Emerson, Lake & Palmer- The Endless Enigma Pt. 1-2 & Fugue (First Listen)

[@donaldpruitt6787]

Everyone forgets about Trilogy a massive album so much music and so well recorded absolutely one of my favorites of my entire life and they had many masterpieces they made and created ... the best trio of musicians and composers , performers of all time saw them five times .... and they were PERFECTION 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@manhattenman6075]

The song The Endless Enigma the lyrics at the time were directed to Music journalists. At The Time ELP were hated by the music press and a lot of Prog rock in general. But they were massively successful. This song is Gregs response to all the music critics who hated it.

[@donaldbass6737]

Thought that was it...been listening to this song for 50 years without confirmation. Thanks for that.

[@your_local_dummy4137]

Yes this is true. Listen to the words they fit those music critics and journalists at the the time who had zero idea of prog rock. I am sure this song cast in stone the poor score rolling stone gave to the next album BSS too. Great stuff from ELP.

[@your_local_dummy4137]

@@mikebyrne3682 Hi Mike; It gets better the actual lyrics are: I'm tired of hypocrite freaks. With tongues in their cheeks. Turning their eyes as they speak. They make me sick and tired. That really summed up the music critics at the time and so many others too. Like Politicians, and powerful people.

[@tonysullivan9064]

I'm very Happy to see all the ELP Fans Old and Young are all of the same mind today that this Band is Still bringing us Joy and Happiness after all these years. I'm 65yrs old and I can go back to High School and can remember the Excitement I got listening while in Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Band. I am a Lucky Man to have had a lifetime of ELP's Music . We are Blessed. Truely Blessed. Amen . T$

[@michaelgalligan7089]

I fell the same way !

[@cadanrichards2615]

Trilogy Is my favorite ELP album. Perfect suite of music.

[@carolwyers2159]

Mine too!

[@markusantonio4866]

Not too crazy with the album cover, but is my favorite by Emerson Lake & Palmer.

[@johnlattarulo2578]

My favorite too.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

I love them all !!!!

[@jimfski164]

I was in the 9th grade when my music teacher introduced the class to Tarkus and I said what the hell is that. They soon became my favorite band, each band member was a unique talent and meshed incredibly well. It was amazing the sounds that three guys could make and it was more amazing seeing them live. I saw them about a dozen times, they were the first quadraphonic concert. Emerson was a virtuoso and to watch him play two different keyboards simultaneously was phenomenal and Palmer was the fastest drummer I had ever seen and his drum set had so many components to it and it was synthesized for some bombastic sounds. Greg Lakes voice was incredible and he was very underrated as a musician. Some 50 years later, still my favorite band, RIP Keith & Greg.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Exactly!

[@williamgeorgefraser]

I saw ELP when this album was released. Concert added at the last minute, so we bought tickets at the door. Absolutely amazing. I'd never seen anything like Keith's Modular Moog in my life. It made me decide that I had to have a synth. I now have 5.

[@JustJP]

Now thats how you sell synths!😁

[@rk41gator]

Amazing concert.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

That's so cool !

[@donaldbass6737]

I still insist that Greg Lake had the finest voice in all of rock misic...need to go to the a cappella version of “Epitath” (King Crimson). Jon Anderson is my other fav...both voices are (were) unique.

[@mikeloomis687]

Totally agree about Greg Lake. Way undervalued to many, but not to us.

[@snowdog87]

Agree on the voices Another current one you may know is Marsius Duda of the band Riverside and solo work Lunatic Soul What a smooth soothing voice

[@joelliebler5690]

Add Ian Anderson and Roger Daltrey And then I will agree with you!👍🏻

[@donaldbass6737]

@@joelliebler5690 Yes...and Yes

[@jdmresearch]

@@mikeloomis687 agreed. Wetton runner up.

[@mvjonsson]

This song is a masterpiece. One of Greg Lake's best vocal performances.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

1 of my favorites!

[@westrokker]

I still remember hearing this for the 1st time when I was a senior in high school. Still listening today. This album is a masterpiece.

[@garycoates4987]

ELP there's good musicians and great musicians, ELP are God Tier level musicians

[@VallinSFAS]

Il Dottore Greg Lake es il Voce di DIO!

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Exactly!

