1. Nuclear Attack
2. Love You Too Much
3. It Hurts
4. Black And Blue
5. Retribution Drive
6. Long Goodbye
7. The Lie
8. Someone
9. Let Me Love You once Before You Go
10. For Those Who Dare



1. Manoeuvres
2. Too Young To Love
3. Paralysed
4. A Woman Like You
5. I Don t Wanna Lose Your Love Tonight
6. It s You, You ve Gotta Believe
7. Famous Last Words
8. Slave To Love
9. Haunted
10. I Don t Know Why I Still Love You

AS A FOUNDING member of progressive rock giants King Crimson and ELP, Greg Lake’s presence during the 1970s was both impressive and influential. ELP’s impact on both a commercial and creative level was omnipresent, notching up a succession of chart busting albums and sold out shows the world over. So, when the band disbanded in 1978, all eyes were naturally on Greg’s next move.

Choosing to pursue a solo career, Greg fled to Los Angeles and worked with a number of well known session players (including most of Toto) in an effort to craft a musical direction that would allow him enough breathing space to escape the confines of the progressive rock style that he had been wedded to for so long.

Moving back to London, Greg finally focussed on a direction that would marry finely honed progressive rock with memorable songs – including one co-written by Bob Dylan. This was accomplished with the aid of a supporting cast of top rate musicians, including ex Sensational Alex Harvey Band members Ted McKenna and Tommy Eyre together with super guitarist Gary Moore. Indeed, Moore’s presence was keenly felt; he even provided the lead track ‘Nuclear Attack’ (previously recorded by Moore on his Dirty Fingers album). Greg’s debut solo album (originally released in 1981) was a comprehensive return to form for this progressive rock demi-god.

Greg Lake ‘Manoeuvres’ CANDY092

WHEN ELP disbanded in 1978, following their poorly received ‘Love Beach’ album, the smart money was on Greg Lake to emerge phoenix like from the ashes as part of yet another progressive rock supergroup. Few would have expected him to opt for a solo career. Commencing with 1981’s self titled debut, and using a top rate backing band, Greg’s second solo album - originally released in 1983 - continued his journey from progressive rock maestro to a more challenging song orientated minstrel.

With top talent, including the brilliant Gary Moore,‘Manoeuvres’ is a riveting soupcon of melodic pop prog mixed with carefully executed AOR, including lashings of blistering guitar work from the fret board of Mr Moore. The songs are both accessible and yet precise, and there is even a contribution from Sweet guitarist Andy Scott.

‘Manoeuvres’ is a huge departure from his work with both King Crimson and ELP, the style is clearly edging closer to the melodic progressive rock of Asia and latter day Yes, boasting well structured songs,meticulous arrangements and contributions from a superlative roster of high calibre musicians. Time to revisit this much overlooked album from a figurehead of the British progressive rock movement.

I liked the first album (most of it), but I remember disliking Manoeuvers and thinking it was too Pop and Dance oriented, but I honestly don't remember much of it now at all. Does anyone recall how this one was? The first album did well but this one tanked and the Greg joined Asia later that year.

Yeah, the second was aimed to be more commerical but didn't work. I have the first album on Japanese Cd released way back so I'll upgrade. I am on the fence for the second. I will eventually get it but with the Startcastle cds coming and the Survivor discs to get my list has grown.

Rick A.