ELP Digest Thursday, 15 April 1999 Volume 9 : Issue 4 The "Now the Seatbelt Sign's Aglow" Edition Today's Topics: Crossing the Rubicon... hot news about Carl Asia reunion David O'List looking for help ELP Tribute on Magna Carta Encores, Legends & Paradox Last ELP show ELP ticket Paul Stanley...super genius Robert Berry Q&A French version of C'est La Vie Brief news snippet Worst is best! ELP 1973 tour movie on VHS!!! KE & Johnny Dankworth Murderock by KE Honky issue 3 of the Digest Pete Sinfield/Greg Lake lyrics ELP Humor: Progressive Rock ELP Digest-ible May gig - Noddy's Puncture Mk II Tryke - Homage to Tarkus Prelude ======= Back again. Letters from the front include news that Carl Palmer will be involved with the reformation of Asia for a summer tour. David O'List (formerly of the Nice) is looking to launch some new music. Magna Carta Records has released their ELP tribute album. And much, much more. Till next time... - John - ------------------------------------------------------------ From: John Arnold , on 3/31/99 10:21 PM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Crossing the Rubicon... A reader who shall remain nameless sent me this way back in the August 1998 and I just found it while reading through some old email: "Another ELP misc item: according to the American Heritage Dictionary, the expression "cross the Rubicon" means "To embark on an undertaking from which one cannot turn back" Apparently he origin of the expression has something to do with Caesar crossing the Rubicon River (northern Italy) into Italy in 49 BC which initiated a civil war in Italy (same source) There's some trivia for you." How ironic.... I guess ELP broke new ground when they disbanded after recording "Crossing the Rubicon" and begining plans for a new project. They embarked on an undertaking from which one cannot turn back" and turned back. Now that's power! - John - [ Editor's note: For those readers who weren't around during last summer's tour, the ELP shows began with a tape of a new instrumental they had recorded called "Crossing the Rubicon". - John - ] ------------------------------ From: Shilova OLga , on 4/1/99 9:06 AM: To: elp-digest-web@reluctant.com Subject: hot news about Carl [ Editor's Note: A number of readers forwarded this me. Thanks one and all. ] Hello John! This news you can see on Wetton's site http://www.geocities.com/Paris/8099/wetton.html "Chasing The Dragon just now in "News" APRIL 1, 1999: IT MAY BE APRIL FOOLS DAY, BUT THIS IS NO JOKE----JOHN WETTON, GEOFF DOWNES, AND CARL PALMER OFFICIALLY REUNITE FOR A WORLD TOUR!! After weeks of rumors and wild speculation, "Chasing the Dragon-The Official John Wetton Web Site" can now confirm for you that John Wetton, Geoff Downes, and Carl Palmer will once again take the stage for a world tour to begin on June 11th (tour itinerary TBA...watch this site). It's a dream come true for fans who've longed to see John and Geoff back together again, and who can resist Carl's showmanship when it comes to pounding out those classic Asia tunes??? John, Geoff, and Carl will make their way through the United States, Canada, and Mexico during June, July, and August, then head for Asia in the Fall. Joining them on the tour will be guitarist David Kilminster, who has spent the past year and a half as a member of John's touring band. There are no immediate plans for the reunited Asia to enter a recording studio, though the door to the future is wide open. Be sure to check in often with "Chasing the Dragon" for the very latest information on the Asia reunion tour!" I don't know, mayby it's still a joke? -Gala Shilova [ Editor's Note: Apparently, it's not a joke.... read on. And there's a similar announcement at the official ELP and Carl Palmer web site at http:/www.carlpalmer.com - John - ] ------------------------------ From: John S Hawkes , on 4/8/99 10:24 AM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Asia reunion I'd like to make some observations about the upcoming Asia reunion. The Wetton/Downes/Palmer reunion is an exciting prospect, but let's keep things in perspective... First, the timing suggests that this is being done (initially, anyway) to capitalize on the opportunity to perform on a U.S. Summer amphitheatre touring schedule. Hopefully, Asia's booking management will choose to package them as an opening act for another classic rock group (i.e. Moody Blues or Yes) rather than as headliners, much as ELP's management did