Emerson Lake and Palmer – ‘The Anthology: 1970-1998’ (2019)

Last June saw the release of Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy Live. Palmer’s guitar, bass and drums trio recorded excellent interpretations of Emerson Lake and Palmer classics. Palmer is again taking his newly refreshed trio on the road for the Royal Affair tour with Yes. Palmer will also be doing double duty with the newly reinvented Asia.

If all this wasn’t enough, Carl Palmer has also been promoting a new 4LP box set of Emerson Lake and Palmer music simply titled The Anthology. Pressed on “galaxy-effect” colored vinyl, the set includes keys tracks from all nine ELP studio albums, plus memorable live moments from 1971’s Pictures at an Exhibition, 1974’s Welcome Back My Friends, 1993’s Works Live and 1998’s Then and Now. Progressive classics like 1970’s “Lucky Man” and 1972’s “From the Beginning” are here, as well as deep cuts from Works Volume 1, Love Beach and, of course, Brain Salad Surgery, among others.



A 12-page insert includes liner notes from Chris Welch, along with new photos. All of the songs have been digitally remastered from high-def sources, and then pressed at half-speed – resulting in a set that sounds warm and clear.

If you are a hard core fan of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer, this vinyl box is for you, as you’ll experience these songs like you’ve never heard them before. If you’re a casual Emerson Lake and Palmer fan like me, The Anthology will take you down a sonic rabbit hole which will inspire not only reliving each of the songs in the Emerson Lake and Palmer catalog but also solo work by the namesakes.

Either way, you won’t be disappointed as The Anthology is a must have for friends of ELP and vinyl fans. It’s another great tribute to the late Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, as well.


Preston Frazier

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