FIRST TIME HEARING Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Karn Evil 9 REACTION

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

you MUST remember this.... there are ONLY 3 people playing.... that is it... Keith Emerson was a MONSTER on keyboards... Seeing them perform... live was just amazing.. I have been so lucky to have seen some of the best of the best and these 3 guys.. were the top...

[@donjackson5522]

Carl Palmer is the best under rated drummer ever.

[@bobbyc3895]

Keith Emerson is THE greatest rock keyboardist, and this is a hill I will die on. I saw them live once and I wish had one more chance (RIP).

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

@@bobbyc3895 November of 1974 is when I saw them... I will never forget it. It was life changing. I realized that I started too late to be that good on piano.... and at the time I didnt like synths at all. it was rhodes and an organ for me.. but it all changed with ELP... what a gas to see them at the end of their famous welcome back my friends tour...

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

@@donjackson5522 he is so on time and cn play anything... there is a great video of him and Keith working out a particular part.... things that regular rock drummers dont do...

[@izzonj]

I loved EP&P back in the day. Ironically, the only time I saw them in concert was at the begging of the Works tour in NYC with the 80 piece orchestra. Although I think there was a portion of the concert with just the the of them. I'm not sure, I was stoned out of my gourd for the very first time.

[@kimcutts6153]

EL&P were just something else. They were a British "Prog Rock" band, that formed in 1970. Keith Emmerson (keyboards) Greg Lake (vocals, bass, guitar & producer) & Carl Palmer ,(drums & percussion). They were one of the most popular and commercially successful Rock Bands of the 70s, with an estimated 48 million records sold worldwide. Both Emmerson & Lake died in 2016, leaving Carl Palmer the only surviving member of the band. "Fanfare For The Common Man" is a fabulous song from these guys. I really hope you react to that song by these guys next. 🎼🎵🕺💃🇬🇧❤🎸🥁🎹

[@jackies5481]

They were also amazing in concert!

[@helindove2237]

There is a great live video of "Fanfare For The Common Man" played at an (empty) stadium. In a city where it was very cold because they were wearing fur coats!

[@kimcutts6153]

@@jackies5481 yes, I imagine they were. X

[@kimcutts6153]

@@helindove2237 thank you, I'll take a look. X

[@oldmanghost219]

​ @Helin Dove Yes I have seen that version and love it but i have found a version from 1992 were they add Rondo at the end.

[@jons3808]

Carl Palmer’s drumming on this song is so incredible. He’s one the best ever.

[@charlier711]

Carl and Neil Peart were the absolute monsters of drum set and percussion. Beyond human - but a blast to listen to.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

His name is often forgotten about when great drummers are mentioned but he was one of the greatest.

[@johnlong9534]

Similar to Keith Moon.

[@MoveoverAndbark]

Carl Palmer is thee best ever!!!!

[@tarkusi5111]

@@MoveoverAndbark He was certainly one of the best rock drummers. Buddy Rich is the best drummer. :D

[@surlechapeau]

Jay &Amber, You'll love their "From The Beginning"!!. A perfect song!!! Also "Fanfare for the Common Man"!

[@michaeldecker3480]

Pirates is a great song

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

Surle, I really enjoy reading your comments! You really know your stuff!

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Yes! Two of my favorites, plus LUCKY MAN.

[@surlechapeau]

@@resurrectionwaiting9294 thank you! Likewise!

[@davidschecter5247]

Karn Evil 9 is a 30-minute piece. You just listened to a tiny snippet of it. It's probably the greatest long-song prog piece ever. Please find the ALBUM version and listen again. You missed 90% of the piece.

[@bwhite963]

This Guy is correct!👆 Only a small part of the entire song.

[@allengator1914]

Yes Karn Evil 9 is great, but "Supper's Ready" by Genesis is the best long prog song ever.

[@bigb6046]

Yes this was the version they put out for radio play. The long version is better with the entire drum solo. Epic!

[@markallen2984]

@@allengator1914 You are 100% correct.

[@bwhite963]

@@bigb6046 I was ten years old when this Album came out and my Mom bought it Probably that year. I listened to this LP most of my teen years.

[@larryh3309]

The great American composer, Aaron Copeland, said their version of his "Fanfare for the Common Man" was his favorite. Around Christmastime, you might check out their version of "Nut Rocker." BUT FIRST, You MUST MUST MUST listen to "From the Beginning." It is the most gorgeous song you will ever hear!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

It is truly a gorgeous song. Perfect word for it.

[@TrevorandThea]

Yes, Fanfare (the album version) is an absolute MUST for Emerson Lake and Palmer!

[@0patience4flz]

The sage... acoustic...Gregg Lake was great

[@thegroovetube3247]

No, he didn't.

