STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

As Sid Smith put it in his book "In The Court of King Crimson" (Helter Skelter, 2003), this album was recorded with Bruford's thought on the band's uncertainty to carry on without Muir, although this was quickly dispelled as Crimson began a punishing tour of UK, Europe and the States. [page 174]. Between mid-March and early July the new quartet played more than 60 gigs with only a few days off. At the end of the tour the band returned to the UK in December for some overdue Christmas R&R with family and loved ones and in January 1974 entered the Air studio to begin work on their first album as a quartet, almost exactly one year after the recording of "Lark's Tongue in Aspic".

The opening track "Great Deceiver" is a dynamic composition showing Fripp and Cross combined their work in an excellent way. The power of vocal by Wetton is also key contributing factor to the beauty of this song that later became the title of the compilation boxed set of 4 CDs (see my review on "The Great Deceiver at this site). "We'll Let You Know" sounds like improvisation work with tight bass lines by Wetton which brings the music moves in various styles. "The Night Watch" is a nice ballad with good melody and right balance. Other tracks like "Starless and Bible Black" are interesting ones to enjoy and they indicate the early King Crimson sound. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW