, it's so great for an old-timer like me (I saw ELP in 1972 and '74, '92 and their final show in 2010), who's been listening to ELP since I was 13, to see young folk taking the time - and you need time with pieces like this - to listen to such wonderful music. For what it's worth, I think the live version - still performed by just the three of them, no extra musicians - on Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends -is even better, not least because of the superb longer version of Aquatarkus. Try it if you have time, it's worth it.
Another is the version of Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures At An Exhibition" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Combines progressive rock with classical!
He said From the beginning was rather simple. He ought to listen to The Sage from Pictures. It is anything but simple. Hybrid picking at its finest. :)
You've got to admit, Greg Lake's voice is so awesome.
I've watched several livestreams, this might be the best. Pure enjoyment from you, and deep understanding and appreciation of these true Gods of music. We grasp at an unattainable youth through things like this, and your joy is an adrenaline rush. Peace, young Daniel, and thanks.
ELP!? I'm so proud. Our boy is really coming along. :)) Now: Look for Take a Pebble, Jerusalem, Still (You Turn Me On) and pretty much everything on Brain Salad Surgery.
Don't forget Trilogy, Hoedown, The Barbarian, and The Endless Enigma
What he said!
Greg Lake is in the top 5 of GOAT. King Crimson and ELP. C'mon Man!!
There is an ELP video out there where Carl Palmer goes OFF on a drum soloin the middle of Karn Evil 9, that would leave even Neil Peart gassed - this one - th-cam.com/video/P19BpRijJD4/w-d-xo.html
Congratulations on "Tarkus" - one of ELP's more challenging works. I think it's probably the purest distillation of the essence of ELP's musical aesthetic. "Karn Evil 9" is the epic, "Pirates" is the cinematic tour-de-force, "Knife-Edge" established the darker edge, "Abaddon's Bolero" is the meticulous construct, and so on. "Tarkus" is all of it.
I must admit to some amusement at your attempts to nod along with a series of rapid changes of melody, tempo and time signature. But it's not fair of me; because I already know what's coming next, I can think ahead past this change and the next three coming up. Believe me, it took a few listens to get it straight. At a rough estimate, I've probably heard "Tarkus" close to 400 times, including three times live. Watching your first hearing brings back so many memories of my own musical explorations, though finding music in the 70's was quite a different challenge from what you're doing today.
Okay, so now you've heard "Tarkus". You'll be receiving all manner of ELP suggestions; while some pieces are more or less 'mandatory listening' each of us also has a few more obscure songs that we hold as personal favorites. It's hard to steer you wrong with their work, at least until 1978. (Avoid the 'Love Beach' album as you would The Plague. It was one of the tangible things that led to the end of Prog's popularity. The Sex Pistols wanted to destroy Prog, but where Johnny Rotten failed, 'Love Beach' succeeded.)
You already know what my next suggestion is, but now that you've heard "Tarkus", you have a frame of reference by which to judge the live version. Let me put it this way: what you've heard is the slow, anemic and thin "Tarkus". Live, it's a whole 'nother ball game. Food for thought: although the live version is played faster, the song is nearly seven minutes longer. You've missed quite a bit. Again, use the live version from 'Show That Never Ends'.
Significantly absent from the studio recording is almost all of the final section, "Aquatarkus". Keith Emerson's primary synthesizer was an electronic monstrosity called The Beast. Being a 21st-century person, I can confidently say that you've never heard a synthesizer that can make sounds like that one can. It can produce feedback and distortion that any guitarist would envy. It's capable of producing signal frequencies well below and above the range of human hearing: from direct current to 150,000 Hz. Emerson's keyboard tech had to put circuit-breakers on all the PA system's tweeters, otherwise, the voice coils would melt. "Aquatarkus" live is The Beast on full display.
Send the link if you would, I'll definitely check that out.
@@DiconDissectionalReactions
I'm not 100% but I think this is it:
th-cam.com/video/AhYBq6Iz2nQ/w-d-xo.html
@ThatOneGuyAgain
Please send the right link or affirm the one I posted was correct.
Thank you.
"... "Tarkus" is all of it."
Yes, right on.
I KNOW that icon! One of the three best heavy metal albums ever!!
Wow. You DO take on challenges...and ALL classics! I'm of your Grandfather's era (Viet Nam Vet) and am sorry for your loss. I really enjoy your choices to react to! Tarkus and ELP have always been favorites. May I also suggest Chuck Mangione - Hill Where the Lord Hides - one of my super favorites.
