Much of the cynicism inherent in the lyrics from the S&BB period stems from the band's extensive touring schedule and a conflict with Management over royalties. Unknown to Fripp at this time was the fact that one band member was less than happy with touring. "Most of the time our improvisation comes out of horror and panic", David Cross is quoted as saying. That attitude, an unwillingness on Cross' to take part in further touring, and Fripp's own realization that touring had become a surrealistic, Fellini-esque experience would eventually prove to be the nail in the coffin of the 70's era King Crimson.
 
 
 
 
 
  The Songs:
  Red
  Fallen Angel
  One more red nightmare
  Providence
  Starless
 
"Red" was recorded in July of 1974. A month earlier, the band, unknown to anyone at the time, had played its final gig at New York's Central Park. "For me, it was the most powerful since 1969", Fripp commented in his journal. Much of the power still inherent in the band was evidence on "Red" in the title song, a heavy-guitar instrumental that is still played to this day. Side two contains two extended pieces. The first, "Providence", is a live instrumental with an ominous feel and effective use of Cross' violin on the intro (Cross was credited more as a session player on this album). The album closes out, appropriately, with "Starless", a more-than-typical outing that is actually reminiscent of earlier material, and ends with a mellotron-delivered crescendo. Ian McDonald and Mel Collins both provided sax on various cuts, and the achievement of this album is its melding of elements of old Crimson and new.
 

 
 
 
 
  Musicians:
  Robert Fripp: Guitar and Mellotron
  John Wetton: Bass and Vocals
  Bill Bruford: Drums
 
Copyright 1974 by EG Records