[@Kernel4Ben]

Keith Emerson GOAT🐐

[@simply_psi]

Amber you are spot on, this is part of a series of Karn Evil songs from the album and they do describe a macabre carnival from the future, where a lot of what we take for granted now has been destroyed such as grass etc, the chaotic sound scape does indeed make you feel like all the noise, bright lights, hustle and bussel of the carnival. This is the music ELP does that divides opinion, a little more controversial that songs like Lucky Man and From The Beginning that are both much more accessible.

[@Serai3]

It's also in music like this that you can hear their heavy classical influence.

[@simply_psi]

@@Serai3 definitely, not just in how they play their instruments but how they arrange the music and how their albums are like symphonies broken down into smaller movements.

[@shyshift]

All 3 Impressions of KarnEvil9 need to be played as one 30 minute song. This is the butchered version for radio.

[@simply_psi]

@@shyshift whilst I agree with you, it can be a bit much if you've not encountered something like this before either from ELP , like Tarkus or by King Crimson or Van der Graaf Generator. This version was a little to frenetic for Jay as it was, I think the full suite would have blown his mind, not in a good way.

[@shyshift]

@@simply_psi probably right

[@reality1958]

OMG you guys are really diving into the deep end now! Musically very different from what you’ve done so far. Love it.

[@edcastillo9342]

One of the most talented bands of the 1970's. RIP Greg Lake and Keith Emerson...

[@j.andrewk.327]

Emerson: one of the giants of keyboards of the last 100 years. Saw these guys in Ft. Collins, CO.

[@markmaioli4]

I think I saw that show at Moby Gym! Had a massive issue with only opening half the doors and almost got squished

[@MacDaddyRico]

Sadly took his own life because he could no longer play the keys...

[@christianman73]

@@MacDaddyRico A tragic loss. The band had a tour booked, and Keith was having physical problems with his hands. He was so distressed, and filled with anxiety, about the situation that he committed suicide. I really wish he were still with us, but my mother committed suicide when I was a child, and I have empathy for her and other people who die by suicide.

[@j.andrewk.327]

@@markmaioli4 It would have been around 1979-1981 -- we came in from Boulder.

[@sandraandmichaelfield1602]

I saw (experienced) the ELP Karn Evil 9 tour Feb.17, 1974 at the S.F. Civic Aud. "Come and see the show"...A live show about a "show" we came to see. What goes unrecognized is that the concert was in true QUADRAPHONIC sound. In addition to the usual (front) left/right speakers on each side of the stage, there were also 2 huge sets of speakers in the rear corners of the auditorium. That electronic pulsing sound you hear at the end of the album with headphones, going from side to side in your head, was going 'around the room' at this live show. It kept going...around and around...louder and louder...faster and faster...until it sounded like you're standing under rotating helicopter blades...which also closed the show. Twas an LSD experience I will never forget! (BTW This is Michael, show happened way before I met my wife Sandra)

[@nelsonhemstreet3568]

Love this song! Number 4 on my all time personal list. This is First Impression Part Two, which is what was played on radio.

[@bonnielevoy5045]

You need to understand that most of us were high listening to this music and the long instrumentals were needed to just make us happy

[@jameskearney4100]

FANTASTIC!!!! True musicians. I wish we still had groups like this!!!!

[@davidstephens6462]

Yeah, this is the single version. The full version was an entire album side. These 3 were some of the best technical musicians, not just in the 70's, but of all time. All classically trained, they helped define "art/prog rock".

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

I think Greg Lake had one of the best voices in rock. Ever. Deeply missed.

[@user-vv9it9ye4g]

Most of my favorite King Crimson songs are the ones with Greg Lake singing

[@3101home]

While listening to ELP…picture yourself in a dark auditorium watching a laser light show to numerous rock albums and just a little bit high.

[@200beluga]

From the Beginning. Is a beautiful well crafted song.

[@timgrady4630]

Complete mastery on so many levels . Classicism meets groove . Their inventory resides at the Top of Mount Everest .

[@StevenEverett7]

I remember when ELP first started out. They were a one of a kind band. They were different than any other group and that was one of the reasons that I enjoyed them as much as I did.

[@easyrolling]

The thing is both Emerson & Lake had come from groups right before that were both experimental in KIng Crimson & The Nice & Carl Palmer was in 2 bands that were considered kind of far out in The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown & Atomic Rooster .. this trio was a super group.. and deserve more recognition from the critics.. Thank god for the fans.. I'm with you..

[@StevenEverett7]

@@easyrolling Oh my yes. Thanks for reminding me of King Crimson. Memories of Court of the Crimson King!!!

[@rocketgrowthstrategiesdigi4535]

This is a great reaction solely because it is so rare one of these guys actually admit when it’s not for them. Honesty - refreshing.

