THE YOUNG PERSONS GUIDE TO KING CRIMSON

'The Young Persons Guide To King Crimson' is a compilation of King Crimson and was released in 1976. Its name is probably derived from the orchestral work 'The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra' from the classical British composer Benjamin Britten. However, it can also derive from the 60's television series, with the same name, created by the classical American composer Leonard Bernstein. The artwork of the album is from the Scottish artist Fergus Hall.

'The Young Persons Guide To King Crimson' has fifteen tracks. 'Epitaph' from 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' is a notable and beautiful track, which became as one of the best and most beautiful symbols of prog music. It's one of my favourite prog tracks too. 'Cadence And Cascade' from 'In The Wake Of Poseidon' is a mix of folk and jazz, with Haskell providing the lead vocals and a breezy flute solo of Collins. It may be the prettiest song the group ever made. It's a peaceful song, very beautiful and nicely sung. But, this version is only a short extract. 'Ladies Of The Road' from 'Islands' is a song with a lyrical tone and is playfully sexist. It seems to be the favourite song of Fripp on that album. This is probably the nearest thing on that album capable to be a proverbial hit single. 'I Talk To The Wind' from 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' is the most melodic song on that album. It's a simple and peaceful song commanded by McDonald's flute, very well accompanied by Sinfield's lyrics and sung beautifully by Lake, in a very quiet mood. But, this is a different version. It was recorded in 1968 and was sung by Judy Dyble from Fairport Convention, instead Greg Lake. This version is also available on 'The Brondesbury Tapes', a compilation of Giles, Giles & Fripp. 'Red' from 'Red' is an instrumental track, very powerful and heavy. It features heavy guitars, an incredible bass line and a unique drumming style. It shows the band's ability to feature multiple time signatures in only one song. 'Starless' from 'Red' is a masterpiece. It's one of my favourite King Crimson's songs too. It's a great dark song with Wetton's melancholic voice. This is a classic song that represents the perfect end to that album. 'The Night Watch' from 'Starless And Bible Black' is a piece deriving directly from Rembrandt's painting with the same name. It's a calm and melodic song, perfectly performed by all band's members that captures the real feel and sense in the context of the painting. 'Book Of Saturdays' from 'Larks' Tongues In Aspic' is a very simple, peaceful and nice song where we can relax, and is very well sung. 'Peace ' A Theme' from 'In The Wake Of Poseidon' is a short and nice track, very quiet and with only vocals and acoustic guitars. 'Cat Food' from 'In The Wake Of Poseidon' is a very original song, composed something between jazz and rock, which makes on it a very interesting music fusion. It's a different song, very strange, but very curious too. It also features a neat vocal work from Lake and some tasty guitar work by Fripp. Still, this track is an unedited short version of the original song. It was released on the single 'Cat Food/Groon'. 'Groon' was never released on any studio album of them. It was taken from the single 'Cat Food/Groon'. This is a cut down studio version of an equally strange free form jazz improvisation. It's actually not very interesting in its own right, as it's a jazzy, improvised piece that comes across as a throw away. 'Coda' from 'Larks' Tongues In Aspic' (Part1)' is a short extract from the album with the same name. It begins with a long percussion introduction before entering a hard rock section introduced by a slowly violin that becoming more prominent until the end of the song with a dramatic final. This is probably their best experimental song and is absolutely brilliant. 'Moonchild' from 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' starts as a peaceful ballad, but after few minutes it changes to a free instrumental improvisation that lasts until the end. It's probably the most prog track on that album and it's also one the most difficult to listen to. Still, this version is a very short extract. 'Trio' from 'Starless And Bible Black' is the most serene song on that album. This is an instrumental piece composed for violin, bass guitar and mellotron with the sound of a flute. The performance is perfect which gives to us a nice and relaxing piece of music. 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' from 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' became with 'Epitaph' one of the best and most beautiful symbols of prog rock. It represents a hymn to prog music.

Conclusion: 'The Young Persons Guide To King Crimson' is an excellent compilation of King Crimson. All their studio albums released in the 70's are represented, at least with one song, with the only exception of their third studio album 'Lizard'. In relation to the selection of tracks I sincerely think it was excellent and very representative of the group, at the time. But, the decision of include 'Cat Food' and 'Peace' from 'In The Wake Of Poseidon' instead the title track, is apparently incomprehensive. However, and despite that, I decided to rate this compilation with 3 stars. It's true that it could have been better, but nevertheless, it has an excellent selection of tracks. So, if you aren't very familiar with King Crimson's music of the 70's, this compilation works very well and is an excellent introduction to the band. However, as happen with almost all compilation albums of prog rock bands, it doesn't substitutes the original albums.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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