Search - Greg Lake :: From the Beginning: Retrospective

An Evening With Greg Lake

J. GENIO | Earth | 11/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I knew Greg Lake was special the first time I heard him perform with King Crimson. This double CD captures some of the finest tracks ever recorded. The CD spans some twenty-five years or so, capturing the exceptional vocal and songwriting abilities of Greg Lake as one of the founding memebers of Robert Fripp's original King Crimson, the "L" in Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP), as a solo artist, as part of ELPowell; and, as a member of the re-united ELP. This CD is not only a "greatest hits" collection, it is a virtual history of this talented singer / songwriter. On this CD, you will hear Greg's hypnotizing, melodic voice of yesteryear transform into a more sultry and mature, "jazz singer-type" voice. The CD opens with "Court of the Crimson King" and "Cat Food," two pieces that Greg sang lead for King Crimson. According to Greg Lake, he also wrote portions of "Court of the Crimson King." Greg Lake also played bass in "Court of the Crimson King." I am not too thrilled about "Catfood." Personally, I would have selected "Epitah." Following the King Crimson songs, the CD takes you to the ELP days. Songs like "Lucky Man" and "From the Beginning" bring back a lot of memories. "From the Beginning" starts out with a guitar riff similar to Yes's "Roundabout." "C'est La Vie" is Greg's beautiful song -- performed with orchestra and full chorus. This piece appeared in ELP's Works Volume I. From Works Volume II, we have "I Believe in Father Christmas" and "Watching Over You." "I Believe in Father Christmas" is not the version with the bells at the end of it. For those who do not know, "I Believe in Father Christmas" is not your standard Christmas Carol. This song hits you between the eyes. It would make an excellent accompanying piece to Simon and Garfunkel's "experimental" work "Silent Night / 7 O'Clock News." "Someone Watching Over You" shows Gregs solid vocals and playing abilities. "Nuclear Attack" and "It Hurts" are from Greg Lakes solo LP, "Greg." "Nuclear Attack" is strong 80's rock. "It Hurts" is a love song with remarkable guitar riffs; especially the lengthy coda. The remainder of the CD covers the ELPowell and re-united ELP periods. You will notice how Greg Lake's voice changes on these tracks. Once you arrive at this point on the CD, Greg's voice becomes more mature and deeper. He transforms into a "bluesey / Jazz-like" singer. Although not as high pitched as before, the "earthy" Greg Lake still uses his voice effectively, especially on "Black Moon" and "Paper Blood." The bonus track (import), Daddy" is a sad song about a father who loses a child. Greg's deep, jazzy voice does wonders to this tune. You can actually feel the pain and suffering of a parent who lost a child at the hands of a crazed killer. The only "minus" is that rare material from Greg's days with the Gods are omitted. Notwithstanding, I definitely recommend this CD -- or its import counterpart. You won't be disappointed."

Good range of the best records of his career

goodie | United Kingdom | 07/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have, in the seventies, never been a fan of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but that has changed recently, in particular with regard to Greg Lake. The music on this record shows his talent, and it includes his best-known ballads, such as Still.. you turn me on. Definitely a record for getting into ELP!"

Greg Lake - 'From The Beginning: Retrospective' (Rhino) 2-CD

Mike Reed | USA | 06/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An absolute must-have double disc release anthology of Greg Lake's long-running career. Total of 32 tracks. Some you may've not heard in years. Starts off with three King Crimson goodies, the unbeatable "Court Of The Crimson King", "Cat Food" and "21st Century Schizoid Man". Then you get some prime ELP material like "Lucky Man", "Take A Pebble", "Karn Evil 9: First Impression" and a few others. Then on disc two, there's plenty of Lake solo tunes and some Emerson Lake & Palmer '90's reunion tracks. If you're a true fan of Greg Lake's solo work or classic ELP, you're sure to get many spins out of this title, like I have. Essential istening."