IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

In The Wake of Poseidon is often criticized for being too similar to the debut. Regardless of the truth in that, it seems a cruel judgment to pass on a band like King Crimson that has so continuously evolved and developed their music. When Crimson released Discipline they were bashed for changing their sound too much and with this album they are condemned for cloning themselves. Really...

Listening to the music I find it very hard to see the issue. Pictures of a City and In the Wake of Poseidon indeed continue the style of the debut, but both are simply spectacular and every bit as good as the material on ITCOTCK. As you may know, I have a huge resistance against bands repeating themselves or applying formulaic song writing, but honestly, I can't see that here and I can only be thankful for having 5 songs in this style instead of just the 3 from the debut.

The rest of the album isn't like the debut at all. The Peace theme makes it into a nicely flowing album, almost like a concept piece. It is probably the first time that such a unifying theme was used on a rock album and it is sure endlessly copied on countless progressive albums ever since. Cadence and Cascades is a beautiful pastoral moment and Cat Food is a groovy bit of fun. (I admit the kitty on my avatar might have had a bit too much of it though)

The Devil's Triangle is another highlight, an insane take on Ravel's Bolero, a crescendo that got out of hand, starting with sweeping melodies, ending in total chaos. By the way, am I the only one who hears the intro of A Forest at minute 3.52? The Peace - An End a cappella wraps up the original album on a high note. The 30th anniversary release adds the excellent 3.30 minute improvisation Groon. It's avant-garde jazz rock that wouldn't be out of place on a Can album.

Given the personal changes that plagued King Crimson in those years, this is a remarkably coherent and top quality album that deserves its place in the history of progressive rock and will nicely flesh out your collection.