krs@hou2a.UUCP (K.SWAMINATHAN) (05/27/84)
1984 is a year for new sounds, new groups and new ideas. In the 60's popular rock music was going through a creative progression. In the 70's it died down, but in the 80's it regained its experimentation. .P Lets take a look at the latest item from one of rock's pioneers of experimentation King Crimson. The album "Three of a Perfect Pair" features the newly reformed quartet with Adrian Belew on guitars and vocals, Tony Levin on an extroadinary new instrument called a stick and bass, and oldtime members Robert Fripp and Bill Bruferd on guitar and drums. Side one is their most commercial sounding stuff they ever put out but is still very good and very original. Their single "Sleepless" is given more airplay than they have had in a long time. Belew's well written lyrics run across textures of riffs, rolls and wails making it a very enjoyable album. But wait, theres still side two! Side one was to catch the attention to the common human, Side two is to rattle his brain to pieces. It opens with a song entitled "Industry" which leads to the highlight of the album, "Dig me". In this song the guitar blabbers in chaos through Belews metalic voice which opens out the feelings of a car in a junkyard. Freaky,yes, but highly entertaining. A melodic chorus section in the song reminds me of the melodic break in the song "Nuerotica" from their last album. The album ends with the shocking "Larks Tongues in Aspic part III" which makes this album a must get for someone who wants to hear something totaly new and different, and the Crimson fan alike. .P The next album I would like to review is by a new group who call themselves "Broken Toys". The bright red "Red Barron cross" on the plain white background with no other letters or symbols or words on the front cover has an awesome appearance. The first piece is an instrumental called "Intelligence Device" which sounds like a very punky "Tommy Gunn". Highlights include the cranking "Everything reminds me of You" in which singer, guitarist, Hugo Blind wails in total delirium and confusion. Its a heart-ripper with very offbeat death rythms which change suddenly. Mo Mo puts a speedy drum roll at the beginning of "You Go Blind!" which carrys the momentum to his riffs and rattling between Hugo's heavy power chords. The vocals start very pop sounding with subtle counter melodies reminiscent of the Beach Boys but grow harder till they reach a climax, then the music suddenly stops and goes into a slow eerie guitar appregio solo. The feeling you get is of total shock. Then the other instruments join in and Hugo sings a new melody with a razor sharp Lennonish type voice. This then goes back to the original power chords and melody making it a very startling song. The album ends with an instrumental called "Ace". "Broken Toys" in my opinion is one of the most original rock groups I've had the pleasure to listen to. Hugo Blind is the most avante garde guitarist since Adrian Belew, Mo Mo, one of the most offbeat percussionist and vibraphonist and Ivan Goat, a bass player at the level of John Entwhistle and Jack Bruce. I hope to hear more from them in the future. .P Coming soon; I will review the latest albums by the groups J'zzing and R.E.M.