Works Volume 2 (2-CD Set)

A hodgepodge of B-sides, new, remakes, solos and leftovers, this album shows the band at its most versatile. With little to no Hammond organ and very little Moog synth, they portray a sound ELP fans were (are) not used to. This is a group of three very talented and versatile musicians, and this record flaunts that. A great effort of group and solo material on one lp, I would call this their ‘White Album’ in their musical evolution. I won’t go track for track, but will say the BMG remaster sounds great and compares well to my original album. A great reason to buy this version is for the ‘Works’ live portion (part of the first CD and all of the second), which is a recording of the ‘Works’ live shows with orchestra, although it seems some tracks were taken from the point in the tour after the orchestra was dismissed due to money issues. Regardless the live portion sounds marvelous and shows them at the top of their performing game. This is one to add to your collection.

I wanted to complete my collection of Emerson, Lake & Palmer original music, especially with the passing of two of their members. I had Works Volume 1 but not Volume 2, hence my purchase. I was more than pleased. I love this CD set and have been playing it often. ELP's music has always moved me and this CD set was no exception.

ELP's 2nd Works release 1977's "Works 2", is a mishmash of some good original and cover tunes. We get the rockin' number "Tiger In A Spotlight", which got several spins back in the day, love Keith's piano chops here. Emerson's "When The Apple Blossoms Bloom In The Windmills Of Your Mind I'll Be Your Valentine", a nice jazz tune with some fantastic keyboard work by Keith. Carl Palmer's "Bullfrog", has kind of a King Crimson feel to it, very jazz-rock, good stuff! Greg Lake's "Brian Salad Surgery", about oral sex, who knew?! Leftover from the 1973 album, now on the album. Keith's "Barrelhouse Shake-Down", is some groovy times. The anglic "Watching Over You", Lake is in top form on this one. The orchestrated jazz feel of "So Far To Fall", excellent tune, another song about oral sex?! Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag", has that hoedown feeling ELP was good at, "I Believe In Father Christmas", a Greg Lake jewel, 2nd version of this tune, but still unbelievably good, nice key's by Keith. Carl Palmer's "Close But Not Touching", a 60's type jazz number, great drumming by Carl. The Meade Lux Lewis number "Honky Tonk Train Blues",from 1927, Emerson gives this a great workout, nice wind section on this track too. And the album comes to a close on the beautiful 1925 tune by James Campbell and Reginald Connelly "Show Me The Way To Go Home", Lake makes it his own. On this 2011 Sony release, you get 3 bonus tracks, 2 New Haven Conn. tracks "Tiger In A Spotlight" and "Watching Over You", from 1977 and a live in Indiana "Show Me The Way To Go Home", from 1978. Great sound on this disc, i really enjoy "Works 2".

i was fortunate to see the fully orchestrated tour in 1977. One of the most memorable shows ever. Works 1 great. Works 2 stands the test of time as well. Nice remastering. Works Live stands out for it far exceeds the mastering of the 1978 vinyl which i still have plus the memories i have of that tour. Rest in peace Keith and Gregg. Highly recommended! How about a blu ray for video concert on dvd

Five stars if you are a fan of ELP. Probably not the best starting point for the uninitiated. I bought this to replace my vinyl. It is the 2008 Andy Pearce remaster, and it sounds wonderful. I wasn't even listening that closely when I first played it when I noticed the clarity and separation of the instruments. It is light on liner notes-- only offering an extra paragraph explaining the reason for the package back in 1977 and some extra reissue details (like mastering).

EXCELLENT!!! ELP performs classic songs from many different eras. If you like the groups King Crimson, YES, Pink Floyd you will love this 2nd album. Close your eyes, expand your mind and tap your feet to this one. Lots of true musicianship on this.

There are some classic sounds and songs on this disc but you can feel the beginning of the end here. The music is not as focused on their fist 4 or 5 albums. Emersons' orchestral expansions are wonderful and included on the 2nd disc. The Deluxe Edition 2017 includes a great live performance of many of their classic works.

Very nice remaster of this under rated recording from the band. I give it 5 stars as part of the whole ELP experience, not because it is their best or entirely a good representation of the works of ELP. They were so diverse. So grand. Bye, lads.

This is a good listen which i do enjoy lot more than Works Volume 1. Although the songs on Vol 1 Fanfare, Pirates, Cest la vie, i really enjoy big time. This Volume 2 is more of a better album which is more enjoyable i think. I do think its best too purchase both at same time. The 2017 volume 2 2CD you get the Olympic stadium montreal canada 1977 concert which is a great listen and well worth having which makes this album a must have.

Excellent 2 disc set includes the Montreal gig in full which sounds fabulous now great booklet but doesn't Conirm Live locations fully

Good to hear this again although I have a preference for the original vinyl which might be down to it being how the album was originally released at at the time rather than 40 years later. Sad two of the members are no longer with us.

The first few remastered sets seem to have been done with a love of the music. Now they are just being churned out with extras which any ELP fan will already own elsewhere

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