Still...You Turn Me On

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO, where your hippie DJs of the Zoo Crew are spinning the vibes that make your soul groove! Right now, we’ve got the lush and dreamy Still... You Turn Me On by Emerson, Lake & Palmer from their iconic 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery. This track, written by the band’s lead singer and bassist Greg Lake, is a rare ballad in ELP’s prog-rock universe, and it’s got a story that keeps us guessing. In a 2013 interview with Songfacts, Lake played it coy, refusing to pin down whether the “you” in the lyrics is a person or the thrill of performing live. He did say, though, that playing for an audience is “the pinnacle of it all,” describing the raw, physical connection of live shows as exhilarating yet draining. That ambiguity lets you, our Zoo Freaks, decide if this tune’s about love, music, or something else entirely—spin it your way!

Now, let’s talk trivia that’ll blow your mind. This song wasn’t just a standout on Brain Salad Surgery; it was a B-side to the promo single Brain Salad Surgery, which, funnily enough, didn’t even make it onto the album itself! That track later surfaced on Works Volume 2. Fans on Steve Hoffman Music Forums love geeking out over the song’s quirky lyrics, especially the head-scratcher, “Someone get me a ladder,” which feels like a psychedelic non-sequitur dropped into the mix. Over on X, user @Marcello1967IT called the whole album “perfect,” singling out this track alongside Jerusalem and Karn Evil 9 as prog-rock gold. And get this: Rush’s Neil Peart once shared a story about hearing this song on the radio while riding in a limo with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, feeling like they’d “made it” as a band. That’s the kind of vibe this song carries—pure rock ‘n’ roll magic!

Let’s rewind to how Emerson, Lake & Palmer got their start. Formed in London in 1970, this prog-rock powerhouse brought together three musical titans: Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer. Emerson was already a keyboard wizard from his days with The Nice, where he pushed classical-rock fusion to the edge. Lake, fresh off his role as King Crimson’s vocalist and bassist, brought a soulful voice and songwriting chops. Palmer, who’d been laying down beats with Atomic Rooster, was a drumming dynamo inspired by jazz and classical percussion. They came together with a bold vision to blend rock with classical music, creating epic, theatrical soundscapes. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1970, featuring hits like Lucky Man, and they quickly became a defining force in the prog-rock scene, known for their virtuosic performances and over-the-top live shows.

Zoo Freaks, if you’re craving more ELP, check out their official website for news and history. Sadly, with Keith Emerson and Greg Lake passing in 2016, Carl Palmer is the last surviving member, but he keeps the legacy alive through tribute tours. You can follow updates on their Facebook page, where fans share memories and rare photos. Their Instagram is packed with throwback shots and album art, and over on X, you’ll find posts celebrating their enduring influence. For deep dives, join the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Fan Group on Facebook, where diehards swap stories and vinyl finds. Or visit fan sites like Brain-Salad-Surgery.de for detailed discographies and tour archives. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, Zoo Freaks, for more tunes that turn you on!