From sholcom1@utk.edu Tue Jan 29 13:23:02 2002
Subject:Re: OT Carl Palmer's sense of time--was Tarkus

In somebody's book--I think Chris Blackwell--he talks about signing ELP to
their record contract, and how in spite of the group's obvious strengths he
practically had to hold his nose (ears?) about Palmer's timekeeping. For a
long time I thought there was something wrong with my own sense of rhythm
when I used to hear "Karn Evil 9," because I couldn't believe that something
so loose would be released by a major label. Considering that much of Chris
Blackwell's time was spent with Jamaican reggae musicians, who, like
American R&B/soul musicians, usually emphasize a solid groove, it's clear
Palmer's drumming could have been kind of painful for him.

Steve H, no human metronome himself


> Being a drummer too, I have noticed this about Palmer. Especially the
> middle of "Karn Evil 9". ("welcome back" movement)
>
> Oh well he's made allot more money than me thus far so who am I to say!
>
> Linda
>
> M T wrote:
>
> > People have mentioned "Tarkus" by Emerson, Lake and
> > Palmer. Man...take a listen to that album, if you
> > haven't in a while. It is a tour de force of bombast
> > and chops! Incredible.
> >
> > Also, listen to Carl Palmer...not to rag but his time
> > is atrocious. Some of his fills almost make me fall
> > out of my chair, they are so terrible.
> >
> > It sounds to me like, in a lot of the passages, that
> > Emerson is the time keeper and Palmer is just holding
> > on for dear life.
> >
> > Mitch