I agree; The first side is better than the second side, but that was the great thing about records (two separate twenty-two minute playlists) . . . Of the three big 70s prog bands (Yes, ELP & Floyd), ELP seems to have taken the biggest hit in reputation, but I still love them.

Album Rating: 3.0

I wonder why that is, Twig. I remember a time when Yes was totally looked down on. Then came the Rabin years, which revived their good name, but now those albums are looked at as not being artistically that great, even if they revived the band's career. Not sure why ELP took the dive reputation wise. It's so weird how band's fortunes can fluctuate, but how those fluctuations can have almost nothing to do with the actual music.

Album Rating: 4.0

Somehow that is true. However, in the case of ELP I think the individual egos of three great artists are difficult to manage. We mustn't forget that the three came from three great bands and ELP was a supergroup. By the other hand, in 1976 appeared the punk rock movement and the contempt for prog rock considered too much elitist, shook definetelly almost all the great prog bands. In the case of ELP it was particularly evident because their music was too much pompous for the new standards. So, the individual egos and the new times kiled definetelly this great group.Anyway, they left to us some of the most brilliant prog pages ever.

Album Rating: 4.0

disagree with the last paragraph. side 2 of 2112 is also cool af

My favorite track on 2112 is A Passage to Bangkok so I can relate. Then again I also dig this album's second side and this is actually my favorite ELP. I thought it was a common choice but Sputnik doesn't seem to believe so. The Only Way / Infinite Space make for a beautiful little suite

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah, those two are lovely. This hasn't aged well though.

You're right Divaman, after one or two missteps, Yes figured out how to succeed in the 80s. ELP didn't. Like e21 said, I bet the band's personalities had something to do with it. ELP wasn't interested in changing or working with new people like Yes--and the times they were a changing musically. Yes incorporated the Buggles into their line-up (and started a relationship with Trevor Horn, one of the most successful producers of the 80s) and then Rabin. ELP didn't have that new blood with new ideas. They had Love Beach.

Album Rating: 4.0

@ smaugman

I can see why according to your rating. But I sustain my opinion. One day when I review it you'll see why.

Album Rating: 4.0

@ sabrutin

As you can imagine since I'm a hard prog fan, my favourite track of "2112" is clearly its title track suite, and like the "Tarkus" suite is also a great masterpiece.

About ELP, and as I said before, despite "Tarkus" suite be their best track ever, I think their three other albums from their first four are more ballanced and better works. Anyway, I agree that "The Only Way / Infinite Space" make a very beautiful little suite.

Album Rating: 4.0

I agree with you Twig. Yes were abble to change their music as the times were changing. Incorporating the Buggles was really a big risk, but which was clearly win. For me, their album "Drama" is much more better than we could imagine at a first sight.

2112 is a prog classic for sure, but personally I dig the first ~7 minutes more than the rest, that's why I don't listen to it as frequently as some of their other epics

Album Rating: 4.0

I agree. Epics like some of the tracks on "A Farewell To Kings", "Permanent Waves" and especially the tracks on "Hemispheres". They are all really amazing.

Album Rating: 3.0

That's a great point Twig, and you're right about "Drama" as an example of what Twig is saying, e.

Album Rating: 4.5

Great review e21, I especially like the way as you review the first side of the album. Reading what you wrote I can see all the picture. Nice, really nice. The only thing I regret is your opinion about the side two. I think the side two has its great moments too. Bitches Crystal and The Only Way / Infinite Space are great too.

Have a great pos.

Album Rating: 3.5

""Drama" as an example of what Twig is saying, e. "



Hell yeah, Machine Messiah is by far one of Yes's best

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks, Intruder.

I never said that I dislike side 2 of the album. What I said is that it's a bit unbalanced. The side 1 is many miles better than side 2. It's only this. Of course I like the album as I said on my review. However, it's to much unbalanced to be a masterpiece, which is a pity.

Once more thanks for your comment and pos.

spinning brain salad surgery rn. what a record

Album Rating: 4.0

I agree 100%, SirLord. But that album has much more such as "I Am A Camera" and "Tempus Fugit".

Album Rating: 4.0

I agree dream. An astonishing album indeed. Their most pompous studio album with their debut live too. "Karn Evil 9" is absolutely amazing. Second best track after "Tarkus"

Album Rating: 4.5

I don't want to upset you when I saying I disagree with you about side two. I only said it has its great moments too.