Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Tarkus is a landmark album in the progressive rock genre, released on June 4, 1971. It is the band's second studio album and showcases their technical prowess, ambitious compositions, and thematic storytelling. The album was recorded at Advision Studios in London and produced by Greg Lake, with Eddy Offord as the engineer.

Key Details:

• Concept and Themes: The album's centerpiece is the 20-minute title track, "Tarkus," which occupies the entire first side of the LP. It is a conceptual suite divided into seven movements:

  1. Eruption

  2. Stones of Years

  3. Iconoclast

  4. Mass

  5. Manticore

  6. Battlefield

  7. Aquatarkus

  The track tells a symbolic story of conflict and evolution, with the titular Tarkus being a half-armadillo, half-tank creature. The music is a blend of complex time signatures, virtuosic keyboard work by Keith Emerson, and dynamic shifts in mood and intensity.

• Side Two: The second side of the album features a collection of unrelated tracks, each showcasing the band's versatility:

  1. Jeremy Bender - A lighthearted and whimsical tune.

  2. Bitches Crystal - A dramatic and rhythmically intricate piece.

  3. The Only Way (Hymn) - A reflective track incorporating themes from Johann Sebastian Bach.

  4. Infinite Space (Conclusion) - A continuation of the previous track's motifs.

  5. A Time and a Place - A powerful and energetic song.

  6. Are You Ready Eddy? - A playful rock 'n' roll tribute to their engineer, Eddy Offord.

• Artwork: The album cover, designed by William Neal, features the iconic image of Tarkus, the armadillo-tank hybrid. The artwork complements the album's themes of conflict and transformation.

Legacy:

Tarkus reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 9 on the US Billboard 200, making it the band's only album to top the UK charts. It was certified Gold in both the UK and the US. The album is celebrated for its innovative approach to progressive rock and remains a fan favorite.