As I attempted to identify the Top 25 Progressive Rock songs of all time a couple years back, I naturally gave rightful props to Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Here is what I had to say about their magnus opus, Tarkus:
Debate still abounds regarding the great American novel. No such discussion occurs when it comes to the terrible British prog-rock album. Fans and foes alike have aligned and rendered a verdict: Tarkus. Look at the cover for Christ’s sake. Therein lies what Colonel Kurtz called “the horror” and what recalcitrant enthusiasts (or idiots) like me call…the horror! (But in a good way.) Listen, some prog-rock bands (like Rush) had a penchant for reimagining or reinterpreting classical literary legends like Apollo and Dionysus (see #22) while others (like Rush) would create their own mythical heroes (By Tor, Snow Dog, etc.). Looking at this cover art, and seeing song titles like “Stones of Years”, “Manticore” and “Aquatarkus” (not to be confused with “Aqualung”), many music fans ask for the check, understandably. Here’s the thing, though: all the armadillo tank drawings and semi-preposterous titles—and lyrics—are just window dressing for the artistry that occurs once these well medicated, undeniably brilliant musicians throw down. And throw down they do, in ways that make myopic pinheads lament how a man with unparalleled keyboard skill— like Keith Emerson’s—might have made so much better use of his talents had he dedicated his life to playing Bach recitals in sparsely attended concert halls.
Here it is in all its pretentious, impenetrable, inimitable glory:
So imagine my delight to discover, totally at random, this rendition on YouTube.
I have nothing to say, except WOW. And: thanks to Rachel Flowers for having the gumption –much less the ability– to do a solo piano cover of the entire “Tarkus” suite.
This is so beyond epic I can only call it what it is: A kinder, gentler Tarkus. (Not to be confused with Lego Tarkus, above…which just about wins The Internet.)
If you missed the entire list the first (or second) time, well, welcome back my friends to the show that never ends.
