Emerson, Lake & Palmer Album: “Original Bootleg Series From Manticore Vaults, Vol. 2”

Yes - I like this one even better than vol. 1. Not for those who want prefect sound quality. Only for those who appreciate great music, no matter 'where' it comes from. The Buffalo 1974 concert (also known as the 2CD bootleg "Impressions") has been one of the most sought after ELP recordings: the 'Pictures' version is completely crazy.

The Hammersmith Odeon, London 1972 concert is also known as "Cut the Organ" and the Wichita, KA, concert has a rare Benny the Bouncer live version.

To me the 30/11/1977 New Haven concert was totally new. I knew the Wheeling, Long Island and Long Beach recordings of the same period, but this one is probably the best overview of an entire '77 "trio only" concert. For some strange reason I felt the band was not making the proper "click" with the audience during this New Haven show. So what you hear is three dynamic artists working as hard as they can to get into "touch" with their public. It is one of the greatest ELP shows - with an alienating atmosphere. Their skill and speed are amazing. ELP had reached its "prime" during the 1974 shows. This New Haven show proves that ELP were determined and did everything within their ability to stay top of the bill. It is amazing that ELP managed to do performances like this year round on an almost daily basis during their long 1997/1978 American tour. I listened to this record, but I could hardly believe what I heard...

Well, I am glad to have these, but they are NOT for casual listening.

The performances are excellent, but the sound leaves LOT to be desired.

Yes, I know that they are bootleg recordings, but the sound, for the most part is really poor. Mostly echoing, bassy boominess from the hall that these were recorded in.

The one from 1977 (a sound board) is the exception, and is a really nice listen... there are flaws, but that is true with ANY soundboard tape.

I hope that there are more of these releases, and maybe the quality of the boots will go up. I wish that they could have released the 1978 Nassau Coliseum radio broadcast, but I guess that they could not get the permissions to use it for this release.

Maybe in the next bootleg release?

My first thought on listening to these discs was the memory of a time when music was really special,not specificaly ELP or even the musicians and music of that era (that is taken as a given),but a time when we were not flooded with information about and opportunities to experience the creation of music.

So what is it about these bootlegs that made us scour the racks of record shops looking for them..??In the bad old days simply to hear more,to feed our hunger. And now....well it is just like being there (all the chatter of other punters included) and these musicians are really going for it,these discs are an amazing record of what Emerson ,Lake and Palmer where all about.

Forget the poor sound quality....great vibes...recommended!.

I would say that overall for the true ELP "freak", that these Vol.1 and Vol.2 sets are a must have!! Yes, they are pricey but you are getting 8 cd's, and to me the sound quality is surprisingly good for something recorded almost 30 years ago on a smuggled in tape machine!! Unauthorized taping was highly frowned upon at the time with people's machines being confiscated!! I wonder how it goes for the royalties? Are the illegal tapers getting money off of this after all these years? Anyway these are must haves for the true ELP fan (ie freak)!!

OK. I too saw ELP from 72-79. At first listen, I said to myself"how can someone sell this sh99?

Later, I kicked back eQ'd the disc's and began to feel warm inside remembering the intensity of the band the shows I was listening to and the shows I saw.

I saw ELP in NJ outdoors at Roosevlelt Stadium my first time I think 72 or 73 It was the most intense "Fan-dangerous" show I ever saw.(take my word for it)

As with Early Floyd, ELP was using equiptment which was way ahead of the old "mic on a crutch" technique to get a decent recording.

All in all, I'm happy to get this box set, but nothing can even compare to the shear MADNESS of an ELP concert.

PS. If anyone has tapes of the roosevelt stadium shows in jersey I would like to hear them.