LIZARD

Although a difficult listen at first, after repeated listens the brilliance of this album is revealed. Even though Haskell doesn't have very good voice compared to Wetton or Lake, the lyrics on this album are so creative and at times absolutely hilarious that I can't help but absolutely LOVE this album (The especially funny "Indoor Games" makes me burst out laughing every time.) Circus is a wonderful opener with it's inventive and beautiful lyrics and that absolutely terrifying instrument that kicks in with the drums at each of the songs' many climaxes. (I have no idea what it is, but I love it) Indoor Games, as I mentioned earlier, I find utterly hilarious. Happy Family is my least favorite, probably because I find the voice distortion sort of annoying, but it's tolerable, and the lyrics once again have that obnoxious and strange humor found on the prevoius track. Lady Of The Dancing Water is an instantly appealing track with soft voice and beautiful flutes that was my favorite for the first few listens, but got pushed back after I realized that the other tracks were even better. Lizard is a great finale, with the only weak point being the ending Big Top section, which sort of ruins the overall mood of the song for me. All in all an absolutely essential prog masterpiece that everyone should own, and my favorite Crimson album of them all. (Larks Tongues' following) Straight up 5/5, without a doubt.