EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER Singles (12 * 7” vinyl) BMG
Please watch the video above for the unboxing review by Phil Aston
Progressive rock supergroup Emerson Lake & Palmer found fame upon formation in 1970, and during the 70s issued a number of singles, with several worldwide variations, with a couple more issued on their 90s reformation. And the irony of musical genre more suited to the album than 7” format releasing so many singles won’t be lost on collectors.
All three members were familiar with the 7” format, Keith Emerson with The Nice, Greg Lake with King Crimson (Lake famously announcing they weren’t a singles band a few months before the debut’s title track being edited for a 7” release), and Carl Palmer with Chris Farlowe.
ELP’s music took more a classical influence than most (sometimes whimsically, but oft given an angular insane robot feel), and had a surprise no.2 hit with Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare For The Common Man. The band’s sound was fronted by Keith Emerson’s classical influence and Moog keyboard, Carl Palmer’s jazz influenced drums, both complemented by Greg Lake’s rock and folk guitar and bass.
Here BMG have pulled together 12 45s some world-wide variations, and each issued in a picture sleeve and on coloured vinyl, there’s also a booklet (intro by Carl Palmer) and some colour card prints. So upon opening the box you immediately get a feel of a wonderful package. BMG have previously issued similar packages for the likes of Black Sabbath, all proving that the format lends itself as much to feel and visual angles.
First up is Lucky Man, taken from the band’s eponymous debut. A gentle and marvellous tune with an acoustic feel. Here we get the German p/s and gold vinyl. A little overdub with electric and acoustic guitar, and bass, from Lake (a song he wrote aged 12). One of rock’s earliest uses of the Moog synth too. On the flip is Knife Edge, which gives classical music a prog metal edge. Absolutely manic.
1971’s Japanese single Stone Of Years (taken from the Tarkus album), on orange vinyl. Another wonderful tune that’s hard to pigeonhole.
From Angola (yes, really), 1972’s From The Beginning (from Trilogy), another fine acoustic tune on translucent blue vinyl.
One of my fave ELP tracks is Blake’s Jerusalem (from Brain Salad Surgery), here the Portuguese sleeve, and on red vinyl. Def more a hymn feel, and the grandiose feel that ELP became famous for.
From 1977’s Works Vol 1 is the Japanese Fanfare For The Common Man, on solid yellow vinyl. You’ll recognise this track. Another Works Vol 1 45 is the French C’Est LA Vie on translucent silver vinyl.
If you think there’s a lot from the 1977’s Works LPs, Volume 1 was a collection of new material with solo and previously unreleased or b-side songs, while Volume 2 contained 1 side of group material and 3 sides dedicated (1 each) to each member.
The clear vinyl Brain Salad Surgery 45 is a replication of a US promo single, a real gem. Then there’s the blue vinyl German Tiger In A Spotlight. An unconventional track but a lot of tun.
I Believe In Father Christmas was a 1977 Greg Lake solo single, and a hit many will know, this white vinyl 1993 USA replica adds Jerusalem to the A Side.
And last in the band’s original run and taken from the ill fated Love Beach album (1978) was Canario, here the German p/s.
Then from 1992, there’s Black Moon and Affairs Of The Heart, on purple and green vinyl respectively. Wonderful songs with more a straight rock feel.
The albums have been reissued many times but this package showcases the 7” 45 format perfectly,
Emerson Lake & Palmer took prog rock in a grandiose direction and the packaging does that justice; there is as much to enjoy in unpackaging the box as there is listening to the music. And if you’re fan of either band or the format, that makes this set a perfect addition to the collection.
Sadly Keith Emerson and Greg Lake are no longer with us, but Carl Palmer continues to honour the legacy.
As a vinyl and music fan, I would love to see more sets like this.
Joe Geesin | Now Spinning Magazine
