Record Reviews

GILES, GILES & FRIPP ~ THE CHEERFUL INSANITY OF ESOTERIC 2049 (Barcode: 5013929714922) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008 This is the only formally released album by this trio, which included brothers Peter GilesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Mike GilesFind albums by this artist (drums) and legendary guitarist Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, which in retrospect turned out to be one of the most pivotal albums in the history of Rock. Not only did it outline the foundations on which King CrimsonFind albums by this artist was to be based musically, but it also marked the birth of Prog or rather the transition between the Psychedelic and the Progressive Rock genres. The music is excellent of course, with Fripp`s guitar prominently featured. There are some Psychedelic elements but also a lot of jazz influences and a lot of the typical British whacky humor. This is essential Prog history!

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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:

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