Trilogy (Emerson, Lake & Palmer album)
Encyclopedia
Trilogy is the third studio album by the English progressive rock
band Emerson, Lake & Palmer
, released in 1972. The front cover depicts Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, while the interior of the original gatefold
sleeve features a photomontage
showing multiple images of the band in Epping Forest
carpeted with Autumn leaves.
The band had already released two very carefully performed studio albums, Emerson, Lake and Palmer
(1970) and Tarkus
. Trilogy increased ELP's worldwide popularity, and included "Hoedown", an arrangement of the Aaron Copland
composition
, which was one of their most popular songs when performing live.
A Quadraphonic mix of this album was only ever available on the Quadraphonic 8-track tape cartridge format.
, bass drum
and Piano
. It's very quiet. The song Endless Enigma Part One opens with the sound of a beating heart, an effect created by the Ludwig Speed King bass drum pedal of Palmer's Ludwig Octaplus kit. Notably, this effect was used by Carl Palmer before it was used on Jethro Tull
's A Passion Play
, Pink Floyd
's The Dark Side of the Moon
, and Queen
's Queen II
.
playing woodblocks.
's Bolero" sounds like a martialised Bolero
(in 4/4 rhythm rather than the usual 3/4). A single melody containing multiple modulations within itself is repeated over and over in ever more thickly layered arrangements, starting from a quiet Hammond organ making a flute-like sound over a snare drum, and building up to an ear-shattering wall of sound. This aspect may well be a nod to the similar effect in Maurice Ravel
's famous Bolero. Abaddon's Bolero is replete with overdubs. Almost every time an instrument comes in, another overdub follows.
. "From the Beginning" reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100
. The song was also covered by Czech folk rock band Marsyas
, albeit under a different name (Studená koupel - Cold Bath) and with Czech lyrics. The album peaked at #2 on the UK album charts.
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, also known as ELP, are an English progressive rock supergroup. They found success in the 1970s and sold over forty million albums and headlined large stadium concerts. The band consists of Keith Emerson , Greg Lake and Carl Palmer...
, released in 1972. The front cover depicts Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, while the interior of the original gatefold
Gatefold
A gatefold is a type of fold used for advertising around a magazine or section, and for packaging of media such as vinyl records.- LP covers :...
sleeve features a photomontage
Photomontage
Photomontage is the process and result of making a composite photograph by cutting and joining a number of other photographs. The composite picture was sometimes photographed so that the final image is converted back into a seamless photographic print. A similar method, although one that does not...
showing multiple images of the band in Epping Forest
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is an area of ancient woodland in south-east England, straddling the border between north-east Greater London and Essex. It is a former royal forest, and is managed by the City of London Corporation....
carpeted with Autumn leaves.
The band had already released two very carefully performed studio albums, Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Emerson, Lake and Palmer (album)
Emerson, Lake & Palmer is the eponymous debut album of British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released in 1970.As a first album from the newly formed supergroup, the album clearly demonstrates the variety of influences the artists brought with them, in the mix of instrumental and...
(1970) and Tarkus
Tarkus
Tarkus is the second album by the British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, released in 1971.In 1993 the album was digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio...
. Trilogy increased ELP's worldwide popularity, and included "Hoedown", an arrangement of the Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland was an American composer, composition teacher, writer, and later in his career a conductor of his own and other American music. He was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition, and is often referred to as "the Dean of American Composers"...
composition
Musical composition
Musical composition can refer to an original piece of music, the structure of a musical piece, or the process of creating a new piece of music. People who practice composition are called composers.- Musical compositions :...
, which was one of their most popular songs when performing live.
A Quadraphonic mix of this album was only ever available on the Quadraphonic 8-track tape cartridge format.
Side one
- "The Endless Enigma (Part One)" (Keith EmersonKeith EmersonKeith Noel Emerson is an English keyboard player and composer. Formerly a member of the Keith Emerson Trio, John Brown's Bodies, The T-Bones, V.I.P.s, P.P. Arnold's backing band, and The Nice , he was a founder of Emerson, Lake & Palmer , one of the early supergroups, in 1970...
, Greg LakeGreg LakeGregory Stuart "Greg" Lake is an English musician, songwriter and producer, best known as a vocalist and bassist of King Crimson, and the bassist, guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.-1960s: King Crimson:...
) – 6:37 - "Fugue" (Emerson) – 1:57
- "The Endless Enigma (Part Two)" (Emerson, Lake) – 2:00
- "From the Beginning" (Lake) – 4:14
- "The Sheriff" (Emerson, Lake) – 3:22
- "Hoedown" Taken from Rodeo (Aaron CoplandAaron CoplandAaron Copland was an American composer, composition teacher, writer, and later in his career a conductor of his own and other American music. He was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition, and is often referred to as "the Dean of American Composers"...
) – 3:48
Side two
- "Trilogy" (Emerson, Lake) – 8:54
- "Living Sin" (Emerson, Lake, Carl PalmerCarl PalmerCarl Frederick Kendall Palmer is an English drummer and percussionist. He is credited as one of the most respected rock drummers to emerge from the 1960s...
) – 3:11 - "Abaddon's Bolero" (Emerson) – 8:13
The Endless Enigma
The Endless Enigma consists of three parts: Endless Enigma Part One, Fugue and Endless Enigma Part Two. Endless Enigma Part One has a 1:36 intro that consists of the MoogMoog synthesizer
Moog synthesizer may refer to any number of analog synthesizers designed by Dr. Robert Moog or manufactured by Moog Music, and is commonly used as a generic term for older-generation analog music synthesizers. The Moog company pioneered the commercial manufacture of modular voltage-controlled...
, bass drum
Bass drum
Bass drums are percussion instruments that can vary in size and are used in several musical genres. Three major types of bass drums can be distinguished. The type usually seen or heard in orchestral, ensemble or concert band music is the orchestral, or concert bass drum . It is the largest drum of...
and Piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
. It's very quiet. The song Endless Enigma Part One opens with the sound of a beating heart, an effect created by the Ludwig Speed King bass drum pedal of Palmer's Ludwig Octaplus kit. Notably, this effect was used by Carl Palmer before it was used on Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull (band)
Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969.Initially playing blues rock with...
's A Passion Play
A Passion Play
A Passion Play is a concept album, and the sixth studio album, released by Jethro Tull. Apparently concerning the spiritual journey of one man in the afterlife, it is similar to Thick as a Brick in that it is one long track split across both sides of the LP vinyl record, save for the interruption...
, Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
's The Dark Side of the Moon
The Dark Side of the Moon
The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released in March 1973. It built on ideas explored in the band's earlier recordings and live shows, but lacks the extended instrumental excursions that characterised their work following the departure...
, and Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
's Queen II
Queen II
Queen II is the second album by British rock group Queen, released in March 1974. It was recorded at Trident Studios, London in August 1973 with co-producers Roy Thomas Baker and Robin Cable, and engineered by Mike Stone....
.
The Sheriff
The opening drum solo on the track "The Sheriff" features a mistake by drummer Carl Palmer where he accidentally hits the rim of his tom-tom with a drumstick. He responded with the word "shit" which can be heard when listening carefully. The Sheriff ends with a Honky Tonk type piano solo with CarlCarl Palmer
Carl Frederick Kendall Palmer is an English drummer and percussionist. He is credited as one of the most respected rock drummers to emerge from the 1960s...
playing woodblocks.
