1971 Albums

In the 1970s, the Netherlands spawned groups ranging from the better-known Golden Earring, Focus and Kayak to the lesser-known Supersister and Alquin. On the latter end of the spectrum, Earth and Fire combined the talents of the brothers Koerts-Chris on guitar and Gerard on keyboards-with Hans Ziech on bass and female vocalist Jerney Kaagman. Their initial success was as a singles band; from the early-to-mid 70s, they consistently littered the Dutch record charts with their English-language hits.

When Rory Gallagher left Taste for a solo career in 1970, bassist Charlie McCracken and drummer John Wilson were without a band. Recruiting guitarist Jim Cregan, Stud released their self-titled album in 1971 on the Deram label. The playful “Sail On” opens the record, with everyone in fine form, but the following “Turn Over The Pages” is more typical of what was to come: gentle, acoustic numbers similar to Family, Traffic, or Blossom Toes, as Cregan’s songwriting fits right down that alley.

If Emerson, Lake & Palmer had earned a “flash” rock reputation through their live appearances, their second album Tarkus offered up more than something in their defense. Encompassing the first side of the album, the seven-part “Tarkus,” excellently depicted on the album sleeve by William Neal, relates a story of reverse evolution, in a battle between a mythical Manticore and a tank/armadillo beast Tarkus. More importantly, it’s where ELP-and Keith Emerson in particular-buckled down for some serious composition; what they present is nothing short of impressive.