[@gregdavis4978]

WELL NOW.....I was only expecting the two holiday songs and then THIS hidden gem appears in the bottom of my stocking! This album was my introduction to prog when I was eleven years old. My older sister played it for me and it absolutely BLEW. MY. MIND. It became all I could talk about. I drove my parents crazy. Then Brain Salad Surgery came out a year later and pushed everything completely over the top. But this here is where it all started for me. I wouldn't actually get to see them until 1996, but I'm glad I did. When I listen to them now I am still heartbroken over what became of Keith, but those monster hooks and passages will always be here to amaze us.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

4 me it was the live album. My friend Craig Hodges put the album upside down on my lap . I listened and stared at there stage . That's when I fell in love with ELP .

[@bobcarr2649]

Needs "Pictures at an Exhibition" on the board. Some of the most technical, melodic, abstract and downright heavy work ELP ever did. Trilogy is the most consistent album though. Bangers all.

[@SpringCircleFun]

Pictures ... is my favorite too! After listening to ELP I listened to the original (Musorgsky) and loved it too.

[@Thievius333]

Hear hear. My favorite ELP album.

[@markmaxwell1013]

Really! I wore the grooves out of two copies of Pictures. I don't think Justin does live albums but this is a live original so I don't know where this would fall in the gray area.

[@poluxsaurus1454]

yeaaah Pictures

[@brianbaker2759]

+1 for Pictures. Some of the most wicked Moog/Hammond sounds ever put on tape... And live at that. Great mix of live energy with the beauty of Mussorgsky's melodies.

[@capcolombie3834]

i was lent this album by a schoolmate in late 1972 when i was 14. Can you imagine how much it blew my young mind. I bought it for myself in January 1973 with some of my Xmas money. It was the first album I ever bought and I still have it almost 48 years later and still play it. A great album which I still revere to this day. It has special memories for me sitting upstairs in my bedroom listening to it on my own record player that I was lucky enough to have.

[@JustJP]

Thats awesome Cap, I can only imagine how blown away you were

[@philging]

Total genius - so sad Keith and Greg are no longer with us but we still have their incredible music.

[@jackadesman8386]

The greatest vocal performance ever by anyone!!!!!

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Bar none !

[@michaelbochnia5686]

My overall favorite album for many a year. Might not be there anymore, but for me it is ELP's most varied album. There is heavy hard rock, prog. classic, jazz, country and more all on this album. Living Sin still is my favorite on Trilogy, as heavy as it gets for ELP and Lake gets nasty in his vocal genius. Nice vid. Justin.

[@daveminers3404]

I've seen a number of ELP reactions but this is the first time I've seen someone (besides me) acknowledge MY favorite ELP song, "Living Sin". One of my all-time favorite albums too. I'd have a cow if someone ever does a reaction to "Living Sin". Thanks for making my day.

[@michaelbochnia5686]

@@daveminers3404 Justin seems to lean toward the prog. songs far, far more but here's to hoping he gets thru the whole album and Living Sin is on that menu.

[@izzonj]

Johan Sebastian Bach developed the fugue form to high art. But if you want a mind bending classical fugue go to Mozart's Jupiter Symphony, 4th movement, particularity the coda (last couple of minutes) where he says, "Hey Johan, hold mein bier." He takes the 5 theme of the 4th movement and adds them in overlapping entrance one at a time in different instruments and then rotate them above the different instruments before ending it all up.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

I love listening to the Classical version and ELP version right after .

[@jato1956]

This album is genius. With Keith at the epicenter. All of my life, I've always held it higher than about any other contemporary music I've experienced. Bravo...

[@JJ8KK]

_Sooo_ glad you're doing the Trilogy album, Justin. I really think it was the zenith of their Inspired Period, which declined only very slightly when they got to Brain Salad Surgery, which was also masterful (just not as perfect as the song, Trilogy, which I'm looking forward to your review of soon :). Great to hear you do this review on a Christmas morning!

[@JustJP]

Ty JJ!

[@septictopix4797]

they re unique because they defied their peers by not being influenced by american music like most british bands in that period. their music is completely their own style.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

And that's why most critics did not like them and why I loved them .

[@8DecadesLife]

I was 14 yrs Old in 1970 & discovered Marijuana & ELP at the same time! 😎

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Cool !

