[net.music] REVIEW: King Crimson

oyster@uwmacc.UUCP (Vicious Oyster) (12/30/85)

In article <44400021@hpfcms.UUCP> mpm@hpfcla.UUCP writes:
>
>	     If I had judged the album based on my impression of the
>	first song, I would have rated it as "unsuitable even as a
>	placemat".  This song - 21st Century Schizoid Man - has in-
>	triguing lyrics, but atrocious accompaniment.
...
>	     If I had been producing the album I would have made
>	two major changes.  First, a complete rewrite of the music
>	for "21st Century Schizoid Man", with vocals and accompani-
>	ment consistent with the rest of the album.

   Hmmmmm.  When I pull this album out, I usually play "21st Century Schizoid
Man" and skip the rest.  But then again, I like Ted Nugent's version of
"Maybelline"...

>	     While I recognized Lake's vocals - an ELP trademark -
>	I also thought the instrumental arrangements were familiar.
>	They resembled the work of the Moody Blues, Procol Harum,
>	and another band whose name escapes me.  Is there any rea-
>	son for me to make such a connection?  (I have read of
>	Robert Fripp's guitar expertise in this notes file, but
>	I'm not aware of what other bands he has played in.)
>
   I think the year it was recorded is the connection you seek.  That period was
rife with overblown, pretentious stuff.  If you doubt me, c'mon over some time;
I have a lot of it in my collection which I'd be happy to play for you.
   As for other Fripp, I enjoy his non-group albums, such as those done with
whatsisname, the guitarist from The Police.

 - Joel ({allegra,ihnp4,seismo}!uwvax!uwmacc!oyster)