I consider Tarkus to be brilliant and it is certainly one of my all-time favourite prog songs, period. As for side B, I consider it a curiosity and unfortunately, I don't think it's songs are at all flattering for the record and I think it's reputation suffers for it. Starting with the epic "Tarkus" and ending up with some rockabilly crap like "Are You Ready, Eddie?" only cheapens the whole, I think.
You're right that it does showcase a sense of humour, though. I'll give them that!
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