Now check this out on the Welcome Back my friends to the Show That Never Ends Ladies and Gentlemen Emerson Lake and Palmer. They absolutely kill this live.
Everything ELP played could (and was) performed live and it was bloody good live. They were by default a "live" band. Their music was amazing and every time I listen to it I have to remind myself that there are just three guys playing. My all time favourite band.
TARKUS....fresh off the Press......12:19 Yes 100 Listens are required before you will fully Comprehend this EPIC OPUS. When you hear guitar, Keith is on bass with keys or pedals. Greg Lake is a good guitar player and a mean bass player. Voice of a Child of God.
Thank you so much my friend I am a 69-year-old man and I can remember bringing the album talkers at home and then listening to it on a rinky-dink stereo system back then not the systems we have today we mastered 5.1 it just makes this music mind-boggling, but I have a suggestion for you. You should listen to welcome back my friends the show that never ends ladies and gentlemen, Emerson Lake and Palmer. The three album live set which I’ve heard is in the top three live albums of all time when you listen to talkers on the live album wait till you hear Keith Emersons aqua tarkus The first time I saw them was at Madison Square, Garden in 1973 and over the years. I’ve heard modern keyboard players saying that that was the best sound of an analog synthesizer and of course, if you look into the history of Emerson, and Robert moog. Oh, close seeing this I saw them 23 times in my lifetime and younger generation are so lucky to have these unbelievable sound systems that we didn’t have that done but even with these rinky-dink stereos they still sounded good. Thank you so much I appreciate what you’re doing introducing a younger audience to one of the best progressive bands ever thank you
"Aquatarkus" goes from a somber mood to an uplifting one because it represents the rebirth of Tarkus as Aquatarkus and the rise from despair to a renewed hope for the future. I always took the last closing bits as the battles start anew and it's time to kick some Manticore ass.
ELP the BEST of the BEST !.and live..................PERFECT REPRODUCTION.. sad on your playback here there was a channel missing..just keep listening.there is so much more.love the look on your face when it was done
Greg Lake had the 'Gilmore sound' before David. Again you make another analogy that I've thought of but never heard before. Your analysis is very interesting. Really good stuff!
You folks are too young to have listened to all those great musicians while they performed live, i did. I am glad you won't let those great songs die and be forgotten. Soon i'll be a thing of the past while my art stays with you...enjoy.
We painted Tarkus and the other creatures on our apartment wall in dayglow paint, then it was time to fire one up, turn on the blacklight and drop the needle on this incredible record.. the 70's ruled.
If you're interested in checking out a live version of this work, the one found on their 1974 triple live album 'Welcome Back My Friends to the show That Never Ends.. Ladies and Gentlemen: Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is an absolute scorcher and I think an example of them at their zenith. It also finishes with a nice poignant tribute to Greg Lake's days with King Crimson.
Tarkus is right up there with the greatest albums of all time. The first time I saw ELP they opened with Abaddons Bolero..... that will live with me until the day I die.
Another great choice, Brandon. Keith Emerson is my longest standing musical hero - ever since his days in The Nice, who were the first act I ever saw play live. Nobody has ever played the Hammond organ like Keith in my opinion. And his union with Carl and Greg took my appreciation to a whole new level. Three fabulous musicians at the very top of their game, two of whom are now sadly missed. Tarkus is a spectacular piece of work that deserves to be listened to time and time again. ❤️
Brandon: Thanks for keeping your word about reacting to Tarkus. Remember ELP was just 3 guys! The music they made was so, so very different from any other music made in those times! Imagine listening to the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Carole King, etc......THEN listening to ELP. Keith Emerson was magnificent on keyboards with the only challengers being Tony Banks of early Genesis. Greg Lake's unique smooth vocals and superior guitar work. Then don't forget about Carl Palmer on drums, all sorts of other percussion and even the GONG. They were far, far ahead of their time. I'm glad you enjoyed Tarkus!
Top of the mountain ⛰ for ELP in the 70s. You DEF should do the complete Brain Salad surgery parts 1-3. Keep up the PROG baby! 😉 ELP is life-changing music for anyone who can appreciate the musicianship of these three giants of prog. 😅
Two of my favorite bands of all time are ELP and Pink Floyd. I bought their albums as soon as they were released and have seen them multiple times. But never have I thought that any of their material was like the others. If you are thinking this song is somehow like Dark Side of the Moon, it was released two years after this album.
Agree on ending.....goosebumps in brain matter, every time. I was a fan before this album came out, but was unprepared the first time I heard this side. Very similar to first time I played "Close to the Edge" by YES. So musically dense.
To me the Moog solo in "Aquatarkus" reminds me of a duck quacking both in an amusing and awesome sort of way. Keith Emerson was one of the all time great composers and virtuosic players of 20th Century. Not to take anything away from either Greg Lake or Carl Palmer by any stretch of the imagination as both of these gentlemen were amazing musicians in their own rights. But I think Emerson is the kind of talent that only comes around perhaps every two centuries.
Glad you finally got to play Tarkus ! I bought this Album when it came out and can t remember how many times i listen to it the first day ! If you wanna see Keith Emerson s keyboards they re at the museum around Philadelphia ! My friend Jacques play Tarkus since the 70s and i ve seen 2 persons play it on Keith s keyboards at that museum ! Antoine Baril and Rachel Flowers ! 😎
Saw in March 71 and the played this. I was Crimson fan. Didn’t know they had keyboards. They didn’t play Lucky Man and I didn’t care. I understand Lake said “I guess this would fit on your solo record” when Emerson played Tarkus for him
Thanks for this reaction Brandon, you feel it so right! Well, if you liked the original version, you've got to listen to the LIVE version from "Welcome back my friend to the show that never end" in 1974...you will love it! So well played
They fixed all of the annoying fade-outs between the movements that are on the original vinyl versions luckily for the entire album. 😅Technology is a wonderful thing!
What’s amazing about the live “Welcome Back” version is in spite of the whole thing being so long and such a complicated piece, it’s performed faster and still executed extremely tight. These guys were master musicians.
