King Crimson
Larks' Tongues in Aspic


4.0
excellent

Review

by Nagrarok USER (219 Reviews)
May 15th, 2010 | 48 replies


Release Date: 1973 | Tracklist

Review Summary: The Crimson King invites you to the dark and disturbing...

King Crimson’s first era, although unstable in membership, had always been held together by the medieval-esque use of words by lyricist Peter Sinfield. After he and all the others who had worked on Islands had quit (with the exception of Fripp, of course), the guitarist and creative leader of the group chose to assemble a wholly new formation. Fripp recruited bassist/vocalist John Wetton, ex-Yes drummer Bill Bruford, violinist David Cross and percussionist Jamie Muir, thus completely reshaping the sound of the group, far more radically than before.

This more-or-less stable line-up released three albums in a 2-year span, which are often seen as a trilogy, which is because lyricist Richard Palmer-James appeared on all three as a replacement for Sinfield. Lark’s Tongues in Aspic was released in 1973, Starless and Bible Black and Red were in 1974. Of these, Larks' is by far the most experimental, and introduced many original ideas, most notably the epic instrumental title track in two parts, opening and closing the album, as well as the very unorthodox combination of instruments. For these reasons, King Crimson once again honoured their status as the pioneering progressive rock band.

The new formation, to start with, is naturally very talented, and the completely reformed sound is a welcome change. The serene medieval influences have completely disappeared, and not just because of Sinfield’s departure. The saxophone, flute and woodwinds of earlier Crimson incarnations have completely vanished, and Cross’ violin skills, as well as technically two percussionists on the band, are a most interesting addition. Bruford, having been in Yes, is a very versatile drummer, Muir adds surprisingly much to the atmosphere of the album with his percussion, and Cross can range his playing from the serene and captivating to the dark and haunting. Perhaps the most welcome is Wetton, who is remarkably both the strongest bassist and singer since Greg Lake’s on In the Court of the Crimson King. His bass style is far more aggressive than any of his contemporaries in the 70’s, which, complemented by especially the disturbing violin and percussion, makes this particular incarnation of King Crimson a pleasantly dark, nightmarish experience at times.

Fantastically innovative and interesting as that all might be, Larks’ is not the group’s most consistently captivating piece of work. Wetton is not in his finest voice, on each of the three consecutive albums bettering his vocal performance, and this album is at its finest on the brooding instrumental tracks, which are three out of the six in total. The real highlight is, as it should be, the title track, almost responsible for half of the album’s length. The track in two parts in King Crimson at its most daring and experimental, and both are very rewarding. The first part varies from Muir’s exotic-sounding percussion to doomy guitar sounds even darker than Sabbath’s very darkest (so yes, King Crimson had some proto-metal going there, too). Cross does a quite lengthy violin solo, which seems to be too calm and boring at first, but soon grows as disturbing and powerful as much as the earlier part of the track. Although based largely on improvisation, the atmosphere builds surprisingly well. The shorter second part is more structured, but also unfortunately less varied, and therefore less compelling throughout its length. Together, the two tracks succeed perfectly in weaving a disturbing nightmare that you'll be very much drawn into. The last instrumental track, The Talking Drum, is not as strong as the title track, but certainly nothing to skip over, and fittingly precedes Part 2.

The fact that Wetton still had to find his voice in Crimson at the time the group were making Larks’ is unfortunate, because it does indeed flaw the non-instrumental tracks. Most surprisingly, the quite poppy, less-than-3-minute (!) track Book of Saturday is the best pick out of the three. Fripp does some fine guitar picking, Cross’ violin accompaniment is a great touch, and Wetton sings well. And really, what’s wrong with King Crimson doing something more conventional for a change?

The middle part of the album is therefore logically the most disappointing. The 7-minute Exiles is another attempt to equal the group’s earlier masterpiece Epitaph (something which Crimson did multiple times during the 70s), completely with a similar tranquil mellotron arrangement. Although the violin proves once again to be a very worth addition and the instrumental section is not at all unfitting of the track’s intended atmosphere, Wetton finds himself in a weak voice and has trouble hitting all the notes, which inevitably puts him in the shade of Lake’s earlier, perfect performance. That said, Exiles is not a real stinker in any sense, just really falling short of a proper vocal section. Easy Money is the single vocal track that is found to be similar to the dark instrumental pieces found on the rest of the album, although it also has a slightly funky edge and, due to its absurd lyrics and wacky sound effects, separates itself from the rest of the material.

Larks’ Tongues in Aspic is hard to get into: it’s experimental, improvisational, and yet, it establishes a uniquely dark atmosphere that only King Crimson has the spirit to conjure up. Also, it is a sudden change from the medieval-esque sounds of Sinfield-penned Crimson, marking the dawn of a completely new era. With Wetton, Cross, Bruford and Muir, Fripp successfully reshapes the experience into a still compelling form, something he achieved multiple times during the group’s career. Larks’ is certainly a strong album, just another one you’ll probably need to take some time with. Do that, and it’ll certainly pay off.

