DAVID SYLVIAN & ROBERT FRIPP: THE FIRST DAY

Having known David Sylvian's musical roots were in glam rock kind of music, I was actually not interested at all with his solo albums. But with glamorous line-up this album offers, featuring prog heads like Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn and drummer whom usually supported Peter Gabriel solo, Jerry Marota, who is not interested? That's why I gave it a try with listening to this album. Robert Fripp is vary famous with his ambient approach in music. This is very clear through his contribution on King Crimson's "Three of A Perfect Pair" album where he played his guitar so smooth and it sounded like a keyboard.

This album kicks off with a funky music "God's Monkey" (4:58) with some ambient flavors. My memory brings me back to the days when in early 80s new wave dominated music industry, there was an artist name called JOHNY WARMAN. Any of you know him? I got two albums of him and his music could be categorized as prog new wave because basically the root is new wave but the approach is totally prog. I like his two albums. Famous musicians like John Giblin, Jerry Marota contributed to the albums as well. This "The First Day" album in a way is pretty similar with that album but it's lighter. The plus point here is that I can hear the guitar solo by Robert Fripp like in King Crimson. The third track "Firepower" proves to be a perfect mix of King Crimson and prog new wave like those Johny Warman's albums in the early 80's. Yes, the rhythm section sounds boring (maybe?) because it contains repetitive chords but . the guitar solo by Fripp is something that I do really enjoy. This track is quite long but I like the guitar solo ala Robert Fripp.

"20th Century Dreaming (A Shaman's Song)" (11:50) is definitely a King Crimson track with upbeat opening part containing drum, Crimson-like guitar work followed with vocal line. Yeah, this is it man ..!!! If you love King Crimson (Discipline album onwards) definitely you would love this track to the bone! The distorted guitar solo by Robert Fripp (and Trey Gunn?) is truly stunning. Don't miss this track! In fact, I personally believe that this track plus "Firepower" are the best from this album. Both of them are excellent! You may want to observe how the guitar solo is performed at minute 3:00 onwards . wow man .!!! I love it!

Overall, I would say that this album has a very good composition. Melody is not the main thing here but the appearance of guitar solo accompanied with repetitive chords in relatively long duration is the main characteristic of this album. By the way, the vocal quality is also excellent. Yes, absolutely there are two outstanding tracks like I mention above, but in total score this album fall under three (3) stars category. It's recommended for King Crimson fans and those who love ambient music. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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