- Island Records
ELP's 1972 "Trilogy" 12" Vinyl LP on Island Records, Germany, epitomized progressive rock. Produced by Greg Lake, the album's sonic brilliance, captured by Eddie Offord, echoed through Advision studios. The gatefold cover, a visual masterpiece designed by Hipgnosis, added aesthetic allure. The release marked a significant chapter in 1972's German music landscape, solidifying ELP's influence in the realm of progressive rock.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), already giants of the progressive rock movement, released their ambitious third album "Trilogy" in 1972. The album cemented their reputation as virtuosos and sonic adventurers, showcasing a dazzling blend of classical influences, rock energy, and a touch of the avant-garde.
Pushing the Envelope
"Trilogy" embodied the spirit of progressive rock's boundless exploration. Keyboardist Keith Emerson's flamboyant, organ-driven compositions drew heavily from classical music, showcasing his staggering technical prowess. Greg Lake's vocals and basslines added warmth and a touch of melancholy, while Carl Palmer's drumming was a powerhouse of precision and energy.
The album contained sprawling, multi-part compositions like the title track "Trilogy" and the ominous "Abaddon's Bolero," demonstrating ELP's mastery of complex arrangements and shifting dynamics. Their adaptation of Aaron Copland's "Hoedown" showcased their playful side and ability to weave diverse influences into their sound.
"From the Beginning" and Controversy
Lake's acoustic ballad "From the Beginning" became a surprise hit, its gentle melodies and introspective lyrics a stark contrast to ELP's usual bombast. However, the album was not without its detractors. Some critics found it overly pretentious and self-indulgent, a common criticism leveled against progressive rock bands of the era.
Production and Legacy
"Trilogy" was produced by Greg Lake, signaling the band's desire for creative control. The album's sonic clarity and dynamic range were a testament to the skills of engineer Eddie Offord. Furthermore, the iconic cover art by Hipgnosis added a visual element to the band's larger-than-life aesthetic.
Music Genre: Progressive Rock Acid, Psych Synth Music |
Collector's info: This is the hard to find Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design (this album has also been released as non-gatefold. |
Album Production:Album cover art design HipgnosisHipgnosis is my favorite proof that a record sleeve can be a full-on mind game, not just a band photo with better lighting. Read more... Hipgnosis is the legendary London-based art design group that turned rock sleeves into visual myths. The core duo, Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, were childhood friends of the Pink Floyd inner circle in Cambridge—a connection that allowed them to bypass the stiff mandates of EMI’s in-house design department in 1968. Their debut, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was only the second time in EMI history (after The Beatles) that an outside firm was granted creative control. The very name "Hipgnosis" was a piece of found art; Syd Barrett, during one of his more enigmatic phases, scrawled the word in ballpoint pen on the door of the South Kensington flat he shared with the duo. Thorgerson loved the linguistic friction of it: the "Hip" for the new and groovy, and "Gnosis" for the ancient, hidden knowledge. While Peter Christopherson later joined as a third partner in 1974, that initial Barrett-endorsed moniker defined a decade of surrealist mastery for bands like Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and 10cc, before the group dissolved in 1983. |
Record Label & Catalognr: Island Records 86 230 IT |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: 1972 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records) |
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Complete Track Listing of: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records) |
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Emerson, Lake & Palmer Trilogy (Island Records) |
High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One
High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side Two
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's Island Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
For progressive rock aficionados, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's (ELP) "Brain Salad Surgery" is a landmark LP. Released in 1973, it marked the band's first foray and stands as a testament to their fusion of rock and classical influences
- Brain Salad Surgery (1979, Austria) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, France) - Brain Salad Surgery ( 1973, Germany ) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, UK)
"Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is the eponymous debut album of this British progressive rock band, released in 1970. As a first album from the newly formed supergroup, the album clearly demonstrates the variety of influences
- Self-Titled (1970, England) - Self-titled (1970, Germany)
"Love Beach" was primarily a result of contractual obligations with their record company. The band had completed their previous album, "Works Volume 2", which was a double LP featuring individual contributions from each band member.
Love Beach 12" Vinyl LP
Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a suite of piano pieces inspired by an art exhibition of his deceased friend Viktor Hartmann. Each movement depicts a different artwork, connected by a recurring "Promenade" theme. ELP's version is a bold reimagining of the suite, incorporating rock elements, synthesizers
- Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Germany, Island Records) - Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Netherlands)
At the helm of the recording process was the skilled sound engineer Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord. His meticulous approach to capturing the intricate arrangements and complex compositions of ELP played a crucial role
- Tarkus (1971, Germany, Island Records) - Tarkus (1971, Germany, Manticore Records) - Tarkus (1971, UK)
Greg Lake demonstrated his musical prowess, steering the ship of "Trilogy" into uncharted waters. The album showcased a seamless fusion of classical influences, jazz improvisation, and rock elements
- Trilogy (1972, Germany, Island Records) Trilogy (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Trilogy (1972, UK)
"Works" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is where rock’s excess meets classical ambition head-on. Each side lets a band member take the wheel—Emerson with his grand piano concerto, Lake with melodic reflections, Palmer with percussive fireworks—before reuniting for the glorious roar of “Fanfare for the Common Man.” A lavish experiment pressed in Swiss precision wax.
"Works Volume 2" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is a 1977 vinyl LP showcasing the band's eclectic mix of prog rock, jazz fusion, and classical influences. Produced by Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, the album features a diverse tracklist, highlighting each member’s musical prowess. It remains a testament to ELP's creative evolution in the late 1970s.
Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP
