228. Emerson Lake and Palmer - Pictures at an Exhibition

Release Date: 1971
Label: Island

Firstly, I had no idea this was going to be a live album. I also didn't realise it was a reworking of a piece of classical music. If that isn't the definition of pretentiousness, I'm not sure what is. Anyway, with trepidation I pressed play and .... well .... it was so much better than I expected. After being slightly underwhelmed by their previous offering, I thought this was brilliant and have come to the conclusion that prog rock albums work better if the songs are part of a bigger suite.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Blues Variation

224. Emerson, Lake and Palmer

 

Release Date: 1971
Label: Island

I have no idea what Tarkus means, or what it is. For me, Greg Lake is the man who sang 'I Believe in Father Christmas' so it is slightly surprising to hear him as a prog-rock musician. To be honest, I can't actually remember what this album was like so it can't have made much of an impression on me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.

Rating: 5/10
Favourite Track: Tarkus