Emerson, Lake and Palmer "Tarkus" « Cool Album of the Day

Emerson, Lake and Palmer "Tarkus"

Posted 12 Sep 2010 in 70s, Albums of 1971, Albums of the 70s, Prog-Rock

Today’s Cool Album Of the Day (#136 in the Series) is Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Tarkus.

This was one of my very favorite bands back in high school. Years later I’d get a chance to get to know Carl Palmer just a little bit at least. If you would have told me that in 1976 I would have freaked. I knew it was time to add Emerson, Lake and Palmer to our fun little project here.

Many different album to chose from however. Trilogy, Pictures at an Exhibition, Works and of course, Brain Salad Surgery. However, Tarkus it is. We’ll definetly do that monster live album too someday. I like the Works quite a bit as well. I say that mainly on the strength of two numbers. “Pirates” and “Fanfare For A Common Man,”

This is yet another album that features one song on a full side. How many of those have I had already? I know there was Close to the Edge, Smallcreep’s Day, Terrapin Station and Autobahn. Plus I know Suppers Ready will come sooner or later. Maybe a little In-a-gadda-da-vida?

I saw the band about four times when they were touring in the late 90s. I was really surprised when they added “Bitches Crystal” to the show. I don’t remember seeing them do that when I would see them ‘back in the day.’ It really was one of the highlights of the show. It was an excellent live version.

Greg Lake produced Tarkus. It was released in 1971.

The cover art was created by William Neal, He also was responsible for the graphics for ELPs follow up, Pictures at an Exhibition.

It reached #9 on the Billboard Top Album Charts.

Track listing

Side one

“Tarkus” – 20:35
1. “Eruption” (Emerson) – 2:43
2. “St’nes/ Yrs” (K.E. G.L.) – 3:44
3. “Iconoclast” (Emerson) – 1:15
4. “Mass” (Emerson, Lake) – 3:11
5. “Manticore” (Emerson) – 1:52
6. “Battlefield” (Lake) – 3:51
7. “Aquatarkus” (Emerson) – 3:59

Side two