[@scottmcgregor562]

I always thought that with the church organ and tubular bells that ELP created a new genre of music called cathedral rock. This is in my top 5 ELP songs. I surely do not know what this song is about but Greg must. His singing is passionate and his voice is amazing and powerful.

[@Innerspace100]

No church organ here, mate. This is pure Hammond C3 through big Hiwatt's and Leslie cabinets. Emerson was well versed in the art of setting the drawbars, though, to emulate everything from a tiny chappel- sized pipe organ to full- on Jimmy-Smith-on-steroids sounds. And every concieveable shade in between. He was one of the greats on the instrument, that's for sure(!).

[@maraboo72]

This album and christmas are special for me. In 1973 my sister did not really know what to present to me. So she asked me if it was ok that she gave me the money for something I wanted to have. Of course it was and so I bought this album. Nice surprise that you play it today. And btw I think this is my favorite album of theirs. There was a German band called Triumvirat whose keyboarder was addicted to Emerson and you could hear that from their music. So they sounded sometimes like ELP but on the other side they did stuff that was more than copy.

[@antitheist2000]

👍 triumvirat ! Spatacus and double dimple etc 😊

[@michaelgalligan7089]

I remember them.

[@ithaliem]

Thank you, JP. What a great Christmas present! I first heard this record in a tiny listening room of a public library in Helsinki with my brother back in 72 and was convinced that these three guys are brilliant. Carry on with the rest of the album. Side two opener, the title track Trilogy is as good as this, maybe even better.

[@chaunceyhill7907]

I remember opening a Christmas gift back in 1982 that a dear high school friend had sent me- I was a senior in college at the time... It was this album. Then over the next few months & years I experienced the pleasure of listening and discovering the various layers and facets of music in it... It seemed to describe so many of the emotions and sentiments I was going through in my life at the time.. :)

[@steverodgers8425]

I sold dozens of Cerwin Vega speakers working at an electronics store in the seventies demonstrating with this song. It would blow customers away when they could feel the bass.

[@bdcosmo]

Merry Christmas, Justin! Fugue...think Bach. All of ELP is mostly beyond words, this entire album included. Glad you liked Endless Enigma. The title track is one of the most beautiful pieces they created. Can't wait for that one.

[@guillermo_pastrana]

Fugue is the most beautiful piece for piano that Ive ever heard.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Never afraid of unique instruments, and theremin lies the difference!Many long nights back then tripping to this and without any hallucinogens! May you live long and perspire,Peace.

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Every time i listen this piece of art i cry for happiness, thanks sooooooooooo much my friends ELP,you give me great,great,great,huge emotions

[@keithpasculli7465]

First time I heard this I got goosebumps and wondered to myself what planet Keith Emerson came from

[@jotapecu]

The Lake´s bass in "Fugue" is... INSANE!!!

[@mickcapewell6369]

Ahhhh...glad you went back to Trilogy 👍 Merry Christmas JP 🎅🏼

[@JustJP]

Merry Christmas!😁🎄☃️

[@markusantonio4866]

Trilogy next

[@-davidolivares]

My friend Kevin did probably played this when it came out. It probably went over my head, I was a AM radio kid... Didn’t really give a serious listen to this till ‘76 or so... with my art friends in college. Great music, gives your mind a workout. Happy Hallowdaze, hope all is well, masks pls, small family/ friends gatherings are the no. 1 way this virus is spreading so fast. Peace and conga Music

[@Pcrimson1]

I know I'm going to make myself sound like an old "fart", but this and Yes were the music I was listening to back in 1972 as a 12 year old. When I think of what a 12 year old is listening to today, it's sad....sorry, they just don't make music like this anymore.

[@CharlieMcowan]

👍. I was 16. So a slightly older fart. ELP's music could certainly sound grand. But of course, Yes' sound was simply majestic. Brought up on a mix of classical (Bach, Chopin and Hendrix, blues) - I prefer not to think about what kids listen to today.

[@BassGoBomb]

I too was 12yrs in 1972 and found all the music that year .. Bowie, ELP, Sabbath, Yes, Floyd, Deep Purple, Uiriah Heep etc., - after a year of Hendrix and Procol Harum in 1971 .. Nostalgia eh!!

