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.
Why this album works
This album is notable for showcasing ELP's enduring legacy in the progressive rock genre, featuring tracks that span their career and highlight their innovative musical approach. It received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, reaffirming the band's influence on subsequent generations of musicians and solidifying their status within the rock pantheon.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with peaks immersive storytelling experience patient exploration of themes
- 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· Soft Machine· Tasavallan Presidentti
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 Standout 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 Standout 29:40
- 11 Honky Tonk Train Blues 3:09
Disc 4
- 1 Jerusalem 2:46
- 2 Fanfare for the Common Man Standout 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
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