Published on Jun 7, 2000
The history of King Crimson is well-documented. Going through
many incarnations, KC’s catalogue of back material consists of
progressive rock epics with numerous time signature changes and
sometimes humourous, sometimes just strange lyrics. This chapter of
the band’s history is written with the same characteristics as
their previous epics but with the following characters:
vocalist/guitarist Adrian Belew, guitarist Robert Fripp, stick by
Trey Gunn, and drummer Pat Mastelotto.
The CD begins with “ProzaKC Blues,” the shortest song on the CD.
Vocalist/guitarist Belew is at the forefront of the mix with
interesting guitar tones and a deep resounding vocal melody.
Electronically enhanced percussive sounds from Mastelotto, formerly
with mid-80s pop band Mr. Mister quickly reacquaints the listener
with the KC style of lyrics as Belew growls, “Well I woke up this
morning/ with a cloud of despair/ I ran my hand across my head and
pulled out a pile of worn hair/ I went to my physician/ who was
buried in his own thoughts.” Later, that doctor character states,
“I recommend a fifth of Jack and a bottle of Prozac,” hence the
title of the song.
The next track, “The ConstruKCtion of Light,” is separated into
two movements. The first is an instrumental track with a 5:50
running time. Mastelotto quickly proves he is a capable successor
to Bill Bruford. His electronically enhanced drum rhythms mesh with
intricate cymbal work. The backbeat shifts throughout the song,
rarely playing the same pattern in a row. Belew’s lyrics this time
are restricted to the 2nd movement where he wonders, “What am I/ A
fleck of dust/ On the wing of a fly . . . A speck of lint/ on the
penis of an alien.” Those lyrics are an example of the free-form
style of Belew’s lyrics.
Perhaps “free-form” is the best compound adjective available to
describe the musical landscapes KC has created for this release.
“Frying Pan” seems like a straight-forward simple song upon first
listen. It isn’t until you peel back the layers of polyrhythmic
adventures from Mastelotto and bassist Tony Levin. As one musical
theme slips into another, you can’t help but wish to hear how these
ideas started, whether they were composed or a result of musicians
playing with each other. It’s difficult to tell.
The epic track “Larks Part 4” is separated into four parts. The
first of the four is an exciting percussive journey that lasts just
under four minutes. Part two is more aggressive with a dizzying
display of guitar work by Belew. With synchronized hits among the
scales by Levin and Mastelotto, the song is an example of what
music should sound like. A slightly more subdue part three follows
and an even more subdue part four follows the third movement.
Beyond a doubt, every person that calls themselves either a
musician or a fan of music should listen to a King Crimson CD.
There is a higher level of musicianship, a higher vision of musical
utopia that must be heard. Listening to King Crimson should not be
done while doing anything except listening to the sheer brilliance
of this band.