[@ricardoaraujo8741]

Bach "underwrotte" Fugue. The first prog rock album that I heard in my life. 50 years !!! Still amazing forever and ever.

[@joce_bable]

My favourite ELP record as of the ones I've listened to (the first 4). I feel like it doesn't get as much credit as it should tho, it looks to me like their most consistent album with every track having so much to offer.

[@RickBenbow]

I agree with this being the most consistent album. Some rich sonic textures and some very strong compositions. Brain Sslad Surgery is jaw-dropping but this album is very musical and engaging. The first album of theirs I really got into first and a thing of wonder.

[@joce_bable]

@@RickBenbow If Toccata didn't exist I think Brain Salad would be my n°1

[@jimschroeder1176]

My favorite ELP album too.

[@mikewest1542]

@@jimschroeder1176 Mine too , has the best songs and not too bombastic, The Endless Enigma, The Sheriff , In the Beginning , Hoedown , Trilogy , Living Sin , Fantastic!

[@davidschecter5247]

They sound better and better the more years pass from when this music was released. I think it's because we've heard so many concept albums and progressive music, but you go back to their output because their music has lasted for so long. And with good reason. The creativity and musicianship in it is mind-boggling. The three musicians were made for each other. And you're right -- no matter how often you hear the same stuff, you always get fooled as far as what comes next or WHEN it comes. LOL!

[@freegracetruthembrace7188]

ELP will never be mentioned in the same breath as Cardi B , or whatever else may 'pass' as an attempt at music . Here we have virtuosity intersecting all manner of nuance . Never do I nearly pass out with boredom , or cringe uncontrollably . Johann Sebastian Bach & Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are well served in this unique experiment .

[@markmaxwell1013]

Yes, this album got me into classical music as well as Progressive. Haven't looked back since.

[@WooBino.]

I was listening to this stuff note by note as a 15 year old boy...this music created addition brain cells for me. But I was also killing them on my own at the same time...🗽😁

[@JustJP]

🤣

[@markoliver630]

As was I . Well put my friend.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Lol

[@patricknicolucci5073]

I love singing this song Greg's Voice on this is incredible ! Trilogy is my second favorite ELP album right behind BSS. Keith's does some amazing playing on this

[@pilesovinyl]

I LOVED IT then, still do...RIP Keith and Greg.

[@jackadesman7143]

This is the greatest vocal in the history of music of any kind!!!!!

[@andrewclayton4181]

Pictures at an exhibition is a live concert recording. You can hear them in action, and they hit every mark. They did release it as a cinema film too, but I prefer the audio soundscape. I recommend it!.

[@stpnwlf9]

There are reactors who just listen and react. Some are technically analytical. You react as a listener - as a music fan and that makes you far more relatable to the vast majority of us. I always enjoy your reactions and as an old school prog fan, the content you choose is in my personal wheelhouse. Thanks and have a fantastic holiday! So, the 'fugue' in this place is, I think, multiple piano tracks that are brilliantly elevated by the bass. As powerful and emotive as this piece is, 'Trilogy' is even more so. This was my first ELP album and after getting it, I backtracked to the first LP, Tarkus, and Pictures at an Exhibition. Became a fan for life.

[@JustJP]

Ty so so much Randy!

[@dianneevans8513]

Both piano lines were played simultaneously on Fugue. The bass guitar line is a separate track, but may have been recorded at the same time, not sure. Emerson was simply that good. He was able to separate each hand, as if he had more than one brain with which to play this music. Check out the track he performed in later years called Creole Dance. The live concert footage shows him playing impossible bass hand parts, while almost free forming on the right hand. Between Keith and Allan Holdsworth, they outclass the rest of the music world. Who needs the redundancy of heavy metal when musicians like this have left us such a legacy?

