ISLANDS

Beautifull album. Slow and soft development of the pieces. The people who know the other pieces of KC will know there's also a soft side to KC's music, but this is an album that entirely revolves around soft and gentle musical pieces, with only some parts that bring out the more rough and heavy moments KC is renowned for. If you're not familiar with King Crimson don't start with this album, for it's not the best introduction to the band.

Formentara Lady sets the tone for the album, with soft soothing tranquill music that floats through the speakers and a soft voice almost whispering above the silent sounds. really brilliant, drop the volume and drift away on the calm waves.

Sailor's Tale picks up some speed, but remains in line with the previous song, with beautifull drum/bass rhythms and fabulous saxophone play. Halfway Fripp diverts with his guitar from the underlying rhythmic motifs. This is awsome music.

The Letters after the slow increase in power on the previous song, one would expect that line to be continued, but no. Krimson drops back to very soft antiques again, only augmented with one or two bursts of power.

Ladies Of The Road Wonderfull song, some beautifull changes and typical King crimson heavy pieces incorporated in this funky song.

Prelude; Song Of The Gulls breathtakingly beautifull classic sounding piece, no drums or bass as far as I can tell enter this song, just soft symphonics. Brilliant.

Islands The title song of the album, and again the heavy parts of KC are left out, focussing on slow sad natural flowing music, with a soft voice, and beautifull piano play.

Compared to the earlier albums, and certainly to the later offerings Islands stands alone as the most soft and tender side of the usual rough edged King Crimson. Fripps guitar is hardly present, and the most intense moments evolve around Mel Collins' saxophone. Beautifull and soft. play it at low volume in a dark envirement, breathtakingly beautifull, but not all will apreciate this gem. Listen before buying.