#3 in UK (Dec 71); #10 in US (Feb 72) "Nutrocker," #70 in US (Apr 72)

Pictures at an Exhibition, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, recorded live on March 26, 1971, released in December, 1971. ELPfan 09's rating: 8/10 Promenade The Gnome Promenade The Sage The Old Castle Blues Variation Promenade The Hut of Baba Yaga The Curse of Baba Yaga The Hut of Baba Yaga The Great Gates of Kiev Nutrocker

ELP's first live album features the band's rendition of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." The piece has the different parts of the song arranged by the different members of the band. "The Sage" is an accoustic guitar solo by Lake, which is actually not all that spectacular. The lyrics, written by Lake and Fraser, are added to the piece, along with the synth reworking of the piano piece. The "Blues Variation" by the band is also nothing too great. The rest of the piece, however, is pretty kickin'. The percussive nature of "The Gnome" and the great blend of synth and drums in "The Hut of Baba Yaga" is just great. I do think, however, that the version of "Pictures" on Works, Live, although only 15 minutes, is better. Not only does it have a full orchestra, but it takes out the lesser parts. But then again, I have Works, Live on CD and listen to that more than the vinal version of Pictures.
The other part of this record is "Nutrocker," which is ELP's arrangment of Kim Fowley's arrangement of Tchysosvsky's (sp) "Nutcracker." It's pretty cool, and it gets decent airplay during the holidays, so it's all good.

© 2001 elpfan09@hotmail.com

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