Record Reviews
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  | KING CRIMSON ~ EPITAPH (VOLUMES THREE & FOUR)
DGM 5002 (Barcode: 633367500229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
A natural companion to the previously released King CrimsonFind albums by this artist archival release Epitaph (Volumes One & Two)Find albums with this title, this beauty includes further documentation of the recorded legacy of the original lineup of the band (Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, Greg LakeFind albums by this artist and Michael GilesFind albums by this artist), recorded in 1969 before and after the debut album was released. Although the source of the music comes from various bootleg recordings and Fripp’s cassettes, rendering somewhat inferior sound quality, the importance and the power of this music overshadows all sonic obstacles. As with Jazz, this highly improvised music provides new aspects with every performance, making it absolutely unique and unrepeatable. This is a good enough reason to own this album, even if one already owns other live versions of these tunes (I don’t even dare to think of someone not owing the studio album). Over two hours of original King Crimson on stage is a dream come true to every fan of the band and something that reveals new insights about the band, the scene, the formative years of Prog and the inception of modern music in general. Do yourself a favor a go for it!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING (ORIGINAL MASTER EDITION)
DGM 0501 (Barcode: 633367050120) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
1st album by the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and the most important Prog album of all times. There is no other example of recorded music in existence, which defines a complete genre (and all its sub-genres) so comprehensibly as this album and becomes a reference point for generations to follow. Every Prog album recorded since anywhere on earth bears the genetic imprint created by this album. Everything that is defined as Prog can be found on this album: intricate compositions, shifting rhythms, extended jazzy improvisations, mystic lyrics - in short the canon of the genre. No other album ever achieved the same revolutionary effect this masterpiece had on generations of listeners since its release. At the time of the recording the band consisted of the following members: Robert FrippFind albums by this artist – guitar, Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist – reeds, woodwind, vibes, keyboards, mellotron & vocals, Greg LakeFind albums by this artist – bass & lead vocals and Michael GilesFind albums by this artist - drums, percussion & vocals. Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, who was considered a band member as well, wrote the lyrics. This remastered edition, which is based on the original master tapes of the album for the first time, renders all previous releases obsolete and for the first time the listener can truly enjoy the beautiful sound as well. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON (30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION + BONUS TRACKS)
DGM 0502 (Barcode: 633367050229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
2nd album by King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and one of the most eagerly awaited follow ups in the history of Prog. Honestly how does one follow up a masterpiece such as the debut In The Court Of The Crimson KingFind albums with this title, which was almost instantly elevated to the status of a genre-defining masterpiece. Adding to the challenge ahead the band at the time of the recording seemed to be in a shaky state, following the exhausting touring schedule and dramatic personnel changes: Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, who’s mellotron and flute parts were one of the most prominent features of the debut album, left the band in the midst of their US tour. Michael GilesFind albums by this artist and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist announced their departure soon after, and although they took part in the recording sessions for this album they were practically out. All this turmoil seemed to have little influence on Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, who used his resilience and what was to become his legendary survival instinct, to reorganize the band and move on. Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist joined the band to take over the flute and saxophones department. Michael’s brother bassist Peter GilesFind albums by this artist joined to provide the full force of the Giles & Giles rhythm section, which was second to none on the scene. Fripp also turned to his friends from the burgeoning (at the time) London Avant-Garde Rock and Jazz scene and enlisted the wonderful pianist Keith TippetFind albums by this artist, who adds many brilliant piano trinkets on the album. Singer Gordon HaskellFind albums by this artist joined in on one song to provide his contribution. Fripp, in addition to composing all of the music (to the lyrics penned by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist) and playing the guitar parts, also took over the mellotron chair, maintaining the instrument’s supremacy in the overall band’s sound. Against all odds, this album is as strong, if not stronger then its predecessor. The compositions are better developed and the playing, enforced by the presence of the new members, is richer and better organized. Amazing stuff and absolutely essential. This new edition expands the original 30th Anniversary Edition from 1999 by adding two bonus tracks – the two sides of the King Crimson single released to promote the album. This is the first time any additional material is added to the original studio albums by the band.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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