I love that you are listening to this incredible music. As far as this song, I think it is a statement about war in general and not about Manticore dying even that's what the cover mentions. Greg sometimes addressed social issues in his lyrics. I don't think Keith or Carl wrote lyrics maybe ever.
Also, in all the countless times I've listened to this, I NEVER once wondered what happened to Tarkus or Aqua Tarkus. Spoiler alert, he doesn't come back, at least in any of the later ELP albums. No offense but don't over think the story line in this album.
Now you're talking business! This is '70s prog album royalty! The first section is appropriately named "Eruption" because this album was a Krakatoa or Pinatubo erupting when it was first released. I was only 10 years old at the time (or maybe 11 because there was a delay in releasing albums down here), so it took me a couple of years more to get to know the album, but by then I already knew a lot of it because you have no idea of how many short samples from it were used in all kinds of commercials and video vignettes at that time, and how even wedding organists were trying to imitate Keith Emerson's playing. The cover art alone was already impactful because armadillos are part of our natural wildlife and are very well-known animals here, so everyone was intrigued by the idea of a tank armadillo (or an armadillo tank, whatever). And believe me, more than half a century later, I still find new things and nuances in it on every new listen. If this is not brilliance, I don't know what could be. You even had to open a new rating category for it, and I don't blame you. Now you also know why the recording label they founded was called Manticore Records. It was short-lived, but it did release some remarkable albums, including a few by my beloved PFM and their compatriots of Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. And I suggest you take a look at Triumvirat, a German band that was often derided as ELP imitators, but I disagree --- they do have some points in common, including a similar style of their keyboardist Jürgen Fritz, but they had their own instantly recognizable style and many great moments. Some good starter samples of their work are "The Walls of Doom" (with an extraordinary drum work by their drummer Hans Bathelt, who IMO is one of the most underrated drummers in rock history, maybe because he was the subtle but precise type, rather than being flamboyant and explosive), "I Believe" (nothing to do with the homonymous Tears for Fears song), and "Old Loves Die Hard" (the title track of my personal favorite album of theirs), but nearly everybody considers their magnum opus to be "Illusions on a Double Dimple", which consists of two long suites taking up one full LP side each, which is why I don't recommend it as a starting point. (Their first album covers always featured a mouse, I don't know why.)
Thanks for sharing. Can't imagine hearing this song at 10 or 11! Nice to know that British prog rock made it's way to your country in a huge way. OK good, I don't feel bad about missing a lot in 1 listen haha....I wonder why Triumvirat has no material on Spotify. I think I can find those songs on UA-cam at least. Thanks as always bud...I think you may be happy again this week here coming up.... 😁
@@retroreactions...., I don't know for sure, but I suspect that there may be some copyright or licensing issue with Triumvirat's works, because they are always going in and out of availability, and this is not new, this has gone on for decades. They may not be in the first tier of '70s prog, but they were far from obscure and were pretty well-known back then, and it's easy to find material from truly obscure bands. But now they have their own UA-cam channel, "Triumvirat - Tema", and nearly all their works are there, including playlists for most of their albums (I didn't see "Pompeii", which is a minor album - the "three big ones" you should explore are "Spartacus", "Illusions on a Double Dimple", and "Old Loves Die Hard"; "Mediterranean Tales" is okay, but nothing special, and "À la Carte" is AWFUL, don't get near it!). There are also many videos posted by independent UA-camrs, and you shouldn't have problems finding the real Triumvirat goodies. I don't know what this "Tema" is, I've seen many artists and bands with "Tema" channels lately, and all their videos have comments disabled. Some music publisher or copyright-owning corporation, probably. And I'll be eagerly waiting for your surprise...
I remember well the day I first heard this...back in '72...And while I love all ELP albums, this has to be my favorite. Awesome. Groundbreaking. And you'll need to hear it more than once to fully appreciate it. Saw them do it in '74 (twice). I consider myself so very lucky.
Man! Les do dis... How did I know that you were going to get swept up by this? This was one I ran out and got immediately, and played it as often as my parents would allow. The live version from "Welcome Back My Friends" is even better, if you can imagine that. They turn Aquatarkus into a jamout for Keith to play his new sounds, always evolving, ever progressing. Carl is in top form too. they all are. Great reaction and review to an old favorite. Cheers!
Haha, you know my taste well enough to know that this song would FLOOR me! (in the best way possible) I added the live '74 version to my list. Thank you so much my friend!
You are the first Doctor reviewer of music I have ever met with on UA-cam. And I really appreciated this one. I have just submitted my subscription wholeheartedly.
As a keyboard fan you DEFINITLY NEED to listen to the last part "Aquatarkus" live from the "welcome back my friends" live album to me is perhaps the best live tune I've ever heard. What he does with the keys is mind blowing. I can't find one online player who can even come close to playing it. Most won't even try. Plus, to me IT IS by far the best live drum playing I've ever seen or heard. peace
@@retroreactions.... sorry it was long but not too many people react to ELP and none react to Aquatarkus live sadly. ELP are even better live although it's hard to believe. Thanks for responding.
Oh not at all. A few viewers will write multiple paragraphs and I love that too! I like to be a reaction pioneer sometimes haha....Have a wonderful night 🙂
Brilliant is right!!! I got to see this live back in ‘98! ELP played in between Dream Theater and Deep Purple. It was quite a show. Tarkus was released a few weeks after my 11th birthday and my parents got this for me on cassette, I believe, for Christmas that year. I actually had this before I got my copy of “Machine Head” by Deep Purple on vinyl! 😮
try elp fanfare for the common man plus jerusalem and go further back to elp's pictures at an exhibition lake amazing guitar and vocals: greg lake was a poet who happened to play the guitar.
Excellent reaction Brandon, this masterpiece has inspired so many musicians since it's creation. Notably Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater & Steve Porcaro of Toto. Incredibly there's even more epic greatness to come with the monumental "Karn Evil 9" from Brain Salad Surgery. Cheers
Carl said he came up with the drum signature and brought it to Keith who played with it to work it into a themed rhythm. Greg did vocals bass, and lead guitar last to pull it all together. I’ve seen them do it live, and they kicked butt.
One of may favorites of ELP. "Take a Pebble", "Lucky Man" and "Trilogy" are other ones. Emerson is a magician, even if he sometimes dominates the music and at times almost kills his fellow players with his skills. It's not for nothing that he fought against allowing a pure guitarist in his band from the start on, who could have challenged him for his starring role. "Tarkus" together with "Supper´s Ready" by Genesis and "Close To The Edge" by Yes are the highlights of the ProgRock aera in the early 70´s.
Tarkus almost didn't get recorded when Greg Lake made it clear to Keith Emerson that he didn't see the merits in it. It was only when management convinced Greg to go into the studio since the time had already been paid for to at least try, and try he did. This is the only album from the so-called classic ELP era that doesn't have one of Greg's signature acoustic pieces.
An extension of "Tank" from their debut album, this is the first definitive progressive piece by ELP and one of the best of its kind. Quite the achievement for a "rock" group, especially so for a trio and in 1971! Somehow, they were able to go beyond what they managed to achieve in the studio with some spectacular live performances (e.g., "Mar y Sol" '72 and "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends" '74) of "Tarkus" at its most fully realized. Palmer: That was a big moment in time, and it was a blueprint for many, many groups to follow. The original recording of Tarkus-don't forget, it was analog then, so it was straight to tape-actually had 17 edits in it, so we would mark out how far we could go before we needed to regroup and start again. And we'd mark it out in the music, and we'd record up to that point, and then record the next bit, and the next bit. And there were great moments when it was all happening and the creativity was there. We could play it, but we couldn't play it perfect-but we could play it perfect in sections. There are moments all the way around that really stick out. The writing, the actual performance, the recording, the lyrics: I'm extremely proud of it. Thanks for taking the time to react to this!
Great reaction to an epic masterpiece! hard to believe this wasz only three guys. Keep up the good work 70's prog is timeless,Iwould suggest tou listen to Aphrodites Child "The Four Horsemen " from the album 666 .Vangelis ( best known for film scores such as Chariots of fire and Blade Runner) and Demis Roussos in a prog rock band?!!
The "effect" on Keith's organ in Mass isn't an effect at all - it's actually because he was able to hit and release his keys so fast that this was the resulting sound.
The gatefold cover of the original Tarkus album has numerous illustrations depicting of the monsters and battles from the story. Always gave me a Godzilla vibe. Mythical creatures born from warfare doing battle with other mythical creatures, part war machine, part animal. The Aquatarkus track depicts the grievously wounded Tarkus making it's way to the sea to meet it's end or maybe back to the volcano. Thanks for your reaction. Always great!
Such a unique and creative story, had no idea about the story/characters until last night...Yes I saw that famous picture showing all the creatures together...You're welcome, so glad you stopped by for this one Andy!
The illustrations are the artist's own interpretation. Lake's lyrics are about the mindset that reanimates the war machine and its continued evolution.
I always thought William Neal depicted the wounded Aquatarkus as retreating to the sea from the White Cliffs of Dover headed to North America. As he treads the ocean bottom, the Atlantic heals him and makes him even more powerful. He rolls up onto a distant undeveloped shore into what will become NYC with ominous threat yet great promise.
I first heard this on the 3 disk vinyl recording. The studio version was a let down when I finally listened to it. A Let Down! Enuff said? Go for the Live one to get the full impact.
@@retroreactions.... The Welcome Back My Friends, triple live album. Aquatarkus is super extended and full of Emerson licks. Lake adds Epitaph to the last section preceeding Aquatarkus. A very nice touch. Sympatico!
Fantastic ELP track although a little messy in places, The live version on "Welcome Back My Friends" takes it to another level with the extended "Aquatarkus" at the end displaying Keith's playing at it's absolute best, a must listen.
Probably the most brilliant of ELP, although Trilogy was my first album when I was 14, which I have listened to the most to this day, not a weak song, even the variously short ones: The Endless Enigma, Trilogy, From The Beginning are my favorites; I sometimes omitted Aladine's Bolero; even if I do find the "original" Ravel a bit "sexier". Take A Pebble, Knife Edge and Tank from the debut are also fantastic, so I listen to the whole album. I don't find some of the short songs convincing of Tarkus and Brain Salad, so only Karn Evil and Toccato remain. Still...2:53 would be musically more mature, what a pity (partly live the guitar part was longer similar to From The Beginning). Forgot: Pictures is awesome too; in music lessons we first listened to Mussorgsky, then ELP, I'm grateful to the teacher to this day.
He patronisingly says 'That's better!'..... I liked it but still not quite the emotional attachment I feel for say Genesis, who are still the best at telling this type of story. I liked that it maintained a theme, even through the chaotic sections. A bit self-indulgent on the keyboards, and felt parts were crying out for a wailing Hackett type guitar solo in their place? On to the next one.
Greg Lake overdubbed the vocal intro. There are 7 separate tracks. I tried to emulate what he did on my E-MU Proteus: ua-cam.com/users/shortsO58AInCL3S8?feature=share There’s a switch on Hammond Organs called Percussion and that’s what you thought was scratchy. It’s a very cool sound when combined with Reverb. 99% of this song is Organ but there’s some synthesizer trumpets and a duck.
I hated Tarkus when I first heard it. The drum syncopation and Emerson seemed to be out of control, not giving any space to anyone. Obviously, I was wrong. After repeated listens over the years I’ve come to appreciate Carl’s drumming much more in Tarkus. I used to think he was overshadowed by Keith, but I no longer think so. He shines and provides a great undercurrent of percussion for Emerson to do his magic. Carl’s drumming is very jazzy in so many parts of this song and it just makes you realize that he was truly one of the best stickmen ever, any genre. Loved the reaction Brandon. When will you be getting to Karn Evil 9?