Just hear Feels so Good by Chuck yesterday and realized it had been a Long time since I listened to his music. AND I haven't seen a reaction to his music by anyone... will be recommending Chuck for sure.
Emerson, Lake and Palmer were all three basically show-offs, fortunately for us, they were also all three masters of their instruments. Combine that with some amazing studio engineering, (not to mention writing), and you get one of the best catalogs in rock history.
So grateful for this and looking forward to it. I may be in the minority here, but Brain Salad Surgery is my opus for ELP, for Karn Evil 9 alone. And the rest of the album is not filler, many classics among them. At least you will explore more ELP, and that is vital in any proper progressive rock journey.
BINGO!
Tarkus is a Godzilla from world of music.
Brutal, ruthless and unstoppable.
True Story: Someone once asked Led Zeppelin's drummer, John Bonham, "So, how does it feel to be the best drummer in rock?". To which he replied. "Why...did Carl Palmer die?". He had always thought that Carl was a better drummer, especially in a matter of precision and technicality.
Bonham also said that Barrimore Barlow ( jethro tull) was the best drummer from England. Guess that trumps Palmer.
Lotta Peart fans out there...
@coachhannah2403 Bill Buford for me. Not much wrong with wrong with Allan White either. All wonderful
Daniel, that's a great interpretation. I've been listening to that album since the early 70s. Very insightful young man!
So fun to see a younger generation exposed to the music of my youth. Got introduced to ELP by a friend from church who played piano. Could play anything you asked him to by ear but did not read music (he could also play violin and filled in on drums during a pep rally at high school once having never played them before). We'd go on church youth group ski trips in his family's van which had quad speakers and listen to ELP. Their music was awesome in quad. ELP is not for everyone. So glad you liked this. If you like Carl Palmer's drumming listen to Tank.
Emerson wrote the music ! 1 of the best musical master pieces of all time ! Everyone should listen to that classical composer that explains the music . He Evan explains that he can't understand it 100 percent ! Than Lake wrote the Lyrics. You did a great job with the Lyrics. Than Carl filled in the drums to this masterpiece. Just so you know Emerson invented Prog ! ELP forever! Don't miss the next tour .
Love you back stage Toney !
Karn Evil 9 should be your next ELP project--if you dare!! (Btw "The Only Way" off of Tarkus is also powerful.)
it's a symphony . Thanks ELP
Daniel, great that you reacted to Tarkus. The keyboard player Keith Emerson, along with Rick Wakeman of Yes, are considered the greatest keyboard players in the history of rock. Also, Neil Peart called drummer Carl Palmer one of his influences. I got to meet ELP twice in life, experiences of a lifetime. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you checking out ELP's Karn Evil 9, all three impressions!! It's another longer piece, but you will definitely find it more musical and it is another prog rock masterpiece!!!
One of my favourite bands. As well produced as their records were and their incredible playing, nothing compares to their live performances. When you have time, listen to their live album "Pictures at an Exhibition". More in the classical vein and it takes a few listens to get it, but it's worth it.
PaaEx was definitely one of best live albums.
I for one watch the videos from start to end. I stop at certain points to leave a comment...only to remove them, more often than not, once I see that song facts has already made that point for me. I wind up leaving some mundane comment like:
You've haven't lived until you've seen a Carl Palmer drum solo. 🤷♂️
Of course, I'm not referring to you:)
I had the privilege twice.
Carl Palmer was mesmerizing to watch. His hands were so fast and he never stopped.
He still is! He's keeping the ELP Legacy going and always dedicates a song to Keith and Greg.
This is the worlds first large scale MOOG Synthesizer to be used as a touring instrument. It would pretty much fill your entire living room with the keyboards. Cost? Between 50-100,000$ and needs a small moving truck to move it. Keith Emerson may be the best keyboardist to have played rock, Carl Palmer may have been the best drummer, they're both on people's top 5 lists. On the war aspect you felt, this was written during the Vietnam War that had many bands writing anti-war songs.
You wanted prog?? You got prog!
Good one Daniel 👍
I have this one on vinyl, bought it back in 1985 -ish
There was after all only the three of them. Keyboards, Bass & Percussion. They did multitrack in the studio so you can often hear bass and guitar together. The one thing they did always was write every song with the goal of playing it live so they always had a plan to adapt it so it would sound as close as possible to the studio version. While Greg generally played bass, Emerson when needed would play either a bass line or guitar riff on one of the keyboards/synth.... whichever was required.
