IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON

Thanks to the Almighty that when I first listened to this album I was pure and sinless - centuries ago, and I made no association between "In the Wake of Poseidon" and previous and famed debut "In the Court of Crimson King". I simply sat and enjoyed the songs, but I expected to hear something like the band's debut and became a bit disappointed - things were not the way I wished they were. Many years later, ripe and sinful I heard it again and I liked although it was not my cup of tea (or coffee). Then I noticed more clearly the changes in the band's line-up and a certain parity with the other album; but still I continue liking this one.

The songs are: 'Peace - a beginning' a very short poem-song acting as an introduction to the nervous 'Pictures of a city', with a hectic start, with a jazz-like sound alternating with a kind of fusion melody and vocal, not easy if one is more interested in only cleaning the mind. Good appreciation only possible after continuous hearings.

'Cadence and cascade', where the atmosphere changes completely to a calm and soft rhythm, the vocal, not by Lake, is suitable and there are parts on piano, flute and acoustic guitar simply lovable. Now one may clean the mind!

'In the wake of Poseidon', the title-track is a very pleasant song, with good Lake's vocals and a very catchy refrain, backed by great mellotron tunes. Drums seem to be higher than the normal which spoils the overall atmosphere.

'Peace - a theme' adds few to the album but interestingly sounds much like Genesis' 'Horizons' - a song that I listened before this, and serves to introduce to another nervous song, 'Cat food', this time more rocky than jazzy with excellent singing and with guitars providing a hard background.

'The devil's triangle' does here what 'Moonchild' did in the previous album. It is tough, complex, experimental, but with certain amazing passages but I think that the general result is below the average; all that jam finishes in 'Peace - an end', with prayer-like vocals closing the album.

King Crimson is surprising as ever, the musicianship is fine, the production is fair and for each new listening there's always something new not gathered previously. I recommend to hear and hear again and while hearing to catch the cover and appreciate the agreable art work. I rate this work as being essential to understand King Crimson's history, but not a masterpiece, so it's an excellent addition to any prog collection. Total: 4.