This piece made me (as a young teen) fall in love with ELP, and caused me to explore classical music, especially in regards to pipe organs. It's through this piece that I became aware of Bach's organ works, for example. And it impresses me to this day that this particular piece is found on a rock album! I think this piece has an important place on this album as a whole, in that the album would be missing something important if it were not on it. It's okay this piece doesn't "do it" for you, it's not most people's cup of tea. I never knew about the Fates this piece illustrates, and your explaining them makes me love this piece even more than before, so thanks a bunch for enhancing my enjoyment even more!
Just imagine 20 year olds were buying this record in the 70's. I guess I just was impressed by the technical abilities and felt it more palatable than most classical music. And they were young.
I was 14 when this album came out. It didn't feel like classical music, more like a particularly subversive kind of rock that was thumbing its nose at the musical establishment by using its own weapons against it. Looking back, I wonder if Emerson made these pieces more accessible by repeating key phrases before moving on to the next? It seems (to a musical ignoramus like me) to be a compositional signature of his.
Nowhere else did I ever hear such grand transitions from a church organ to a concert piano. And flow of style from J.S. Bach to solo piano jazz to samba. A little hard to keep up with it - I too was bewildered by my first listen.
As a keyboardist , I enjoy these compositions It’s not for everyone - at least not initially - and I don’t direct / recommend these types of ELP tracks to new listeners - this is a deep dive track once you have a pretty solid foundational experience behind you IMO
I listened to it for the first time when it came out in 1970. I was 18 and knew little about music. I recommend people listen to the whole album from beginning to end. One doesn't need to be a music expert to appreciate.
Back in my first year of college 71-72 I took a course Listening To Music. It taught how to listen to classical music...the structures & whatnot. I brought in this album one session and the instructor was fascinated including the treatment of the classical piece The Barbarian. He ended up incorporating ELP into the class due to the classical elements and showing how they were adapted to modern music.
Keith's piano in this--their FIRST--album should tell any listener that he is the MAN. I am so grateful to have heard this as a 16 year old...And this transformed my musical tastes. ELP forever.
Well, this is what you get for saying "I'm already halfway through the album, let me keep going and then I'll knock off another one." :) I have no idea if that's what you were thinking, I'm just impatient for you to get to the opening suite of the Trilogy album, namely, The Endless Enigma. Everything you're looking for is in that piece. And when that sheer brilliance leads you to listen to The Sheriff (wonderful) and Hoedown (a classic) and then onto the great title track Trilogy (not as great as The Endless Enigma but a close second), I'll scream "STOP!" before your "I want to finish the album" instincts drag you through the twin boredom swamps of the final two tracks. You have a bazillion old followers for a reason. We know these albums our entire lives. We won't steer you wrong.
Give it a few listens. Every piece doesn't have to be emotional to be enjoyed. You can enjoy some songs for its technicality as well. Classical music is full of such pieces which are more an exercise for the musican than a song. It's the kind of piece a keyboardist would practice to get better at the instrument.
Justin, You need to listen to this track a few times, I doubt you will not like it afterwards. It is hard to really like "ordinary" songs when listening to them for the first time and even harder when the music is more "sophisticated", you need to give it time. This track is magic to my ears, I love Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I started listening to them when I was a student. One of my pastimes was going to record shops and looking for albums that were not that commercial, I could listen to these on the radio. During those days there were cabins in the record shops where you could listen to records before deciding whether to buy them or not. I managed to listen to a lot of great music this way. I always bought the records that left me with a nice "taste in my mouth" or which left me undecided, that trick always worked for me as I always ended loving them. Now, thanks to UA-cam we can listen to music from every corner of the world and watch lots of music videos as well.
One of my favorites from the album actually I love the crazy technical show off side of this album, a lot better than songs like lucky man, which I find to be a bit overrated, a nice, typical acoustic ballad Nothing more than that, the rest of the record is far more challenging and creative
@@fourseasons4105 Lucky Man was included as a filler - they didn't have anything else.. Greg wrote it when he was 12. During the recording of it Keith went to the pub because he didn't think that he could add anything to it. On his return he agreed to try a Moog solo at the end. He tried something and then announced to Greg that he was ready for a take. Greg replied that he had recorded that run through and that it was perfect. Track finished!
Pure Complex Work Of Art ; Thank you Keith . I remember discovering this nearly 50 years ago . The " plein Jeu " of the pipe organ always give me chills . Thank you Justin .
Your reaction is a good one and I too don't consider this track a favourite of mine (although I think parts of the middle piano section are beautiful) you'll probably find the final two tracks "Tank" and "Lucky Man" much better, Over the years ELP made some beautiful music but they often get unfairly criticized for being "Over Indulgent" or "Pompous", sadly what many fail to realise is that they were not only song writers and musicians but also showmen and performers and sometimes those latter elements get misunderstood.
This is basically modem classical music. along the lines of a composer like Leos Janacek or Alfred Schnittke. I suspect it's a little too dense or complex for the average rock listener. It's also music like this from ELP that basically alienated them from even getting in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This album and Brain Salad Surgery are my two favorites, for distinctly different reasons. I think the latter shows their evolution as a cohesive band. This first album showcases well their individual talents. My understanding is that each member did their own thing for the album and then the other members came in afterwards and contributed their parts to enhance the work.
This first song I heard from ELP that told me they were a different breed when it came to Rock music. At the time I was discovering music, I had an Uncle who was the conductor of the MIT Symphony in David Epstein, I saw him for the first time since hearing this album and asked if he ever heard it. No he said and was polite and excited I was getting into music, I told him it was really like a concert you do, or something like that and he again just smiled and said ok. About 3 months or so later he called me and said that he had really enjoyed this piece by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Was not crazy about most of what he heard with the album as a whole but appreciated the quality of playing. He was never a rock fan. Cheers. I love this album and after the pipe organ intro? This for me is a scattered brained piece but always worth listening to his brilliance.
Of course, music impressions are all subjective. I thought this piece was simply fantastic. Perhaps because I grew up as a California city boy with no exposure to grand cathedrals. So, to me, that pipe organ was a very intense experience on first hearing it when I was young. It was conjuring images in my mind of far off medieval lands of adventure and intrigue; it's so unexpected from a rock band. Imagine watching a bunch of reruns of Dragnet or Days of Our Lives, then you watch the movie, Lord of the Rings. Imagine driving down main street past liquor stores and mini malls, then you get a flat tire and look for help behind a shrouded gate, and walk up to an old stone castle with ivy crawling up the walls and bats fluttering off. It's like that, a whole different scene, for me, just my personal impression. For others, maybe it's like a boring sermon that lasts for five hours while you are suffocating in a neck tie.
Yeah, this was a time period where freedom to go over the top was considered highly expressive. There's a 3 part structure, so Hey, I'll call it The Three Fates, but not a lot of thematic structure although the piano midsection there are chord progressions that Emerson will refine and variate greatly throughout the next several albums. I highly recommend his Piano Concerto by the way from WORKS VOLUME 1. Cheers and best wishes.
There isn't any synth in this song. He is shifting between louder and quieter organ setting. Nice sounding church organ, good room, not many rock artests use good acoustic organs in their recordings.
@@oldmanghost219 Yes. Lucky Man, on the same album as this piece called The Three Fates, was the first rock song to use a moog synthesizer. But this piece has no synth in it.
