RED

Red - The title track. They've played this song live a million times, and it never gets old. It's been covered by many bands, that I consider it a standard. Robert Fripp's guitar in this song is simple, yet effective. John Wetton and Bruford are also terrific, and the song is one of the most famous instrumentals in this genre. However, the song has been released on at least 5 of their live albums, and it is ALWAYS better live. After hearing the live one, I just don't like the studio version much anymore. The fact remains that it is a powerful peice of music.

Fallen Angel - Nice softer track, with heavier bits thrown in. Very nice acoustic guitar work from Fripp during the verse, and Wetton's vocals are prettier than usual. The band is very subtle and they work together to create a nice peaceful atmosphere for this piece. Then, Fripp hits his distortion pedal, and the chorus explodes. The song switches time signatures very well, and the horns, guitar, and bass are melodic and powerful. Bruford also adds some very nice fills, and keeps the rythm section very interesting. It is a very nicely constructed peice of music of music, and one of the more melodic tracks they've released.

One More Red Nightmare - This song is the opposite of the track that came before it. The band members are really rocking here, and we have a very upbeat track, that is easy for anyone to enjoy. It has a very jazzy feel to it, and the horns definetely emphasize that. Fripp busts out some interesting guitar here, while Wetton and Bruford create an almost groovy rythm section. The band as a whole give this track an incredible vibe, and it's one of the more accessible tracks on the album. Only problem is, it ends abruptly. This sort of messes up the flow of the album for me.

Providence - King Crimson are known for fantastic improvs. The musicians in King Crimson have always been able to communicate, and feed off each other to create wonderful, and listenable improvs. Providence is easily one of their worst improvs. It's definetely one of their weaker improvs, and easily the weakest track on the album (fortunately the only weak track.) The track isn't that bad, but the first half of it is just noodling, and filler. The song starts of quiet, and builds up, but it never truly climaxes. It just gets noisier, and the drums kick in, but suddenly dies down. It fails to take off anywere, so I usually skip this one (and you probably will too.)

Starless - This song is a mix of all the different moods the album has to offer. The album can rock (Red), it can be pretty and melodic (Fallen Angel), and it can make you want to tap your foot and dance (One More Red Nightmare). This song, does all of these things, and also ends the album extremely well. A very pretty guitar riff from Robert Fripp, and some very nice horns during the verse. John Wetton is at the top of his game vocally. Then, the song dies down, and slowly (but surely) builds up, and explodes (which Providence failed to do.) The ending of this track is worth the price of the album alone, and this is arguably the best song in the King Crimson catalogue.

All in all, the album is great (with the exception of Providence). In only five tracks, a good variety of sounds and moods are present, and the instrumentation and vocals are fantastic throughout. The lyrics are also straightforward, and do not take away from the music. This has influenced countless bands (Tool, Primus, etc.) and is essential listening for anyone interested in prog. 5 stars, easily.

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