Hard to say...with all the bands being added, ELP only gets a spot every month or month and a half, and I'm sure my list is long for them. Will keep that one in mind even though it's like 10 hours long haha! I'm sure it'll be complex and amazing!
Ha, super hard question!! I have mostly owned Yamahas, but I will put the Roland Jupiter 8 (huge 80s music guy here) and Korg Nautilus 88 key (as I compose music) in a hat and pick randomly. I have not owned either of those and would surely be in music heaven with either...
No, I have not heard of that site. I have not been able to focus on music for a while but I definitely want to get back to it and release some of my own songs on this channel from time to time (I've released 1 short one so far). Studio One 4 is the current DAW I own...Excited to try out my Omnisphere software too...
I know I'm going to take some flack for this, but here I go... Everytime I listen to this song I think all of this talent and creativity was wasted by an EXTREMELY poor job by the engineer and mixing crew. I think some of these ideas could've had more variations in how they were delivered. It seems like they just plugged in and hit record. There also doesn't seem to be an atmosphere created like bands like Genesis and Yes do. There is no reason for their compositions, it's just talent for talent sakes with little flow or character given to each section, and it feels rushed...even for a long song like this. LOVE the talent, LOVE the creativity...however I have a lot of things that could've made it even more iconic, and made these epic moments grander.
I think you would have been better off not doing any research on the song ahead of time. I bought it when it came out and have listened to it countless times as well as seen them live in 1971 and about 10 other times since. I don't think that story line on the album cover at all describes the music.
@@retroreactions.... So many. Many fans will say The Plague of the Lighthouse Keeper. It's an epic from their first period. I have a strong preference for their second period with the two albums Godbluff and Still Life. If you want something agressive and featuring Hammill's voice at his peak of power, I would say Arrow. If you want something more profound and philosophical I would say Childlike Faith in Childhood's End. I must add that all VDGG and Hammill's lyrics are deep, profound and unique. For me he is the best lyricist in all rock music. And a unique blend of music. Not comparable to anything else. In concert they could be the worst or the best depending on the mood of the day. Much improvisations, musical risks on stage. Not an easy band. One of my 3 favorites with Gentle Giant and yes. Their music helped me a lot when i was in bad periods or near depression.
An unbelievably strange and beautiful progressive rock journey/work of art!! Thanks for watching! 🥰
I've said it before & I'll say it again: This is the greatest prog rock composition ever written.
I haven't heard some of the biggest prog epics yet, but I can easily see that being the case....Thanks for watching Scott!
I'd add in the complete Karn Evil 9 set, but you can't overlook Close to the Edge by Yes.
Roundabout is the correct answer.
Three absolute musical geniuses in the first prog supergroup. Have loved Greg Lakes vocals since I first heard him in King Crimson.
For sure! Greg's voice sure is special and amazing...thanks Eric
@ericanderson8886 same here.
Now check this out on the Welcome Back my friends to the Show That Never Ends Ladies and Gentlemen Emerson Lake and Palmer. They absolutely kill this live.
Everything ELP played could (and was) performed live and it was bloody good live.
They were by default a "live" band.
Their music was amazing and every time I listen to it I have to remind myself that there are just three guys playing.
My all time favourite band.
TARKUS....fresh off the Press......12:19 Yes 100 Listens are required before you will fully Comprehend this EPIC OPUS. When you hear guitar, Keith is on bass with keys or pedals. Greg Lake is a good guitar player and a mean bass player. Voice of a Child of God.
Hi there! 😊 Thanks so much for watching and being first here today! 🥇
Thank you so much my friend I am a 69-year-old man and I can remember bringing the album talkers at home and then listening to it on a rinky-dink stereo system back then not the systems we have today we mastered 5.1 it just makes this music mind-boggling, but I have a suggestion for you. You should listen to welcome back my friends the show that never ends ladies and gentlemen, Emerson Lake and Palmer. The three album live set which I’ve heard is in the top three live albums of all time when you listen to talkers on the live album wait till you hear Keith Emersons aqua tarkus The first time I saw them was at Madison Square, Garden in 1973 and over the years. I’ve heard modern keyboard players saying that that was the best sound of an analog synthesizer and of course, if you look into the history of Emerson, and Robert moog. Oh, close seeing this I saw them 23 times in my lifetime and younger generation are so lucky to have these unbelievable sound systems that we didn’t have that done but even with these rinky-dink stereos they still sounded good. Thank you so much I appreciate what you’re doing introducing a younger audience to one of the best progressive bands ever thank you
Monumental piece of music! The Great ELP! great review!
Thanks John! I am SO excited every time ELP's turn comes around on my channel....brilliant music...
Fun fact; Carl Palmer is still performing! He’s in his 70’s!😳 kind of drumming along to previous ELP concerts!! He still got it going on !!!
Amazing!
Live version from the album "Welcome Back my Friends to the Show the Never Ends" is incredible!!
Hello. Added your vote for that one...thanks
Awesome!!
BTW opening song from Welcome Back... is Hoedown(Rodeo) Incredible as well!!@@retroreactions....
Pure genius.
My favorite ELP track since seeing it performed live in '72.
Hi Rick. I can see why now! Thanks so much for watching!
Though I never got to see them live, I have tons of show recordings where they perform this. And it’s my favorite also.
Prog rock pinnacle ! Thank you for being permeable to this kind of music.
Of course...such an honor for me to uncover gems like this here on the channel! Thanks Alex
The Great ELP strikes again as always especially with Tarkus 💫❤️☝️ thanks for the reaction bro ☝️
You're very welcome!
The Tarkus finale is a pure classic, but the live version leaves you speechless
Keith - 27 (1944)
Greg - 24 (1947)
Carl - 21 (1950)
"Aquatarkus" goes from a somber mood to an uplifting one because it represents the rebirth of Tarkus as Aquatarkus and the rise from despair to a renewed hope for the future. I always took the last closing bits as the battles start anew and it's time to kick some Manticore ass.
Love ELP. Tarsus is great. Thanks
ELP the BEST of the BEST !.and live..................PERFECT REPRODUCTION.. sad on your playback here there was a channel missing..just keep listening.there is so much more.love the look on your face when it was done
Great choice for a reaction. This is still my favorite ELP piece.
Sweet, thanks!
Greg Lake had the 'Gilmore sound' before David. Again you make another analogy that I've thought of but never heard before. Your analysis is very interesting. Really good stuff!
Thanks so much for watching!
Greg Lake
Ah yes, and what an extremely rich musical cake this one is! You're welcome and thanks for watching!! ☺
@@retroreactions.... The background picture could not be better to recapture the story. Very thoughtfully picked.
Thanks! You know I love picking some good backdrops!!
You folks are too young to have listened to all those great musicians while they performed live, i did. I am glad you won't let those great songs die and be forgotten.
Soon i'll be a thing of the past while my art stays with you...enjoy.
Thank you so much!
Lol after 50 years this is my go to ELP
We painted Tarkus and the other creatures on our apartment wall in dayglow paint, then it was time to fire one up, turn on the blacklight and drop the needle on this incredible record.. the 70's ruled.
Wow what a great idea!! Enhance the experience in multiple ways! Epic times for you no doubt....thanks for watching Greg
If you're interested in checking out a live version of this work, the one found on their 1974 triple live album 'Welcome Back My Friends to the show That Never Ends.. Ladies and Gentlemen: Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is an absolute scorcher and I think an example of them at their zenith. It also finishes with a nice poignant tribute to Greg Lake's days with King Crimson.
Performed live, the Battlefield section included Lake singing excerpts of King Crimson's 'Epitaph' which makes your eulogy observation very apt.
Tarkus is right up there with the greatest albums of all time. The first time I saw ELP they opened with Abaddons Bolero..... that will live with me until the day I die.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and a sweet roll for this one!!😄 ♥🎼🎹🎸🥁🎶🎶
Good afternoon! Nice...Retro + snax!! Especially since this video is like 50 hours long 🤣🤣
Yes, happy day to you!! It just really worked out for me this afternoon. No complaints!!☕🍩🎼🎹🎵🎶🎶
😊
Another great choice, Brandon. Keith Emerson is my longest standing musical hero - ever since his days in The Nice, who were the first act I ever saw play live. Nobody has ever played the Hammond organ like Keith in my opinion. And his union with Carl and Greg took my appreciation to a whole new level. Three fabulous musicians at the very top of their game, two of whom are now sadly missed. Tarkus is a spectacular piece of work that deserves to be listened to time and time again. ❤️
Tarkus.. What a journey! A new suscriber here
EPIC journey on many levels! Thank you so much for watching and for your subscription! Welcome to the Retro Reactions community 🙂
These 3 guys are just gold ❤️🙏😌
Love it. Close my eyes and it takes me back to seeing them Live, as a teenager in the early 70’s.
Great Musicians who produced fabulous music.
🎶❤️🎶
Awesome memories...thanks for stopping by Eddie, have a great night!
@@retroreactions.... You’re very welcome. You too.
Always enjoy listening. 🎶❤️🎶
💙
Well done! ...Now it's time for "Karn Evil 9!"
Brandon: Thanks for keeping your word about reacting to Tarkus. Remember ELP was just 3 guys! The music they made was so, so very different from any other music made in those times! Imagine listening to the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Carole King, etc......THEN listening to ELP. Keith Emerson was magnificent on keyboards with the only challengers being Tony Banks of early Genesis. Greg Lake's unique smooth vocals and superior guitar work. Then don't forget about Carl Palmer on drums, all sorts of other percussion and even the GONG. They were far, far ahead of their time. I'm glad you enjoyed Tarkus!
Yes, and excited to hear so much more from them on my channel!
Top of the mountain ⛰ for ELP in the 70s. You DEF should do the complete Brain Salad surgery parts 1-3. Keep up the PROG baby! 😉 ELP is life-changing music for anyone who can appreciate the musicianship of these three giants of prog. 😅
Yes, I will react that Karn Evil full eventually!
Two of my favorite bands of all time are ELP and Pink Floyd. I bought their albums as soon as they were released and have seen them multiple times. But never have I thought that any of their material was like the others. If you are thinking this song is somehow like Dark Side of the Moon, it was released two years after this album.
Agree on ending.....goosebumps in brain matter, every time. I was a fan before this album came out, but was unprepared the first time I heard this side. Very similar to first time I played "Close to the Edge" by YES. So musically dense.
To me the Moog solo in "Aquatarkus" reminds me of a duck quacking both in an amusing and awesome sort of way. Keith Emerson was one of the all time great composers and virtuosic players of 20th Century. Not to take anything away from either Greg Lake or Carl Palmer by any stretch of the imagination as both of these gentlemen were amazing musicians in their own rights. But I think Emerson is the kind of talent that only comes around perhaps every two centuries.
The section from 4:00 forward is some of the most beautiful music ever recorded.
LOVE. THIS . SONG!!! Thank you for reacting to this!!
You're welcome!
Glad you finally got to play Tarkus ! I bought this Album when it came out and can t remember how many times i listen to it the first day ! If you wanna see Keith Emerson s keyboards they re at the museum around Philadelphia ! My friend Jacques play Tarkus since the 70s and i ve seen 2 persons play it on Keith s keyboards at that museum ! Antoine Baril and Rachel Flowers ! 😎
Hello! Thanks for sharing that great info! I really appreciate you watching!
WOW
What a trip back, this came out in 1971 and my cousin gave me a copy of this for my 14 th birthday on 8 track great music and great memories
Nice, glad you love this song. Thanks for sharing your story and thanks so much for watching!!
I'm not sure if other fans will agree, but to me, this was ELP at their perfection. Always one of my favourite tracks.
Oh, this will definitely be one of my faves from them! And I'm just scratching the ELP surface!!
Thanks for watching Tony
Live version is a little bit better 😄
I totally agree!