in '96 when they opened for Tull or last year with Deep Purple. Afterall, the W/D/P lineup hasn't toured consistently as Asia since 1983. I doubt they will be able to fill these amphitheatres with 15,000 people night after night as headliners because to most rock 'n' roll fans, Asia was an early 80's supergroup. As ELP found out in '92, it's tough to fill arenas after a decade-plus layoff. And with no new material available,( except for us prog-rock die-hards) it is unlikely that the general public will get too excited about this reunion. Secondly, I'm not expecting to hear any new Wetton/Downes material on the tour. With barely nine weeks for rehearsals, it's unlikely there will be anytime for songwriting. At most, I would expect a new Wetton composition or two. Otherwise, I think they'll stick to the 80's Asia catalogue and maybe some solo numbers. Here's hoping they will take a few "chances" onstage and expand on some of the songs, much like on their initial tour in '82. If they are, indeed, billed as a middle or opening act, than the set will be short, probably 45 minutes to an hour. If they tour Japan in the fall, I'm sure they would get headline status, meaning a longer set and possibly some new material. Finally, some Asia fans are hoping to hear songs from the 90's version of Asia, and/or have members of that lineup included with the reunion lineup. Don't bet on it! Wetton has widely admitted in the past, that the Downes-led Asia has no similarity to the original, except in its name. What will happen to the Downes/Payne lineup is anyone's guess, but I'll tell you... I'd hate to be in Geoff Downes' shoes right now! ------------------------------ From: Nick Robinson , on 4/8/99 6:08 PM: To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: David O'List looking for help David O'List (of Nice, Roxy etc fame) is looking for some financial muscle to get some of his music released. If anyone is interested, contact him via; OMIKRON music, 87A Elsham Road, London W4 8HH all the best, Nick Robinson email nick@cheesypeas.demon.co.uk homepage http://www.cheesypeas.demon.co.uk - now featuring soda syphons! ------------------------------ From: Gary Davis , on 4/12/99 1:16 AM: To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: ELP Tribute on Magna Carta Hi, folks: The latest Artist Shop newsletter is out and you'll find it in its entirety at . Meanwhile here's an excerpt of interest to ELP fans! From Magna Carta the eagerly anticipated tribute to Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Encores, Legends & Paradox - is finally out! This great tribute features performances by Peter Banks, Martin Barre, Robert Berry, Geoff Downes, Jerry Goodman, Glen Hughes, Igor Khoroshev, James La Brie, Pat Mastelotto, Doane Perry, Simon Phillips, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, John Wetton and many more; and features many of the great ELP classics! I should also mention that the special Japanese remasters of the ELP catalog, which you'll find at have been trickling out. If you have any intention of getting these, please do so now as they will not be available very much longer! Gary ************************************************************** Gary Davis The Artist Shop The Other Road http://www.artist-shop.com artshop@artist-shop.com phone: 330-929-2056 fax:330-945-4923 SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST!!! ************************************************************** Check out the latest Artist Shop newsletter at http://www.artist-shop.com/news.htm ------------------------------ From: "Andy Wilson" , on 4/12/99 12:43 PM: To: "ELP Digest" Subject: Encores, Legends & Paradox .....is the new tribute CD to ELP on Magna Carta MA-9026-2 with a cast of thousands (too many to mention here). Most of the bass work is done by Robert Berry and most of the drums by the always excellent Simon Phillips. Tracks as follows; Karn Evil 9 1st Impression Bitches Crystal Toccata Knife Edge A Time and a Place Hoedown The Sheriff The Endless Enigma The Barbarian Tarkus I was pleasantly surprised by many of these tracks. Whilst I appreciate the fine efforts of bands like "Works 3".....their note for note copying leaves me a bit cold and make me want to listen to the original recordings. However, on "Encores, Legends & Paradox", most of the recordings have made an attempt to offer an alternative reading to the original recordings. In particular, 5 tracks stand out. "Bitches Crystal" with John Wetton on vocals has a great groove. "Hoedown" is a fantastic new arrangement. The unison keyboard, violin, guitar playing of the main theme is excellent and makes me wonder why ELP didn't have a permanent electric guitar player. Great new bass line by Robert Berry. The Sheriff, again with John Wetton on vocals is as good a piece of "ELP-not-played-by-ELP" as you are ever going to hear. A seriously groovy-driving Hammond solo by Mark Robertson. "Toccata" is given the sort of treatment that a mid 70's "Yes" would have done. Again, the addition of an electric guitar takes this piece to another level. "Tarkus" - "Eruption" is as good as I've ever heard (by anyone!!!). You would want to listen to this version much more than ELP's 90's playing. This is top level "go for it" playing.....the sort of thing that has been sadly missing from ELP of late. "Time and a Place"....great playing by John Novello on organ with some cheeky "Tarkus" type licks thrown in! I'm not too keen on Glenn Hughes' vocal on "Knife Edge". This is probably the weakest track on the CD. There is some great playing on this CD with some generally so-so vocals. If anything, this recording confirms just how good Greg Lake was in the 70's. Although I will check out some more of John Wetton who I don't know too much about. Andy Wilson ------------------------------ From: "mark bustamante" , on 12/10/98 1:18 PM: To: Subject: Last ELP show Hello, I enjoy the ELP Digest, keep it up! I was wondering, now that Greg Lake has departed, if the ELP show in San Diego on August 31 was the last time they played together? I'm just curious. Thank you, Mark ------------------------------ From: Dave , on 3/28/99 9:54 AM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: ELP ticket Dear John, Along with many I am extremely happy that the ELP digest is set to carry on despite the ELP split, long may it continue! During Autumn (Fall) last year, as soon as the itinerary for the ELP British tour of Sping 1999 arrived in my mail, I rang all of the venues to establish when tickets were to go on sale. My plan was to follow the tour around Britain as I had done in 74. Unfortunately, I only managed to purchase one ticket before the ELP management (suprisingly) put all other ticket sales on hold. Well it's now clear why this was done. This still leaves me with my ticket for the forthcoming ELP gig on 24th April 1999 at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham (Front row A14). Of course I would be ecstatic if this gig were going ahead in four weeks time, however, as that ain't going to happen, I wondered if anyone is interested in buying, what may well be, the last ELP ticket ever printed. Life long ELP addict Dave Gooding ------------------------------ From: "Jed Schorr" , on 4/7/99 12:19 PM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Paul Stanley...super genius here is a quote from Paul Stanley of KISS from a recent MTV Rocumentary...I'll put this into the "shoe-store in your mouth" category...: "... when you listen to groups from the 70's that were considered brilliant, back then...their music sounds so stale and trashy today. Our music from that period sounds as fresh as ever. Everyone's saying 'lets listen to Emerson Lake and Palmer'... you listen to Emerson Lake and Palmer, not me!" you're just making yourself look bad, Paul... ...not that you need any help... [ Editor's Note: I wish people were saying "let's listen to Emerson, Lake & Palmer." Maybe I'm missing something but (unfortunately) I've rarely heard people talking about any possible 70s/ProgRock resurgence put ELP in a major context. (except here in the Digest, of course). Oh well. - John - ] ------------------------------ From: "Glenn Astarita" , on 3/25/99 6:30 PM: To: Subject: Robert Berry Q&A Hello, We are hoping to have an interview with Robert Berry published for the May edition of All About Jazz [ http://www.allaboutjazz.com ] which would be in the May edition. I will also be reviewing the superb new Magna Carta release which is a tribute to ELP...check AAJ around May 1st or 2nd......... best Glenn Visit All About Jazz, The Internet's # 1 Jazz/Music Site !! http: www.allaboutjazz.com ------------------------------ From: "Alain Charron" , on 3/2/99 11:55 AM: To: elp-digest-web@reluctant.com Subject: French version of C'est La Vie Hi! Some of you on the Digest might not know this but there is a french version of "C'est la vie" which is definetely worth a listen. Of course, the title is the same... This dates back to 1995. The translation follows precisely the original lyrics and the voice is at least as good as Greg's. This version was done by Quebec singer Mario Pelchat on his sixth album (also called "C'est la vie"). He was already quite established when he did this, so it is not something he did for the purpose of selling, but rather as a tribute. I must, unfortunately, say that the musical arrangements are better than Greg's. (In my personal opinion). Pelchat is considered by Sony to be the world's best male vocalist. Anyway, it's definetly worth a listen for any ELP fan. Disc info: Artist: Mario Pelchat Album: C'est la vie Label: Sony Year: 1995 CD code: CCK 80215 920025T This should easily be available in Canada and most french-speaking countries. ------------------------------ From: "S.J.Gibbons" , on 12/10/98 1:06 PM: To: John Arnold Subject: Brief news snippet taken from BBC news web site:n http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_231000/231827.stm Melody Maker's 20 worst albums are: 1.Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band - The Beatles. 2.Stars - Simply Red 3.Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette 4.No Jacket Required - Phil Collins 5.Pictures At An Exhibition - Emerson, Lake And Palmer 6.Be Here Now - Oasis 7.Labour Of Love - UB40 8.K - Kula Shaker 9.Elegant Slumming - M People 10.Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits 11.The Smurfs - The Smurfs 12.Kick - INXS 13.Slowhand - Eric Clapton 14.Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston 15.OK Computer - Radiohead 16.Some Great Reward - Depeche Mode 17.Tin Machine - Tin Machine 18.Wild Wood - Paul Weller 19.Cut The Crap - The Clash 20.Spartacus - The Farm Oh well! There seem quite a few respected works in that list! When the British music press turn on the Radiohead album, I think that gives a whole new dimension to the fickleness of the UK critic - I think it's quite a complement for the ELP record to feature in this list! cheers Steve ------------------------------ From: , on 12/22/98 8:33 AM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Worst is best! Our boys - whereever they are - whatever they do - with whom - are back in the news! This list of the "Worst albums" really recognizes how important ELP are! A real good sign - promising! Bjorn Are - - - - - - - - - - - - - - December 10, 1998 The Beatles Top Worst Album List It was 20 years (and then some) ago today that the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album that has gone on to top "Best Album" lists repeatedly since then. In fact, it recently topped Wall of Sound's user poll of the Top 100 Albums of All Time. What a difference 20 years can make; on Wednesday (Dec. 9) British music weekly Melody Maker released its list of the 20 Worst Albums of All Time, with Sgt. at the top of the list. The hallowed album is described as "a navel-picking collection of sixth-form poetry faking a cutting-edge credibility" by music journalist and Gold Blade frontman John Robb. Other "winners" of the dubious award include Alanis Morissette, Oasis, Whitney Houston, and even critical darlings Radiohead. No artist, it seems, was sacred in the poll of 60 writers, DJs, and musicians. Among those to cast votes were Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews, Pulp member Nick Banks, Stereophonics' Kelly Jones, and a teenage pop singer called Billie. Melody Maker's 20 Worst Albums of All Time: 1. The Beatles: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band 2. Simply Red : Stars 3. Alanis Morissette : Jagged Little Pill 4. Phil Collins: No Jacket Required 5. Emerson, Lake and Palmer: Pictures At an Exhibition 6. Oasis: Be Here Now 7. UB40: Labour of Love 8. Kula Shaker: K 9. M People: Elegant Slumming 10. Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms 11. The Smurfs: The Smurfs 12. INXS: Kick 13. Eric Clapton: Slowhand 14. Whitney Houston: Whitney Houston 15. Radiohead: OK Computer 16. Depeche Mode: Some Great Reward 17. Tin Machine: Tin Machine 18. Paul Weller: Wild Wood 19. The Clash: Cut the Crap 20. The Farm: Spartacus - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bjorn-Are.Davidsen@s.nett.telenor.no - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - I contain multitudes - Walt Whitman - - - - - - - - ------------------------------ From: keio sandvik , on 4/12/99 1:41 AM: To: elp-digest-request@reluctant.com Subject: ELP 1973 tour movie on VHS!!! I have just found out that the very rare tour movie: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - MACTICORE SPECIAL 1973 has just been made available on VHS/NTSC in japan on March 20th. There are also 20-bit re-masters of several albums with original art-work. Order over $100.00USD and they ship everything free & very efficiently (I know). http://www.heatwave-net.com/cgi-bin/s-new.pl?s=emerson&k=a&m=d Go to it, fans!!! Keio Australia ------------------------------ From: Steve Jones , on 4/2/99 6:14 PM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: KE & Johnny Dankworth Recently, whilst browsing through some past editions of the disgest, my memory was jogged by a reference to a 1972 BBC Radio programme in which Keith Emerson nominated his 'Top Twelve' pieces of music. The program was called 'My Top Twelve' and was introduced by longstanding BBC presenter Brian Matthew (whose voice can be heard on the recent Nice 'BBC Sessions' CD). Soon after this BBC Radio appearance, Keith popped up on a BBC TV show (cannot remember the name of the show, but it was broadcast on BBC2 during the summer months of 1972 or 1973). The show was presented by British jazz saxophonist Johnny Dankworth and regularly featured his wife Cleo Laine. The format of the show was repeated throughout its short life and went something like this; Johnny and his band do a well known jazz number Johnny introduces his first guest, usually a well known jazz musician First guest plays a short jazz piece, either solo or with Johnny's band Johnny and first guest have a short chat about jazz Johnny and Cleo do a well known piece together Johnny introduces his second guest - usually not a jazz musician, but someone 'interesting' Second guest plays a short piece, either solo or with Johnny's band Johnny and second guest have a short chat Johnny and band, Cleo and both guests have a short jam around a well known jazz number Not really my cup of tea, but in summer 1972, Johnny's 'interesting' guest was none other than Keith Emerson. Johnny introduced Keith as a 'leading exponent of the Moog synthesiser' and looked on in awe as Keith delivered a short but brilliant rendition of a classical piece on a mini-Moog and (yes) the large modular Moog. Again, my memory lets me down, but the piece was very Bach like and may have been the Bach quote that Keith used in 'Knife Edge'. Even the technology worked (well, almost; the very last note from the big Moog 'flew down' as Keith released the key, but hey, this was 1972). The subsequent chat consisted mainly of Keith explaining the technicalities of the synthesiser and the difficulties it presented in a concert situation. I remember Keith speaking with some apparent authority about voltage controlled oscillators and such like. I also remember Keith demonstrating some of the big Moog's 'voices' and explaining how he used the CRT display to help him keep the thing in tune. The finale featured Keith on piano in the jazz ensemble. Again I don't remember the piece, but Keith didn't get much of a chance to shine; his solo lasted only a few bars. So, there it was. Does anyone else remember this show? If so, can anyone give a more precise broadcast date and fill out some of the missing details? Even better, is there a BBC employee out there who knows if the VCR tapes still exist? Regards ======================================== Steve Jones Steve.Jones@softhome.net ======================================== ------------------------------ From: Cheryl Hudson , on 12/14/98 6:55 PM: To: elp-digest-web@reluctant.com Subject: Murderock by KE I found one website that offered Keith Emerson's Murderock CD. Tried ordering it twice, even paid for it and they cancelled it without any explaination. I finally got someone to explain why it had been cancelled and they said they had discontinued the product. I have been searching for a copy of K.Emerson's Murderock ever since but no one else even offers it. Any ideas why? Does anyone know why it has been discontinued? Cheryl Hudson chudson@mediaone.net ------------------------------ From: "LEFDAL ELEKTROMARKED AS" , on 3/29/99 12:55 PM: To: "ELP DIGEST" Subject: Honky issue 3 of the Digest Greetings, fellow ELPoholics John wrote(on behalf of anonymous) in issue 3, march 24th. Quote: "By the way, the album that I'D like to find is the 1986 release, "The Emerson Collection," which appears, tantalizingly, at this link: http://www6.cddb.com/xm/cd/misc/990d5e0c.html It includes: Orchestral Suite to Best Revenge Bach Before The Mast Hello Sailor Salt Cay Prelude to Candice Candice Inferno Mater Tenebrarum Starship Chic Charni The Dreamer Playing for Keeps Several of these are tracks that I've never seen mentioned anywhere else. If you EVER hear of a lead to this CD ..." end quote. Well, as it turns out, I've got two slightly different copies of this record on CD. Both W/black background covers, but one has "The Emerson Collection" printed in red, and the other in gold letters. The one with the gold letters has an additional track; namely "Nighthawks" and also a "fold-out" inner sleeve with a close-up profile picture of KE and also a picture of him on the backcover. Both records contains the same liner notes though, written by Brian Newman. I've bought both within a two months period from the same record shop in Oslo, Norway. Must have been in 1987-88 I think. The catalogue # is: CHORD CD coll 1 (both of them.) The name of the shop: AKERS MIC You might want to check out this address: http://www.akersmic.no/ They have pages in english too.. Check back with me for further assistance if need be. Good luck. (By the way; both my copies are autographed by THE MAN himself...giggle...) Keep the faith.. Even G. Norway ------------------------------ From: "Tony Wawryk" , on 11/24/98 8:32 AM: To: Subject: Pete Sinfield/Greg Lake Hello John, Some more stuff from me, mainly comments about Pete Sinfield following mentions in previous Digests. I'm sure you and many other ELP fans must have seen Paul Stump's book, 'The music's all that matters'. If not, it's a very interesting read on prog in general, and very good on the second strata bands such as The Enid, Gentle Giant. Stump is often less than flattering about ELP, which is fair enough - it's his view. He quotes Sinfield regularly, and Sinfield seems (contrary to the impression Stump gives) to be a little bitter about his ELP experience, and particularly about Lake. e.g. (on leaving King Crimson) "Greg called me.'I need help with the lyrics'. And boy did he need help. I was seduced away by the world's worst publishing contract, ever. I got a third of Greg's royalties. It sounds Ok... until you realise that Greg only got 25% of the band's royalties". A third of 25% of a leading band - for helping with the lyrics? What's the problem? Or is he claiming greater input? And if so, shouldn't he then get more of the criticism? On Lake's supposed excesses - "Gregory is a classically vulgar person" On Emerson - ""I heard... that Keith would be happy ending up being a pub piano player. Fine...but he'd still have a medallion round his neck with gold and diamonds which reads 'Keith'. Miaouw!! It'll be interesting to see the tone of his interview with Liv - I hope she asked some "difficult" questions. Lake in particular gets a lot of flak from ELP critics, particularly for his lyrics, which it would appear were every bit as much Sinfield's, yet somehow Sinfield is seen as a semi-legend. In my view, Lake is severely underrated by many - as an all-round musician he is first class, blessed with a superbly strong voice and a subtle ability on bass and guitar - his bass playing is particularly neglected, partly I think because it is occasionally hard to make out amidst some of the more bombastic passages. But his lines on 'Pebble' and 'From the beginning', to name just two, beautifully complement the playing of both Emerson and Palmer, as well as the songs themselves. And how many bass players sing lead vocals, especially on material as demanding as some of ELP's? Anyway - enough ranting - I've got work to do ! Best regards Tony Wawryk ------------------------------ From: "Yeldarb" , on 11/28/98 12:58 PM: To: Subject: lyrics Hello, I am seeking lyrics to the song: Hang on to a Dream. Off of the Return of the Manticore box set. Does anybody have any clues as to how I can get these? Any help would be appreciated, Brad Yeldarb@nls.net [ Editor's Note: There are also parts of the Nice's "Cry of Eugene" that never been able to figure out. So, if someone has their finger on the pulse (or should that be ear to the ground?) in regard to lyrics from the Nice, please let us all know. Thanks! - John - ] ------------------------------ From: "Mark Terreri" , on 3/10/99 7:59 AM: To: Subject: ELP Can you post this question? Does anyone out there know if ELP will be featured on VH-1 Behind the Music or Legends? They should be considered since they were huge in the 70's. Thanks for any input ------------------------------ From: "Stober, Karen E, SITS" , on 3/19/99 2:32 PM: To: "Stober, Karen Elizabeth" Subject: Humor: Progressive Rock Great laugh! Karen E. Stober karen1@mail.idt.net http://idt.net/~karen1/ How To Be a Great Progressive Rock Reviewer In 10 Easy Steps =========================================== Reviewing progressive rock albums can be simple. Are you tired of agonizing over the right words to use? Confused about your subject matter? Or are you just a lazy pig? Then use the following tips, and prog rockers everywhere will believe your every word. Trust me. Each tip is followed by an example so you can see exactly how it's done. (1) In every review, you MUST praise the Mellotron. Always describe it using the word "wash." "Gentile Goyim's keyboardist, Kerry Mayonnaise, treats the listener to spectacular, warm washes of everybody's favorite Mellotron." FOR BONUS POINTS, also mention the Hammond B-3, and imply violence. "Greg Palmer's raw, two-fisted Hammond work pierces the listener's eardrums with sonic knives." EXTRA BONUS POINTS if you mention either of these instruments, and they don't actually appear in the music. "On the road, King Creampuff's keyboard setup consists of grand piano, harpsichord, and several analog synths, but strangely, no Mellotron." (2) Any band that uses cello automatically gets a rave review. For bonus points, use the word "haunting." "As the music fades, a haunting solo cello appears out of nowhere, accompanied by a trio of Mellotrons, washing away." Subtract ten points if you compare the music to "Eleanor Rigby." (3) If the music has flute in it, compare it to Jethro Tull. It doesn't matter that the music is really death metal, chanting monks, or atonal birdsong: YOU MUST MENTION TULL. For extra points, mention Camel too. "Paraan's music features Hyperia Gomez on flute, inviting comparison to Jethro Tull or Camel, even though the flute's main use is as a handy mallet to bang several large gongs." (4) You don't have to bother describing the music. Just list the instruments and let the reader imagine the rest. "From out of New Zealand comes Genghis Ka-Ka, one of the finest prog bands I've ever heard. If you are a fan of acoustic guitar, haunting cello, and explosive, annihilating Hammond B-3, you MUST check out this album." (5) Mention the length of at least one song. Extra points if you call it an "opus." "Side 2 of the album is completely taken up by 'Ode to Bowser', a 22-minute magnum opus based on the theme from 'My Dog Has Fleas.'" (6) Casually mention the name of an extremely obscure band that one of the musicians used to play in, making your reader feel REALLY stupid or disloyal for not knowing it. "... featuring Sergio Blammobarpher, whom fans will no doubt recall as the charismatic ex-triangle player from ubiquitous Icelandic proggers Hund Extinctski Thirstifollicle." THE CUNEFORM COROLLARY: put completely obscure band names in parentheses for extra points. "Rounding out the group's sound is Bridgid Kirsch (Dootwhapper, B'nai Gwelzh) on freshly washed Mellotron." (7) The Syn-Phonic Rule: Praise every album by calling it the "best" example of a totally contrived category. Don't forget the exclamation points. * Museo Rubenstein, PASTAFAZOOL ($18). Possibly the ultimate Eskimo bassoon band of all time!!!! (8) If a progressive album features very long, drawn-out, incredibly repetitive, boring instrumentals, call it "space music." "Space rockers Mimsy Borogoves specialize in atmospheric drones that last upwards of four hours before switching notes." (9) Use abbreviations known only to seasoned proggers. "Zyzzyva's music is a thrilling blend of PFM, HTM, RIO, TNR, ZNR, and PDQ Bach." (10) Every keyboard/bass/drums trio MUST be compared to ELP. Every quiet, symphonic prog album MUST be compared to PER UN AMICO. All raw, loud music MUST be compared to King Crimson's RED. All counterpoint MUST be compared to Gentle Giant. Bonus points if it sounds nothing like Gentle Giant. Every "old Genesis style" band MUST be compared to Marillion, not Genesis. Every male vocalist with a high voice MUST be compared to Jon Anderson. Every female vocalist, regardless of range or style, MUST be compared to Annie Haslam. Every band that uses sudden, unpredictable tempo and time signature changes MUST be compared to