I liked the first albums a lot, but lost touch with "Brain Salad Surgery". Although it had a few good moments, most of it struck me as unnecessarily complicated and I didn't like the audio. Interesting as a phenomena, but less enjoyable. This was their next studio album, released almost four years later, and it's something completely different. Fewer synths are used, instead both London Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestra de l'Opera de Paris are involved and most of the backing acoustic. The three members get one side each and the fourth is a group effort. The common side has a cover of Copland's "Fanfare For The Common Man" and "Pirates", written by the band and Pete Sinfield - a long orchestral piece with a few vocal parts pitched in. Palmer does a bunch of instrumental cuts, among them a re-work of "Tank" from first album. Emerson's contribution is an eighteen minute piano concerto wich I can't relate to since I'm not that into classical music. For me this is all about Greg Lakes side. It was criticized back then for being honyed and even pointless, but IMO it's timeless beauty and what makes the whole album. All tracks co-written by Lake and Sinfield. Consisting of four love ballads and "Hallowed Be Thy Name" - an odd anti-religious statement. The romantic tunes has top class arrangement and about the best audio you can get on vinyl. I've always liked his voice and here it works better than ever. Had copies of this album since late seveties and never get tired of hearing those songs. The melodies may be simple, but treated so perfectly they catch me every time. First US on Atlantic (SD 2-7000). Premiere UK had label as shown here and glossy triple f/o cover with embossed logo. (ÄPY*)
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