Tarkus

Tarkus, released in 1971 by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, is a classic progressive rock album built around a side-long title suite that blends classically influenced motifs, jazz harmonies, and heavy rock passages. The record showcases Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboards, including prominent Hammond organ and early Moog synthesizer textures, Greg Lake's melodic vocals and guitar and bass work, and Carl Palmer's dynamic, precise drumming. Its mix of extended instrumental movements and shorter song-based tracks such as Lucky Man creates a dramatic, theatrical sound that exemplifies early 1970s art rock and progressive approaches to composition. The cover features a distinctive mechanical armadillo-like creature that became closely associated with the album's concept.