
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus
ORDER LIMITED TO ONE ITEM PER CUSTOMER
Vocals, Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Greg Lake
Drums, Percussion – Carl Palmer
Electric Organ Organ, Piano, Celesta, Synthesizer – Keith Emerson
Written by Keith Emerson (all tracks), Greg Lake (A2, A4, A6, B1-2, B4-6), Carl Palmer (B4-6), Johann Sebastian Bach (B3)
1 LP, Gatefold Jacket
Limited numbered Edition
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Fidelity Record Pressing
Label : MOFI
Original Label : Island Record
Recorded in 1971
Engineered by Bruce Swedien, Matt Forger, Bill Bottrell, Jim Mitchell, Thom Russo, Jean-Marie Horvat, Thom Russo
Mixed by Bruce Swedien, Bill Bottrell
Produced by Greg Lake
Originally released in 1971
Reissued in 2025
Tracks:
Side A
- Eruption
- Stones of Years
- Iconoclast
- Mass
- Manticore
- Battlefield
- Aquatarkus
Side B
- Jeremy Bender
- Bitches Crystal
- The Only Way (Hymn)
- Infinite Space (Conclusion)
- A Time and a Place
- Are You Ready Eddy?
Reviews :
« 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. » AllMusic Review by François Couture
Ratings :
AllMusic : 3.5 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.58 / 5