[@neilhinks5734]

Oh my god Justin.. Christmas day... Endless Enigma 1 and 2, and The Fugue.. 😊 😊 😊 Maybe my favourite tracks off Trilogy butty... That dark, atmospheric opening is just sublime. Then the band enter likeca steam train... The organ by Keith is just superb. ❤️ Then Greg s voice comes in like an angel. It does not get better imho. ❤️. The song lyrically leads me too why we, as humans are here on earth.. Tge meaning of life itself.. Very deep imho. Justin, its intense.. Dramatically atmospheric in a mind blowing way imo. When i first heard tjis opud.. It absolutely left me gobsmacked on a very good way butty. 😊 Tge Fugue, is a beautiful piano composition by Keith... Just awe inspiring. Then the "Endless" reprise, which is so grand, and majestic to close a absolute masterpiece imho. ❤️ Great review butty, so glad you decided to hit us with Endless Enigma now!!! ♥️ Timing couldn't be better in my humble opinion Justin. What a three some butty. Awesome stuff. Hope you are having a great xmas too butty. 😊 😊 😊

[@kozlorf]

Another classic prog rock fugue is "On Reflection" from Gentle Giant's Free Hand album.

[@rogerhennie8939]

And Carnival Fugue by Focus.

[@kozlorf]

Right, I wanted to mention that too. But while I think Justin could do "On Reflection" right on, then as for Focus I think there are many other songs he should give a chance first.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Loved Gentle Giant .

[@michaelgalligan7089]

That's right !

[@122112guru]

along with karn evil 9,Tarkus etc...one of their greatest achievements.And along with 1st impression 1 & 2,the finest vocals Greg ever laid down.And that sound you inquired about was Keith swiping/glissing the keys of his Hammond C-3 Organ,(with the percussion buttons full on)with alt hands and arms.one of his stylistic trademarks.

[@MrHisperia2001]

One of my favorite trio of songs from ELP ☝️ thanks for the reaction JP ☝️❤️

[@PointyTailofSatan]

ELP was as much modern classical music as rock. In fact they are still not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, simply because their music was so unique. A unparalleled melding of prog rock, classical, jazz, and blues

[@bobhartman1215]

ELP at apogee. I've been waiting for this for quite a while. A proud memory, My father coming into my room after me blasting this album throughout the household and giving positive reinforcement to my taste in music (Thanks Dad!!). It doesn't seem like that long ago. Thanks, Justin, for this Christmas gift. I still get goosebumbs from Lake's final coda at the end.

[@JustJP]

Ty Bob, I love that your dad did that, thats amazing

[@robertjannush4403]

All of ELP’S music is Ear 👂 Candy 🍬 to me because I Love Most of All the Prog-Rock that’s been Already recorded from years gone by in Music History from All the Different Bands that are Prog-Rockers ! I enjoy watching your reactions and the in-depth analysis to the music you have chosen to listen to on your channel on KZbin!

[@steveconnor746]

First time I heard this song was at an ELP gig a few months before the Trilogy album was released. During the mysterious beginning Greg had to inform the audience that the song had actually started. (There were calls for Knife Edge from the audience). As for the lyrics, Lake said in an interview that they aimed at music critics who were slagging them off.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Can you believe the democrats took 🗡️ edge of the Internet?

[@steveconnor746]

@@michaelgalligan7089 Why? I found nothing on the Internet about it. Did Janacek`s ghost claim copyright?

[@michaelgalligan7089]

They actually released the albums to soon after each one back than .

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Masterpiece,masterpiece,masterpiece ,great,great ,great emotions,goosebump.thank elp,you was you are and Will for eternity in my mind,brain and soul,my heroes

[@westrokker]

So glad I was able to see these guys live. Sad, only Carl Palmer remains today…

[@paulhart3812]

Could be my favorite ELP song... Endless Enigma!!! Very majestic. Very powerful.

[@tomashogberg4348]

I heard it for the first time in my gilfriends older brothers room '72/'73 and my brain could not believe what my ears was listening to. But man, it instantly made me addicted to "anything-is-possible-music"

[@JustJP]

Thats awesome :D

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Che canzone meravigliosa,che voce straordinaria poetica Angelica,che musica che musicisti,non riesco a sopportare molte cagate di questi anni scambiate per quasi capolavori suvvia quelli (elp) erano veri artisti non cazzatine

[@minkhollow]

There's a fantastic international-collab cover of this on KZbin; I think it took seven or eight people to actually reproduce all of this. Rachel Flowers makes Emerson's piano work look effortless. (Or for the teary version, she did the same at a tribute concert after Emerson died.)

[@markspooner1224]

In 1972 we were hoping for/wanting this kind of stuff so it was already almost 'liked' before it was heard. It's great that you're playing it now, thanks!

