King Crimson - Lizard

Much of what did make Poseidon interesting was the use of characters

and settings from mythology. This was most certainly Sinfield's concept,

and the idea was extended even to the album cover artwork. The intent

was to perhaps draw parallels between ancient and modern times, and to employ these ancient myths as context for a greater purpose that had never been previously attempted in popular music. This tendency to use themes of a grandiose nature would lump Crimson together with several other British bands of the time into what would be called "Art Rock" or "Progressive Rock". As work for "Lizard" progressed, lumping KC together with the likes of Yes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Genesis seemed more a matter of convenience to rock critics than anyone else.

The Songs:

Cirkus

Indoor Games

Happy Family

Lady of The Dancing Water

Lizard A) Prince Rupert Awakes

B) Bolero

C) The Battle of Glass Tears

D) The Big Top

Fripp's interest in jazz became evident on this album, and his involvement in the "Centipede" project allowed a free outlet to this expression. Many players from this scene played on the third album: Andy McCulloch,

Robin Miller, Marc Charig and Nick Evans. Jon Anderson of Yes also provided guest vocals to side two's "Prince Rupert Awakes". The third album was unique in that, for the most part, Fripp tended to remain in the background, providing tasteful acoustic guitar playing while Robin Miller's oboe soared above the proceedings. What also made this album unique was the critics' reactions to it. No more wishy-washy critiques and "I sort of liked this song, but...". Most critics either loved Lizard or hated it. This tendency towards outright hostility on the part some elements of the Rock Press would hound King Crimson for the rest of its days.

Musicians:

Rober Fripp: Guitar, Mellotron & Electric Keyboards

Mel Collins: Flute & Saxes

Gordon Haskell: Bass & Vocals

Andy McCulloch: Drums

Peter Sinfield: Words & Pictures