I cried the day Keith Emerson took his own life. Of all the musicians that have passed in the last decade, his passing affected me more deeply than any other. Yes there were more famous musicians who got much more coverage, Prince for instance. Keith was a musical hero to me and a titan in my eyes. While I can see that this piece has some noodling in it, it's a very natural sound to me since I've been listening to it since I was like five. Conversely, much pop music sounds strange to me. I guess it's all about what you were exposed to a young, impressionable age. There was an exotic percussive element to Keith's piano playing. It didn't sound like Western pop music. You can find a similar exotic sound in Karn Evil Nine 2nd Impression.
The reason for his passing makes his passing all the sadder: Depression because he was unable to play keyboards due to physical limitations from injury/disease process.
@@ericarmstrong6540 very sad indeed. Conversely, Phil Collins doesn't seem terribly bothered that he can't play anymore due to injuries. I guess Keith's musicality was massive part of his self identity. Fortunately, my sadness at his passing was quelled by a celebration/tribute of his music by the likes of Eddie Jobson, Jordan Ruddess and Rachel Flowers. A very powerful and cathartic concert experience.
@@jimhardiman3836 Those are three fantastic choices to perform his music as a tribute. Rachel Flowers can be seen on a youtube video weeping prior to a performance by her of Keith Emerson's music. I don't know if it is this tribute or when it was. Certainly it was a heart felt reaction to his death.
The great thing about this kind of music is it gets better and better with repeated listens as your brain starts to recognize the patterns and really starts to 'hear' it. It's definitely not Emerson 'showing off' as you say. It's brilliant! Same with Karn Evil 9, it sounds overwhelming on first listen but gradually gets crystal clear. Major props to you for reacting to this stuff.
Parts of this are stunningly beautiful, classical, jazzy and yeah, some parts take some getting used to but that was the whole point of Prog, as you well know. I like that you will give anything a chance. 👌
If you hear a large pipe organ played live by a skilled organist it is a very powerful sound and can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Yeah I think ELP did have a tendency to overplay a bit and get carried away with showing of their technical abilities. I can’t wait for you to get to Lucky Man. It’s one of their best songs and a great closer to the album. I highly recommend checking out their albums Tarkus, Trilogy, Karn Evil, and Works Vol. 1 as I feel they’re a lot better (Trilogy is the best IMO). Great Videos as always!
I agree with you J, Carl mentioned that they really didn’t have much for the initial album so Kieth added these Pieces to fill up time. However, in early rock and roll they had more freedom to develop their sound. In its day this was so ground breaking from the norm
#1 To me, this is one of the best piano solos I have ever heard. Absolutely beautiful. The end was great too. And the sound at the end was a great lead-in to Tank. The only concession is that my 1st listen, the pipe organ was a little off putting but now I just love the whole piece.
I would say this piece is an acquired taste. I like it, but I can see that it isn't immediately approachable. You'll have to give 'Toccata' a listen and see what you think of that one. :-)
Hey, JP, Thanks for having the Balls to cover this one. True story. High school Ancient History class. Quiz. You guessed it. Who were the Three Fates? My teacher was suitably impressed. Thank you and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. P.S. The middle bits in Clotho are on the same church organ.
This is a very daring and complex piece of music, but I always find it exiting and beautiful, then again I am a keyboardist and piano player. This is the type of music where both the musician and the listener pushes their boundaries :)
RIP KEITH & GREG ,♥️♥️ and looling forward to seeing The Carl Palmer ELP TRIBUTE AGAIN ! Its A FANTASTIC SHOW ! Go See Carl If You Get A Chance ! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY !
If you have a nice four-wheel-drive you might as well take it off road once in a while! Emerson likes to do this once in a while. If I had his talent I would too! Classical pianists get paid to do this.🙂
There was no synth to the best of my recollection in the first section. It was all played entirely on the huge pneumatic pipe organ at the Royal Festival Hall. What you thought was synth was still the high pitch air pipes.
Another insane organ intro in Vangelis's Nucleogenesis Part I from the 1975 "ALBEDO 9.39" album. Bonus Track: Goblin's "Profondo Rosso" Theme from Dario Argento Giallo Movie.
I must say I like it. But it must be that after 45 years of litening it now and then, it has become natural and obvious in a way. I feel the strength of it and the emotion in that strength. But I see your point, Justin. It is in a way, cold and technical… that is maybe what a theoretical (? is that word correct in english?) God does with human life: experiencing in a cold and technical way!
side Two is a composition of music by each of them This is Emerson`s Its the only song off the album not to feature Greg on the Bass. Tank is next which is Carl Palmer's which has his iconic drum solo which he regularly played live. And Lucky Man is by Greg which he wrote when he was 13 years old. Side two is better than side one in my opinion
The good with all reactors is how older music get airtime and can be enjoyed in good company. This song is in it’s start magisterial, large cathedral and huge pipe organ.... very powerful, then pure jazz piano.
The beauty about many of the older 70's prog and rock bands is that you will always find something new in there at the weirdest moments even though you've listened to them many times before which many of the pieces of music require before you can fully appreciate them instead of expecting an instant hit from.
Please react to The Only Way (Hymn) - Infinite Space (Conclusion) - A Time and a Place from "Tarkus". It also features the church organ but more subtle and goes mostly on piano - bass - drums. :)
The quiet parts in Clotho was not synth, it was a different pipe setting on the organ, BTW. To me, the organ part was very emotional. Interesting to hear an informed different view. Great job!
Love your page and appreciate your selections. As to you're not liking this tune, I can understand. But you had to be there when this came out. It blew our minds. As to your lack of emotional feeling, you had to be there. So listen to it again. :)
OK, I have to give you a like for even doing this! This is definitely one ELP's more obscure tracks (I put it next to things like "Toccata".) It's essentially a Kieth Emerson solo piece, and illustrates how crunched they were for material on the first album.
Justin I can remember like it was yesterday 16 years old I believe it was December 1970 and his older brother saw them at the Fillmore East and he said the audience was absolutely stunned and blowed away so we should listen to this album guys at all I can say is wow because as a kid growing up as a Christian going to church one thing I really enjoyed as young as I was with the church organ there is nothing more beautiful breathtaking as what Emerson does here with the 3 fates One time I was on vacation up in Easton Massachusetts and I visited a place called the Harman Castle nothing to do with the Hammond organ but the sky built a replica of the cathedral of Notre Dame obviously a small scale there’s so much About it I won’t go into it but I actually took the tour an asked somebody there if they if they’re going to play the organ and I was right there again there’s nothing more beautiful than the organs and all the cathedrals of the world and this was like a small example again Justin I know I could go on forever but you keep up the good work kid and stay safe God bless your family you’re a good friend James
There's no synth in the first section. Those sweet notes are from the short pipes on the organ. I'll have to have another listen but I thought Greg Lake plays on the last section alongside Palmer.
For some reason I don't think I have heard this one before. But, I really liked it - just because the affinity to classical music, and to ELPs version of Pictures at an Exhibition. I think the TV version of that concert (before the album was released) formed my interest for the connection and relation between classical and rock music. Emerson had showed it slightly earlier in the Nice (eg. Five Bridges, 1970). Many other artists were into this at about this time: Ekseption, Walter Carlos... Also Deep Purple's organist Jon Lord included references to classical music now and then at the time.
Changed the way I thought of Music...as a teenager...Loved many bands...ELP was different...If you want to find me when i pass over..i will be at their perpetual concert...
