LIZARD

This is the Crimso culmination. I like following “Islands” most from all Sinfield-era albums, but this deserves a credit as well. Being the most overlooked and the least accessible among all 69-71 albums, it’s filled with cold energy, fusion approach and intense atmosphere. Opening “Cirkus” is one of the best songs KC ever did; “Happy Family” is a BEATLES satire; and closing 23-min long eponymous epic proves that Progressive Rock was the most pretentious music at those times (though opening “Prince Rupert” movement with YES’s Anderson vocals is pretty radio-friendly). Cover layout must be mentioned as well – beautiful and artsy, as anything KC ever did. If you’re familiar with “Earth-Wind-Fire-Water concept” theory, which claims that first KC 4 albums are lyrically connected and tell a one and the same tale, it’s an another proof of KC’s overwhelming genius. Leave alone Fripp, Sinfield and Tippet deserve to be mentioned equally with Robert-The-Crafty-Guitarist. Highly recommended, it’s a grower.