STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

The title implies a void of nothingness, but to the contrary, a little of everything pops up on Starless and Bible Black; the second album by this King Crimson lineup. Excellent in its own right, but a bit uneven compared to its predecessor. The darker tone of Larks' Tongues in Aspic is still there, but there is a surprising amount of whimsy as well.

The first three tracks seem to carry a running theme about ego and dishonesty, particularly as it relates to the music industry. The punchy "The Great Deceiver" and "Lament" contain lyrics about liars and cheats, while "We'll Let You Know" is purely instrumental but you have to wonder if the title was inspired by something uttered to Robert Fripp by some music industry lackie after having heard some of KC's material. What? They won't play 10 minute instrumentals on FM radio?

Things get more serious from here, but there is a lighter feel to "The Nightwatch" (about the famous Rembrandt painting). Even more-so on the improvised "Trio", an oriental inspired theme, owing its tranquility (and title) to the lack of Bill Bruford's drums. Still, two of the best songs on the album.

The back-half of Starless and Bible Black sinks back into the darkness. The totally improvised title track and the powerful "Fracture" recall the best parts of Larks' Tongues. The latter being possibly the best instrumental in the whole Crimson repertoire.

The unevenness on Starless and Bible Black may be because apart from the first two tracks, nearly the entire album was recorded at live shows with only a few overdubs in studio. Regardless, it is one of King Crimson's finest and worth checking out for a fan of any of their work. You're sure to see something in this darkness.

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