Emerson didn't play a synth during those quiet breaks. He simply reset the pipes to a different (more quiet) timbre, like organists frequently does on a late romantic church organ. This music in a sense has a lot more common cultural ground with neo-classical music, jazz and composers such as Ginastera. The excitement lies in the fact that ELP now introduces these genres to rock on an album already packed with musical tension between other genres. To fully appreciate "Three Fates", you'll have to come to terms with that and put it into context with the album as a whole. We have now fully entered the LP-era.
I completely agree with your comments! This is a song to be respected for the talent and the technical brilliance but it doesn't move me at all emotionally. I'm thinking of Rick Wakeman Six Wives of Henry the 8th and more than a few of those songs had technical Brilliance and an emotional punch
Jay, you might get a kick out of Rick’s anecdote about the recording of Jane Seymour, the organ piece from Six Wives. ua-cam.com/video/dNFizn_SXvM/v-deo.html
Ha! 😂 I was just thinking of that album during this reaction video (@2:50), as Wakeman played some similar arpeggios on one of the tracks. Hmm... Which wife was it again...? 🤔
I don't think there are any synth parts in 'the three fates.' But rather in the first part, higher registers on the trinity organ are what you're hearing. It's a dark piece no doubt. I do like the organ transitioning into Lachesis, which is kind of like an etude on arpeggiation. It's quite massive and in some eyes, distracts from the overall continuity. It would have fit rather nicely for an all Emerson album.
#2 You don't have to like it and it is not one I play a lot but I think it is great and did you know that both Keith and Carl shared an interest in exploring new and intricate ideas. Lake was not initially on board with Tarkus. He had to be talked into it and the finale straw was that they had already paid for the studio time. It was both Keith an Carl that came into the recording session each, on their own, with the same idea of the time signature of the piece. No. I only listen to Tarkus once in a 'Blue Moon', but it is a great composition.
Lake was not interested in Tarkus at first, but he was a classical music lover, and he and Keith often shared the music that interested them. You have to admit that the addition of Lake's vocals and melodic input (not to mention his amazing, haunting guitar work) improve the song immeasurably.
I really like Emerson's solo piano. Even if it wouldn't be too exciting on its own, if listening to the whole album through, I like how you get a nice piano break in the middle. "Fugue" from Trilogy is another one, really sweet and uplifting. Once in a while I get the part at 5:13 stuck in my head and for a while I had forgot where it was from---glorious!
I think you nail it JP, Emerson was prone to indulgence and needed to be reigned in on occasion. You’ll like the next two songs better I believe, great work!
Loyal fan since day one here, I don't make requests very often. I'd like you to do me a favor and play and review Three More Days by the Guess Who, a legendary Canadian band that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but continues to be snubbed. They have lots of hits, some of which you no doubt know, the one I am recommending is a bit more adventurous. Thanks!
I forgot the explosion at the end. This track can truly be described as bombastic. All the stops were out. The explanation of the three fates was helpful in understanding the song concept. Was this piece ever sampled by a rap artist? I would pay to hear that.
JustJP Dang! You called me on it, and found five songs that sampled The Three Fates. That’s insane. I hope that Keith’s estate gets a few bucks from the samplers. I sent a few your way since I said that I would pay to hear that. Now, can you find a Weird Al cover of The Three Fates on accordion? Or, a Pentatonix cover?
@@rtwbikerider As a Weird Al fan, I'm pretty sure he stayed away from prog bands. He was a big Zappa fan, though (see Genius in France). Accordion-wise he has covered most forms of popular rock and hip hop/rap. Hot Rocks Polka is all Rolling Stones and Bohemian Polka is a cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. I enjoyed this piece as some would enjoy an extended guitar solo or drum solo - a chance to showcase technical ability.
I'd forgotten about the big organ lol😂thought it was Ric Waksman!! Agree with you, but I loved the explosion though...kind of had a vision of the whole band blowing themselves up lol😂
It's probably too late in the month to request a "Christmas in July" themed video. But, if you can, consider doing Greg Lake's Christmas "song," I Believe in Father Christmas. The lyrics, ah, the lyrics, as well as the melody, will tug at your heartstrings. Baruch Dayem ha'Emet ברוך דיין האמת Greg Lake. You are sincerely missed.
Bro, you are digging deep! If you're going to do any more ELP you've got to do Tarkus. It's their signature piece, it's them at the top of their powers. IMHO their best work.
My brother thinks so too and it is great and a fantastic composition, but not exactly my cup of tea. On occasion I'll listen to it. My ring tone is the 2nd impression of Karn Evil Nine.
Regarding comments about prog criticism: On any record, there things that work for a listener and things that don't. If you're not into pure keyboard exploration, this probably doesn't resonate for you but to try to make this exemplary of Keith Emerson's body of work is patently unfair. Between some of the more spectacular collaborative ELP works and his time in the Nice, he showed himself to be a massively talented musician and entertainer. Haters of prog have lots of examples to point to and ultimately, they're pointing out nothing more than what they hate while saying nothing about the artists or the music. I deeply appreciate JP's honest analysis of music.
Justin, I like the more conventional (if there is such a thing) ELP like Lucky Man, From The Beginning, Knife- Edge and even Karn Evil 9. I feel that just because an artist has a big box of colors, he doesn't have to use them all. Many times less is more.
It is their interpretation of the 3 fates. Check out what they were. Part of it is like musical schizophrenia. sems like you knew that so I'm not sure about your reaction. I loved this song from my first listen. Sounds like we have very different tastes in music.
I was rather pissed off that most of this track (and all of "Tank") was absent from Wilson's 5.1 mix of the album due to the multi-track tapes being missing. Minority-world problems, I know, and I digress - well done to JP for more prog. rock.
I don't necessarily agree with your opinion, but it is your opinion and I appreciate the video. It's nice to hear someone's honest opinion, even though it does not reflect my opinion. I think you made a great video
Ahh....the Emerson/Wakeman debate continues It's a little like which type of wine do you prefer? Both Fantastic piece of music Won't listen to it every day But then you don't go to the art museum every day either But when you do, you savor
How bout some James Gang. Joe Walsh version or even Tommy Bolin. You pick the lead. My favorite guitarist in Joe, just drippin' with the Funk! Unique vocal. Funk #48, #49! The Bomber, Woman, Stop, or if you want something slower, melodic, Ashes, the Rain and I, or Collage is wonderful. Or be the first on your block to try Tommy Bolin on one of these sites. Ride the Wind, Standing in the rain, or my favorite track from him with this band. The Devil is Singing Our Song. Great guitarist and writer. Blues and more, died young... too young. One of his solo efforts is so heavy with great blues. Grabs you and does not let go. Post Toastee!
You're very brave to take this one on. ELP are my favorite band, but I've never listened to this that much. I like the 2nd & 3rd parts, the piano parts. I've heard that part 3, Atropos is Keith Emerson playing 3 pianos overdubbed and they are not all playing the same time signature. That's why it's so hard to count, different pianos in different time signatures. One might be 4/4, one might be 7/8, etc. I don't blame anyone for not liking this, but I do get a kick out of Atropos, because of the wacky rhythm and odd angry tone, and then it blows up. When it comes to Tarkus, it's the LIVE version you want, from Welcome Back My Friends......
Just react to their version of "Jerusalem" already. It's the definitive version and a lot more digestible than this (admittedly impressive) piano wank.
The first few minutes of the song sounded like an old Hollywood movie soundtrack, something like the Ten Commandments or Spartacus. The song picked up at the 6 minute mark with a jazzy jam. Instrumentally there were some cool moments, I was focused more on the drumming during during that jazzy jam. I tend to agree, I appreciate the musicianship but emotionally was not feeling it.
