STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

Starless and Bible Black was probably my first King Crimson album I ever owned (I´m not sure if Larks Tongues In Aspic was actually the first, but probably not). It´s interesting to see with hindsight how such album was a 16 year old favorite. I just wore out my vinyl copy at the time. I used to listen to it so frequently I must have drove my parents crazy! When I found the CD version I was very glad to hear it again after so many years.

Although not as perfect as its precedor, the wonderful Larks Tongues In Aspic, SABB is another powerful release from the classic line up of Fripp-Wetton-Cross-Brufford. As usual they mix experimental, avant guard tracks (We´ll Let You Know, The Mincer, the title track) with some very beautiful, simple and poignant numbers (Trio, The Night Watch). Some mix a bit of both (The Great Deceiver, Lament). Unlike many other bands that pedal on the same slippery terrain, King Crimson always managed to come out with something both strong and memorable. Well, what to expect with such musicians? The chemistry is just perfect! I´m still amazed by their talents. Fripp´s guitar is simply astonishing while Brufford is the best drummer in the world.

After more than 30 years after its release Starless And Bible Black stands as one of prog´s most inventive works ever. They proved that the complex and the simple, the atonal and the melodic can be dsiplayed side by side and be used in full harmony to produce something exciting, fascinating and very appealing. I wouldn´t call this CD a masterpiece, it has its flaws, but it comes close. final rating: something between 4 and 4,5 stars.