STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

Well, the lineup issues continue again, as King Crimson had yet to produce back to back albums with the same lineup. This time, the change is in the loss of percussion specialist Jamie Muir, who left for his newfound Buddhist beliefs. He was a big part of the music and overall feel on "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" with his many instruments. As a result of his absence, that feel is missing on "Sarless and Bible Black". However, the other four are back and back in top form. Bruford's drums are complex as ever and Wetton again proves his bass is excellent. The same thing goes for Cross. For the guitar work, Fripp is just getting more and more out there. That's not a bad thing either!

This is a more heavy album than its predecessor. It is very improv and jam-based as most of it was recorded live and edited later. Most of the tracks are very good, but my highlights are "The Night Watch", "Trio", the title track, and "Fracture". "The Night Watch" and "Trio" are very light and delicate, while the title track and "Fracture" are very dark and complex. Overall, this is a good album. It is kind of held back in my mind due to the other tracks which are relatively weaker (still good). The four longest songs are the best, though. 3.5 stars.