Saw in March 71 and the played this. I was Crimson fan. Didn’t know they had keyboards. They didn’t play Lucky Man and I didn’t care. I understand Lake said “I guess this would fit on your solo record” when Emerson played Tarkus for him
Thanks for this reaction Brandon, you feel it so right! Well, if you liked the original version, you've got to listen to the LIVE version from "Welcome back my friend to the show that never end" in 1974...you will love it! So well played
You're welcome! OK, I have added your vote for WBMFTTSTNE version! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Phenomenal album
Thanks for watching!
They fixed all of the annoying fade-outs between the movements that are on the original vinyl versions luckily for the entire album. 😅Technology is a wonderful thing!
What’s amazing about the live “Welcome Back” version is in spite of the whole thing being so long and such a complicated piece, it’s performed faster and still executed extremely tight. These guys were master musicians.
Listening to something new and wonderful here! Thanks for sharing!
Nice, love when the song is new for my viewers as well!
I love that you are listening to this incredible music. As far as this song, I think it is a statement about war in general and not about Manticore dying even that's what the cover mentions. Greg sometimes addressed social issues in his lyrics. I don't think Keith or Carl wrote lyrics maybe ever.
Also, in all the countless times I've listened to this, I NEVER once wondered what happened to Tarkus or Aqua Tarkus. Spoiler alert, he doesn't come back, at least in any of the later ELP albums. No offense but don't over think the story line in this album.
Still my favorite side of any album...elp tarkus.. no one's even approach this level .. and never will never hear anything like this again
A truly one of a kind song and band! Thanks for watching Mark!
Now you're talking business! This is '70s prog album royalty! The first section is appropriately named "Eruption" because this album was a Krakatoa or Pinatubo erupting when it was first released. I was only 10 years old at the time (or maybe 11 because there was a delay in releasing albums down here), so it took me a couple of years more to get to know the album, but by then I already knew a lot of it because you have no idea of how many short samples from it were used in all kinds of commercials and video vignettes at that time, and how even wedding organists were trying to imitate Keith Emerson's playing. The cover art alone was already impactful because armadillos are part of our natural wildlife and are very well-known animals here, so everyone was intrigued by the idea of a tank armadillo (or an armadillo tank, whatever).
And believe me, more than half a century later, I still find new things and nuances in it on every new listen. If this is not brilliance, I don't know what could be. You even had to open a new rating category for it, and I don't blame you. Now you also know why the recording label they founded was called Manticore Records. It was short-lived, but it did release some remarkable albums, including a few by my beloved PFM and their compatriots of Banco del Mutuo Soccorso.
And I suggest you take a look at Triumvirat, a German band that was often derided as ELP imitators, but I disagree --- they do have some points in common, including a similar style of their keyboardist Jürgen Fritz, but they had their own instantly recognizable style and many great moments. Some good starter samples of their work are "The Walls of Doom" (with an extraordinary drum work by their drummer Hans Bathelt, who IMO is one of the most underrated drummers in rock history, maybe because he was the subtle but precise type, rather than being flamboyant and explosive), "I Believe" (nothing to do with the homonymous Tears for Fears song), and "Old Loves Die Hard" (the title track of my personal favorite album of theirs), but nearly everybody considers their magnum opus to be "Illusions on a Double Dimple", which consists of two long suites taking up one full LP side each, which is why I don't recommend it as a starting point. (Their first album covers always featured a mouse, I don't know why.)
Thanks for sharing. Can't imagine hearing this song at 10 or 11! Nice to know that British prog rock made it's way to your country in a huge way. OK good, I don't feel bad about missing a lot in 1 listen haha....I wonder why Triumvirat has no material on Spotify. I think I can find those songs on UA-cam at least. Thanks as always bud...I think you may be happy again this week here coming up.... 😁
@@retroreactions...., I don't know for sure, but I suspect that there may be some copyright or licensing issue with Triumvirat's works, because they are always going in and out of availability, and this is not new, this has gone on for decades. They may not be in the first tier of '70s prog, but they were far from obscure and were pretty well-known back then, and it's easy to find material from truly obscure bands.
But now they have their own UA-cam channel, "Triumvirat - Tema", and nearly all their works are there, including playlists for most of their albums (I didn't see "Pompeii", which is a minor album - the "three big ones" you should explore are "Spartacus", "Illusions on a Double Dimple", and "Old Loves Die Hard"; "Mediterranean Tales" is okay, but nothing special, and "À la Carte" is AWFUL, don't get near it!). There are also many videos posted by independent UA-camrs, and you shouldn't have problems finding the real Triumvirat goodies.
I don't know what this "Tema" is, I've seen many artists and bands with "Tema" channels lately, and all their videos have comments disabled. Some music publisher or copyright-owning corporation, probably.
And I'll be eagerly waiting for your surprise...
I remember well the day I first heard this...back in '72...And while I love all ELP albums, this has to be my favorite. Awesome. Groundbreaking. And you'll need to hear it more than once to fully appreciate it. Saw them do it in '74 (twice). I consider myself so very lucky.
Nice, yes I can't imagine that you'd ever forget hearing a song like this....I know I won't. So awesome that you got to see them live 🙂
What I truly enjoy about your channel aside from the great music is the “quality” of sound you bring to it in hi fidelity.
Thank you!!
Che bello anni settanta ascoltare questi albulm
😊
Sto amando questo viaggio. Grazie per la visione!! 😀
Man! Les do dis...
How did I know that you were going to get swept up by this?
This was one I ran out and got immediately, and played it as often as my parents would allow. The live version from "Welcome Back My Friends" is even better, if you can imagine that. They turn Aquatarkus into a jamout for Keith to play his new sounds, always evolving, ever progressing. Carl is in top form too. they all are. Great reaction and review to an old favorite. Cheers!
Haha, you know my taste well enough to know that this song would FLOOR me! (in the best way possible) I added the live '74 version to my list. Thank you so much my friend!
Thanks for this detailed, superb and emotional reaction and now to "Pictures at an Exhibition" ;) .
You are the first Doctor reviewer of music I have ever met with on UA-cam. And I really appreciated this one.
I have just submitted my subscription wholeheartedly.
Wow, thank you so much! I really appreciate your subscription, your comments and your support! ☺
As a keyboard fan you DEFINITLY NEED to listen to the last part "Aquatarkus" live from the "welcome back my friends" live album to me is perhaps the best live tune I've ever heard. What he does with the keys is mind blowing. I can't find one online player who can even come close to playing it. Most won't even try. Plus, to me IT IS by far the best live drum playing I've ever seen or heard. peace
Wow, way to easily sell that performance to me! I have added your vote for it! Thanks john
@@retroreactions.... sorry it was long but not too many people react to ELP and none react to Aquatarkus live sadly. ELP are even better live although it's hard to believe. Thanks for responding.
Oh not at all. A few viewers will write multiple paragraphs and I love that too! I like to be a reaction pioneer sometimes haha....Have a wonderful night 🙂
Brilliant is right!!! I got to see this live back in ‘98! ELP played in between Dream Theater and Deep Purple. It was quite a show. Tarkus was released a few weeks after my 11th birthday and my parents got this for me on cassette, I believe, for Christmas that year. I actually had this before I got my copy of “Machine Head” by Deep Purple on vinyl! 😮
I was running out of adjectives haha....Tarkus as a Christmas present?....EPICCCCC
try elp fanfare for the common man plus jerusalem and go further back to elp's pictures at an exhibition lake amazing guitar and vocals: greg lake was a poet who happened to play the guitar.
Excellent reaction Brandon, this masterpiece has inspired so many musicians since it's creation. Notably Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater & Steve Porcaro of Toto. Incredibly there's even more epic greatness to come with the monumental "Karn Evil 9" from Brain Salad Surgery. Cheers
Carl said he came up with the drum signature and brought it to Keith who played with it to work it into a themed rhythm. Greg did vocals bass, and lead guitar last to pull it all together. I’ve seen them do it live, and they kicked butt.
One of may favorites of ELP. "Take a Pebble", "Lucky Man" and "Trilogy" are other ones. Emerson is a magician, even if he sometimes dominates the music and at times almost kills his fellow players with his skills. It's not for nothing that he fought against allowing a pure guitarist in his band from the start on, who could have challenged him for his starring role.
"Tarkus" together with "Supper´s Ready" by Genesis and "Close To The Edge" by Yes are the highlights of the ProgRock aera in the early 70´s.
Had no idea about that, but glad Keith is forever the star and legend...Thanks for watching!
Tarkus almost didn't get recorded when Greg Lake made it clear to Keith Emerson that he didn't see the merits in it. It was only when management convinced Greg to go into the studio since the time had already been paid for to at least try, and try he did. This is the only album from the so-called classic ELP era that doesn't have one of Greg's signature acoustic pieces.
An extension of "Tank" from their debut album, this is the first definitive progressive piece by ELP and one of the best of its kind. Quite the achievement for a "rock" group, especially so for a trio and in 1971! Somehow, they were able to go beyond what they managed to achieve in the studio with some spectacular live performances (e.g., "Mar y Sol" '72 and "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends" '74) of "Tarkus" at its most fully realized.
Palmer: That was a big moment in time, and it was a blueprint for many, many groups to follow. The original recording of Tarkus-don't forget, it was analog then, so it was straight to tape-actually had 17 edits in it, so we would mark out how far we could go before we needed to regroup and start again. And we'd mark it out in the music, and we'd record up to that point, and then record the next bit, and the next bit. And there were great moments when it was all happening and the creativity was there. We could play it, but we couldn't play it perfect-but we could play it perfect in sections. There are moments all the way around that really stick out. The writing, the actual performance, the recording, the lyrics: I'm extremely proud of it.
Thanks for taking the time to react to this!
Of course, loved it!!
U need to see it live!! 1997 Montreux Jazz Festival 🔥🔥✌🏼❤️🇺🇦
Oh nice! I think I watched From the Beginning on my channel from that same show. I added your vote for it!
@@retroreactions.... watch him do Back from behind the Keyboards🔥🔥🔥 medley Part 2 from same concert ✌🏼❤️
Bach
Great reaction to an epic masterpiece! hard to believe this wasz only three guys.
Keep up the good work 70's prog is timeless,Iwould suggest tou listen to Aphrodites Child "The Four Horsemen " from the album 666 .Vangelis ( best known for film scores such as Chariots of fire and Blade Runner) and Demis Roussos in a prog rock band?!!
Thanks!
Local news used this for bumper music
The "effect" on Keith's organ in Mass isn't an effect at all - it's actually because he was able to hit and release his keys so fast that this was the resulting sound.
This song is about monsters???? OMG I didn't realize this. hee hee😆🤣
YES, the description of each one is insane!! Look at Tarkus, our main character! : ua-cam.com/video/WKNOlDtZluU/v-deo.html
ok
He's a tank.
Transformers/Pokemon LOL : )
The song "Gates of Delirium" by Yes.
Not bad for a three piece eh??? One of my all time favourite albums....
The gatefold cover of the original Tarkus album has numerous illustrations depicting of the monsters and battles from the story. Always gave me a Godzilla vibe. Mythical creatures born from warfare doing battle with other mythical creatures, part war machine, part animal. The Aquatarkus track depicts the grievously wounded Tarkus making it's way to the sea to meet it's end or maybe back to the volcano. Thanks for your reaction. Always great!
Such a unique and creative story, had no idea about the story/characters until last night...Yes I saw that famous picture showing all the creatures together...You're welcome, so glad you stopped by for this one Andy!
The illustrations are the artist's own interpretation. Lake's lyrics are about the mindset that reanimates the war machine and its continued evolution.
I always thought William Neal depicted the wounded Aquatarkus as retreating to the sea from the White Cliffs of Dover headed to North America. As he treads the ocean bottom, the Atlantic heals him and makes him even more powerful. He rolls up onto a distant undeveloped shore into what will become NYC with ominous threat yet great promise.
Obsessed lunatics have transcribed every organ note to sheet music. Imagine that task😂
LMAO Wow...I play keyboard and I can't even imagine PLAYING this song!!