[@lylesmith9547]

Agree totally

[@bobholtzmann]

Back in the 70s, my local radio station, KSHE, used that piano and bongos part for their station ID clip.

[@wpollock1]

The crazy part to me is I like the other side of the album even more. Great response!

[@bobholtzmann]

"Endless Enigma"'s ending has that whoosh effect Emerson makes on the organ by making a wide swipe on the keys. "Rondo 69" from his Nice days widely uses it, too.

[@Innerspace100]

Yep! Every jazz organ player worth his/her salt uses it, and Emerson, along with Jon Lord of Deep Purple, were the prime practitioners of it in the rock realm, I think.

[@bobholtzmann]

@@Innerspace100 I agree - Deep Purple's "Hush" has lots of rolls and swipes. One of my favorite Hammond organ players is Brian Auger - he has more of a mellow jazz style, and minimizes those keyboard effects.

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

ELP made this album without thinking about reproducing it live. Subsequently many of the songs had limited live performances or none. I love this suite and especially the Fugue. For many years I had no idea the lyrics were a response to negative critics.

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Incredible ,incredibile,and many others billions times,One of best track of pop/ rock history no doubt ,so,so much underrated

[@your_local_dummy4137]

This is truly a great piece of music, a masterpiece. Not many can ever match what these three can do. Look for Rachel Flowers Endless Enigma and you can see how the grand was played and how those strange sounds were made. Remember that Keith Emerson played all the keyboards. I can confer the lyrics here are a message to the music critics at the time who hated ELP. Greg's way to tell them what the band thought. I think that cemented low ratings from rolling and others for BSS later. So do not take any notice of the ratings ELP got from critics. Great reaction and I have subscribed.

[@JustJP]

Ty Kevin, quite unmatched indeed!

[@joemaurone7923]

This is a nice little Christmas surprise. It was the first ELP album I ever heard, and loved it from first listen. Merry Christmas.

[@Pjaypt]

just like me!

[@Young_Jim]

Likewise

[@markmaxwell1013]

Same here. I got ELP1 and this at the same time but played this first. Absolutely changed the way I looked at music!

[@mikewest1542]

The Best ELP album , the best acoustic piece on any ELP album ( From the Beginning) , the best jokiest song ( The Sheriff ) and 2 of ELPs best longest pieces ( but a lot of competition) Trilogy & this piece of wonderful music. The only track I was never mad on was Abaddons Borelo but I like it more over the years !

[@alexandrutiu6958]

For your question: I had goosebumps in 1972, at first listen, and I have them now too, after 48 years. I loved this song and the whole album. How not to like Greg's vocals, so full of emotion and passion ? I was immediately conquered by the contrast between the virtuosity and impetuosity of the instruments and the soothing vocals. There are also some majestic sections of the song (especially towards the end) that moves me deeply. I have no proper words to express enough appreciation.

[@mikewest1542]

This , Trilogy and Take a Pebble are the best tracks ever by ELP .

[@freddiebarber4972]

Justin...the thing I appreciate about you most is your thinking about how we reacted to this or whatever other albums came out in the 70's. You're actually trying to understand and feel what this and many other albums did to us back in the day. I really really am so Thankful for you doing this. Gosh when we first listened to this we went bonkers. Our dad thought we all lost our minds. (yes...our dad again). This album was played sooooo often that we went thru 3 copies. 🙂 Hint hint...if you think this opening was good...wait til you get to the title track Trilogy.

[@JustJP]

Thank you! I love hearing about how everyone first reacted upon hearing certain sounds for the first time, just as much as you all are interested in my thoughts lol!

[@gregjones861]

Hands down, the best Christmas gift I got this year. Coming in after a long drive back from visiting my elderly mother and I lit up to see you had finally done this song! I'm thrilled! And yes, all the things that grabbed you got me in 1972. That spine-tingling "Please! PLEASE! Please open their eyes!" vocal slays me every time. I was so adamant and insufferable in my relentless requests for this that I never realized others were requesting it too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! And in your video here, let me point out that the bass drum triplet fill at 8:04 (which you smiled at with pleasant surprise) is played with one bass drum years before any double kick pedals were invented. That powerhouse hammering rhythm was pounded out with one foot.

[@JustJP]

Ty so much Greg! I'm glad you were able to spend some time with your family. And thats a fast foot lol!😁☃️🎄

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Hope moms doing good.

[@DonFormica]

A rare one but an awesome one is "Pictures at an exhibition." It would have been even better for Christmas as it has an interpretation of the Nutcracker suite called "Nutrocker"

[@lynnsmith3976]

Oh my Justin, it's ELP greatness - nothing more to say. Thanks for this.

[@JustJP]

Happy to Lynn! Ty☃️🎄😁

[@1nelsondj]

That sound you thought was underwater was made by Keith rolling a glass over the keys, I saw Rachel Flowers do that when playing 'Karn Evil 9'. My favorite ELP track is still 'Pirates'.

[@grezair7117]

Not true.

[@JustJP]

Interesting, imma have to find a video of that

[@snuppssynthchannel]

​@@JustJP Just fast sliding with your hands over the keyboards, on the Hammond L100 makes these types of sounds. Emerson found a way to apply this as a musical element to his organ playing, its in fact a signature of his when speaking of his Hammond organ playing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZvOdWZvmaipeKs at around 2:50

[@michaelgalligan7089]

Did you see Rachel play 🎸 with Zapper ?

[@1rebchar]

Loved the summation of ELP as unique I totally agree and it’s challenging stuff that many don’t enjoy but if you get it it’s so enjoyable. JP you get it. Agree this 3 song is one piece I think. I did get goose bumps from the please please don’t give me lies! Fugue is nicely concise which Emerson isn’t always! Great review always love how you can bring so much joy and energy and interesting insight to songs That many would not even get after 50 listens.

[@strettoasino9006]

Can we take a moment, Carl Palmer's jazz ride 👏

[@townshendshean]

It's funny (what you brought up about parents). As a little kid, I was always trying to get my parents to like "my" music. Mom was more receptive (she was a great piano player and singer in her own right but not on Emerson's level). She LOVED this album when I played it for her. Dad on the other hand...he was into Bing Crosby and Big Band Jazz...he couldn't stand "my" music. LOL!

[@br.martindallyosb1147]

This is a wonderful album that gets better with repeated listenings. I remember when my older brother played this song for me when it was new. He thought the lyrics for the first part were funny, just saying basically, " I'm sorry, but you're WRONG!". Do check out "Hoedown" and "Abaddon's Bolero", from this album. ELP sure were ambitious!

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Hello friend,this Is an Amazing track of elp,i love sooooooooooo much this piece with the incredibile and Angelic voice of master gregory Stuart lake,i Adore his voice,Forever and everrrrrrrr elp

[@stevemd6488]

Thx for checking this out JP. Been awhile since I've heard this but it's one of my favorites. Greg Lake's voice still gives me chills, some of his best lyrics. Beautiful piano from Keith. The rest of the album is equally great. Oh yeah I loved this the moment I heard it buy I was an ELP fan from their first album. Last, wonderful lyric interpretation on your part.

[@snowdog87]

You said it...3 monuments....3 monuments on the Mt Rushmore of music Wish Greg and Keith were still with us

[@TheWrongChannel]

You doubled down on the Greg Lake today, and now with the Trilogy listen while rocking that sick Colors shirt. What a great Christmas!

[@JustJP]

I try to please!😁

[@shemanic1]

absolutely superb, the whole Trilogy Album.

[@JustJP]

Agreed!

[@unichusettsofmassadversity9705]

This band is so f#$^#-ing great. No more to say. Carl, Greg, Keith... thank you!

[@JustJP]

They're amazing :D

[@Lightmane]

OH YES! One of my favorites by ELP. I'm typing this first, before I watch. Can't wait to see your reaction, Justin 😎 Just finished watching. Justin, that was just one more BRILLIANT breakdown of the music that only you can do, apparently. I love a few other channels, but I've yet to see anyone who breaks down the music like you do. Some do a very good job, but you're the best and I really really hope more people start sharing your videos and help your channel to grow, because if anyone deserves it, it's you. Ok, now that I've lavished over you ridiculously, lol, HOW ABOUT KEITH EMERSON??? I've never heard anyone in rock play keyboards the way Keith did. I love Rick Wakeman, but Keith is King. Rick performed 'Trilogy' as a tribute to Keith after he passed. Also, if you've never seen Rachel Flowers on yt, do yourself a favor and watch her performances of Tarkus and The Endless Enigma. She and Keith had a very special relationship, so much so that he had his Modular Moog sent to her, to test it after he had some modifications made to it, to make sure it was working properly. Just type in yt 'Rachel Flowers on the Modular Moog - intro by Keith Emerson'. It's so cool, but you'll need to react to 'Trilogy' first, cause that's what she plays to test it.