I agree with you JP, I prefer side one of this LP. A musical suggestion for you, an artist from Sweden, Par Lindth project from 1995 and the song The Cathedral. He is a Classical and concert pianist that has made a couple of prog albums, was also a drummer in a heavy metal band. Very much influence by Emerson. Here is a link to the right version of this song: m.ua-cam.com/video/CmDqcMQMwWg/v-deo.html
Hey Justin My Man!! Michael here!! Did you read my short story comment yesterday referring to your LIVE STREAM?? Please go back and find it because it will relate to today's comment!! SPOT ON AGAIN here with EMERSON!! Lol! Did like the piano middle section like everyone else but the rest was way too repetitive and eventually boring!! Didn't move me either!! So before this came up I went back again in your archive to find out how late to your party I am!! So I said yesterday I wanted to see you react to WOMAN IN CHAINS by TEARS FOR FEARS because it was my favorite from them!! Well I found it!!! Lol!! This song is special to me because it was one of my sister's favorites!! She passed about 20yrs ago. I also found that you did foreigner: I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS!! That was surprising!! That was one of the songs at my wedding!! But in my scrolling backwards thru your reactions I've noticed just how diverse you've been in your music here!!! That's awesome!! So after watching your LIVE Stream I hope you've written down some of my requests!!! I've had so many but they are from different genres too!! I love just about all Music!!! JONI MITCHELL, CARLY SIMON , SUZANNE VEGA, AND OF COURSE - STRAWBS, YES AND GENESIS!! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A GIRL FROM NORWAY- AURORA?!! SHES AWESOME!! CHECK OUT HER APPERANCE ON JIMMY FALLON WITH THE SONG-CONQUEROR!! She's REALLY UNIQUE!! OKAY! I'll stop now and try to edit my comments in the future!! Sorry I have so much to say!!! Please read my comments from yesterday!!! I wrote you a short story of what I thought of your LIVE STREAM!! That was AWESOME!! Have a GREAT DAY!! DONT FORGET: GRACE DARLING!!! YOUR #1AZ FAN! MICHAEL😊😊
Ty as always Michael😄 I try to read most comments, but I end up missing some (theres a lot lol). I've listened to a decent amount from Aurora, I like her sound. Her cover of Massive Attack was phenomenal
Not synthesizer. It's all pipe organ in that part. I like the piece but with exception of the final movement it's Emerson solo. This hints at the problem ELP would have later: not working together as a complete group. Emerson's famous solo on "Lucky Man" was an afterthought. I enjoyed live versions in the '90s where the full band played. The middle section of "The Three Fates" with solo piano is emotionally moving. The rest is cold and menacing, but I think that was the intent.
Didn’t like this at all until it broke into the jazzy riffs, but overall, it didn’t work for me. I do like ELP very much - saw them in the 70’s at an outdoor festival, but don’t remember specific place and date. What I do remember, however, is that although I couldn’t see them at one time, Emerson’s synthesizer (Moog) could still be heard coming out of the haze and mist of that day. I thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever heard. Emerson could do it all: rock, classical, and jazz. Anyway, keep up the interesting observations.
The Beginnings of Electronic music.....ELP.....not my Favorite back then.....and sync music....mostly instrumental.....but hey Yes started this stuff.....sooooo ....I don't know...just not my cup of tea....lol...hahaha......watching you is a joy!!!!
I can understand you didn't like it so much, it's a very difficult piece of music. I appreciate Emerson's inspiration, putting down something like 100 or more years of piano and keyboard music, from Impressionism to contemporary and jazz, but I understand it could become boring and heavy. There's no synthesizer on this song, the mellow interludes you hear are done with the "flute" section on the pipe organ
The pipe organ solo is fairly typical for pipe organ music, kind of like Toccata and Fugue in E Minor. I've never really enjoyed it. The Piano solo has always mesmerized me. I've loved it, since the first time I hear it. I can't say the same thing about the piano trio, but it grew on me. Crank it up, and it sounds like all Hell breaking lose. I think I learned to like it, simply because it's horrible and I can tolerate it. I think that's how I learned to enjoy Ginastera's Toccata on BSS! The explosion at the end is actually the beginning of Tank. Tank is just an electric piano, bass, and drums being played by the best three guys in the business. For a short time, around 1969/70, rockers preferred the sound of the portable electric over the real thing, but now, electric piano is just an artifact of the 1960's. Yeah, you can flip a switch an get that "classic sound" on the sophisticated portables they sell today, but it's long out of fashion.
Yeah, Keef... what are ya going to do? Some like, some don’t. Do I? I refuse to answer on grounds that don’t know. The conga line rhythm was fun. Bad dance memory: Back in the disco era sometimes a conga line would happen and being a terrible set dance moves person I am, I stuck my leg out repeatedly opposite everyone else. I do what I feel. My friend still makes fun of me to this day. I hate conga lines... still, I enjoyed that part of the song. Overindulgence was a thing back then and today but, I’m used to it. Trained to get what you can out of it and move on. Your being honest about the three seconds being your second listen makes me have to confess. I listened to Karen Evil yesterday on another channel and am a little shell shocked. Sorry, please forgive me. Please everyone wear a mask, and please no conga lines, Peace and Music
This piece made me (as a young teen) fall in love with ELP, and caused me to explore classical music, especially in regards to pipe organs. It's through this piece that I became aware of Bach's organ works, for example. And it impresses me to this day that this particular piece is found on a rock album! I think this piece has an important place on this album as a whole, in that the album would be missing something important if it were not on it. It's okay this piece doesn't "do it" for you, it's not most people's cup of tea. I never knew about the Fates this piece illustrates, and your explaining them makes me love this piece even more than before, so thanks a bunch for enhancing my enjoyment even more!
Keith Emerson and Greg Lake will be missed. Two GREAT musicians who blazed the trail in Progressive Rock.
Just imagine 20 year olds were buying this record in the 70's.
I guess I just was impressed by the technical abilities and felt it more palatable than most classical music. And they were young.
I was 14 when this album came out. It didn't feel like classical music, more like a particularly subversive kind of rock that was thumbing its nose at the musical establishment by using its own weapons against it. Looking back, I wonder if Emerson made these pieces more accessible by repeating key phrases before moving on to the next? It seems (to a musical ignoramus like me) to be a compositional signature of his.
I was one of those.
@@richardfurness7556 me too, just 14
Me too, 14
As usual, Carl Palmer is overlooked. He really did all that stuff, no drum machines.
Nowhere else did I ever hear such grand transitions from a church organ to a concert piano. And flow of style from J.S. Bach to solo piano jazz to samba. A little hard to keep up with it - I too was bewildered by my first listen.
As a keyboardist , I enjoy these compositions
It’s not for everyone - at least not initially - and I don’t direct / recommend these types of ELP tracks to new listeners - this is a deep dive track once you have a pretty solid foundational experience behind you IMO
I usually recommend and Knife Edge first to show all three of their skills.
Compared to other prog bands, they sound quite friendly. Bands like Van deer Graff generator and Gentle Giant are the real deal
I listened to it for the first time when it came out in 1970. I was 18 and knew little about music. I recommend people listen to the whole album from beginning to end. One doesn't need to be a music expert to appreciate.
