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The Nice were a progressive rock band formed in the late 1960’s that played an important role in the history of Progressive Rock. The band was first formed in 1967 by Keith Emerson, Lee Jackson, David O’List and Brian Davison. Some of the band members had been originally part of a band called Gary Farr and the T-Bones. However, circumstances led to the eventual formation of The Nice.
The Nice released their first album in 1967 entitled The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack. A year later they released their sophomore album Ars Longa Vita Brevis in 1968. An album titled Everything As Nice As Mother Makes It was released in 1969. In the U.K. the album was simply titled The Nice. The band The Nice released their final album Five Bridges in 1970 before Keith Emerson broke up the band to form Emerson Lake & Palmer. In between studio albums and after the band broke up. there was also a series of live albums and compilations.
Our 10 Essential Songs of The Nice list looks to define some of the band’s most intense moments from their live and studio catalog. This one should knock you out!
# 10 – Flower King Of Flies
Opening up our 10 Essential Songs by The Nice is the great track “Flower King Of Flies.” The song “Flower King Of Flies,” was the opening tack in the band’s debut album The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack. The album was released in 1967. This was a recording that helped fuel the growth of Progressive Rock music in the mid to late 1960’s.
# 9 – One Of Those People
I have always loved this song and used to play it to annoy my younger brother. Brilliant music ahead of its time. “One Of Those People,” was the closing track on the band’s final album Five Bridges. The album was released in 1970.
# 8 – Daddy Where Did I Come From
The perfect song to follow up “One of These People,” on this Essential list of songs by The Nice. Yes this is not what you expected, is it? The song “Daddy Where Did I Come From?” was released on the band’s second album entitled Ars Longa Vita Brevis . This great album also featured guitarist Steve Howe who would soon join the great band Yes.
# 7 – Karelia Suite (Live)
Its amazing to compare the Karelia Suite (Live) to “Daddy Where Did I Come From?”. Yes this is the same band, with just a little orchestra added to the mix. Simply stunning!
# 6 – Pathetique
Simple proof that no one ever came close to the skills that Keith Emerson displayed both in the studio and on the concert stage. This is incredible playing. There are no worlds to really describe it. Words are not worthy of what you will hear when listening to this incredible musical performance.
# 5 – Ars Longa Vita Brevis
This is pretty much side two of the band’s second album Ars Longa Vita Brevis. It’s worth every second of listening time you can afford.
# 4 – Rondo
Continuing with our best of The Nice Songs we turn to the band’s first album The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack which was released in 1967. The track “Rondo,” was the closing track on the album’s opening side. Simply just killer!
# 3 – She Belongs To Me
The great Bob Dylan songs was given the Keith Emerson Nice treatment. It became one of the band’s most popular live performance songs. It sounded nothing like the Bob Dylan original version. This was just an amazing reinterpretation that remains as stunning in 2018 as it did in 1970.
# 2 – Hang On To A Dream
If you ever want to argue that Keith Emerson was one of the most dynamic piano players in classic rock history, one play of this mighty track should help you easily win the argument. The recording of “Hang On To A Dream,” was issued on the band’s live album Elegy. The album was released in 1971.
# 1 – America
One of the most fabulous and stunning pieces of Progressive Rock music ever recorded. Utilizing the theme from Leonard Bernstein‘s “America from the marvelous motion picture West Side Story. Listen to Keith Emerson dark organ solo at the beginning as its wrapped around by that haunting chorus. And then BAM its rock and roll progressive heaven. This version of
“America,” was released on the album Autumn 67 Spring 68.
Updated Nov 6 2020
Top 10 Essential Songs From Keith Emerson And The Nice Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
My two favorite Nice tunes from ’69 were “She Belongs to Me” and “Time Is”. I’m surprised that they weren’t mentioned. But what is most surprising is that there is no Nice on You Tube.
Whoops. I skipped right past She Belongs to me – Thanks, that was great. And it took me to You Tube. I don’t know why my searches for Nice don’t work, L0L
Not sure if it was a lack of research or a conscious choice, but there was no mention of the classical influences of several of the pieces, something Keith Emerson continued in ELP. Knowing the source pieces would give listeners a better appreciation of how The Nice adapted them. Karelia Suite is an almost direct quotation of the Intermezzo from Karelia Suite by Jon Sibelius. Pathetique is a creative adaptation of a theme from Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony. And Ars Longa Vita Brevis is adapted from Berthoven. Emerson’s classical background is an integral part of how he wrote and played music. Leaving that out completely diminishes what he did.
The point of the article was to turn people onto a band thay may have never heard of. It was a short representation of some of the band’s finest songs presented in a quick read.It was not intended to be a biography of the band. We are working on that for a seperate article. Keith Emerson’s classical influnces are quite obvious especially with the recordings he made in Emerson Lake & Palmer. So,it was a conscious choice based on it being a simple top 10 songs list. It was not based on a lack of research, an insult that really did not have to be made.
Definitely not meant as an insult. That’s why I said it might have been either lack of research or a conscious choice. Unfortunately, in my experience, there are many top ten-type articles out there that aren’t very good. So my intention was to give the benefit of the doubt. Thank you for clarifying that it was a conscious choice. All I was saying is that the reader might have benefited from a sentence telling them where the song came from. For example, I listened to the Sibelius Karelia (less than 4 minutes long) before listening to The Nice version, and it gave me a greater appreciation for what Keith Emerson did with it. Thank you for the article. Please know I did not mean to insult.
No problem my friend, thanks for adding some great points to the article. I think you will find that many of our top 10 articles, some more than others are on completey different level of depth than many other sites.