IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

In The Wake of Poseidon originally released in 1970 was indented to be King Crimson's follow-up to their debut album ITCOTCK. Though oft-criticized for following a formula too close to comfort in comparison to that of their initial groundbreaking release, I've actually found it quite appealing as for giving another perspective of the successful concept that was revealed on the first release. In retrospect, I find Poseidon an important release for a couple of reasons. First two of the albums track "Pictures of a City" and "Mars" (retiled as "The Devils Triangle" on the album) were often performed live by the original 1969 line-up of the group typically closing with "Mars" as a climatic conclusion to their set. The positive reaction giving for both numbers at concerts more than likely inspired Crimso (namely Fripp at this point) to record and release proper studio versions as part of a forth-coming album release. Included on the follow-up was the previously released single "Cat Food" but in it's entirety (the single was released in a shorter edited form) along with several other tracks rounding out Poseidon. Secondly, despite the fact that members where leaving the group left and right at this point Fripp must have felt that Poseidon was a necessity to distinguish the myth that Crimso was coming to an early demise by sustaining interest with fans until a proper reorganization of the group could be established and touring commencing once again. The "Original Master Edition" CD release does a good job at reissuing the original 1970 follow- up LP, which includes the rare single release of "Cat Food" along with it's flip side instrumental "Groon". But one problem I do have with this re-issue is that the title track is cut short fading out to 7:56 while on the original U.S. Atlantic release it originally fades out at 8:26. While half a minute may not seem like a reason to scream bloody murder, it is when you're a big fan of the symphonic sounds of the Mellotron (and you want as much of it as you can get). What you also won't hear on the slightly shorter CD version is Michael Giles' superb double bass drum work as he starts going off right before the complete fade out of the song. Other than that this is a highly recommend CD to any true KC fan who still lacks possession of Poseidon. (4 stars).