Back in my first year of college 71-72 I took a course Listening To Music. It taught how to listen to classical music...the structures & whatnot. I brought in this album one session and the instructor was fascinated including the treatment of the classical piece The Barbarian. He ended up incorporating ELP into the class due to the classical elements and showing how they were adapted to modern music.
This is fantastic. Who knows how many students you ended up influencing by this one act of music sharing.
@@kathyratino962 Not nearly enough. 😁 But thanks.
Keith's piano in this--their FIRST--album should tell any listener that he is the MAN. I am so grateful to have heard this as a 16 year old...And this transformed my musical tastes. ELP forever.
Well, this is what you get for saying "I'm already halfway through the album, let me keep going and then I'll knock off another one." :) I have no idea if that's what you were thinking, I'm just impatient for you to get to the opening suite of the Trilogy album, namely, The Endless Enigma. Everything you're looking for is in that piece. And when that sheer brilliance leads you to listen to The Sheriff (wonderful) and Hoedown (a classic) and then onto the great title track Trilogy (not as great as The Endless Enigma but a close second), I'll scream "STOP!" before your "I want to finish the album" instincts drag you through the twin boredom swamps of the final two tracks. You have a bazillion old followers for a reason. We know these albums our entire lives. We won't steer you wrong.
Give it a few listens. Every piece doesn't have to be emotional to be enjoyed. You can enjoy some songs for its technicality as well. Classical music is full of such pieces which are more an exercise for the musican than a song. It's the kind of piece a keyboardist would practice to get better at the instrument.
Justin, You need to listen to this track a few times, I doubt you will not like it afterwards. It is hard to really like "ordinary" songs when listening to them for the first time and even harder when the music is more "sophisticated", you need to give it time. This track is magic to my ears, I love Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I started listening to them when I was a student. One of my pastimes was going to record shops and looking for albums that were not that commercial, I could listen to these on the radio. During those days there were cabins in the record shops where you could listen to records before deciding whether to buy them or not. I managed to listen to a lot of great music this way. I always bought the records that left me with a nice "taste in my mouth" or which left me undecided, that trick always worked for me as I always ended loving them. Now, thanks to UA-cam we can listen to music from every corner of the world and watch lots of music videos as well.
One of my favorites from the album actually
I love the crazy technical show off side of this album, a lot better than songs like lucky man, which I find to be a bit overrated, a nice, typical acoustic ballad
Nothing more than that, the rest of the record is far more challenging and creative
@@fourseasons4105 Lucky Man was included as a filler - they didn't have anything else.. Greg wrote it when he was 12. During the recording of it Keith went to the pub because he didn't think that he could add anything to it. On his return he agreed to try a Moog solo at the end. He tried something and then announced to Greg that he was ready for a take. Greg replied that he had recorded that run through and that it was perfect. Track finished!
Pure Complex Work Of Art ; Thank you Keith .
I remember discovering this nearly 50 years ago .
The " plein Jeu " of the pipe organ always give me chills .
Thank you Justin .
Your reaction is a good one and I too don't consider this track a favourite of mine (although I think parts of the middle piano section are beautiful) you'll probably find the final two tracks "Tank" and "Lucky Man" much better,
Over the years ELP made some beautiful music but they often get unfairly criticized for being "Over Indulgent" or "Pompous", sadly what many fail to realise is that they were not only song writers and musicians but also showmen and performers and sometimes those latter elements get misunderstood.
This is basically modem classical music. along the lines of a composer like Leos Janacek or Alfred Schnittke. I suspect it's a little too dense or complex for the average rock listener. It's also music like this from ELP that basically alienated them from even getting in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
You might know this, but "Knife Edge" WAS based on a Janacek piece, and "The Barbarian" was based on a Bartok piece.
This album and Brain Salad Surgery are my two favorites, for distinctly different reasons. I think the latter shows their evolution as a cohesive band. This first album showcases well their individual talents. My understanding is that each member did their own thing for the album and then the other members came in afterwards and contributed their parts to enhance the work.
I agree. That is exactly my opinion. re: "This album and Brain Salad Surgery are my two favorites"
This first song I heard from ELP that told me they were a different breed when it came to Rock music. At the time I was discovering music, I had an Uncle who was the conductor of the MIT Symphony in David Epstein, I saw him for the first time since hearing this album and asked if he ever heard it. No he said and was polite and excited I was getting into music, I told him it was really like a concert you do, or something like that and he again just smiled and said ok. About 3 months or so later he called me and said that he had really enjoyed this piece by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Was not crazy about most of what he heard with the album as a whole but appreciated the quality of playing. He was never a rock fan. Cheers. I love this album and after the pipe organ intro? This for me is a scattered brained piece but always worth listening to his brilliance.
Of course, music impressions are all subjective. I thought this piece was simply fantastic. Perhaps because I grew up as a California city boy with no exposure to grand cathedrals. So, to me, that pipe organ was a very intense experience on first hearing it when I was young. It was conjuring images in my mind of far off medieval lands of adventure and intrigue; it's so unexpected from a rock band.
Imagine watching a bunch of reruns of Dragnet or Days of Our Lives, then you watch the movie, Lord of the Rings.
Imagine driving down main street past liquor stores and mini malls, then you get a flat tire and look for help behind a shrouded gate, and walk up to an old stone castle with ivy crawling up the walls and bats fluttering off.
It's like that, a whole different scene, for me, just my personal impression. For others, maybe it's like a boring sermon that lasts for five hours while you are suffocating in a neck tie.
Fantastic stuff from ELP they are a cut above ☝️thanks for the reaction ☝️
Yeah, this was a time period where freedom to go over the top was considered highly expressive. There's a 3 part structure, so Hey, I'll call it The Three Fates, but not a lot of thematic structure although the piano midsection there are chord progressions that Emerson will refine and variate greatly throughout the next several albums. I highly recommend his Piano Concerto by the way from WORKS VOLUME 1. Cheers and best wishes.
I agree, 'Piano Concerto No. 1' from Works Vol 1.
There isn't any synth in this song. He is shifting between louder and quieter organ setting. Nice sounding church organ, good room, not many rock artests use good acoustic organs in their recordings.
Except for the end of Lucky man?
@@oldmanghost219 Yes. Lucky Man, on the same album as this piece called The Three Fates, was the first rock song to use a moog synthesizer. But this piece has no synth in it.
I cried the day Keith Emerson took his own life. Of all the musicians that have passed in the last decade, his passing affected me more deeply than any other. Yes there were more famous musicians who got much more coverage, Prince for instance. Keith was a musical hero to me and a titan in my eyes. While I can see that this piece has some noodling in it, it's a very natural sound to me since I've been listening to it since I was like five. Conversely, much pop music sounds strange to me. I guess it's all about what you were exposed to a young, impressionable age. There was an exotic percussive element to Keith's piano playing. It didn't sound like Western pop music. You can find a similar exotic sound in Karn Evil Nine 2nd Impression.
The reason for his passing makes his passing all the sadder: Depression because he was unable to play keyboards due to physical limitations from injury/disease process.
@@ericarmstrong6540 very sad indeed. Conversely, Phil Collins doesn't seem terribly bothered that he can't play anymore due to injuries. I guess Keith's musicality was massive part of his self identity. Fortunately, my sadness at his passing was quelled by a celebration/tribute of his music by the likes of Eddie Jobson, Jordan Ruddess and Rachel Flowers. A very powerful and cathartic concert experience.
