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 