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Full Review | User Ratings (170) |
4 of 4 thought this review was well written
The last hurrah of a group in its death throes, King Crimson's Red is perhaps the ill-fated 1972-74 lineup's masterpiece: a document of the band as they really were. Pressed for time and at the climax of growing tension amongst the members, Red is the flare of brilliance before collapsing into the void, a group that would not play together again for seven years and were forever changed.
The five-man arsenal that comprised the group heard on Larks' Tongues In Aspic had dwindled down to the core of vocalist/bassist John Wetton, drummer Bill Bruford, and lead guitarist/ringleader Robert Fripp - mad percussionist Jamie Muir had left after that album to join a Buddhist monastery, and strings virtuoso David Cross officially departed before the recording of the album but agreed to contribute what he could to the sessions. Stricken with five tunes to commit to tape and an entire LP to fill, the members of KC besieged alumni, old friends, and session musicians with requests of aid. Several excellent musicians make guest appearances on Red, although the lineup is not consistent: consequentially, the album has an unfinished, thrown-together feel. Still, this is the culmination of the first era of Crimson: well-written song structures, free jams, and instrumental virtuosity all play a role here.
Briefly, the five pieces are summarized:
"Red" (6:16)
While the popular perception of Red as a proto-metal experiment is perhaps premature and rash, this hard-rocking instrumental still had quite an impact on the fledgling heavy-rock scene. A catchy, aggro guitar riff alternates with bridge sections, and features a pianissimo interlude with a cello solo.
"Fallen Angel" (6:04)
Somewhat atypical as far as Crimson ballads go, the disturbing lyrics are well set over a quiet but driving rhythm section. Oboe and alto saxophone can be heard as well (uncommon in this particular incarnation of Crim).
"One More Red Nightmare" (7:07)
The ultimate teeth-grinding riff is set again Bill Bruford's clamourous and innovative percussion in the uptempo, psychedelic rocker. Wetton's vocals can be very irritating due to his strong accent, but his contribution is still effective. The band also cools things down for a 12/8 jam near the end.
"Providence" (8:11)
Featuring a "studio jam" that wouldn't be out of place on Starless and Bible Black, this instrumental showcases Cross' violin to great effect.
"Starless" (12:18)
A ballad in the vein of Epitaph, this epic track is a fitting conclusion to the band's last work. Beginning with a simple vocal-based tune, it contains one of Crimson's best Mellotron melodies and Fripp's hypnotically beautiful guitar lead. What began as calm, though, soon breaks down into a disturbingly dissonant noise-jam which leads into an explosive bebop-flavoured improv. Ian McDonald's alto chops are given an airing out, and Fripp's atonal solo is unique if not technical. The climax of the song, though - and the entire album - is when the band crashes into a powerful re-introduction of the original theme. The last notes seems to fade out on a note of regret, but don't despair - Crimson would someday return to life.
Personnel:
Bill Bruford: Percussives
Robert Fripp: Guitar, Mellotron
John Wetton: Vocals, Bass Guitar
and very special thanks to:
Marc Charig: Cornet, Bass Cello
Mel Collins: Soprano Saxophone
David Cross: Violin, Viola, Mellotro
Ian McDonald: Alto Saxophone
Robin Miller: Oboe, Wind
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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jigglypuff: i hate your user name, but love king crimson. all of your review have been %100 percent with what i think...could you do thrak, i havent heard it yet.
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Originally Posted by cytoplasmicblob
jigglypuff: i hate your user name, but love king crimson. all of your review have been %100 percent with what i think...could you do thrak, i havent heard it yet.
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Oh yeah, never mind commenting on my writing, it's just my stupid user name that matters.
All joking aside: No, I'm afraid I can't do Thrak right now because: a) I haven't heard all of it either; and there are other albums I'd like to do. In the meantime, please check out my other reviews if you're interested in King Crimson:
In the Court of the Crimson King
Discipline
Beat
The Power to Believe
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ive already read all of those. i own three. i love your music tastes though. do you have IM? im interested in talking.
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Originally Posted by cytoplasmicblob
ive already read all of those. i own three. i love your music tastes though. do you have IM? im interested in talking.
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I have MSN, but that's it. [email]the_sheltering_sky@hotmail.com[/email].
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oh...i have aol...so much for communication
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Nice review.
I'd really like to get into King Crimson, could someone recommend me some of their songs? The songs don't have to be from Red, any will do. 
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Originally Posted by 3074326
Nice review.
I'd really like to get into King Crimson, could someone recommend me some of their songs? The songs don't have to be from Red, any will do. |
Well, Crimson is an album band, definitely. But here are some songs to get you started:
"21st Century Schizoid Man"
"Epitaph"
"Red"
"Starless"
"Frame by Frame"
"Indiscipline"
"Three of a Perfect Pair"
"Dinosaur"
"One Time"
Pick up their debut album from 1969, In The Court of the Crimson King. This album shouldn't be hard to find, is one of their best, and is absolutely essential for any prog fan. It's the first true prog album, beyond all shadow of a doubt, and so far ahead of its time you won't believe it's 35 years old. Get the 24-bit remastered edition.
Tell me what songs you like the most out of these, and I'll recommend some works from their respective Crimson lineup.
Also look them up on www.allmusic.com.
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Thanks a lot, I've listened to the first five or six, and I love every one of them.
I'll be purchasing some albums soon.
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also try listening to cirkus. i love that song, especially the ending
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Originally Posted by 3074326
Thanks a lot, I've listened to the first five or six, and I love every one of them.
I'll be purchasing some albums soon. |
Get In the Court of the Crimson King first.
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Great review Jigglypuff!
I downloaded the majority of those songs. Thanks for the tip!
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Originally Posted by Littlejohn
Great review Jigglypuff!
I downloaded the majority of those songs. Thanks for the tip!
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No...thank YOU. 
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Epitaph is definitly my favorite KC song, next is 21st.
| | | Album Rating: 5
i just purchased this album today, and so far (i'm on "one more red nightmare") the album is abosoluetly beautiful . . . 4/5 so far from me . . .
Digging: Blind Guardian - Nightfall in Middle-Earth | | |
Nice review man, I really like King Crimson. The 80's material is my favorite, which I have gotten into arguments with others about. Red is a good album though and I think you did a fine review. If you do get Thrak then I'd like to hear what you have to say on it. I like the album, although I don't own it. Another good album is The Construction of Light. Some fans hate it, but if you like Thrak, then you'll probably like it.
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God bless Robert Fripp.
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A good review too, summarized the band up to this point very well.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
This is battling with In the Court for my favourite Crimson album.
Digging: Army of the Pharaohs - The Torture Papers | | | Album Rating: 5
This album is amazing. I'm blown away by it. This is one of the best rock albums I've ever heard, period, and maybe even the best prog rock album ever.
This is up there with Discipline for me in terms of King Crimson's discography.
Digging: The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat | | |
At the moment I have only got "int he court of the crimson king" and it is really brilliant! Epitaph is my favourite track from it. Im thinking of getting another KC album what can you guys recommend?
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