@@jimhardiman3836 Those are three fantastic choices to perform his music as a tribute. Rachel Flowers can be seen on a youtube video weeping prior to a performance by her of Keith Emerson's music. I don't know if it is this tribute or when it was. Certainly it was a heart felt reaction to his death.
Very sad day indeed
Yes very sad. And only a few years older than me makes me look at my own mortality. Where have they all gone?
The great thing about this kind of music is it gets better and better with repeated listens as your brain starts to recognize the patterns and really starts to 'hear' it. It's definitely not Emerson 'showing off' as you say. It's brilliant! Same with Karn Evil 9, it sounds overwhelming on first listen but gradually gets crystal clear. Major props to you for reacting to this stuff.
Absolutely agree. It's this way with much classical music, and this is simply modern classical music.
Parts of this are stunningly beautiful, classical, jazzy and yeah, some parts take some getting used to but that was the whole point of Prog, as you well know. I like that you will give anything a chance. 👌
That’s not synths, or Emerson’s Hammond, but a real pipe organ.
If you hear a large pipe organ played live by a skilled organist it is a very powerful sound and can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Yeah I think ELP did have a tendency to overplay a bit and get carried away with showing of their technical abilities. I can’t wait for you to get to Lucky Man. It’s one of their best songs and a great closer to the album. I highly recommend checking out their albums Tarkus, Trilogy, Karn Evil, and Works Vol. 1 as I feel they’re a lot better (Trilogy is the best IMO). Great Videos as always!
I agree with you J, Carl mentioned that they really didn’t have much for the initial album so Kieth added these Pieces to fill up time. However, in early rock and roll they had more freedom to develop their sound. In its day this was so ground breaking from the norm
#1 To me, this is one of the best piano solos I have ever heard. Absolutely beautiful. The end was great too. And the sound at the end was a great lead-in to Tank. The only concession is that my 1st listen, the pipe organ was a little off putting but now I just love the whole piece.
I would say this piece is an acquired taste. I like it, but I can see that it isn't immediately approachable. You'll have to give 'Toccata' a listen and see what you think of that one. :-)
just about EL&P don' t miss the opportunity to be the first to react to Tarkus, the prog real masterpiece
I love this track, but I completely get your reaction. Thanks for the video and analysis. Cheers!
This is so awesome. Listen many times, that’s what it takes.
Hey, JP, Thanks for having the Balls to cover this one. True story. High school Ancient History class. Quiz. You guessed it. Who were the Three Fates? My teacher was suitably impressed. Thank you and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. P.S. The middle bits in Clotho are on the same church organ.
This is a very daring and complex piece of music, but I always find it exiting and beautiful, then again I am a keyboardist and piano player. This is the type of music where both the musician and the listener pushes their boundaries :)
RIP KEITH & GREG ,♥️♥️ and looling forward to seeing The Carl Palmer ELP TRIBUTE AGAIN ! Its A FANTASTIC SHOW ! Go See Carl If You Get A Chance ! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY !
If you have a nice four-wheel-drive you might as well take it off road once in a while! Emerson likes to do this once in a while. If I had his talent I would too! Classical pianists get paid to do this.🙂
There was no synth to the best of my recollection in the first section. It was all played entirely on the huge pneumatic pipe organ at the Royal Festival Hall. What you thought was synth was still the high pitch air pipes.
Another insane organ intro in Vangelis's Nucleogenesis Part I from the 1975 "ALBEDO 9.39" album.
Bonus Track: Goblin's "Profondo Rosso" Theme from Dario Argento Giallo Movie.
I must say I like it. But it must be that after 45 years of litening it now and then, it has become natural and obvious in a way. I feel the strength of it and the emotion in that strength. But I see your point, Justin. It is in a way, cold and technical… that is maybe what a theoretical (? is that word correct in english?) God does with human life: experiencing in a cold and technical way!
side Two is a composition of music by each of them This is Emerson`s Its the only song off the album not to feature Greg on the Bass. Tank is next which is Carl Palmer's which has his iconic drum solo which he regularly played live. And Lucky Man is by Greg which he wrote when he was 13 years old. Side two is better than side one in my opinion
In Emerson's bio he mentioned that he had written the song section of Tank and gave the credit for it to Palmer.
Yea side two is awesome but you must admit “The Barbarian” kicks things off with a bang on side one
He was 12.
The good with all reactors is how older music get airtime and can be enjoyed in good company. This song is in it’s start magisterial, large cathedral and huge pipe organ.... very powerful, then pure jazz piano.
7/8 IS the correct time signature. You're getting good at the theory aspect of listening. Good job! 👍
I'm slowly trying lol
The beauty about many of the older 70's prog and rock bands is that you will always find something new in there at the weirdest moments even though you've listened to them many times before which many of the pieces of music require before you can fully appreciate them instead of expecting an instant hit from.
The final bit is a piano trio and was also recorded separately and subsequently mixed, but I get your reservations about it, it's more cerebral.
Damn. Downplaying pure talent. To each his own. ☮️
I liked the beginning with it's sort of medieval epic feel.
Please react to The Only Way (Hymn) - Infinite Space (Conclusion) - A Time and a Place from "Tarkus".
It also features the church organ but more subtle and goes mostly on piano - bass - drums. :)
The quiet parts in Clotho was not synth, it was a different pipe setting on the organ, BTW. To me, the organ part was very emotional. Interesting to hear an informed different view. Great job!
Love your page and appreciate your selections. As to you're not liking this tune, I can understand. But you had to be there when this came out. It blew our minds. As to your lack of emotional feeling, you had to be there. So listen to it again. :)
OK, I have to give you a like for even doing this! This is definitely one ELP's more obscure tracks (I put it next to things like "Toccata".) It's essentially a Kieth Emerson solo piece, and illustrates how crunched they were for material on the first album.
Justin I can remember like it was yesterday 16 years old I believe it was December 1970 and his older brother saw them at the Fillmore East and he said the audience was absolutely stunned and blowed away so we should listen to this album guys at all I can say is wow because as a kid growing up as a Christian going to church one thing I really enjoyed as young as I was with the church organ there is nothing more beautiful breathtaking as what Emerson does here with the 3 fates One time I was on vacation up in Easton Massachusetts and I visited a place called the Harman Castle nothing to do with the Hammond organ but the sky built a replica of the cathedral of Notre Dame obviously a small scale there’s so much About it I won’t go into it but I actually took the tour an asked somebody there if they if they’re going to play the organ and I was right there again there’s nothing more beautiful than the organs and all the cathedrals of the world and this was like a small example again Justin I know I could go on forever but you keep up the good work kid and stay safe God bless your family you’re a good friend James
I like the piano sections, especially when the drums kick in. Check out Zappa Yellow Shark version of "Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat".
There's no synth in the first section. Those sweet notes are from the short pipes on the organ. I'll have to have another listen but I thought Greg Lake plays on the last section alongside Palmer.
It actually says “Piano Trio” on the sleeve so i always assumed Greg does a bit of bass rhythm in there somewhere 🤔
Judging by my ears, Greg doesn't play on the track.
So, so good to hear it after so many years
For some reason I don't think I have heard this one before. But, I really liked it - just because the affinity to classical music, and to ELPs version of Pictures at an Exhibition. I think the TV version of that concert (before the album was released) formed my interest for the connection and relation between classical and rock music. Emerson had showed it slightly earlier in the Nice (eg. Five Bridges, 1970). Many other artists were into this at about this time: Ekseption, Walter Carlos... Also Deep Purple's organist Jon Lord included references to classical music now and then at the time.
