IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

I was torn between whether to give this album a three or a four. I mean, this album certainly deserves a four, but then again, this is king crimson we are talking about here, and when we compare all of the works, this one certainly doesn't hold up as well. I decided that this album deserves a 4 after remembering some of the better moments of this CD.

First, let the purchaser be warned. This album is an utter derivative of the original. I consider it to be a sort of remake/remix, although harsher critics will accuse them of ripping off their first album.

Now that the expectations are set, this album is an interesting one to look at. King Crimson has a habit of reimagining their past material, and refining their music over and over again. Here is the first example of that. It isn't the best example. They have some amazing remakes under their belt, like fraktured on the construction of light. This remake lacks the creativity that drives some of their other work. Pictures of a city is a darker and bluesier version of 21st century schizoid man. Cadance and Cascade is I talk to the wind, with some nice piano. In the wake of posiedon is epitaph, completly to formula, yet somehow convincing in its differences. The Peace mantra is very relaxing, and I especially liked Peace- a theme. Cat Food is a somewhat unique song, with a piano playing as if a cat were stepping on it. It is a very fun song. The Devil's Triangle is the clear highlight of this album. King Crimson played Mars by Gustav Holst live, but were not allowed to record it for various resons (copyright I believe). Instead, King Crimson mashed it up, spun it through a blender, and came out with a monster of sorts. It is a great indicator of things to come, although it is so out there that is is negatively recieved to this day (is this the moonchild of ITWOP?). At one point, in the third segment of the monstrosity, the theme of the song In the court of the crimson king can be heard. Somehow it fits in with the track.

The lyrics on this album are also reminiscent of the original, but they are at the same time utterly brilliant and unique. Peter Sinfield was one of the greatest lyricists ever. On this album, he isn't at his best, but the lyrics are still 5 star.

This album is overall a very innovative album, despite it's unoriginality in regards to the first album. It is fantastic if ITCOTCK never existed, and as it is, is merely a step towards future masterpieces, but one that must be listened to if one is to gain a full appreciation of King Crimson's later masterpieces.