IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

Now, I gave this album at first 4 stars because it is, without a doubt, not a masterpiece, but it is not nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. Of course, it is a very close copy to the debut, but it stands on its own. This is the last Crimson album on which Greg Lake appears, and the first album with the Giles brothers rhythm section. Lake, of course, sings greatly, and the Giles brothers are incredible on their respective instruments (Peter on bass, Michael on drums). Keith Tippet provides some... interesting... piano on the album, and Fripp, as always, is outstanding.

21st Century... I mean, Pictures of a City: Great, great song. When I first heard it, I knew it was going to sound like 21st Century Schizoid Man, but I was still shocked at the similarities. In the middle section, they both have repeating stopping-and-starting riffs. So alike, but Pictures stands on its own, though still not as good as Schizoid Man.

Cadence and Cascade: Now, some people compare this to I Talk to the Wind, but the only real similarity I see between the two is the fact that they are mellow songs appearing after more upbeat songs. Other than that, it is a different song altogether. This is the first song on which Gordon Haskell sings for King Crimson, and he does very well. In fact, I was talking to my friend not too long ago, and he mentioned that he knew this song, even though he doesn't know prog. He loves it. Great acoustic song.

In the Wake of Poseidon: Well, the Epitaph/Court of the Crimson King of the album. The opening riff harks back to the title track of the previous album, while the verse is very reminiscent of Epitaph. However, this is a different song, and very well done. I have always loved the Crimson Mellotron, Fripp always has it used perfectly. Maybe the best song on this album.

Cat Food: Unique, unique, unique. No song like this one. Here is where the interesting piano enters the scene, but it is still very, very good.... even though it sounds like he is just banging on the piano. Different side of King Crimson, and very good as well.

The Devil's Triangle: One of the most haunting experiences ever. Taken from "Mars" by Gustav Holst, Fripp takes classical and has his way with it. He even adds in the Court of the Crimson King riff into it towards the end. Instrumental song, and extremely frightening.

I've excluded the Peace songs, just because there is no point in reviewing them. They're good and all, but they are just short songs that provide an intro, an interlude, and a closing.

No matter what, you do need to have this album if you know and like King Crimson and are a serious fan. Do not skip over it because everyone says it is a carbon copy of the previous album. 3.9 - 4/5 stars.

Actually, looking back, this is a 3.5 star album. I enjoy it a lot, but it falls under the "Good, but non-essential" category as opposed to the "Excellent addition to any prog collection" category.