Lark’s Tongues in Aspic’s King Crimson was:

- Robert Fripp ~ Guitars, Mellotron, Devices, Electric Piano
- John Kenneth Wetton ~ Bass Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Piano
- William Scott Bruford ~ Drums
- David Cross ~ Violin, Viola, Mellotron, Flute, Electric Piano
- Jamie Muir ~ Percussion

Lyrics by Richard Palmer-James


TO BE CONTINUED...



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Comments:Add a Comment 
Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I'll be putting up Starless and Bible Black and Red up soon. Enjoy. Love this particular Crimson line-up.

kingsoby1
Emeritus
May 15th 2010


4970 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

this is my fav crim record

NeutralThunder12
May 15th 2010


8742 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

excellent record, not even a solid 4, more of a 4-4.5. I'm probably the only person who likes Lizard better than this, but this is great. Oh, and sweet review man, can't wait for Starless.

Rhino
May 15th 2010


71 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

This is my favourite of the pre-Belew records. I love Easy Money, what a dynamic song. The Larks' Tongues songs, particularly Part 2, are insane.

Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

can't wait for Starless.




I'll have it up tomorrow. I was writing so enthousiastically about this Crimson era that and Red are already as good as written.

scissorlocked
May 15th 2010


3538 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

good review man,keep it up!!!

Jethro42
May 15th 2010


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I love the new direction King Crimson (Fripp) took with this album. Experi-'metal'/melodic, soft/loud, dark and cold. This A to Z new line up was meant to be great. Especially Bruford (!!) and Wetton's rhythm section. The more than ever 'out of this world' Fripp's playing was highlighted by the skill of each member. Powerful album, avant-gardiste and adventurous. Another KC classic. I disagree with the comparison you did for 'Exiles/Epitaph'. 'Exiles' is unique and gorgeous, especially the live 'USA' album's version. 'Easy Money' and 'Larks part II' are my favs on here. Excellent review as usual. You got my vote.





Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Ah Jethro, everytime I post a Crimson review, I await your opinion. I really do have to criticize Exiles though, Wetton's vocals are just not up to par.

Jethro42
May 15th 2010


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yes, Greg Lake would have done better on this one. Definitely. But Wetton was (is still today)

a great singer to me.

To fully appreciate Exiles, you need to check the excellent 'USA' album out.

And try to get 'Epitaph' out of your head while writing ahahah

EVedder27
May 15th 2010


6088 Comments


Excellent review Nag, I'm gonna have to spin this at some point today

Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yes, Greg Lake would have done better on this one. Definitely. But Wetton was (is still today)

a great singer to me.

To fully appreciate Exiles, you need to check the excellent 'USA' album out.

And try to get 'Epitaph' out of your head while writing ahahah




I love Wetton's voice, in fact, don't get me wrong. It's just that his performance is weak on that particular song. And about the Epitaph comparison, that's inevitable. The similarities are too obvious not to mention.



Excellent review Nag, I'm gonna have to spin this at some point today




Thanks Mike, appreciated as always. Have you checked out the rest of the Sinfield-era albums yet, by any chance?

Motiv3
May 15th 2010


9175 Comments


Great review. Great album.

Jethro42
May 15th 2010


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Well I know where you're coming from Nag. Both songs come from the same source after all. That being said I'm personaly more used to the live version.

..A LOT more powerful and heartfelt. Not available on youtube ;(

Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

You know what you should do? Review that live album!

Jethro42
May 15th 2010


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

LOL

My intention is rather to promote 'Exiles' epicness than the 'USA' album actually.

You got a helluva good idea buddy. The thing is..I wish I could have more confidence to express myself in english. I'd need more guts for the least. I've started a Triumvirat (Illusions on a Double Dimple) review that is still on the shelf, though.

Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Okay, I'll throw you a nice deal. Write it in French, just put it up, and I'll be the one using Google Translate for a change.

EVedder27
May 15th 2010


6088 Comments


Thanks Mike, appreciated as always. Have you checked out the rest of the Sinfield-era albums yet, by any chance?


Yes, I checked out Lizard. Liked it quite a bit, but not as much as their debut or Red.


Nagrarok
May 15th 2010


8656 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I know you did, since you posted in my review about it. I was more interested in knowing whether you listened to In the Wake of Poseidon and Islands.

NeutralThunder12
May 15th 2010


8742 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

i wuv lizardddd

Jethro42
May 15th 2010


18281 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

mhhhh Interesting. But Google is Google. What I'd suggest you is that I translate the whole thing to you in english, and we keep the contact to correct properly the syntax, the grammar and stuff. Together. Is that a good deal?



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