Changed the way I thought of Music...as a teenager...Loved many bands...ELP was different...If you want to find me when i pass over..i will be at their perpetual concert...
Emerson didn't play a synth during those quiet breaks. He simply reset the pipes to a different (more quiet) timbre, like organists frequently does on a late romantic church organ. This music in a sense has a lot more common cultural ground with neo-classical music, jazz and composers such as Ginastera. The excitement lies in the fact that ELP now introduces these genres to rock on an album already packed with musical tension between other genres. To fully appreciate "Three Fates", you'll have to come to terms with that and put it into context with the album as a whole. We have now fully entered the LP-era.
I completely agree with your comments! This is a song to be respected for the talent and the technical brilliance but it doesn't move me at all emotionally. I'm thinking of Rick Wakeman Six Wives of Henry the 8th and more than a few of those songs had technical Brilliance and an emotional punch
Jay, you might get a kick out of Rick’s anecdote about the recording of Jane Seymour, the organ piece from Six Wives.
ua-cam.com/video/dNFizn_SXvM/v-deo.html
Ha! 😂 I was just thinking of that album during this reaction video (@2:50), as Wakeman played some similar arpeggios on one of the tracks. Hmm... Which wife was it again...? 🤔
I don't think there are any synth parts in 'the three fates.' But rather in the first part, higher registers on the trinity organ are what you're hearing. It's a dark piece no doubt. I do like the organ transitioning into Lachesis, which is kind of like an etude on arpeggiation. It's quite massive and in some eyes, distracts from the overall continuity. It would have fit rather nicely for an all Emerson album.
#3 Thank You for that analysis of the song. I had never thought of it that way but it does make a whole lot of sense.
Ty Ghost :)
I can listen to "Endless dream " over and over , although it's not easy to pick favorite from the huge "Yes" legacy
Without even playing I can’t wait until JP hears the middle piano part. I would love to learn to play that.
#2 You don't have to like it and it is not one I play a lot but I think it is great and did you know that both Keith and Carl shared an interest in exploring new and intricate ideas. Lake was not initially on board with Tarkus. He had to be talked into it and the finale straw was that they had already paid for the studio time. It was both Keith an Carl that came into the recording session each, on their own, with the same idea of the time signature of the piece. No. I only listen to Tarkus once in a 'Blue Moon', but it is a great composition.
Lake was not interested in Tarkus at first, but he was a classical music lover, and he and Keith often shared the music that interested them. You have to admit that the addition of Lake's vocals and melodic input (not to mention his amazing, haunting guitar work) improve the song immeasurably.
As I recall that was the huge old pipe organ at the Royal Festival Hall.
The opening reminds me of a theme from a UK song. Is this perhaps where they got it?
I really like Emerson's solo piano. Even if it wouldn't be too exciting on its own, if listening to the whole album through, I like how you get a nice piano break in the middle. "Fugue" from Trilogy is another one, really sweet and uplifting. Once in a while I get the part at 5:13 stuck in my head and for a while I had forgot where it was from---glorious!
I love this because it was SO different. Not the usual Aerosmith, Nugent, To that etc. I Love those bands too. But this is NOT mainstream
I think you nail it JP, Emerson was prone to indulgence and needed to be reigned in on occasion. You’ll like the next two songs better I believe, great work!
Loyal fan since day one here, I don't make requests very often. I'd like you to do me a favor and play and review Three More Days by the Guess Who, a legendary Canadian band that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but continues to be snubbed. They have lots of hits, some of which you no doubt know, the one I am recommending is a bit more adventurous. Thanks!
I forgot the explosion at the end. This track can truly be described as bombastic. All the stops were out. The explanation of the three fates was helpful in understanding the song concept.
Was this piece ever sampled by a rap artist? I would pay to hear that.
"All the stops were out". Very good! I see what you did there. :-)
www.whosampled.com/Emerson,-Lake-%26-Palmer/The-Three-Fates/
Seems mostly lifted from the piano section in the middle.
JustJP Dang! You called me on it, and found five songs that sampled The Three Fates. That’s insane. I hope that Keith’s estate gets a few bucks from the samplers. I sent a few your way since I said that I would pay to hear that. Now, can you find a Weird Al cover of The Three Fates on accordion? Or, a Pentatonix cover?
@@rtwbikerider As a Weird Al fan, I'm pretty sure he stayed away from prog bands. He was a big Zappa fan, though (see Genius in France). Accordion-wise he has covered most forms of popular rock and hip hop/rap. Hot Rocks Polka is all Rolling Stones and Bohemian Polka is a cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
I enjoyed this piece as some would enjoy an extended guitar solo or drum solo - a chance to showcase technical ability.
"Song" without words......it was an "INSTRUMENTAL" Mr..........
I'd forgotten about the big organ lol😂thought it was Ric Waksman!! Agree with you, but I loved the explosion though...kind of had a vision of the whole band blowing themselves up lol😂
It's probably too late in the month to request a "Christmas in July" themed video. But, if you can, consider doing Greg Lake's Christmas "song," I Believe in Father Christmas.
The lyrics, ah, the lyrics, as well as the melody, will tug at your heartstrings.
Baruch Dayem ha'Emet
ברוך דיין האמת
Greg Lake.
You are sincerely missed.
The music is Prokofiev, I think.🗿
@@sheldonwheaton881 , I think the separate theme may be Prokofiev, but I think the sung melody was all Greg Lake?
Bro, you are digging deep! If you're going to do any more ELP you've got to do Tarkus. It's their signature piece, it's them at the top of their powers. IMHO their best work.
My brother thinks so too and it is great and a fantastic composition, but not exactly my cup of tea. On occasion I'll listen to it. My ring tone is the 2nd impression of Karn Evil Nine.
The interludes between the heavy church organ are also organ, just different register
A ma première écoute, je n'avais pas accroché des masses non plus.
A la centième écoute, il m'a bien fallu admettre que je l'adorais.
Regarding comments about prog criticism: On any record, there things that work for a listener and things that don't. If you're not into pure keyboard exploration, this probably doesn't resonate for you but to try to make this exemplary of Keith Emerson's body of work is patently unfair. Between some of the more spectacular collaborative ELP works and his time in the Nice, he showed himself to be a massively talented musician and entertainer. Haters of prog have lots of examples to point to and ultimately, they're pointing out nothing more than what they hate while saying nothing about the artists or the music. I deeply appreciate JP's honest analysis of music.
Ty Randy
If you are going to do an ELP song, I think you are obligated to start the video off with "Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends!"
Justin, I like the more conventional (if there is such a thing) ELP like Lucky Man, From The Beginning, Knife- Edge and even Karn Evil 9. I feel that just because an artist has a big box of colors, he doesn't have to use them all. Many times less is more.
It is their interpretation of the 3 fates. Check out what they were. Part of it is like musical schizophrenia. sems like you knew that so I'm not sure about your reaction. I loved this song from my first listen. Sounds like we have very different tastes in music.
You really need to listen to “Tank” on this album. One of the greatest drum solos ever.
I was rather pissed off that most of this track (and all of "Tank") was absent from Wilson's 5.1 mix of the album due to the multi-track tapes being missing. Minority-world problems, I know, and I digress - well done to JP for more prog. rock.