[@christianman73]

Amber had the most intuitive and insightful reaction to this song, out of *all* of the many reactions that I've seen to *any* song on *any* reaction channel! She got it. ELP was an often "over-the-top" band of three *seriously talented* musicians, one of the major forces in the "progressive rock" movement, and their songs could be very theatrical. "Brain Salad Surgery" is a concept album and should be heard in full!

[@jc3drums916]

I don't think it's a concept album at all. A concept album has some sort of unifying theme across the entire album. None of the first four tracks on BSS have anything to do with each other, nor with KE9. But I kinda love it for that reason - every track is so wildly different from the others, yet they work so well together as an album.

[@christianman73]

@@jc3drums916 On second thought, perhaps "concept album" isn't the best term for BSS, given that, as you rightly noted, it doesn't have a concrete unifying theme across the entire album. It might be better to describe it as an "immersive album experience," in the sense that the tracks, all together, make for an overwhelming, artistically different, and yet somehow cohesive, experience that was meant, by ELP, to be heard as one artistic whole, rather than sampled as distinct, stand-alone singles/tracks. Thanks for the reply!

[@edallen3662]

If you want some more ELP you've got to listen to Jerusalem then of course there's tarkus ,and knife's Edge there's just endless Emerson Lake & Palmer another incredible song is called Pirates where I swear it's so real you can taste the salt spray on your lips as you can tell I'm crazy about ELP three musicians talk about virtuosos wow

[@Ofageover50]

I went to this concert at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium in 1974, it was an amazing concert!!! I forgot to mention, this was my first concert, Carl Palmer's drums were on a gimble and he was strapped to the drum throne and at one point was playing upside down and Keith Emerson shot sparks out of the end of his handheld synthesizer... totally amazing!!!

[@markzucker4320]

"In the beginning" and "still, you turn me on" are two of my favorites. One of my all time favorite Christmas songs is from Greg Lake, " I Believe in Father Christmas".

[@bobhope3716]

Hey guys! I want to call your attention to this video. It's Emerson Lake and Palmer doing Karn Evil 9, 1st impression,part 2 from the California jam concert. Carl Palmer is one of the greatest drummers ever. Get ready for a mind blowing drum solo !

[@mkg59]

Best drum solo I have ever seen and I'm a huge Rush fan.

[@timotc50]

The thi g about Carl Palmer, he entered the drums from beneath the set up. 365° of drums to perorm; simply phenomenal!

[@bobhope3716]

@@timotc50 I hope these guys check it out .

[@anthonyblakely2450]

LOVE THIS Song!!!! ELP were killing it!!!! Wow!!! Kinda felt like Emerson Lake & Palmer had been jamming with Pink Floyd or Yes....you know...Love it....Love...LOVE the organ jam!!!! I gotta check them out more!!!! Thsnks you guys!!!!

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Always amazing, just three people on stage, like with Rush and the Police, and such complicated music, both rhythmically and chords sequences and such. A great solo performance by Greg Lake in ELP is The Sage on the Pictures of an Exhibition album, been trying to learn the guitar work of that for several decades.

[@davexvs]

never understand how you can put ELP and RUSH in the same sentence as THE POLICE {:-) PAV UK

[@christianman73]

@@davexvs Each band-- ELP, Rush, and The Police-- was made up of just three people, on stage and in the studio. That's why he put them together in the same sentence in his comment. It was about the fact that just three people were responsible for making all of that music, which is impressive, whether or not you like The Police. I love all three bands.

[@nalk20]

I feel your pain. I too have been trying to learn The Sage. :) "You and I are yestedays answers..." Such amazing lyrics, that really speaks to me, now that I'm old.

[@smolderingjay3360]

Smiling and chuckling. ELP will take a few listens. 1993 at the Warfield was epic. '93 is still a long time ago, but think of the 70's audience and how that must have been. See the show. It's the in intro. You gotta see the show!

[@rpmfla]

Most ELP music is classically influenced, long (often album length), instrumentals. While Greg Lake had an excellent voice, they were mostly known for bombastic compositions featuring Keith Emerson on keyboard/synthesizer. Probably their easiest song to grasp is "From the Beginning", a short piece that was also their biggest hit. It is one of my favorite songs of all time...just perfection.

[@gailgregory95]

First concert I went to in 1978 I was floored. Nothing ever compared. The artistry of all three were amazing and the music before it’s time.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Not trying to be a prog snob here, but sometimes I wonder if today's listener has the patience and ability to appreciate longer and more complex music. I've seen some reactors treat prog music by such bands as ELP, Yes, Genesis, among others, rather off-handedly. It's not only the music layering that's challenging but the lyrics as well. Keep in mind that many of these prog musicians are classically trained, being able to play in any genre, and often they do. Funny that you should say that this piece contains too much "music and not enough vocals." You should try Close to the Edge by Yes or Tarkus by ELP, both VERY instrumental based coming in at over 20 minutes each. It may take a bit to appreciate these prog bands, but I can tell you that this is some of the most amazing, well-composed and played music you'll ever hear. Good luck.

[@markallen2984]

It's not snobbery to recognize a reality. The sort of person who is enthusiastic about the strip club inanities of Cardi B and her ilk are very unlikely appreciate the narrative complexity, the emotional nuance and the technical virtuosity of "Supper's Ready"

[@johnhoerl7326]

I’ve been a proud progger since way back when. There’s no question that people consume music differently than when I was young. But, I also think it’s a little too simplistic to dismiss today’s listeners as not being sufficiently patient and musically able to appreciate long prog songs. There are loads of reaction videos on KZbin with young listeners absolutely loving lengthy epics like Supper’s Ready or Echoes. My 17-year old daughter is an avid Floyd fan. Great music will find an audience, if given a chance. In many ways the challenge now is simply wading through the sheer volume of content available on so many platforms to find music you enjoy. And, of course, not liking certain prog music may simply be a question of personal taste rather than a lack of patience or musical ability. I love Floyd, Genesis, Canterbury Scene bands like Caravan, Hatfield & the North, National Health, newer prog bands like Spock’s Beard and The Tangent. But I could never get into ELP or Gentle Giant, for example. I love Yes but cannot listen to Topographic Oceans. Same with Tull and A Passion Play. All of which is to say, people are complicated, and they like or dislike music for a lot of different reasons.

[@lindazee]

Well said, and no, it's not snobbery. The listening ear has changed, although I will say that there are young reactors who actually get it and are blown away by progressive rock. The thing is, Jay and Amber don't have enough experience with the more layered, complex, symphonic progressive rock. I think it's possible that with more exposure, some background knowledge, and maybe a live performance or two, might give them a better appreciation of such masterful musicianship and artistry.

[@bloppysloppy2283]

I think the real snobbery comes from elitist rock critics who never gave prog any credibility or positive recognition. Those folks at Rolling Stone Magazine and that run the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame come to mind.

[@bookhouseboy280]

The Rolling Stone album guide from the 70s rates Brain Salad Surgery 4 stars, describing it as "one breathless tour de force" and "Karn Evil 9" as "remarkably pyrotechnical entertainment." As for Rush, their highest ratings are 2 stars and described as "fanzine wall-decoration material...for the 16 magazine graduating class."

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

I had the pleasure of seeing them perform this live in concert after it was released.The late Keith Emerson on keyboards was phenominal and the late Greg Lake and Carl Palmer were amazing as well.I think you either like keyboards are you dont and if you do your listening to a master in Keith Emerson. Ps Amber you get it and will enjoy going down the ELP rabbit hole.😊

[@DavidBMaas]

Their song Still You Turn Me On is superb.

[@sueparras6028]

100 I agree! Just a beautiful tune! I love that song 🎵 😍

[@jackies5481]

I think that's one Jay would like (Amber too)

[@voiceover2191]

There's a lot going on because you played part 2 of the 1st Impression of a song that has 3. They have way more accessible songs if this is too much for you (and I'm not being sarcastic) like indeed what some here mention like "In the Beginning" or from this album "Still ... you turn me on", but I must admit the hard core ELP fans will say songs like Karn Evil 9 or Tarkus or Trilogy is the ELP that stands out, but you know music is multi faceted, especially on this level of talent. I've been a fan of ELP for 40 years and I really appreciate you were so open minded that you gave it a go, even though it wasn't really Jay's cup of tea, that's fine, you gave it a listen.

[@richardmartin9565]

Summer 1970 went to the Free Concerts on the Boston Esplanade to see Edgar Winter. The 2nd band was Emerson, Lake & Palmer. You had to be there. Keith Emerson had at least 5 keyboards on stage an a Moog Synthesizer. Never heard one live before. He played two keyboards at once and switched from one to another like a speed demon. Dont remember Edgar Winter after that! ELP were great!

[@Roy_Gaber]

Amber has a great analytical mind, she hits the nail on the head. Great reaction! Thank you, as always.

[@mduncan65]

All 3 of these guys were and still are incredibly talented musicians. Y'all have to see ELP perform this song live. It is ridiculous!!! Keith Emerson is arguably the best keyboardist ever! I would put him and Rik Wakeman of Yes at the top of the class. My suggestion for y'alls next ELP song would be "Lucky Man".