Greatest Prog group EVER.. Imagine seeing them do this Live .at 100x that volume ... they were great.you gotta check out thier other stuff.ANOTHER CONVERT !! Subscribed....looking forward 2 more.......
I did see this and Close to the Edge live. Left speechless both times
ELP were the masters of progressive rock - saw these guys several times - Keith Emerson was an incredible showman - try to see some live footage.
Got Here a few months late - Much has been said. A big pat on the back for diving in to Tarkus - there is much more to dwell upon in the future from ELP. Well done Daniel!
Looking forward to it. First album I ever bought. I was attracted to the album art so I bought it.
My dad absolutely love ELP especially Tarkus, I am definitley looking forward to this one.
Saw them in Germany 1972 or so. But they are very good live. Emerson jumping all over organ stabbing it with Real Golden daggers, and Palmer's drum set unreal
I grew up listening to ELP and saw them several times live . . . you have to see Keith Emerson on stage . . . . my brother is a sound engineer and worked with Keith a lot towards the end of his life - much missed musical genius.
In 1971 I was about to start my senior year in high school and my older brother was just home from 3 years in the navy. He brought this LP home and we listened to it. When done we looked at each other and said - play it again ! We had never heard anything like it. Thanks for the memory.
Well done my man, TARKUS has been my favorite song since it came out in '71, the year I graduated H.S. And yes almost 50 years ago, and I'm still not sure of the full meaning the lyrics, but I did like your interpretation.. Still I grab bits and pieces of the lyrics over the years that hit me with just the right chord right when needed. So glad you liked it so much Man!
New scriber, Tim @poetreats on Twitter, where I have a lot of #musictreats of this same caliber, if so inclined (:
Just another note, Keith Emerson was the greatest keyboardist in all of Rock N Roll. And he could play 4 keyboards at the same time using 2 hands and 2 feet. Saw him do this 2 times in concert. Incredible.
The late great Keith Emerson on all the keyboards, a great era to be in the 1st time around
I became a drummer because of Carl Palmer. He was known as the Buddy Rich of rock for a good reason. When Palmer unloads in a live setting he is mine blowing just like Keith Emerson was. Rip Keith and Greg.
Re: "a world where time signatures don't exist," the opening is mostly in 5/4 with occasional measures or even longer phrases in 4/4 interspersed. You'll find a lot of prog music uses what I call kick or drop beats, especially 5/4, 7/8, 10/8, 11/8, but I've seen 13 and 21 also used. This may be related to Indian music, where the raga might have 22 or more beats in the pattern. "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" by King Crimson is an excellent example of 10/8 put to good use.
For me, there are 2 types of ELP: The Greg Lake, him with his guitar and wonderful voice, like Lucky Man, From the Beginning & Still You Turn me on and then it’s the super progressive stuff like Tarkus, Karin Evil 9, etc, where all three members show off what great musicians they are. Love both.
Fantastic music!! Not to mention the lyrics are deep. I saw ELP in the 70's. One of the greatest concerts of my life and I'm 63 so I've seen a lot.
THIS IS PROG ROCK.
Its about machines of war in battle. Tarkus confronts another war machine
saw these guys at madison square garden when i was about your age. mind blowing!
Oh, you just went and did it now, didn't you, lol : )
ENJOY : )
ELP was to be named HELP (with Hendrix on guitar, but he died).
ELP were a 'Supergroup' comprising musicians who were already established and had mastered their chops elsewhere. Keith Emerson was in The Nice, originally soul singer P.P Arnold's backing band. Greg Lake came from King Crimson and Carl Palmer from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster. They were jaw droppingly good musicians, but often polarised opinion among prog rock fans, for being overly bombastic and lacking the 'depth' and feel of acts such as Genesis and Yes. Whatever one thinks of them, there's no denying their musical genius and popularity at the time. The Tarkus suite is ELP at their best IMO, but it's worth checking out their eponymous debut album - their best album overall IMO - Songs like Take a Pebble and The Barbarian are fantastic. Also check out the Trilogy album and Brain Salad Surgery, the latter regarded by many as their best.
I was 13 when ELP became one of my top 5 bands to listen to. That was 1973. They have always remained one of my favorites till this day!!!
