LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

Larks' Tongue in Aspic is one of the most consistent albums King Crimson ever recorded, along with Starless and Bible Black. Whereas their past albums always had one or more noticeable flaws-for example "Moonchild," which mars the otherwise stunning In the Court of the Crimson King and Red-Larks' Tongue doesn't tread this well-worn road. All of the tracks are stylistically different, but the album holds together well. The violin era of Crimson is ushered in with both sad melodies and atonal madness, indicative of the forthcoming years. I find Larks' Tongue in Aspic to be a bit more exotic and worldly than most other King Crimson albums, but an album can hold different meaning and significance for different people.

The two sections of the title track which bookend the album are vastly different. Part I encompasses many mood changes from soft and meditative to all-out chaos. The use of mellotron and various devices give the song an Eastern and exotic feel, while jarring, unsettling violin melodies and bursts of distortion upset the mood.in a good way. Part II is more of a straight-forward rock song, with a somewhat less random song structure than Part I. There are violin breaks and softer passages, which work to contrast the intense bulk of the song, just as the distorted bursts contrasted the soft in Part I.

Each other song on Larks' Tongue in Aspic has its own personality. "Book of Saturday" is a soft, minor-key tune with gentle lyrics. "Exiles," my favorite song on Lark's Tongue, begins with various noises and an ominous introduction reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Sysyphys" in a way. The main violin-driven then arises with excellent acoustic picking underlying the main melody. This is one of my favorite Crimson songs and is one of many times where all of the members of the band come together to write a cohesive, brilliant song. "Easy Money" is a churning jam with a rocking opening riff, great improvisation, and appropriate use of the mellotron. "The Talking Drum" starts off as a desolate and sparse atmospheric piece, then, starting with a simple hand drum, instruments are added. After time, tension builds until the whole thing blows over!

Any fan of early King Crimson needs to have Larks' Tongue in Aspic in their collection for it is just as satisfying as any other of Crimson's classic albums.