RED

Hey everyone, time for yet another prog review. What album is it now? Well, if you are looking at your screen correctly you will see that it is the 7th studio album by King Crimson and the last one before Robert Fripp decided to disband the band until 1981's Discipline, the album's name is of course Red. Just like on my previous reviews, I will again point out what I like and don't like about it. However, before that I will be giving a bit of a background to the record and its players or musicians. So, the album was released in 1974, with essentially the same lineup as the previous albim (Bruford, Fripp and Wetton all came back) but Cross did not (he does make a guest appearance on the album though) as I believe that they decided it was best for him to leave the band (not so sure why and if it was a good idea). Sonically, I feel that there were some similarities (guitar, bass tone, violin and improv) to the previous 2 albums but also some differences (jazzy bits). Musically and approach wise, King Crimson is and was always changing but also staying the same (if that makes any sense). Enough of my talking, so what do I think of the album??? Let's get the review going no??

Here is the track listing for 1974's Red by King Crimson

1) Red - Musically, this song sounds like it could be a precursor to grunge rock (not a fan of the genre though) as it really sounded pretty modern for 1974. The guitar riffs are a bit too repetitive but it has a bit of a groove and it's a good instrumental. Surprisingly so the repetitive nature of the song doesn't really bug me. I don't think it is perfect but it certainly is not a terrible way to start the album. 8/10

2) Fallen Angel - I am not really a big fan of this track (with the exception being Wetton's vocals and Bruford's drum fills). It's a decent song but the jazzy bits seem a little out of place for me. The chorus has a rather out of place jazzy bit as it doesn't sound particularly good to my ears (maybe it's the fact that Crimson's jazz fusion sound never really appealed to me??). Not a bad track though. 7/10

3) One More Red Nightmare - This song used to be a favorite on the album for me but now it seems rather dull (the percussion sounds a little cringy to my ears). The jazzy bits are kind of annoying. It too is not a terrible track but it is also not something that I am particularly fond of. 7 /10

4) Providence - Experimental improv recorded live in Providence, Rhode Island (hence the name of the track). It is yet another jam session gone terribly wrong (at least to my untrained ears lol). Some parts actually sound like a cat is getting strangled (maybe that's the point? I don't know). It does nothing to or for my ears. It straight up rips from Starless and Bible Black. 2/10

5) Starless - Ahh, this one. The epic song of the album (can one actually call a 12 minute song that? Probably, a mini epic perhaps?) but it is not a real favorite of mine. The first half is actually pretty darn good and memorable but the second half of the track is a bit iffy for me (sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I don't really enjoy it, don't know if that makes sense, music is weird like that lol) because even though it builds up in intensity it is also really repetitive and full of cacophony (maybe that was the point of the track??). I don't like this track as much as say The Cinema Show by Genesis but I can certainly see why someone would. Not a bad track or way to end the album and 1970's King Crimson. 8/10

Overall, Red is a pretty good album but to me it is definitely not a masterpiece as many claim it to be. It also strayed somewhat away from what King Crimson is supposed to be about (aren't they supposed to push the boundaries??). Robert Fripp decided to disband this band after this release (gee, I wonder why??) Yet another 3 star and lukewarm album for the Crimson King (6 of 7 the albums in the 1960s/1970s were 3 stars) for me. Peace out!!!!!!!!!!