Search - King Crimson :: Red

Gatefold remaster even better

Joe Sdicht | Brazil | 08/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After a powerful and unforgettable tour, David Cross left the group, for the same reasons that Ian McDonald did in 1969. Fripp has said that is better to rest after one exhausting tour before taking regretabble decisions. Less than one week later, the trio of Fripp, Wetton and Bruford got in the studio for another album. Few bands falling apart have obtained a record so concise and powerful as Red. An idea that does not seem good in the paper, but functioned as magic: the rollback of old members, such as Ian McDonald, as guests. The result is a fusion of the elements that had formed King Crimson, since 1969. Mel Collins' sax is the star of the brutal "One More Red Nightmare", accompanied by Bruford's curious percussions and Wetton's devastating bass. Marc Charig, who has shone in the end of "Islands", loans his conrnet to "Fallen Angel". Even the heavy instrumental "Red", with its circular structure benefits from a cello solo. The improvisation "Providence", recorded in the second to last concert of the 74 tour, still with David Cross, is one of their most interesting, counting with a somber introduction in the violin. The band develops it into a furious number, and the abrupt end must be given to the fact that the original recording lasted 3 minutes longer (it can be found in the box The Great Deceiver). And to finish, the great triumph not only of the album, not only of this lineup, but all of King Crimson: "Starless". It starts with a sad melody in mellotron, graced with drenching saxophone, violin, guitar and deep vocals of John Wetton. The piece then converts to an agonizing experimental section, with uncommon percussions, driving bass and a nervous guitar solo. Fripp repeats the same notes, and slowly magnifying the tension. The release comes: McDonald's sax enters in the explosive and complex final section. Robin Miller enters with the oboe to reaffirm the main melody, and after that mellotron. To describe something so intense, cathartic and emotive in words would only result in empty conjectures. Live versions featured intersting arrangement variations and different lyrics, and were generally more furious and exciting, and consequently less concise. I strongly recommend checking it out on The Great Deceiver box set. "Red" was played live with the lineups that followed. Soon after the announcement of the album, Fripp decided to disband Crimson - which was preparing to a new tour with Ian McDonald. Sad but true.The new gatefold 24-bit remaster is much better. The booklet with photos from the last gig and newspaper clippings is priceless."

Best of 72-74 line-up

P. J. Walstra | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This just has to be the best album the 72-74 line-up produced (although David Cross had already left KC when this came out - he's still on at least 1 track though). Another reviewer has already described starless in detail and I couldn't impove on his description of that track (certainly one of my favourite pieces of music ever!).
I like Fallen Angel a lot too - great melody, great vocals, powerful music - wonderful deep growling basenote to start the song of! Red is also an absolute power piece. Still performed by current KC line up! You can't go worng with this album."