You explaining all of this is the reason why i love this song even more
*Love from Ireland btw ❤️🤘🏿*
That my friend is the best drummer live I have ever seen in concert. Seen Peart, Copeland, and many more over 40 years of concerts. Carl Palmer is still incredible now in his 70's. Closest thing to Buddy Rich/Gene Krupa rockprog. ever saw.
I am still discovering the phenomenal playing tidbits tucked away in corners of this piece 50 years after first hearing it.
Greg Lake was also in a band called King Crimson. He borrowed a few lines from one of their songs to finish up the live version of this piece. "Confusion will be my epitaph.
As I crawl a cracked and broken path
If we make it we can all sit back and laugh."
Looking forward to this!! You will discover a masterpiece in prog rock!!!
Sin duda joven amigo , has escuchado una gran obra de este trio de otra galaxia ..Tarkus es la gran obra progresiva , Keith Emerson un dios de los teclados y la vida lo unio a un gran musico , guitarra bajo letras y voz con Greg Lake y uniendose tambien al gran dios delos tambores , Carl Palmer ...el mejor de todos los tiempos ...piensa tu que esta grabacion como muchas del progresivo ingles son de los años 70 y 80.......GENIOS ABSOLUTOS ...nadie hasta el momento los supera ...
Just FYI, the story of monster vs. monster comes from the art work seen in the artwork on the inside of the album. But I do like your interpretation of Tarkus. Even if I didn't, I'd like the effort you put into trying.
Well that was another great reaction. Pretty good interpretation. You got the whole battle concept right. Now you just have to finish the album. Especially tracks 4,5 and 6. This band is incredible. Remember it's only a 3 piece band. "Pictures at an Exhibition" and "Trilogy" are also great albums. Progressive rock is the best. How can Modern Rap music come close to music like this? Hope more Pink Floyd is coming soon too.
So now that you've done Thick As A Brick and Tarkus, you'll be able to tackle Karn Evil 9 (ELP) and the big piece A Passion Play (Jethro Tull) !!! i'm sure you'll love both !
I like your perspective from a Christian upbringing. I grew up in a fairly strict Christian home, but Progressive Rock became one of my go to music outside of Church hymns and pop music on the 70's, ELP and Yes were my favorite bands. You might want to listen to some of Rick Wakeman's stuff, "journey to the Center of the earth is an album long story. Just magnificent!!!
When you hear Tarkus you realize you didn't know anything, and then you emerges feeling different, it's like a “brain salad surgery” and the feeling is very good. And Daniel has another song on the album "Bitches Crystal" even more alien-esque.
Hey boy,you have to check "aquatarkus" live from "welcome back my Friends etc":this track live Is Simply phenomenal.from Treviso Italy
I enjoyed you reading the lyrics. I also agree with your interpretation. Lake may not remember what he was thinking when he wrote that song.
One of our favourite albums back in the early 70’s. Great example of jazzy and classically influenced prog rock put out by three giants of the genre. Interesting interpretation Daniel. Glad to see you getting into what 70’s prog had to offer.
The reprise will always get me the most. All that pain, the hollow victory. Silence.
And then it just starts all over again. The sirens, the gong, the machine. This story has never ended.
'Touch and Go' , Ermerson , Lake and Powell . POWERFUL rock song
"The weaver in the web that he made" - for fifty years I've misheard the lyrics as "Believer in the weapon he made". I hear new stuff on each listen, today in Carl Palmer's amazing drumming. Saw them twice in the 80s, though one time it was Cozy Powell on drums (still ELP luckily due to his name - even had the same initials).
Quite possibly musically speaking you may never be the same again, after digesting Tarkus.
Side note. Greg Lake played guitar and bass. His guitars were the only ones you here over laid on occasion.
You should hear Tarkus live on "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Emerson, Lake & Palmer." Actually the whole 2-CD set is fantastic. ;)
I never payed as much attention to lyrics as just listening to the music these guys amazingly put together
you: That wasn't prog!
Keith Emerson: Hold my beer.
Ok, time for my ELP rant, hah hah : )
I think it's fine if you want to do Karn Evil 9 next, but that's not an easy listen, just so you know. It's a very bizarre piece of music, broken up into different "impressions". Some of it is very disjointed (yes, this is just my opinion, obviously) : )
I recommend you react to their first album and start with the opening track 'The Barbarian'
ELP also has some very beautiful classical music (see their album 'Works Volume 1')
My favorite piece by them is Trilogy. It's amazingly beautiful and my second favorite is The Endless Enigma, then Tarkus, but I think all 3 are amazing masterpieces.