Hoedown
This Copland adaptation features a rollicking organ theme with Emerson's synthesizer flourishes adding strength to the piece. It became the opening song for both the Trilogy and Brain Salad Surgery tours.Trilogy
The album's title track opens with a ballad-like string-type arrangement with Lake's vocals. Emerson's piano fill segues into a full-blown section featuring the entire band, continuing with the opening theme and finishing with an instrumental section.Abaddon's Bolero
"AbaddonAbaddon
Abaddon in the Revelation of St. John, is the king of tormenting locusts and the angel of the bottomless pit. The exact nature of Abaddon is debated, but the Hebrew word is related to the triliteral root אבד , which in verb form means "to perish."...
's Bolero" sounds like a martialised Bolero
Bolero
Bolero is a form of slow-tempo Latin music and its associated dance and song. There are Spanish and Cuban forms which are both significant and which have separate origins.The term is also used for some art music...
(in 4/4 rhythm rather than the usual 3/4). A single melody containing multiple modulations within itself is repeated over and over in ever more thickly layered arrangements, starting from a quiet Hammond organ making a flute-like sound over a snare drum, and building up to an ear-shattering wall of sound. This aspect may well be a nod to the similar effect in Maurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel
Joseph-Maurice Ravel was a French composer known especially for his melodies, orchestral and instrumental textures and effects...
's famous Bolero. Abaddon's Bolero is replete with overdubs. Almost every time an instrument comes in, another overdub follows.
Personnel
- Greg LakeGreg LakeGregory Stuart "Greg" Lake is an English musician, songwriter and producer, best known as a vocalist and bassist of King Crimson, and the bassist, guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.-1960s: King Crimson:...
: VocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, Electric guitarsElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
& acoustic guitarsAcoustic guitarAn acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only an acoustic sound board. The air in this cavity resonates with the vibrational modes of the string and at low frequencies, which depend on the size of the box, the chamber acts like a Helmholtz resonator, increasing or decreasing the volume of the sound...
, bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Keith EmersonKeith EmersonKeith Noel Emerson is an English keyboard player and composer. Formerly a member of the Keith Emerson Trio, John Brown's Bodies, The T-Bones, V.I.P.s, P.P. Arnold's backing band, and The Nice , he was a founder of Emerson, Lake & Palmer , one of the early supergroups, in 1970...
: Hammond organ C3Hammond organThe Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond in 1934 and manufactured by the Hammond Organ Company. While the Hammond organ was originally sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to the wind-driven pipe organ, in the 1960s and 1970s it became a standard keyboard...
, Steinway piano, Moog synthesizer III-CMoog synthesizerMoog synthesizer may refer to any number of analog synthesizers designed by Dr. Robert Moog or manufactured by Moog Music, and is commonly used as a generic term for older-generation analog music synthesizers. The Moog company pioneered the commercial manufacture of modular voltage-controlled...
, Mini-Moog model D, ZurnaZurnaThe zurna , is a multinational outdoor wind instrument, usually accompanied by a davul in Anatolian folk music. The name is from Turkish zurna, itself derived from Persian سرنای surnāy, composed of sūr “banquet, feast” and nāy “reed, pipe”...
(listed as "Zoukra") - Carl PalmerCarl PalmerCarl Frederick Kendall Palmer is an English drummer and percussionist. He is credited as one of the most respected rock drummers to emerge from the 1960s...
: DrumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussion - Eddie OffordEddie OffordEddy Offord is a former record producer and recording engineer, who worked on some of the most famous progressive rock albums of the 1970s, often at London's Advision Studios. He is especially well known for his work with the groups Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Yes. ELP wrote a tribute to Offord with...
: EngineerEngineerAn engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,... - Barry Diament: Mastering
Reception
The album reached #5 on the Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. "From the Beginning" reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. The song was also covered by Czech folk rock band Marsyas
Marsyas
In Greek mythology, the satyr Marsyas is a central figure in two stories involving music: in one, he picked up the double flute that had been abandoned by Athena and played it; in the other, he challenged Apollo to a contest of music and lost his hide and life...
, albeit under a different name (Studená koupel - Cold Bath) and with Czech lyrics. The album peaked at #2 on the UK album charts.