Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab releases a dazzling vinyl upgrade of ELP’s Brain Salad Surgery.
Emerson Lake & Palmer – Brain Salad Surgery – Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 1-619 Gain 2 [6/19/2026] numbered edition 180-gram stereo vinyl, 45:02 *****:
(Keith Emerson – organ, piano, harpsichord, accordion, custom built Moog synthesizers & Moog polyphonic ensemble, vocals; Greg Lake – vocals, bass, Zemaitis electric guitar, six string & 12-string guitars; Carl Palmer – percussion, percussion synthesizers)
In the world of progressive rock, Emerson Lake & Palmer was at the boundary-stretching pinnacle. Keith Emerson (The Nice) was noted for his furious keyboard techniques. Greg Lake (King Crimson) handled vocals bass and guitar, and Carl Palmer (Atomic Rooster) was a gifted percussionist. Their self-title debut featured classical arrangements, progressive rock and an acoustic folk song (“Lucky Man”) that became a modest commercial success. Subsequent albums (Tarkus, Pictures At An Exhibition and Trilogy) sustained the career momentum. In preparation for their 1973 studio album Brain Salad Surgery, the band formed their own label Manticore Records.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has released a 180-gram vinyl of Brain Salad Surgery. Five diverse translations epitomize the eclectic musicianship and exotic contexts of this trio. Side One opens with “Jerusalem”, a Hubert Parry hymn of a William Blake poem. Emerson kicks things off with a flowing processional church organ set against Lake’s sinewy vocals. There are polyphonic counterpoint synthesizer accents. The intensity is ramped up on “Toccata” (an adaption of Ginastero’s 1st Piano Concerto, 4th Movement) as the band members cut loose with abandon (especially Emerson in adrenalized runs).The use of bells is compelling. At the 3:00 minute mark, Palmer unleashes a stirring percussion movement (drum synthesizer, gong) that leads into a spacey run on synthesizer with dissonance and abstract phrasing. (Note: The album notes include a compliment from Ginastero on the arrangement). In a considerable change of pace, Lake’s emotive ballad, “Still You Turn Me On” is atmospheric with flashes of wah-wah enhanced electric guitar. Emerson provides different textures with accordion, harpsichord and keyboards. Emerson Lake & Palmer are noted for occasional “fun” material (“The Sheriff”) and “Benny The Bouncer” (co-written by King Crimson member Peter Sinfield) fits this mold. The vocals have a campy music hall vibe, and rollicking honky-tonk piano seems to fit here.
Brain Salad Surgery (title derived from a Dr. John song lyric) reflects on alienation and how societal dichotomy affects lives. The nucleus of this album is the four-part “Karn Evil 9” suite. Exploring opposing perspectives of good and evil in an unrestrained circus-like musical dreamscape, the first movement (which is on Side One due to the time restraints of early 70’s vinyl technology) begins with funky groove-infused organ and Lake’s aggressive vocals. There are modulations and at approximately 3:38, the trio explodes in a trademark frenetic jam. A combination of Emerson’s organ and synthesizers with Palmer’s muscular drumming frame the memorable lyric, “Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, we’re so glad you could attend, come inside come inside!”. It has become closely associated with ELP. “1st Impression Part 2” engages the listener, and received considerable FM airplay With timing shifts and fiery intensity, the cautionary observation of modern civilization is delivered as an explosive dystopian three-ring circus. Emerson’s “2nd Impression” is a spirited jazzy piano number (with some synth accents) that is propelled by Palmer’s relentless tempo. A mid-song moderate interlude has distinctive classical motifs and resonance. A final up tempo sequence exudes raw, near bebop passion. As a finale, the “3rd Impression” carries the pomp and grandiosity of ELP, with quirky powerful vocals, organ/synth dynamics and tight rhythmic structure.
This Gain 2 180-gram vinyl is a vibrant sonic upgrade to Brain Salad Surgery. The bottom end with bass and drums has more clarity and separation from the heavy keyboards. Overall, the mix (1/4” analog tape to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe) is expansive and precise. Another highlight is the superior packaging, including the double-folded Stoughton gatefold, and fold-out insert with cutouts, designed by surrealist H.R. Giger. This remains one of the most audacious moments in rock history.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Emerson Lake & Palmer – Brain Salad Surgery
TrackList;
Side One:
Jerusalem;
Toccata;
Still…You Turn Me On;
Benny The Bouncer;
Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression-Part 1
Side Two:
Karn Evil 9:
1st Impression-Part 2;
2nd Impression;
3rd Impression.
