Search - King Crimson :: Condensed 21st Century Guide to King Crimson

This can help me for a while

Daniel V. Gomes | Osasco-SP Brazil | 06/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have an uncle who has every single King Crimson album. He had them all on LP and at some point he bought the cds and gave my brother most of his King Crimson cds.



I my self was at that time ( 1989 ) more into Yes or Gentle Giant speaking of prog rock. Then, I heard Red and it has got me. With the years, I became a fan of the post punk new wave era and then Beat, Discipline have become favorites of mine along with Red.



I had bought 3 of their cds in the past: Red, Starless and Power To Believe but had to sell them. I had cassete tapes of those three 80s albums as well.



My point when buying this cd was: I know King Crimson ( especially their albums from 1972 to 1984 ) and they are one of my favorite ones, but if I was honest I would like to have their whole catalog. But, I cannot afford them all.



This compilation gives me some comfort as it brings many of their classics and most of my favorite tracks.



CD1 has two crimsonages: early stuff which is as Fripp says "written" and the 1972 to 1974 era that was largely "improvised".

CD2 has 3 crimsonages: 1981 to 1984 era which was post punk new wave based but more complex than anything in this genre, the reunion as the double trio, which mixes the "RED" era with the 80s sound and then the latest lineup with Trey Gunn and Mastelloto.



You cannot go wrong with this. You are going to have the complex song writing of the early albums, the wild and heavy improvisations of the 70s, the 80s song oriented era and the latest stuff in good doses."

Have Breakfast with the "King"!

Robert M. Mcclain | 03/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say, I'm not a huge King Crimson fan. I was always intriqued by "Court of the Crimson King", "21st Century Schitzoid Man" and the classic LP covers we grew up with. I was happy for having bought this CD though as both my fav's sounded better than ever, and I enjoyed the other tracks as well. The artwork here is interesting too. Enjoy!"

Best compilation I've heard in a long time

Joseph C. Helton | 04/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Condensed 21st Century Guide to King Crimson (1969-2003) is without a doubt the best King Crimson compilation I've ever heard, and does a good job of hitting a very much moving target. Combine good selections, pretty decent edits where done, and HDCD format and you get a good value for the money. Long time King Crimson fans will enjoy the broader perspective of Crimso music that this compilation affords. Now it seems that in spite of the many personnel changes, Robert Fripp managed to move the KC sound consistently forward since it all began in 1969. A remarkable feat, and something you'll hear when listening straight through both discs.



As for the breakdown of the discs, the first was my favorite, since it represents the older King Crimson sound, which was the first of Crimso that I had heard. However, the second disc does an equally great job of representing the latter half of their long career. Lots of good tracks here on both cds, and lots of good listening.



As a long time King Crimson fan, I really bought this cd to fill out my collection, but quickly came to appreciate it as a very worthwhile purchase. Consider it a must for all KC fans, and a really good place to start for newcomers. 5 stars.

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