DISCIPLINE

My initial impression of Discipline was one of dissatisfaction and nearly shock. I had heard prior to buying the album that King Crimson had embraced the new wave sound, but I didn't really know what that meant. I had always thought of King Crimson as two bands; the bombastic, symphonic and jazz-influenced Crimson of the 60s and 70s, and the electronic, cutting-edge, and jazz-influenced Crimson of the 90s.

Though I had heard of the "new wave" Crimson, I still had hopes of Crimson being one or two of the previous eras mentioned, perhaps because I usually don't like it when a band I get accustomed to drastically changes their sound. So, when I first heard Discipline, I was displeased to say the least. I cast it aside and turned back to Red and In the Court of the Crimson King for awhile. But some forum members (you know who you are;) ) kept talking about how great Discipline was, and I gave it another listen. I was impressed! How I ever simply disregarded Discipline just because it is different is ridiculous, and I am a bit embarrassed to admit it.

The best way I can generally describe the sound of Discipline is either laid back, evolving jams or driving, jazzy rhythms. The drums are very crisp and the guitars are the most evidently "new wave." They sound very similar to those used on many Police albums. This is certainly a clear change from the King Crimson sound of the 60s and 70s, but is simply different, not better or worse in my opinion.

Another notable difference between Discipline and the earlier King Crimson albums, especially Red, is the overall lack of dissonance, with the exception of the superb "Indiscipline." This is fitting, and I feel Discipline would be too awkward if the was a permeating dissonance throughout the album.

"Elephant Talk," "Indiscipline," "and Thela Hun Ginjeet," are the up-tempo tracks and all are very catchy and upbeat. "Elephant Talk" is even quite humorous, noteworthy because King Crimson (Robert Fripp, more or less) have always taken things quite seriously up until now. The slower tracks are "Matte Kudesai" and "The Sheltering Sky," two excellent "chill-out" songs (!) that are very soothing and a bit hypnotic. "Discipline" and "Frame by Frame" fall somewhere between the fast and slow tempo songs and both are very well done. I especially like the brisk picking patterns of "Discipline."

I do not think Discipline is King Crimson's best album, but a great album nonetheless. It is certainly overlooked by some Crimson fans, and unjustly so. I do not suggest starting a King Crimson collection with Discipline, but be sure not to forget it! It may take some time and a good number of listens, but Discipline reveals itself as a modest masterpiece.