RED

"In the Court of the Crimson King" stands tall as the father of all modern prog, but I think it's "Red" that takes the title of best KING CRIMSON album. There are no dead songs, and yes, I'm including "Providence." KING CRIMSON albums often have a similar structure of Big Heavy Song, Quieter Song, Memorable Rock Song, Another Quiet Song, and then Giant Epic Song; "Red" is the best expression of this formula. Fripp's guitar playing never sounded crunchier or more powerful, Wetton is the most interesting bass player and best singer they ever had, and Bill Bruford, well, is Bill Bruford. "Fallen Angel" is the best track on here, both for its proto-grunge aesthetic (wouldn't surprise me if Chris Cornell and Kim Thayall loved this song) and slick lyrics, but just about every song is essential. And of course, what review of "Red" would be complete without a paragraph lauding "Starless"? Oh, wait. This one. I'll do fine with just a sentence: it's cooks.