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

This ain't 4/4 Radio play music even though it was a "Huge" FM Radio play Hit in 1973'-74' and still played on Classic Rock Radio stations across this nation everyday 👍 📻

[@AlAndValOffGrid]

ELP Fanfare For The Common Man. A MUST listen.

[@Anautistictherapist]

From the Beginning you MUST hear.

[@jkbezo1]

That guy cracks me up. Not only does new wave and punk confuses him but also progressive rock jaja. Stick to your favorite corny hairbands. His wife understands it though as usual. She's better at feeling music. Poor guy.

[@ewetoobblowzdogg8410]

I watched Foghat open for these guys in the summer of 77. It didn't suck

[@alanlittle9352]

ELP was really an acquired taste.They were more progressive, more experimental than most bands of that time, It took me some time to really appreciate them.

[@patrickupstream84]

Agreed. Even during the 70's when they were at the peak of their popularity, a number of my good friends couldn't get into their vibe. Carl Palmer was and is a huge influence on my drumming. He's a master.

[@mkenific]

One of the greatest bands ever! So much talent. Saw them many times over the years. Keith Emerson is considered by many to be the best keyboardist in rock. He sadly took his own life a few years ago. Greg Lake was a great bass player and vocalist, and as you heard here a great guitar player as well. And sadly he passed a few years ago as well. And Carl Palmer on the drums was called the "Little Buddy Rich". Buddy was probably the greatest jazz drummer of all time.

[@Serai3]

This song is the introduction to ELP's album "Brain Salad Surgery". That's why it has that "setting the tone" sound that Amber is picking up on, because it _is_ setting the tone for the rest of the album. The song floats back up a couple of other times in the album, always with that sense of "okay, time for the next thing, move along". Progressive rock, of which ELP were in the vanguard, is always best appreciated in context, that is, by listening to the entire album. The music is designed to be taken in that way, which is why you get things like Pink Floyd's "Echoes", incredibly beautiful but over 20 minutes long. It's about turning the lights down, getting relaxed, and grooving on an hourlong journey guided by people who seriously want to show you something amazing. :)

[@oldmanghost219]

I am not sure what you meant by ("the introduction to ELP's album "Brain Salad Surgery".") But if that is what you hear 1st, it would be. Me, I 1st heard that album when my cousin came back from the Calif. jam talking about a group we had never heard of and a flying piano' he had 'Brain Salad Surgery' and we played it from start to finish and it just got better, better, and better. i had never heard anything like it before and was "Blown Away".

[@dggydddy59]

Except that this song was the first track on Side Two. So it was not supposed to be setting the tone for the rest of the album. Also the title of this one is Karn Evil 9 First Impression Part Two. Part One was on the other side of the album, Side One. That's why the very first words were "Welcome back, my friends ..." because you had just listened to Part One at the end of Side One, had gotten up, turned the record over, and the next thing you hear is "Welcome back ...". We all thought that was pretty great in 1973.

[@HJG0630]

​@@dggydddy59exactly. And the first part of First Impression ends with a fade down on the arpeggio that the record fades up on when you flip it over.

[@dggydddy59]

@HJG0630 Yep! Pretty cool stuff to us teenagers in 1973.

[@cheater5adams174]

One of the best concerts I have seen. They blew up the synthesizer, lowered into the floor and brought up another one. The only show I've been to where I had to move a little ways back because it was so loud. loved these guys.

[@mikebrock7606]

As a Prog Rock group, they experimented with many different sounds on the Moog synthesizer. In a way, far ahead of its time. Today, many sounds can easily be accomplished with digital devices, however, everything they did was analog. That's a whole different technical discussion, but ELP was way cool.

[@waltw4537]

Saw ELP at the Rochester War Memorial in the early 1970s. One of the greatest concerts I've ever seen. Such talent. At the end of the show, Keith Emerson was whaling away on the piano when it RAISED off the stage!! Emerson did not miss a note. Then, the piano started rotating IN THE AIR with Keith strapped to the piano stool. STILL DID NOT MISS A NOTE!! After a few minutes, the piano stopped rotating and then lowered back to the stage! The show ended there. Even though we gave them a 6+ minute standing "O", ELP did not return because of a city noise ordnance!! Incredible! Now Jay, try and follow that bass line. Amber, you got it!! Great reaction and it sometimes takes a bit to appreciate/dig ELP. 🧡🧡🧡

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

Saw them in 1974 (Cal Jam). Great band. Loved seeing Keith on his flying piano (spinning in air actually) While most bands approached Rock n Roll through The Blues, ELP took on Rock through Classical Music! Quite a trick!

