Emerson, Lake & Palmer — alternately known by the acronym ELP — were an English symphonic-rock trio that released three studio albums and a classical concert set between 1970 and 1972 on Island (UK) and Cotillion (US). Their 1971 release Tarkus contains a seven-part title suite that catalyzed the epic side-long format. In 1973, the […]
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown was an English psych-rock band that released the single “Devil’s Grip” on Track Record in 1967, followed by a self-titled album (co-produced by Pete Townshend) and the single “Nightmare” in 1968. The band is best known for the shock theatrics of vocalist Arthur Brown, whose hair-lighting antics ignited performances […]
Atomic Rooster was an English hard-rock band that released back-to-back albums on B&C/Fontana in 1970, followed by three albums on Pegasus and Dawn between 1971 and 1973. After a six-year pause in activity, the band reconvened for two albums on EMI and PVC/Passport between 1980 and 1983. The band was formed from the ashes of […]
Tarkus is the second studio album by the English symphonic-rock trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released on June 4, 1971, on Island (UK) and Cotillion (US). Tarkus presents their first long-form suite, comprised of seven linked sections that span side one. On side two, they offer six shorter pieces with separate moods and forms. Keith […]
Atomic Roooster is the debut album by Atomic Rooster, first released in March 1970 on B & C (U.K.) and Fontana (Europe). Two versions exist of the album. The first — recorded by the original lineup of keyboardist Vincent Crane, bassist/singer Nick Graham, and drummer Carl Palmer — has no guitar. Soon after that release, […]
Emerson, Lake & Palmer is the debut album by the English symphonic-rock trio of the same name, released on November 20, 1970, on the Island and Atlantic labels. The album brought together three established players: Nice keyboardist Keith Emerson, King Crimson bassist–singer Greg Lake, and Atomic Rooster drummer Carl Palmer. They recorded the album shortly […]
Brain Salad Surgery is the fourth studio album by English symphonic-rock trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released on December 7, 1973, on Manticore. The album maximizes their studio across a subdivided album body. Side one places four distinct pieces—a hymn arrangement, a modernist concerto adaptation, a Greg Lake ballad, and a comic piano song—before the […]
Trilogy is the third studio album by English symphonic-rock trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released on June 23, 1972, on Island and Atlantic. Trilogy tightens their studio language through denser overdubs and cleaner sectional joints. Side one begins with “The Endless Enigma,” a three-part epic followed by the atmospheric Lake ballad “From the Beginning,” an […]
Asia is the debut album by the namesake English symphonic/hard-rock supergroup comprised of ex-King Crimson/UK vocalist/bassist John Wetton, former Yes guitarist Steve Howe, onetime Buggle Geoff Downes, and erstwhile “P” in ELP Carl Palmer. Sporting a serpentine cover image by Yes/Osibisa/Uriah Heep painter/illustrator Roger Dean, the album was released in 1982 on Geffen. Tracklist: A1. “Heat […]
Greg Lake (1947–2016) was an English bassist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the original frontman of King Crimson and for his partnership with keyboardist Keith Emerson and drummer Carl Palmer in the super-trio Emerson Lake & Palmer. As a solo artist, he cut the 1975 single “I Believe in Father Christmas,” a yuletide […]
Asia were an English symphonic/hard-rock supergroup that released three albums on Geffen between 1982 and 1985, followed by another round of discs on Intercord/Bullet Proof during the 1990s. Members: Geoffrey Downes (keyboards, vocals), Carl Palmer (drums, percussion, 1981-92, 2006-present), John Wetton (vocals, bass, 1981-83, 1984-91, 2006-17), Steve Howe (guitar, vocals, 1981-83, 1992, 2006-2013), Greg Lake […]
Chris Farlowe is an English rock singer who surfaced in the R&B–beat boom with five 1962–65 singles on Decca and Columbia–EMI, which issued his 1966 debut album with backing band The Thunderbirds. He cut eleven singles through 1968 on Immediate Records and scored a UK No. 1 with the Rolling Stones song “Out of Time.” […]
