The Return of the Manticore
Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 1993
294 min · 40 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · art rock
A grand tapestry of progressive rock, fusing symphonic elements with intricate musicianship and evocative storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- immersive storytelling experience
- patient exploration of themes
- headphone detail hunting
- late-night deep focus
Maybe skip if you want
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- need instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1993, 'The Return of the Manticore' marked a significant moment for Emerson, Lake & Palmer as it was their first album since reuniting after a prolonged hiatus. The band had not released new material since 'Love Beach' in 1978, making this collection of live recordings and remastered studio tracks a poignant return to form. This compilation came during a time when classic rock bands were experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· Genesis· King Crimson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Touch and Go 3:02
- 2 Hang On to a Dream 4:28
- 3 21st Century Schizoid Man 3:07
- 4 Fire 3:26
- 5 Pictures at an Exhibition 15:35
- 6 I Believe in Father Christmas 3:27
- 7 Introductory Fanfare / Peter Gunn 4:29
- 8 Tiger in a Spotlight 4:35
- 9 Toccata 7:22
- 10 Trilogy 8:54
- 11 Tank 6:49
- 12 Lucky Man 4:38
Disc 2
- 1 Tarkus 20:43
- 2 From the Beginning 4:15
- 3 Take a Pebble 22:50
- 4 Knife Edge 5:05
- 5 Paper Blood 4:29
- 6 Hoedown 3:45
- 7 Rondo (live version) 14:28
Disc 3
- 1 The Barbarian 4:29
- 2 Still… You Turn Me On 2:55
- 3 The Endless Enigma 10:40
- 4 C’est la vie 4:19
- 5 The Enemy God Dances With the Black Spirits 3:23
- 6 Bo Diddley 5:06
- 7 Bitches Crystal 3:58
- 8 A Time and a Place 3:00
- 9 Living Sin 3:14
- 10 Karn Evil 9 29:40
- 11 Honky Tonk Train Blues 3:09
Disc 4
- 1 Jerusalem 2:46
- 2 Fanfare for the Common Man 9:41
- 3 Black Moon 6:59
- 4 Watching Over You 3:54
- 5 Piano Concerto No. 1, Third Movement: Toccata con fuoco 6:49
- 6 For You 4:29
- 7 Prelude and Fugue 3:17
- 8 Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman 20:15
- 9 Pirates 13:21
- 10 Affairs of the Heart 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.