A Time and a Place cover

A Time and a Place

Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 2010

284 min · 43 tracks · progressive rock

A sweeping blend of rock, classical, and jazz influences creates an intricate sonic tapestry that captivates listeners with its dynamic range.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Barbarian Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Karn Evil 9 (1st, 2nd & 3rd Impressions) — This epic piece encapsulates the band's signature blend of complex compositions and theatrical storytelling, showcasing their technical prowess and creativity.
  • →
    Still… You Turn Me On — A poignant ballad that highlights Greg Lake’s emotive vocals and lyrical vulnerability, contrasting the album's more ambitious tracks with its intimate feel.
  • →
    Pirates — This track illustrates ELP's ability to weave narrative into music, featuring dramatic melodies and rich instrumentation that culminate in a powerful climax.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • immersive lengthy listening experience
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • intricate arrangements to explore
  • cathartic moments of release

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows ELP's continued vitality after a long hiatus, re-establishing their presence.
Themes
orchestral experimentation· progressive rock revival· theatrical storytelling
Career context
Released in 2010, A Time and a Place marked Emerson, Lake & Palmer's return to the studio after a lengthy hiatus following their last original album in 1994. This period saw the band revisiting their roots while also experimenting with contemporary sounds, showcasing their evolution as artists even decades after their initial breakthrough.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· Genesis· King Crimson

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 The Barbarian Start here 5:05
  • 2 Take a Pebble 12:47
  • 3 Ballad of Blue 4:03
  • 4 High Level Fugue 7:46
  • 5 Hoedown 4:04
  • 6 Still… You Turn Me On 2:59
  • 7 Lucky Man 3:05
  • 8 Karn Evil 9 (1st, 2nd & 3rd Impressions) 34:01

Disc 2

  • 1 Peter Gunn Theme 3:36
  • 2 Pictures at an Exhibition 15:39
  • 3 Tiger in a Spotlight 4:06
  • 4 Maple Leaf Rag 1:14
  • 5 Tank 2:10
  • 6 Drum Solo 6:45
  • 7 The Enemy God Dances With the Black Spirits 2:40
  • 8 Watching Over You 4:08
  • 9 Pirates 13:05
  • 10 Tarkus 17:25
  • 11 Show Me the Way to Go Home 5:21

Disc 3

  • 1 Knife Edge 5:39
  • 2 Paper Blood 4:10
  • 3 Black Moon 6:17
  • 4 Creole Dance 5:12
  • 5 From the Beginning 4:05
  • 6 Honky Tonk Train Blues 3:35
  • 7 Affairs of the Heart 4:06
  • 8 Touch and Go 3:04
  • 9 A Time and a Place 3:04
  • 10 Bitches Crystal 4:23
  • 11 Instrumental Jam 1:49
  • 12 Fanfare for the Common Man / America / Rondo 16:13

Disc 4

  • 1 Introduction 1:23
  • 2 The Endless Enigma 8:21
  • 3 Abaddon’s Bolero 8:36
  • 4 Jeremy Bender / The Sheriff 5:23
  • 5 Toccata (includes Drum Solo) 15:49
  • 6 Jerusalem 2:51
  • 7 Nutrocker 6:26
  • 8 C’est la vie 4:27
  • 9 Piano Concerto #1 3rd Movement 6:36
  • 10 Closer to Believing 6:08
  • 11 Close to Home 3:37
  • 12 I Believe in Father Christmas 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata