Variations (20 CD Box Set)

BY Emerson, Keith

(Customer Reviews)

$210.00

SKU: SOUMBOX002

Label:

Spirit Of The Unicorn

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• 20 CD set presented in 10 x 10” box with 48-page book.
• The definitive Keith Emerson collection, featuring virtuoso performances from throughout his incredible career.
• Featuring material from his time in The Nice, and Emerson Lake & Palmer alongside his ventures into composing and performing movie soundtracks as well as his solo works.

“Keith Emerson invented progressive rock. I know because I was there at the time,” Lee Jackson, Emerson’s long-time friend and one-time band mate in The Nice, once told Prog magazine. Considered one of the greatest keyboard players of all time, Keith Emerson is revered as a genius by both fans and fellow musicians the world over.

This deep dive into the creative life of Emerson is divided into five parts, beginning with his early years in The Nice and Emerson Lake & Palmer. The collection moves onto Keith’s solo albums, his soundtracks and collaborations and finally ends with a set of stunning live performances which present his breath-taking keyboard skills to full effect.

Presented in a 10 x 10” box, this definitive collection is accompanied by sleeve notes written by Jerry Ewing, editor of Prog magazine who casts a magnifying glass over the immense catalogue of this once-in-a-generation artist. Ewing speaks with many of Emerson’s collaborators and delivers a fascinating history of the man behind the keyboard.

The collection is also presented with a 48-page book containing many never-before-seen photos taken directly from the Emerson family archive.

All 20 CD’s have been mastered from the best available sources by renowned engineer Andy Pearce and include a previously unreleased show from BB King’s in 2004.

This incredible collection has been curated with the full involvement and blessing of the Emerson family, which has allowed for the inclusion of some unique and rare material.

Whether you are a seasoned fan or just starting out on your Keith Emerson journey, there is no finer, deeper or more definitive collection available on the market. A tribute, in the truest sense, to one of the greatest musicians of all time.

CD 1: Pt. 1 The Early Years/The Bands

Medley – Keith Emerson (Age 14)  

Rock Candy – The T Bones with Chris Barber  

Lament For Tony Stratton Smith – Keith Emerson  

America / 2nd Amendment – The Nice  

The Three Fates – ELP  

The Old Castle / Blues Variations – ELP  

Fugue – ELP  

Karn Evil 9 2nd Impression – ELP  

Piano Improvisations (Live) – ELP  

Fanfare For the Common Man – ELP  

Barrelhouse Shakedown – ELP  

Honky Tonk Train Blues – ELP

Introductory Fanfare / Peter Gunn Theme (Live) – ELP

CD 2: Pt. 2 The Solo Albums – Honky

Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 1

Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 2

Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 3

Salt Cay

Green Ice

Intro Juicing

Big Horn Breakdown

Yancey Special

Rum A Ting

Chickcharnie

Jesus Loves Me

CD 3: Pt. 2 The Solo Albums – Changing States

Shelter From the Rain

Another Frontier

Ballade

The Band Keeps Playing

Summertime

The Church

Interlude

Montagues And Capulets

Abaddon’s Bolero (Orchestral Version)

The Band Keeps Playing (Aftershock Mix)

CD 4: Pt. 2 The Solo Albums – Emerson Plays Emerson

Vagrant

Creole Dance

Solitudinous

Broken Bough

A Cajun Alley

Prelude To Candice

A Blade of Grass

Outgoing Tide

Summertime

Interlude

Roll’n Jelly

B & W Blues

For Kevin

The Dreamer

Hammer It Out

Ballad For a Common Man

Barrelhouse Shakedown

Nilu’s Dream

Soulscapes

Close To Home

Honky Tonk Train Blues

Medley

Nicola

Silver Shoes

I’ll See You in My Dreams

CD 5: Pt. 2 The Solo Albums – Keith Emerson Band

Ignition

1st Presence

Last Horizon

Miles Away Pt. 1

Miles Away Pt. 2

Crusaders Cross

Fugue

2nd Presence

Marche Train

Blue Inferno

3rd Presence

Prelude To a Hope

A Place to Hide

Miles Away Pt. 3

Finale

The Art of Falling Down

Malambo (From “Estancia Suite”)

Gametime

The Parting

CD 6: Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Inferno

Inferno (Main Title Theme)

Rose’s Descent into The Cellar

Taxi Ride (Rome)

The library

Sarah In the Library Vaults

Bookbinder’s Delight

Rose Leaves the Apartment

Rose Gets It

Elisa’s Story

A Cat Attic Attack

Kazanian’s Tarantella

Mark’s Discovery

Mater Tenebrarum

Inferno Finale

Cigarettes, Ices, Etc.

Inferno (#1)

Inferno (#2)

Inferno (#3)

Inferno (#4)

Inferno (#5)

CD 7: Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Nighthawks

Nighthawks (Main Title Theme)

Mean Stalkin’

The Bust

Nighthawking

The Chase

I’m A Man

The Chopper

Tramway

I’m Comin’ In

Face To Face

The Flight of A Hawk

CD 8 : Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Muderock

Murderock

Tonight, Is Your Night

Streets To Blame

Not So Innocent

Prelude To Candice

Don’t Go in The Shower

Coffee Time

Candice

New York Dash

Tonight, Is Not Your Night

The Spillone

Murderock (Part 1)

Murderock (Part 2)

Murderock (Part 3)

Murderock (Part 4)

CD 9: Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Best Revenge / La Chiesa Best Revenge

Orchestral Suite To Best Revenge (Instrumental)

Playing For Keeps

The Dreamer – Love Theme (Instrumental)

Wha’dya Mean (Instrumental)

Outgoing Tide

For Those About to Win

The Runner (Instrumental)

La Chiesa

The Church (Main Theme)

The Possession

Prelude 24

La Chiesa Revisited

CD 10: Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Iron Man

Iron Man Main Title Theme

And The Sea Shall Give Up It’s Dead

I Am Ultimo, Thy Deliverer

Data In Chaos Out

Silence My Companion, Death My Destination

Iron Man Theme Alternative

CD 11: Pt. 3 The Soundtracks – Harmagedon / Godzilla Harmagedon

Theme Of the Floi

Jo And Michiko

Sonny’s Skate State

Zamedy Stomp

Challenge Of the Psionic Fighters

Children Of the Light

Godzilla   

Godzilla Vs. Gotengo

Godzilla Final Wars Titles

EDF Headquarters Fight

EDF Museum

Infant Island

Rodan Attacks NYC

Earth Defense Forces Theme

Motorcycle Battle

Godzilla Awakens

Love Theme

Monster Zero Theme

Cruising The Cirro Stratus

Godzilla Theme

Godzilla Final Wars End Titles

CD 12: Pt. 4: Collaborations – Three Fates Project  

The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt. 1)

The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt. 2)

American Matador

After All of This

Walking Distance

Tarkus (Concertante)

Malambo

The Mourning Sun

Abaddon’s Bolero

Fanfare For the Common Man (Pt. 1)

Fanfare For the Common Man (Pt. 2)

CD 13: Pt. 4 Collaborations – Beyond The Stars

Toccata Con Fuoco

Beyond The Stars

Glorietta Pass

The Dreamer

Endless Enigma Suite Pt 1

The Fugue

Endless Enigma Suite Pt 2

Malambo, Op. 7

The Mourning Sun

After All of This

Walking Distance

Fanfare For the Common Man Pt 1

Fanfare For the Common Man Pt 2

CD 14: Pt. 5 Live Collaborations – Boys Club (Live from California)

Afterburner

Long Journey Home

Hoedown

A Whiter Shade of Pale

White Noise

Cover Me

Nutrocker

Tarkus

Dreams

Middle Of a Dream

CD 15: Pt. 5 LIve Collaborations – Moscow Pt. 1

Karn Evil (1st Impression Pt. 2)

Piano Concerto (3rd Movement)

Bitches Crystal

Malambo

Touch And Go

Lucky Man

Miles Away Pt.1

Miles Away Pt. 2

Crusaders Cross

Fugue

Marche Train

Finale

CD 16: Pt. 5 LIve Collaborations – Moscow Pt. 2

The Barbarian

Tarkus

Nutrocker Suite

Moscow Fantasia

Malambo (Orchestral Version)

CD 17: Pt. 5 LIve Collaborations – Live From Manticore Hall

From The Beginning

Introduction

I Talk to The Wind

Bitches Crystal

The Barbarian

Take A Pebble

Tarkus

C’est La Vie

Pirates

Moog Solo / Lucky Man

CD 18: Pt. 5 Live Collaborations – Off the Shelf

Abaddon’s Bolero Orchestral

Pictures At an Exhibition

And Then January

Rio

Straight Between the Eyes

Don’t Be Cruel

Au Privave

Walter L

Rhythm-A-Ning

Asian Pear

Motor Bikin’

America

Lumpy Gravy

Up The Elephant & Round the Castle

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

CD 19: Pt. 5 LIve Collaborations – Live at BB Kings – 21/05/2004

America / Rondo

Country Pie

Hang Onto a Dream

Bitches Crystal

Touch And Go

Piano Interlude

Karelia Suite

Blade Of Grass

A Cajun Alley

Creole Dance

Quango Story

Just Crazy

CD 20: Pt. 5: Live Collaborations – B.B.Kings – NYC – 21/05/2004 / The Keith Emerson Trio Live At BB Kings Live At BB Kings  

Lucky Man

Hoedown

Tarkus

The Keith Emerson Trio

You Say You Care

There Will Never Be Another You

Teenies Blues

Winkle Picker Stamp

56 Blues

You Came a Long Way from Saint-Louis

Soul Station

Single   

We Three Kings

Captain Starship Christmas

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Karma Sown

Progressive Metal

THIS NORTHERN VIRGINIA BASED BAND is a three-piece at heart, musically rooted in the raw energy and rhythmic interplay of RUSH and KING’S X. Fans of dark, guitar-driven rock bands from ALICE IN CHAINS, DEFTONES to the contemporary metal riffing of LAMB OF GOD and PANTERA, will connect to the heavy core of IRIS DIVINE’s sound. Add to that progressive complexity and moody synths inspired by DREAM THEATER and PORCUPINE TREE, and a liberal dose of memorable hooks and melodies, to understand some elements of IRIS DIVINE’s sound. And yet, the band has a distinct identity, not quite sounding like any of the aforementioned bands, and with an emotional urgency that pulls subtly from alternative and other influences.KARMA SOWN IS A TRIUMPH OF A DEBUT ALBUM, immediate and memorable but revealing layers and depth upon repeated listens."Progressive metal is in a rough period right now. The old guard are either releasing sub-standard albums that only make it more obvious how far they have fallen, or they are drastically uncool with anyone who didn't become a fan when progressive metal was first being created. Progressive today tends to mean djent, a style that has sapped all the life and humanity out of music, turning metal into a math equation of time signatures, and not songs that anyone can actually remember. There was a time when progressive metal remembered the ultimate goal of music; to have listeners enjoy the songs so much they would return to them again and again. Today, progressive metal is mostly the sort of music that could pass for muzak, if you don't turn the volume up too loud.Iris Divine wants to change that. They set out with the mission of writing progressive metal that is intricate and challenging, but still produces the kind of songs that listeners who don't have an advanced degree can love and sing along to. It's a challenge, and it goes against the tide, but it's a desperately needed revolution if progressive metal is going to flourish anytime in the near future.I knew from hearing the pre-release track “A Suicide Aware” that Iris Divide was special, and the full album reinforces the point. “The Everlasting Sea” comes out of the gates with plenty of tricky riffing and unusual rhythms, but they lead into big melodies with strong hooks and vocals. Their progressive playing isn't meant for show, it's a tool used to set a tone that juxtaposes with the more melodic moments. Finding the proper balance between these elements is not easy, and many a band have failed miserably trying to do so, but Iris Divine doesn't. On their debut record, they show a skill some bands have spent their entire careers failing to learn.What I love most about the record is that it can be seen in many different lights. If you like straight-ahead metal, there is plenty of heavy riffing and pounding drumming here to keep you satisfied. If you like progressive music, these songs have twists and turns, and Rush-like keyboards, in enough quantity to match the djent crowd. And if you're a fan of old-school radio rock, the choruses in these songs will be music to your ears. Keeping all three of these in mind at the same time can be tricky, but it's worth the effort.For being a trio, “Karma Sown” is a massive sounding record. The production is flawless, big and clear, without ever sounding too polished. The heavy parts are heavy, the vocals are up front, and you would never believe this was a self-produced record that was crowd-funded. I can put it up against many, many of the big label releases, and it would win the fight.In fact, I can think of a dozen so-called progressive metal bands that should immediately hand over their label contracts to Iris Divine, because it's a crime that a band that is advancing progressive metal in the right direction doesn't have the backing of one of the labels. Not to name names, but this album would be bigger than half of the progressive metal released this year if it had the media push behind it.In case you haven't noticed, what I'm saying is that “Karma Sown” is a fantastic debut, and the future of progressive metal. Iris Divine isn't a Dream Theater clone, and they're not djent. What they have done is integrate all the strains of progressive metal into a singular sound, one that could set the standard moving forward. If every band sounded this good, progressive metal wouldn't need to be underground. “Karma Sown” is the best progressive metal album of the year, bar none." - Bloody Good Horror
$6.00

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Arcane
Known/Learned (2CD)

Progressive Metal

“Known/Learned’ is the third album from this thought provoking progressive band from Brisbane, Australia. It’s a sprawling 2CD collection of themes and moments, captured between recurring characters. While never explicitly told in the traditional vein of the ‘concept album’, the imagery of Known/Learned depicts fragmented moments in the lives of a father and his daughter, their loss, their love, their journey. A bittersweet love song for life.Occupying a unique place in the Australian progressive music scene, Arcane’s transcendental live performances and 2009’s critically acclaimed, dark and enigmatic concept album 'Chronicles Of The Waking Dream' have earned them a inimitable reputation as one of Australia’s premier progressive rock bands.Sharing stages with artists as diverse as Anathema (UK), Soilwork (Swe), Queensryche (USA), Dead Letter Circus, Ne Obliviscaris and hundreds more, Arcane's live show, often accompanied by a backdrop of staggering visualizations, is a vast sensory experience.Arcane's immersive sound, and the vocals of Jim Grey quickly found favor throughout Australia, headlining the annual Progfest tour, providing touring support for Ne Obliviscaris, and performing to capacity crowds at Sonic Forge Festival in Melbourne. A crowd funding campaign in July, 2013 heralded the 2015 release of 'Known/Learned' a 16 track conceptual double album. Arcane blends the technicality of progressive metal with the atmospheric intensity of bands like Tool, Riverside and Anathema. The world is about to discover what their Australian fan base already knows – that Arcane is a rising star in the world of progressive music.
$14.00

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Fates Warning
Live Over Europe (2CD Mediabook)

Progressive Metal

"Gathered during the group’s most recent European headlining run for FATES WARNING’s much acclaimed latest studio album “Theories Of Flight” in January 2018, “Live Over Europe” includes recordings from 8 different cities (Aschaffenburg / Germany, Belgrade / Serbia, Thessaloniki and Athens / Greece, Rome and Milan / Italy, Budapest / Hungary as well as Ljubljana / Slovenia) and a total of 23 songs in over 138 minutes of playing time, spanning 30 years of the group’s seminal career.“Live Over Europe” was mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Kreator, Symphony X) and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden "CD 1:1. From the Rooftops2. Life in Still Water3. One4. Pale Fire5. Seven Stars6. SOS7. Pieces of Me8. Firefly9. The Light and Shade of Things10. Wish11. Another Perfect Day12. Silent Cries13. And Yet it MovesCD 2:1. Still Remains2. Nothing Left to Say3. Acquiescence4. The Eleventh Hour5. Point of View6. Falling7. A Pleasant Shade of Gray, Pt. IX8. Through Different Eyes9. Monument10. Eye to Eye
$20.00

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Arena
The Unquiet Sky

Progressive Metal

"Clive Nolan and his Neo-hard rocking companions return for the eighth Arena album in twenty years, `The Unquiet Sky', taking inspiration from (without being a direct interpretation of) M.R James' short story `Casting the Runes'. It's easy to see why the ghostly tale of supernatural intrigue and occult mystery from 1911 would appeal to Mr Nolan, and the album reveals plenty of the sleek and heavy symphonic rock with poetic lyrics that the British band is known for. The previous disc `The Seventh Degree of Separation' was a divisive and somewhat controversial release for a new line-up of the group that now included vocalist Paul Manzi, a transitional album that saw them adopting a more streamlined hard rock/metal sound. But long-time fans of the group will be pleased to know that, while there are still similarities to that previous album here and there, the much-loved symphonic atmospheres the band was known for are given more focus again, meaning a better balance of these two qualities together to create a truly sublime Arena work.Some of the twelve tracks on offer still retain a hard-rock flavour, but everything an Arena fan could hope to discover is all present and accounted for here. After a more low-key performance on the previous album, virtuoso keyboardist/composer Clive Nolan is center stage again over the entire disc. Not only are his exquisite synths constant and upfront, but the artist has also implemented plenty of theatrical and orchestral symphonic textures into the group this time around, his recent work with the `Alchemy' musical being obvious right from the start, and these theatrical flourishes are a perfect fit for the group. Vocalist Manzi made a promising and reliable debut as singer for the group on `...Separation', but here he lifts his game considerably and offers endless more vocal variety. Better worked into the group, he is equally at home with heartfelt ballads, theatre flair and chest-beating rockers, and he has really become a perfect frontman for the band. Kylan Amos from Nolan's own `Alchemy' production replaces bass player and IQ member John Jowitt and makes an impressive debut here, ex-Marillion drummer perfectly drives the music forwards and It Bites/Kino/Lonely Robot guitarist John Mitchell delivers his usual tasteful and commanding guitar flair.Of several of the highlights, listen out for the gleefully wicked and wondrous orchestral pomp that opens the album that could easily be an outtake from Mr Nolan's `Alchemy' show, the infernal and overwhelming church organ intimidation of `The Demon Strikes' and especially the shimmering dark reggae (yes, really!) chimes and sleek electronics of the thrashing `No Chance Encounter', where Kylan's bass really glides. `The Bishop of Lufford' perfectly mixes ghostly gothic mystery with soaring symphonic prog and muscular hard rock (and wait for that hair-tearing heavy finale!). `Oblivious to the Night' is a fragile little piano interlude with whimsical synths and a thoughtful vocal, `Markings on a Parchment' is an eerie dream-like introspective instrumental, and Mitchell's extended guitar solo in the classy title track even brings to mind Nolan's other band Pendragon.Cascading classical piano spirals with snarling brooding guitars in `What Happened Before', and Clive delivers an overload of delirious synth soloing goodness on both `Time is Running Out' and `Returning the Curse' in the best Nolan tradition that his fans always love to hear! `Unexpected Dawn' is a strong ballad with warm Hammond organ and soothing acoustic guitar, and the ambitious seven minute closer `Traveller Beware' finds time for plenty of ghostly gothic tension, punchy plodding heavy riffs, creeping piano and a stirring repeated chorus with a dark lyric.But special mention has to go to glorious power balled entitled `How Did It Come To This?'. It's a glorious emotional tune with a sombre piano melody, delicate orchestration and dreamy lyrics, carried by a perfectly controlled yet soaring vocal from Manzi. A restrained unfolding guitar solo from Mitchell in the middle ensures it may be one of the truly most heartfelt pieces ever to appear on an Arena album, and it's certainly one of their most purely romantic musical statements to date.Along with typically fascinating and surreal proggy cover artwork and a lavish CD booklet (but what a shame there doesn't seem to be a vinyl version in the works so far), `The Unquiet Sky' is one of the most lavish, sophisticated and varied Arena albums to date, and certainly one of their most endlessly melodic. It's a fine return to form for the Neo prog institution, and it really shows what this latest line-up is capable of, so hopefully even more impressive music is to come from the mighty Arena!" - ProgArchives
$17.00

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Glass Hammer
Dreaming City

Progressive Rock

Glass Hammer's Dream City is the musical sequel to The Inconsolable Secret and its really kicking my ass hard. The core lineup remains the same but there are a couple of newcomers - guitarist Reese Boyd and vocalist John Beagley and some guests including James Schoen and Barry Seroff of Edensong. This is easily the band's most expansive sounding album firmly embracing old school prog with touches of space rock and electronica around the edges. You want something contemporary? Go listen to Steven Wilson. Steve and Fred know what their fans want and they deliver is spades. Its a fantasy themed album that finds Fred ripping away on organ, the vocal harmonies are spot on again. Yes Susie Bogdanowicz is here and there is a tip of the hat to Gentle Giant in places. I really enjoyed Reese Boyd's guitarwork - its got the 70s vibe that fits perfectly. There is great kinetic energy that drives the album. BUY OR DIE!
$13.00

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