MoFi Emerson, Lake & Palmer Tarkus (180g 33RPM LP)

Pushing the Creative Boundaries of Progressive Rock

Released in 1971, Tarkus solidified Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s status as prog-rock innovators. At once diverse, ambitious, and complex, the album connects influences as wide-ranging as Dave Brubeck, Sergei Prokofiev, Frank Zappa, Alberto Ginastera, and J.S. Bach, all filtered through the trio’s distinctive vision. The sophomore effort reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, climbed into the U.S. Top 10, and propelled ELP to the forefront of the global concert scene, all while becoming instantly identifiable through its iconic armadillo-themed cover art.

Audiophile Restoration and Presentation

Mastered at MoFi’s California studio, housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition 180g 33RPM LP presents Tarkus in stunning audiophile sound. Clear, dynamic, and balanced, the edition honors the meticulous approaches behind the playing and recording. Black backgrounds, dead-quiet surfaces, and exceptional definition reveal tonal depth, virtuosity, and intricate musicianship in breathtaking clarity.

Epic Sonics and Musicianship

Every texture, nuance, effect, melody, and tempo change is rendered amid wide, immersive soundstages. Listeners will notice the snorkel-tube-inspired Moog synthesizer on “Aquatarkus,” the pipe organ at St. Mark’s Church on “The Only Way (Hymn),” and the improvisational jamming and hollering on the playful “Are You Ready Eddy?” Separation, imaging, and timing create a palpable sense of presence and realism, bringing the band’s studio performances vividly to life.

The Theatrical Title Track

Anchored by the nearly 21-minute title suite, “Tarkus” charts the life of an armadillo creature through birth, conflict, and defeat at the hands of a manticore. Built on shifting 10/8 and 5/4 time signatures, the seven-part suite balances calm and clamor, violence and peace, flourish and march, with Greg Lake contributing both instrumental skill and the anti-war narrative. The composition remains one of the finest progressive rock pieces ever performed.

Concise, Dynamic Second Half

The album’s second half demonstrates ELP’s versatility with shorter, playful, and precise arrangements. “Jeremy Bender” delivers honky-tonk pianos and handclaps, while “Bitches Crystal,” inspired by Brubeck’s “Countdown,” showcases Emerson’s piano virtuosity. The jazz-infused instrumental “Infinite Space” flows seamlessly from the reflective “The Only Way (Hymn),” further highlighting the trio’s range and creativity without relying on drum solos or acoustic ballads.

Cover Art and Complete Presentation

William Neal’s iconic cover art transforms a doodle into a striking visual narrative. The skeletal remains of a defeated lizard, the red-eyed armadillo hybrid tank, and detailed illustrations within the sleeve reflect the title track’s story while complementing Neal’s broader narrative artwork. From first note to last, Tarkus remains a complete artistic package — a combination of music, narrative, and visual storytelling that defined ELP’s early career.