[@ithaliem]

...and for your info, JP, Rachel Flowers is blind, which makes her playing even more fantastic.

[@JustJP]

Ty LM,yup ive seen a few performances from Ms Flowers, simply amazing

[@Lightmane]

@@JustJP well soon you'll be able to watch that video and her performance of Trilogy : )

[@shyshift]

Now that it’s done I’ve begun to see the reason why I’m here.

[@matthewrobinson7379]

This is one of my favorite records that came out that year. Another was "Passion Play" by Jethro Tull. Both albums begin with a heartbeat sound. My favourite video of yours was "Entangled" by Genesis.

[@JustJP]

Ty Matthew! Love Entangled, so dreamy

[@truthbearer8216]

ELP, Tarkus, Trilogy, Pictures At An Exhibition, Brain Salad Surgery , Not many can say they put this consistent great run of albums out. Jethro Tull, Crack The Sky, Yes, Kansas?!

[@michaelgalligan7089]

They actually played to more people than anyone back in 1970 till about 1976 .

[@shyshift]

I listened to this and Close To The Edge on the same night after bringing home both 8 trak tapes in 1972. Magical night. I played Yes first of course.

[@JustJP]

Thatd definitely be a good time!

[@JohnBrooking4]

I’m so jealous. I was a teenager in the ‘80’s, and have always felt like I came along about 10 years too late to get all this great music when it was new. At least I discovered it eventually. I first saw this particular album in a high school friend’s basement; it had belonged to his older brother. But I didn’t actually hear it until I was in college and bought my own copy.

[@michaelgalligan7089]

who's Yes ! Lol

[@jcswim1954]

Love this album!

[@michaelgalligan7089]

It's a Classic! Just like them ! Greg always made shore my friend Toney Ortiz and I always had anything we needed when we used to tour with them !

[@davidmckenzie420]

Each album became my favorite. This was one.

[@brianbaker2759]

It's great seeing you go through literally my favorite prog albums, that I've enjoyed the past 30+ years... You have a great ear for good music, and seem to enjoy the same kinds of stuff I do. Great reviews!

[@JustJP]

Thank you so much Brian! I'm loving the journey

[@jns8393]

This album was my introduction to ELP as a young teen in 72. I had a new friend who raved about the 'master' and had no idea who he was talking about and I hadn't even heard of ELP. Trilogy was his recommendation as a starter. Put it on and thought, what the hell is this. Had no idea what was going on or what the strange noises were, hadn't heard of a synthesiser, but was intrigued by the sounds so kept listening. It eventually fell in place and I was totally hooked :) and remain a massive fan of their first 5 albums, though completely understand why many say they don't like ELP. They may mean they don't understand and I get that, but what really bugs me is if people say they are crap. Don't like them? Fine, but don't diss the musicianship and sheer musical ability. Unfortunately at school no girl I knew liked them. It worked out better for the guys who liked Yes mind you!

[@bodhibick2378]

This was the first song I heard by ELP when it came out. I was 15 at the time. It's still my favorite to date.

[@VallinSFAS]

@JP It's existentialist beat poetry of the same type The Beatles picked up in Germany and the US. Very typical of that post-war/Cold War generation. And we see Greg making a subtle reference to the same ideas of 'Court Of The Crimson King', particularly "Epitaph".

[@brucebrown73]

If someone doesn’t appreciate this effort they are not listening with any effort.

[@garyarnett1220]

Thank you for the present. Always a joy to hear ELP

[@JustJP]

Happy to Gary!

[@jimschroeder1176]

This is actually my favorite album of theirs

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Simply a phenomenal Song One of the best i ever heard if not the best with awaken of yes

[@markmaxwell1013]

Another great Christmas surprise! My favorite videos,,, Man-Erg and the Barbarian.They both blew your mind and you had such an absolutely hilarious response😀

[@JustJP]

Haha, yes those were definitely mind-blowers!