USA

The first real definitive King Crimson live album. The prevoius Earthbound under a different lineup was recorded from the back of a volkswagen bus when the band was poor and starving. Although this reveiwer would hav to say that that this album was musically sound, it suffered from technical difficulties. Fripp himself pulled it from the King Crimson catologue for this reason. This live album comes on the eve of the first breakup of the band just before band leader Bob Fripp declared them a dead horse much to the shock of the other band members. Why the Talking Drum which, during live performances always lead into lark's Pt IIwas not included on this great live album defies this reviewers immagination. To put this album in a nutshell it is a good example of how the band played live just before the first time that Fripp decided that, for no reason at all it was time to get rid of King Crimson once and for all. Great versions of all songs plus a superb improv in the form of Ausbury Park. Although not included here in the archives I highly recommend the 4 CD box set, The Great Deciever if you enjoy this live CD which includes 2 bonus tracks. Also check out The Night Watch a live set that was recorded of the mixing board from a gig in Holland. Unfortunately it is not complete. A couple of tracks made it on to the album Starless And Bible Black with the audience cancelled out. There is an amazing Japanese pressing of USA available which I recommend if you have a hole burning in your pocket. King Crimson at the top of thier game and in their element, in front of a live audience even though that this was to be the swansong of this incarnation.