RED

I checked this album out quite a bit ago, and I'm incredibly happy with it. I wasn't too big of a Crimson fan before since the debut was my first taste, and even though I warmed up greatly to it, I felt that there was nothing more to explore. So, one day I happened to find this in the store and remembered how highly revered this album is in prog circles, so I decided to get it. Now, I'm pretty happy about that, and I've gotten more KC albums, all of which are of pretty high quality. Of course, they don't really match up to this one.

To start, each and every track merits high praise; from the opener instrumental Red, to Fallen Angel, to One More Red Nightmare, to the improvised live Providence, to the closer Starless, this album boasts quality. Providence is my least favorite, and I hear the least favorite of nearly everyone else, but it's still very good, especially considering it was a live improv. The first three tracks are all great, containing some of Crimson's most famous and well-composed material. Of course, the finale is the best on here, though. Starless has everything: a quiet, moody intro, a creepy mid-section with an eerie guitar riff, a chaotic instrumental, and a terrific ending that wraps it up splendidly. One of the best tracks I've heard from the band.