Barry Manilow. "Angled Guard, Sweden's newest prog sensation, combines the beauty of PER UN AMICO with the rawness of RED, producing a progressive, symphonic extravaganza that could only have come from Marillion. Lead singers Jon Haslam and Annie Anderson are pictured on the album cover, inserting twin flutes up Barry Manilow's nose... taking the instrument far beyond anything Camel and Tull ever did." ------------------------------ From: "Podesta, Brian" , on 4/3/99 8:18 PM: To: "'ELP-digest@reluctant.com'" Subject: ELP Digest-ible Then and Now Highlights: - Snippet of Aquatarkus during Hoedown - Bitches Crystal - Knife Edge - Take a Pebble. As much as folks are perhaps uncomfortable with Greg's voice change, he performs quite well here. - Piano Concerto. Saw this adaptation live 8/1/98 and to hear it again is tremendous. (it also helps when one is less than 20 ft. away from Emo) Works Montreal Video highlights: - Nutrocker - Fanfare and Rondo with organ spillage (Hey, Emerson didn't do that when I saw him 1/78) Now that ELP has disseminated, who would you see in a solo or group effort?: - Palmer w/Asia? - Solo Emo? - Solo Lake? My vote is with Emo. Cheers. ------------------------------ From: G R Goostrey , on 4/4/99 11:08 PM: To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: May gig - Noddy's Puncture Mk II I would just like to let all ELP fans in the UK know that Tom is back in action with this great tribute band. He has two new collegues, Les Piszkalo on Drums (I have seen him guest before and he was much stronger than the previous dummer, Aide), and Tony Gunderson on Bass and vocals - with new material including Hoedown, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes and Nutrocker. Tom's origins are Hungarian, Les's Polish and Tony Scandernavian, so this is a truely international concept. They will be playing at the Fisherman's in Rochdale on Saturday May 8th. I'll be there, I will be there... ^.-.^ Geoff Goostrey (UK resident) ((")) geoff@goostrey.u-net.com ------------------------------ From: "Scott Snider" , on 4/11/99 3:24 PM: To: Subject: Tryke - Homage to Tarkus As a lurker for years on the ELP Digest, I have personally shared the thrills and spills of the reformed ELP with a lot of you. I am thankful for the many tours in the 90's that continued to demonstrate their musical prowess. I remain hopeful for new music to come out of our favorite trio that would compare to their glory years, but now the chances seem diminished with the latest breakup. My biggest moment as a fan was to give a cassette with a self-penned composition to Keith and to meet the band after watching from the first row at the World Music Theater in 1996. Whereas I was disappointed to not here feedback from Keith, I recognize the time and energy it must take to be the musician of his stature and that it leaves little time for anything else. I have finally produced my debut CD. In "TRYKE", I try to recapture the classic sounds of early 70's progressive rock. The title track, which is the tape I gave to Keith, is a 25-minute musical odyssey that pays homage to Tarkus. The remaining tracks are bold, aggressive, and spirited in the progressive rock tradition. If you are interested in sampling it, please visit my web site at www.mcs.net/~ssnider I apologize for a bit of marketing, but I know of no other group of people that may appreciate my work more than ELP fans. Thanks, Scott Snider ssnider@mcs.net ------------------------------ Digest subscrition, mailing address, and administrative stuff to: elp-digest-request@reluctant.com ELP-related info that you want to put in the digest to: elp-digest@reluctant.com Back issues are available from the ELP Digest web site: URL: http://www.brain-salad.com/ Note: The opinions, information, etc. contained in this digest are those of the original message sender listed in each message. They are not necessarily those of the mailing list/digest administrator or those of any institution through whose computers/networks this mail flows. Unless otherwise noted, the individual authors of each entry in the Digest are the copyright holders of that entry. Please respect that copyright and act accordingly. I especially ask that you not redistribute the ELP Digest in whole or in part without acknowledging the original source of the digest and each author. Thanks! ------------------------------ End of ELP Digest [Volume 9 Issue 4] *************************************