I also really hope you watch Rachel Flowers perform these pieces, after you listen to ELP perform them, obviously : )
Rick Wakeman also paid tribute to Keith, after he died, by performing Trilogy.
And lastly, as I also said in the chat, check out Carl Palmer playing drums at 70. The man is unreal. Greatest Rock drummer I ever listened to. The greatest drummer I've ever listened to is Buddy Rich.
These would all make wonderful reaction videos too.
Enjoy the music of ELP
If I am not mistaken, Buddy recognized and appreciated Carl's playing.
@@joconnell8145 wouldn't surprise me if he did.
@@Lightmane It stuck with me because Buddy was not really fond of "modern" rock and the drumming style but complimented Carl and his playing.
@Folker Winkelmann well thanks : )
@Harry Crabb Wow! That's pretty wild. I didn't even know he had a daughter.
First heard this at a friends's house around 1974 and loved it ever since. I recommend checking out Rachel Flowers, a young (blind) pianist who plays Keith Emerson's moog and knocks it out of the park. th-cam.com/video/FLT3Cb96-Mk/w-d-xo.html
Have greatest hits cd don't know why l never saw them live......lucky man was always one of my fav songs
Having first heard the original album on vinyl with the inside art "explaining" the story for me, I am going to say that I prefer your interpretation of it and it will be the way I hear the song going forwards. I also felt that, after the victory march at the end it quickly goes back into the main Tarkus theme at the finish symbolizes how, no matter how good intentioned the Crusade, it will eventually become as bad as whatever it is replacing. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Good job. Think you would love the Tokyo Philharmonic version too. For ELP, maybe do live Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland), the live version when they are in empty stadium freezing their butts off. Then tackle Karn Evil 9.
Sorry I missed the live show. This one made me a big fan of ELP. Another Rabbit hole, but not as deep as some others.Tarkus is one of the foundational pieces of prog rock, and changed my life with it's 10/8 opening. Still sounds great after all these years. My personal favorite is 'Pieces at an Exhibition' as a classical music/rock statement. Since you are getting into longer pieces, you might want to try it.
Many will recommend Karn #9. I always found Pt 1 to be a bit long and repetative, but Pt 2 is very good indeed. RIP Greg and Keith.
In the original gatefold sleeve of the album, there are paintings that tell the story of this Tarkus the tank armadillo. It is born, confronts various biomechanical, living weapons and prevails them.
Then it fights a manticore and loses. Manticore is representing the wild, raw, untamed nature over technology. On the B -side of the Lp - format of the album "Tarkus", there are lyrics that point a finger on religion in general especially the song multi-part "Infinite Space".
Daniel, you’re the man. ELP is amazing.
The cover art, inside the album sleeve goes along with the music.
The original gatefold album cover showed the progression of the song including the creatures Tarkus engaged. Looks awesome on a full sized lp cover.
It was hilarious watching your face when the intro kicked in and you realized how prog it really is.
There's no real mediocre ELP until after "Works" then they did some hokey stuff. But everything from first album thru BSS is exceptional.
It took a while for me to formulate the kinds of words it takes to describe your reaction. Keith Emerson was coloring in a scene with sounds that could not be reproduced by natural means. The way you were drawn in was exciting to watch. At many points in the listening, your interpretation of filing in the narrative was artful and logically arrived with persuasive passion. Excellent! This Tarkus, is why E.L.P. is renown. I pondered your narrative, about children going off to war, only to die. For even the children understood that it was worth their own lives, to save the place where Jesus died and rose again. Whether truth or fantasy; They believed it. When you pulled up your hoodie, and slipped into some sort of Tarkish rebel leader, I was quite convinced, that you Daniel, are extremely creative, relentlessly clever, and quite possibly as insane as the rest of us.
I really wish you had been able to show a video of ELP performing, it makes such a difference in your understanding of what it took to make this music. - If you can give it another go, try a video showing them performing Karn Evil 2. I mean when the drummer is playing with both hands, both feet, AND his head (via teeth pulling a rope over his head) and the keyboardist is totally surrounded by keyboards of which he is playing two at a time, it is totally mind blowing! If you do, think of the sound of carnival music when you listen to Karn Evil.
Totally love your interpretation - so glad I found your reviews.
Love your comment about time signatures not existing there. I’d say probably right haha. I love it. They feel it
"What the heck is going on here" pretty much sums it up when you don't know ELP! ELP is genius perfection! I have to laugh when these young people have no idea what is making the sounds...'is that an organ?' They have no idea what a moog synthesizer is. They should watch a live show.
Carl Palmer is among top 5 of rock drummers of that era!
FYI... several years ago Kieth Emerson developed a medical condition that prevented from being able to play keyboards...as a result, he took his own life. RIP Kieth Emerson.
Oh! the bluesy touch of K.Emerson at the Hammond B3
Stones of Years he is addressing the Spirit of War.
Tarkus is badass about equal to the later Karn Evil 9.
Greg lake plays Bass and Guitar. Keith Emerson all Keyboards (no trumpets). Carl Palmer, Drums and all percussion.
Love that funky break at about 14 minutes in. My prog suggestion is The Light by Spock’s Beard.
very enjoyable watch of how you experienced this Masterpiece by my Fave Band of All Times ever since I first heard them back in 1970.. The story of Tarkus, there are various ways of interpreting the lyrics, the synopsis in combination with the truly amazing musical setting. Your interpretation is certainly interesting. Others have recommended you give Karn Evil 9 a try and I can concur. This too,musically but also storywise is such an Epic piece. Oh, and indeed their version of Pictures at an Exhibition. Originally composed for piano solo by Mussorgski and famed for the orchestral version (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel). I am very sure both composers would have loved ELP's rock version had they still been alive.
Bummed I missed this live, had other things that needed my attention at that time. Typing as we go...
"Then we discover the truth." LOL BTW, my best friend had this album and I thought the cover art was pretty damn cool. If I remember, I only listened to this once back then and it wasn't really my cup of tea, I think I've grown enough to appreciate it more now despite being a bit slow...the music is awesome! What is going on? LOL, your guess is as good as mine. This sound reminds me of a late 60s style kinda....uhhh, can't think of the word...(two minutes later) PSYCHEDELIC era style, THAT'S the word...yeeaaahhhhhhh LOL! LOVE how that middle section picks up! Funny how you WHAT?? Spit it out Daniel LOL! Blinded by the Light?...isn't that another song by a different band? ; ) Quite the interesting analysis, well done!! I never would have dived down that far. LMAO!!!...the adults from peanuts...good call! No guitar...if any at all...as others have pointed out and a little FYI: Sometimes keyboards have setting to make the sounds of other instruments like horns and strings. Song facts for the...almost win LOL...interesting information, especially regarding the live concert incident! Finally, if people wanna spout off without getting the full story or all the info then just let them look silly!! GREAT reaction Daniel!!
Funny thing, the reason I bought the album was the picture of the armadillo on the front. I’d never heard of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. This was the week the album was released. You’ve got to understand that these guys were classically trained. They were musicians not just rockers. These recordings were their symphonies.
This is the kind of Moog Synthesizer Keith Emerson had hooked up to his keyboard....www.sweetwater.com/insync/media/2017/07/emersonmooghero.jpg
That’s the sound you hear.
moody blues...procol harum...jethro tull... led zeppelin.... the who.... yes.... cream..... emerson lake and palmer....jimi hendrix...... even the beatles got into the act..... these among others were treasure troves of sound, poetry and music... in fact we didn't call them "music" or "tunes". we called them "sounds".... t'was mystical magical era... i am happy to see new generations are rediscovering them..... as we would say back in the day...... peace
Going to look for whether you got to the live version, the studio version has awesome tones with all the instruments but from a previous comment, the live version is to really blow you away, what a performance. Saw them first on the original Pirates tour, then several times later, so memorable.
Trilogy the song off Trilogy the album.
Yes! I’d love your listen, reaction and interpretation of Trilogy too! I’ll patiently await....
The instrument was called a Moog synthesizer making those sounds
Just found this - well done on tackling such an iconic prog epic, it's so great for an old-timer like me (I saw ELP in 1972 and '74, '92 and their final show in 2010), who's been listening to ELP since I was 13, to see young folk taking the time - and you need time with pieces like this - to listen to such wonderful music. For what it's worth, I think the live version - still performed by just the three of them, no extra musicians - on Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends -is even better, not least because of the superb longer version of Aquatarkus. Try it if you have time, it's worth it.