[@midnittkr]

My first concert in 1971........ONLY 3 GUYS making all this music....ended up seeing them 4 more times including with the 72 piece orchestra.......FanFare For the Common Man is another must hear

[@ferdberfle5069]

Another great one from ELP, "Lucky Man". So much going on and just 3 guys doing it! Carl Palmer, one of the greatest drummers of all time, Keith Emerson, who with Rick Wakeman of Yes comprises the 2 greatest prog rock keyboard players in history. And Greg Lake, Master of guitars and one of the greatest rock singers around! What a supergroup!

[@surlechapeau]

they reacted to Lucky Man Oct 12, 2021

[@deb5710]

Don't forget Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues, great keyboardist as well!

[@garyarnett1220]

Totally agree about Carl Palmer, very unique style. When Asia first debuted on the radio I was like "Why is Carl playing with Yes" LOL

[@ferdberfle5069]

@@deb5710 Okay, top 3! 😁

[@Audioloon]

Thanks for reacting to ELP and not holding back on your true impressions. I was fortunate to see ELP in concert back in 74 , San Antonio, TX. I still remember when the show was over and ELP had left the stage...all the overhead stage and spotlights were left on to showcase all the equipment on stage. All the synthesizers, grand piano, the most MASSIVE drum kit I have ever seen, and the various bass guitars. The crowd kept near the stage long after the show was over just in total amazement of what they had just heard and witnessed.

[@chrisbloomfield3350]

Whenever I hear this song I always think of how much they paved the way for bands like Styx.

[@kevinlundgren1169]

There's a lot going on because there is 3 very talented musicians playing and they all have 2 hands , so it's almost like there is 6 people in the band !!! This song is , I think , 34 minutes long , from the album Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends !! Triple live album !! Gotta love it !!!!

[@GorgonTheHybrid]

I've heard this song SO many times for so many years, and I never put together Karn Evil with Carnival before. Jeez, now I feel stupid... or maybe Amber is just a genius!

[@michaelnorman9962]

It's incredible how much music these three guys can put out in a song like this. I saw ELP in 1977 in 10th grade as my first rock concert and I have been enamored with them ever since. We had seats in the nosebleed section overlooking drummer Carl Palmer and we could see his every move. They all were awesome.

[@donjackson5522]

Come Christmas time, you need to react to their song “I Believe in Father Christmas”. Hauntingly amazing. Very unique for a Christmas song.

[@wendyneumeyer3117]

You have to remember this is a three piece band putting out all of that sound!

[@williameckert1623]

If you like ELP check out Greg Lake's vocals with King Crimson.

[@JohnnyTalia]

I had almost forgotten how good Carl Palmer was, way back there behind some massive drum set. He's the only member still with us. Live long and prosper, Carl.

[@Robert-gn7de]

All that sound coming out of only 3 musicians!

[@stevenparker4684]

Very first concert I ever seen, the percussionist Carl Palmer, keyboard genius Keith Emerson and great vocal Greg Lake 👌

[@stevenparker4684]

Next track, From the Beginning, you'll love it.

[@dalt992]

This is "progressive rock" (usually referring to a combo of rock, jazz, and/or classical music and it featured many instrumental passages and less vocals than other genres. MANY amazing musicians were featured in prog rock!) which was popular in the early-mid 70's. ELP were one of the highest selling bands. Emerson is widely considered one of the Kings of the Keyboard. He was a virtuoso and a genius player but with that rock wildness. A great song to hear from them is "Knife Edge". It's their most "metal" sounding and has one of the best riffs they ever wrote and I guarantee you it will be MUCH more up Jay's alley!!

[@rickbowman21]

Yes, you have to listen to all of the parts of this movement to really appreciate their dystopian view of the future. And it was just three of them. Saw them twice, and they blew my mind each time!

[@Famous-Potatoes]

The story of "Karn Evil 9" is told in three parts, with the second part being an instrumental interlude. First Impression, Part 1 begins with a tale of a bleak world (although timeframe is not specified): "Cold and misty morning I heard a warning borne on the air ..." and where humanity is either being destroyed or has fallen into decay and helplessness. First Impression, Part 2 tells how the decadence of the old world is preserved through exhibits that are part of a futuristic carnival show, which exhibits depravities like "seven virgins and a mule", along with things that are rare in the future, such as a "real blade of grass". Unlike the rest of "Karn Evil", the Second Impression's instrumentation is primarily piano, bass, and drums with a solo by Emerson on a Minimoog set to imitate a steelpan.[4] (Part of the solo very briefly quotes the main melody from Sonny Rollins's "St. Thomas".) This impression changes from an upbeat out-of-control tune to a slow interval and then picks up the pace with a structure similar to that of a sonata. It is allegedly about computers scheming against the humans, and the humans completely not suspecting this. The Third Impression continues the story begun in the first,[5] describing a war between humans and computers, which can be interpreted in three different ways. One interpretation gives the victory to the humans, who reimpose their dominion over the computers. The second interpretation allows victory to the computers, claiming that the computers were successful in dominating the humans and let them live only for the sake of gloating. The third interpretation, consistent with Peter Sinfield's original interpretation that "what [Man had] invented ironically takes him over"[3] has humans winning a war with the help of computers, only to find the computers taking over in the moment of victory.

