There is one band that is so unique, innovative, and creative that I just can't help but listen to it every day. Some may call them bombastic, pompous, excessive and other meaningless nothings, but I think what they mean to say is mind-blowing. Their small minds can't handle the perfect virtuosity and energy these guys put out. This band, is none other than Emerson Lake and Palmer (aka ELP)
Despite the epithets thrown at them, ELP actually has some amazing diversity in their catalogue. I'm gonna highlight some of their best stuff which is all quite different.
Heavy and evocative; this is a hell of an opening track on their debut album. ELP burst onto the scene with energy.
That first song is immediately followed by a softer jazzy song with classical influences (many of their songs have classical influences)
Their whole debut is solid but this is the best instrumental track on the album so I'll end discussion of it with this one.
This might be their best song. A 20+ minute song with jazzy keyboard solos, creative lyrics and dramatic shifts in pace.
A grand church-like song about ignoring the haters.
This is one of their songs that got them the label of "excessive" and "bombastic", but I love it.
This shows the softer side of ELP better than their other "soft" songs.
This would be their most bombastic song if not for the next one I'm gonna mention. It might be their most peculiar instrumental track. Kinda reminds me of the battle music on Zelda.
ELP's most acclaimed song. It has the weird sci fi lyrics, it's got the bombastic over the top soloing. It's got the drums, and great singing. It's got it all. This is ELP.
Many people might find this music too much to handle. It certainly isn't everybody's cup of tea, but for me this is as inspired as it gets and I love it.
