This album stands on three things: H.R. Giger's artwork, Lake's stunning song "Still...You Turn Me On," which is just fucking beautiful—why don’t they let him do everything? And finally, "Karn Evil 9," which is the ultimate Carnival of excess from the trio, particularly Emerson. And if there must be excess, let it be a grand, theatrical, engaging, and infinite spectacle ("To the Show That..." eh, not just for show). The Lake/Sinfield duo resurfaces for the lyrics, and I get emotional just reading the credits. Oh, I love it. Even more live. Then, well, "Jerusalem," thanks to Lake's voice, has never bothered me. "Toccata," on the other hand, is when they want to show off with someone else's stuff and end up being comical. From minute 5 to minute 6, guys, go listen to it—it’s Super Mario, killing mushrooms and jumping to grab stars, I swear. AVANT-GARDE.
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