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

Wow...that was interesting ...you explained the concept so well.Great job!

[@sensitivedogs]

Amber you are amazing and a sophisticated music listener and appreciator. You are absolutely right about the song. Your the anchor on this show…bravo!!!!

[@andrewk5710]

Keith Emerson was the greatest rock keyboardist ever!!!!!

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

I agree the only one that comes close is Rick Wakeman of YES

[@kenjordan5750]

As my posse and I walked into the arena to see ELP this song started playing aswe descended to our seats. Thrilling. Welcome back my friends... There behind the glass lies a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass, move along, move along. Remember, all of those sounds were made by just 3 guys working their butts off. I saw Carl Palmer play at Yestival a decade(?) ago. He was still rocking in his early 70s. Mind blowing how good he was and what energy!

[@vizzini589]

Best concert opener ever.

[@christopherjoyce3586]

You guys HAVE GOT to listen to the entire album to get a better feel of not just this song but what they were trying to portray in the music. Got to see it live in 1974 in S.F.; still my favorite concert of all time. Keep rockin' you two, you make me smile every time!

[@krishosner1850]

That was a great cut from the grandmaster of keyboards (Keith Emerson) but you should give " Takus " a listen , it highlights every style ELP has since become famous for( its a long song, but it is soooo worth it ! ) Emerson does for keyboards what SRV and Jimmie Page did for guitar ! Love you both for what you do everyday, keep up the good work !🙃

[@davidfellows2874]

I was so fortunate to see them Live four times. Twice with an orchestra. Amazing show only three guys in this band and Greg Lake was a very underestimated vocalist. They were more of an instrumental band. Lucky Man, From The Beginning are must songs. Peace, Love, Courage from David in Detroit.

[@christopherpollak7448]

Interesting Trio...Bass, (Yes, Greg also played Guitar) Keyboards and Drums. They were different. Unique.

[@jazzmaan707]

They were different, and no one else sounded like them. They were the first Super Group to sell out stadiums in their concerts. They also influenced a lot of "rockers" to discover classical music, as many of their tunes had elements of the Classic Masterpieces in them. FANFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN, the live version, will blow your mind.

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

Been a huge ELP fan since I was a teenager many, many years ago. The three members were at the top of their game. Keith Emerson was one of the greatest keyboardists of all time and a synthesizer pioneer, Carl Palmer is a terrific drummer and Greg Lake besides playing both guitar and bass has one of the greatest/most beautiful voices ever. Carl is the only one still living (Keith and Greg died within the same month).

[@stephenking149]

Yeah girl you get it, you really get it. It's like walking down the midway watching and listening to all the shows. I love this song and have for close to fifty years.

[@thomasconlee4939]

for a musical theatre piece, try "Forever Autumn" by Justice Hayward (from the "rock opera" of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds)...yeah, really!

[@frankshaffer7645]

Imagine listening to Rock Radio in the early 70s and hearing this fusion of Classical, Jazz, & Rock... on Rock Radio??? Today's Rock radio has to fit into narrow definitions of "Rock." Keith Emerson was an absolute virtuoso on Keys! Carl Palmer was a badass Jazz drummer! Greg Lake was an excellent guitarist, bassist, and vocalist.

[@rpmfla]

If you want to try one of their "radio" hits, From the Beginning is one of their best.

[@greglegakis4177]

Don't forget Lucky Man, their biggest hit worldwide. Unless they did it already.

[@rpmfla]

@@greglegakis4177 Yes, they already did that one. Great song too.

[@thorolsen8057]

Listen to Hoedown

[@ericj166]

Just a trio ... but what musicianship ! Watch them playing this live and witness the most breathtaking drum solo by Carl Palmer.

[@urbangardener66]

It's really great that you've come back to ELP after doing Lucky Man, however you skipped over 4 albums of music to get there. One thing about these prog rock bands from the 70s to keep in mind, every album was a big step in their musical evolution. I would suggest if you're intrigued by a band, such as ELP, to look at their catalog and as you select songs recommended that you try to do them chronologically. I think that way you'll really start to appreciate how a band's musical vision developed and appreciate the music that much more. Karn Evil 9 is a suite of songs lasting nearly 30 min and takes up more than one side of the album Brain Salad Surgery. It's arguably ELPs finest musical achievement. One other thing always try to listen to the studio version of a song first time out. It's the band's definitive statement of what that song was when they wrote it. Love the reactions and keep them coming....welcome back my friends.....:-) !!!