I don't necessarily agree with your opinion, but it is your opinion and I appreciate the video. It's nice to hear someone's honest opinion, even though it does not reflect my opinion. I think you made a great video
Ty Kaiserin, i appreciate that
Ahh....the Emerson/Wakeman debate continues It's a little like which type of wine do you prefer? Both Fantastic piece of music Won't listen to it every day But then you don't go to the art museum every day either But when you do, you savor
ELP fan since 1971. Check out Hoedown,Abaddon's Bolero and Tank, JP.
How bout some James Gang. Joe Walsh version or even Tommy Bolin. You pick the lead. My favorite guitarist in Joe, just drippin' with the Funk! Unique vocal. Funk #48, #49! The Bomber, Woman, Stop, or if you want something slower, melodic, Ashes, the Rain and I, or Collage is wonderful. Or be the first on your block to try Tommy Bolin on one of these sites. Ride the Wind, Standing in the rain, or my favorite track from him with this band. The Devil is Singing Our Song. Great guitarist and writer. Blues and more, died young... too young. One of his solo efforts is so heavy with great blues. Grabs you and does not let go. Post Toastee!
You're very brave to take this one on. ELP are my favorite band, but I've never listened to this that much. I like the 2nd & 3rd parts, the piano parts. I've heard that part 3, Atropos is Keith Emerson playing 3 pianos overdubbed and they are not all playing the same time signature. That's why it's so hard to count, different pianos in different time signatures. One might be 4/4, one might be 7/8, etc. I don't blame anyone for not liking this, but I do get a kick out of Atropos, because of the wacky rhythm and odd angry tone, and then it blows up.
When it comes to Tarkus, it's the LIVE version you want, from Welcome Back My Friends......
Thank you Rick!
Just react to their version of "Jerusalem" already. It's the definitive version and a lot more digestible than this (admittedly impressive) piano wank.
The first few minutes of the song sounded like an old Hollywood movie soundtrack, something like the Ten Commandments or Spartacus. The song picked up at the 6 minute mark with a jazzy jam. Instrumentally there were some cool moments, I was focused more on the drumming during during that jazzy jam. I tend to agree, I appreciate the musicianship but emotionally was not feeling it.
I agree with you JP, I prefer side one of this LP.
A musical suggestion for you, an artist from Sweden, Par Lindth project from 1995 and the song The Cathedral. He is a Classical and concert pianist that has made a couple of prog albums, was also a drummer in a heavy metal band. Very much influence by Emerson. Here is a link to the right version of this song: m.ua-cam.com/video/CmDqcMQMwWg/v-deo.html
Hey Justin My Man!! Michael here!! Did you read my short story comment yesterday referring to your LIVE STREAM?? Please go back and find it because it will relate to today's comment!! SPOT ON AGAIN here with EMERSON!! Lol! Did like the piano middle section like everyone else but the rest was way too repetitive and eventually boring!! Didn't move me either!! So before this came up I went back again in your archive to find out how late to your party I am!! So I said yesterday I wanted to see you react to WOMAN IN CHAINS by TEARS FOR FEARS because it was my favorite from them!! Well I found it!!! Lol!! This song is special to me because it was one of my sister's favorites!! She passed about 20yrs ago. I also found that you did foreigner: I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS!! That was surprising!! That was one of the songs at my wedding!! But in my scrolling backwards thru your reactions I've noticed just how diverse you've been in your music here!!! That's awesome!! So after watching your LIVE Stream I hope you've written down some of my requests!!! I've had so many but they are from different genres too!! I love just about all Music!!! JONI MITCHELL, CARLY SIMON , SUZANNE VEGA, AND OF COURSE - STRAWBS, YES AND GENESIS!! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A GIRL FROM NORWAY- AURORA?!! SHES AWESOME!! CHECK OUT HER APPERANCE ON JIMMY FALLON WITH THE SONG-CONQUEROR!! She's REALLY UNIQUE!! OKAY! I'll stop now and try to edit my comments in the future!! Sorry I have so much to say!!! Please read my comments from yesterday!!! I wrote you a short story of what I thought of your LIVE STREAM!! That was AWESOME!! Have a GREAT DAY!! DONT FORGET: GRACE DARLING!!! YOUR #1AZ FAN! MICHAEL😊😊
Ty as always Michael😄 I try to read most comments, but I end up missing some (theres a lot lol). I've listened to a decent amount from Aurora, I like her sound. Her cover of Massive Attack was phenomenal
Peter Parker was bitten by a spider, Keith Emerson by an octopus. I agree with your reaction JP. I think Keith was a fan of
😅 ty Mark
This is exactly why I have a problem listening to their early albums. I prefer the later albums.
Not synthesizer. It's all pipe organ in that part. I like the piece but with exception of the final movement it's Emerson solo. This hints at the problem ELP would have later: not working together as a complete group. Emerson's famous solo on "Lucky Man" was an afterthought. I enjoyed live versions in the '90s where the full band played.
The middle section of "The Three Fates" with solo piano is emotionally moving. The rest is cold and menacing, but I think that was the intent.
Didn’t like this at all until it broke into the jazzy riffs, but overall, it didn’t work for me. I do like ELP very much - saw them in the 70’s at an outdoor festival, but don’t remember specific place and date. What I do remember, however, is that although I couldn’t see them at one time, Emerson’s synthesizer (Moog) could still be heard coming out of the haze and mist of that day. I thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever heard. Emerson could do it all: rock, classical, and jazz. Anyway, keep up the interesting observations.
The Beginnings of Electronic music.....ELP.....not my Favorite back then.....and sync music....mostly instrumental.....but hey Yes started this stuff.....sooooo ....I don't know...just not my cup of tea....lol...hahaha......watching you is a joy!!!!
I can understand you didn't like it so much, it's a very difficult piece of music. I appreciate Emerson's inspiration, putting down something like 100 or more years of piano and keyboard music, from Impressionism to contemporary and jazz, but I understand it could become boring and heavy. There's no synthesizer on this song, the mellow interludes you hear are done with the "flute" section on the pipe organ
The pipe organ solo is fairly typical for pipe organ music, kind of like Toccata and Fugue in E Minor. I've never really enjoyed it. The Piano solo has always mesmerized me. I've loved it, since the first time I hear it. I can't say the same thing about the piano trio, but it grew on me. Crank it up, and it sounds like all Hell breaking lose. I think I learned to like it, simply because it's horrible and I can tolerate it. I think that's how I learned to enjoy Ginastera's Toccata on BSS! The explosion at the end is actually the beginning of Tank.
Tank is just an electric piano, bass, and drums being played by the best three guys in the business. For a short time, around 1969/70, rockers preferred the sound of the portable electric over the real thing, but now, electric piano is just an artifact of the 1960's. Yeah, you can flip a switch an get that "classic sound" on the sophisticated portables they sell today, but it's long out of fashion.
Yeah, Keef... what are ya going to do? Some like, some don’t. Do I? I refuse to answer on grounds that don’t know. The conga line rhythm was fun. Bad dance memory: Back in the disco era sometimes a conga line would happen and being a terrible set dance moves person I am, I stuck my leg out repeatedly opposite everyone else. I do what I feel. My friend still makes fun of me to this day. I hate conga lines... still, I enjoyed that part of the song.
Overindulgence was a thing back then and today but, I’m used to it. Trained to get what you can out of it and move on.
Your being honest about the three seconds being your second listen makes me have to confess. I listened to Karen Evil yesterday on another channel and am a little shell shocked. Sorry, please forgive me.
Please everyone wear a mask, and please no conga lines,
Peace and Music
Haha its okay; you're allowed to watch other channels🤭