I first heard this on the 3 disk vinyl recording. The studio version was a let down when I finally listened to it. A Let Down! Enuff said? Go for the Live one to get the full impact.
Wow, since I loved this so much, I can't imagine what's in store live. Which live version is your fave?
@@retroreactions.... WBMFTTSTNE Ladies and gentlemen... ua-cam.com/video/oudpI4Px-Ik/v-deo.html
Thanks
@@retroreactions.... The Welcome Back My Friends, triple live album. Aquatarkus is super extended and full of Emerson licks. Lake adds Epitaph to the last section preceeding Aquatarkus. A very nice touch. Sympatico!
Thanks!
Fantastic ELP track although a little messy in places,
The live version on "Welcome Back My Friends" takes it to another level with the extended "Aquatarkus" at the end displaying Keith's playing at it's absolute best, a must listen.
"C'est la vie" .. a beautiful romantic ballad by them for the ages.
Thanks, will add your vote for it!
Probably the most brilliant of ELP, although Trilogy was my first album when I was 14, which I have listened to the most to this day, not a weak song, even the variously short ones: The Endless Enigma, Trilogy, From The Beginning are my favorites; I sometimes omitted Aladine's Bolero; even if I do find the "original" Ravel a bit "sexier".
Take A Pebble, Knife Edge and Tank from the debut are also fantastic, so I listen to the whole album.
I don't find some of the short songs convincing of Tarkus and Brain Salad, so only Karn Evil and Toccato remain.
Still...2:53 would be musically more mature, what a pity (partly live the guitar part was longer similar to From The Beginning).
Forgot: Pictures is awesome too; in music lessons we first listened to Mussorgsky, then ELP, I'm grateful to the teacher to this day.
I have tons more to explore from them, thanks!
He patronisingly says 'That's better!'..... I liked it but still not quite the emotional attachment I feel for say Genesis, who are still the best at telling this type of story. I liked that it maintained a theme, even through the chaotic sections. A bit self-indulgent on the keyboards, and felt parts were crying out for a wailing Hackett type guitar solo in their place? On to the next one.
Greg Lake overdubbed the vocal intro. There are 7 separate tracks. I tried to emulate what he did on my E-MU Proteus: ua-cam.com/users/shortsO58AInCL3S8?feature=share
There’s a switch on Hammond Organs called Percussion and that’s what you thought was scratchy. It’s a very cool sound when combined with Reverb. 99% of this song is Organ but there’s some synthesizer trumpets and a duck.
I hated Tarkus when I first heard it. The drum syncopation and Emerson seemed to be out of control, not giving any space to anyone. Obviously, I was wrong. After repeated listens over the years I’ve come to appreciate Carl’s drumming much more in Tarkus. I used to think he was overshadowed by Keith, but I no longer think so. He shines and provides a great undercurrent of percussion for Emerson to do his magic. Carl’s drumming is very jazzy in so many parts of this song and it just makes you realize that he was truly one of the best stickmen ever, any genre. Loved the reaction Brandon. When will you be getting to Karn Evil 9?
Hard to say...with all the bands being added, ELP only gets a spot every month or month and a half, and I'm sure my list is long for them. Will keep that one in mind even though it's like 10 hours long haha! I'm sure it'll be complex and amazing!
Have you checked out Pirates 🤔
Yup! Here you go ☺ : ua-cam.com/video/NCNm_tRspg8/v-deo.html
Todd Rundgrens Utopia album (the eyeball)
question for retro reactions: do you think that elp influence pink floyd
You're evolving. Listen to the first Queensryche album
To me this is just Jr High. I don't claim to musicly understand. Then on the other hand...
So what is your favorite synth, if you had to choose? If you could only have one.
Ha, super hard question!! I have mostly owned Yamahas, but I will put the Roland Jupiter 8 (huge 80s music guy here) and Korg Nautilus 88 key (as I compose music) in a hat and pick randomly. I have not owned either of those and would surely be in music heaven with either...
Jupiter 8 was awesome! I had the Juno 6 and it was pretty nice. Do you use Musescore to compare?
No, I have not heard of that site. I have not been able to focus on music for a while but I definitely want to get back to it and release some of my own songs on this channel from time to time (I've released 1 short one so far). Studio One 4 is the current DAW I own...Excited to try out my Omnisphere software too...
I know I'm going to take some flack for this, but here I go... Everytime I listen to this song I think all of this talent and creativity was wasted by an EXTREMELY poor job by the engineer and mixing crew. I think some of these ideas could've had more variations in how they were delivered. It seems like they just plugged in and hit record. There also doesn't seem to be an atmosphere created like bands like Genesis and Yes do. There is no reason for their compositions, it's just talent for talent sakes with little flow or character given to each section, and it feels rushed...even for a long song like this. LOVE the talent, LOVE the creativity...however I have a lot of things that could've made it even more iconic, and made these epic moments grander.
I think you would have been better off not doing any research on the song ahead of time. I bought it when it came out and have listened to it countless times as well as seen them live in 1971 and about 10 other times since. I don't think that story line on the album cover at all describes the music.
It's great to see you insist on prog-rock. One great band is still missing: Van der Graaf Generator.
Best song by them?
@@retroreactions.... So many. Many fans will say The Plague of the Lighthouse Keeper. It's an epic from their first period. I have a strong preference for their second period with the two albums Godbluff and Still Life. If you want something agressive and featuring Hammill's voice at his peak of power, I would say Arrow. If you want something more profound and philosophical I would say Childlike Faith in Childhood's End. I must add that all VDGG and Hammill's lyrics are deep, profound and unique. For me he is the best lyricist in all rock music. And a unique blend of music. Not comparable to anything else. In concert they could be the worst or the best depending on the mood of the day. Much improvisations, musical risks on stage. Not an easy band. One of my 3 favorites with Gentle Giant and yes. Their music helped me a lot when i was in bad periods or near depression.
Thanks for sharing and for the guidance!
Not prog rock. ELP!!!!