RED

This album is absolutely, utterly, and undoubtedly AMAZING. As one of the two Crimson albums that I own, it, along with ITCOTCK, is one of few discs that actually achieve musical perfection!!! That's right... PERFECTION!!!

This album could be described as heavy, but not in the conventional sense. Yes, it does have its hard rock moments, but its true heaviness lies in its darkness and experimentation.

The line up couldn't be better. Fripp is a master of prog guitar, and can twist the instrument in such ways that sometimes you forget that it is indeed a guitar. Bruford is an amazing drummer, and here he lets his jazz influences flow into the music in such a strange, beautiful way. Wetton is a great bassist and like Fripp can produce a vast array of unusual and unconventional sounds. His voice is strong as well, and conveys a sense of power that can be moulded to fit any mood he wants to (although on this albu,m don't expect this mood to be cheerful). But this band is more than the sum of its parts. The chemistry between the musicians is unprecedented, and not even the members of CTTE era Yes, could compliment eachother this convincingly.

The title track kicks the album off immensely, utilising some of the best riffs ever to come out of a guitar. This track really does manage to accurately describe its namesake: the colour of red. Then we have 'Fallen Angel', initially a softer and quieter song, but it soon picks up the intensity that is characteristic of this album. 'One More Red Nightmare' is one of my favourite songs on this album. It's strange lyrics about fear of flying(?) sit the music very well, and Bruford never ceases to amaze with his relentless jazzy drumming. 'Providence' holds the proud title of the 'Most horrible piece of music I've ever heard'. That is not my point of view but that of my mother. This is the most interesting song on the disc. It starts with a solitary violin, courtesy of ex-member David Cross. Soon the rest of the instruments build in, adding several layers of dissonant music, eventually leading into total chaos in the climax. Genius! On 'Starless' KC really pull out all the stops. Several ex-members join Fripp & co. to create an epic avant-garde jazz epic. The beautiful melodies of the verses build up into this experimental and mesmerizing piece, before reaching an excellent climax. Top marks.

I cannot bring myself to give this any less than 7 stars, but sonce that is impossible it will have to settle for 5 as I can't fault in any way.