[@MadrigalDream]

The Vocals are there - including Great Lyrics. Listen. This REALLY needs to be listened to in its Entirety to get The Full Effect.

[@markmaioli4]

ELP are, IMO, the ultimate prog band. Always stretching the boundaries and not afraid to throw in a modern interpretation of classical suite here and there. Brain Salad Sugery is one of my favorite albums of all time. And coming from your guys' perspective, probably a hard first listen but give them some re-listens and they might grow on you. 🤘

[@Goobie77]

On a whim in ‘78 during freshman year at UGA we bought tickets posted on the dorm bulletin board and drove to Atlanta. What a show! Became an instant fan of their music !

[@DJHolte]

I was probably half you guys' age when I first heard this album, Brain Salad Surgery. My older brother put his headphones on me and instructed me to just listen. I had never heard anything like it, and like Jay, I probably also thought, "I''m not sure about this..." -- but by the end of the album, my mind was opened. It was like I'd discovered a new genre of music that I didn't even know existed before.

[@CrayCruz]

I'm glad you guys got back to ELP, plus I really enjoyed your reaction, especially you Amber. Next is definitely "From the Beginning" - but I also want to put in a vote for "Pictures at an Exhibition" it is, I feel, their masterpiece totally based on a Russian classical piece written by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874 (yes, that's right...I Googled it). It showcases the band's musical genius, it is one of my favorite EPs, especially "The Great Gates of Kiev." I recently watched a YT video performance of a youth orchestra (led by world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel) it is both awe inspiring and powerful. (it's 9:54 of pure musical magic).

[@OronOfMontreal]

It is perfectly alright to not be into this sort of music. Hard Progressive Rock such as ELP and King Crimson is difficult and challenging, and so most people cannot appreciate it. It's like Jazz or Opera, or slow German or Japanese films; one must be predisposed to be able to like it. This is why we who love this music consider ourselves special and superior!

[@lindazee]

That album and album cover brought me so many years of musical joy. The cover, which opens up in the middle to reveal more art on the inside of the cover, not to mention the back of the cover, is easily among the best pieces of album artwork

[@Cadinho93]

You guys should react to more Emerson, Lake & Palmer… "C'est La Vie", "From the Beginning", "Tarkus", "Fanfare for the Common Man", "Nut Rocker", "Jerusalem", "Hoedown", "Peter Gunn", "Trilogy", "Take a Pebble", "Still…You Turn Me On" 🎸🤘

[@lisaj6728]

Oh yes!!!!!! Thank you… memories 💕 My late big brother (15 years older than me) sat me on his lap when I was little and let me listen to his copy of this, and taught me about synthesizers :)

[@orpheus2112]

You really have to be a musician to appreciate this genius. So I knew it was going to be hard to enjoy. They use many different time signatures which are not easy on the ears but to a musician its an eargasm. It's cool you are even listening to this 70s art rock

[@tomdevore9576]

I was fortunate enough to have seen them live several times in the 70's. Great Prog band, my favorite band. The have a great song catalog, you can't go wrong with any of them.

[@michaellockhart554]

You got it right Carnival, just spelled different, and I guess the vibe is a little different, Keith Emerson is one of the all time great keyboardists, Carl Palmer is one of thevall time great drummers, and Greg Lake has such a fantastic voice I Believe in Father Christmas (save that one for the holidays) Jerusalem, From The Beginning, Fanfare for The Common Man

[@ericpowell9836]

carl palmer the drummer is one of the best and is one of the most underestimated drummers of all time

[@josephgallagher945]

5:30

[@andrewk5710]

ELP were sometimes referred to as a musicians band, meaning a lot of their fans were musicians themselves. Their music is very complex and can often take many listens to understand the song, or to really take it all in. While it has rock and jazz undertones, it is often rooted in European classical music. It’s not really danceable, more of a sit down, listen and get lost in type of music. At least that’s my take from it.

[@Yotraj]

Three Dog Night is an American rock band from the 60's-70's. This band had a lot of energy. They had 3 guys with great voices that could all sing lead vocals. They had great songs such as "One", "An Old Fashioned Love Song", "Eli's Coming", "Shambala", "Joy To The World", "Liar", "Try A Little Tenderness", "Never Been To Spain", "Easy To Be Hard", "The Show Must Go On" etc.

[@ronbruno5942]

While you are on the Progressive Rock trend, check out 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson. There is a You Tube video of King Crimson Live from Japan from about 2014(I could be wrong on the exact year) that is amazing. I never saw 3 different drummers before.

[@mstewart109]

Keith Emerson on keyboard was one of the greatest!! This group was one of my favorites.