ISLANDS

Of all the KC albums I have heard (note that I have yet to listen to their 80's trilogy), 'Islands' is my least favorite. Truth be told, this line-up just didn't work together. How Fripp accepted to even release this album after three amazing records is beyond me. The first three songs I find to be plain boring, definitely nothing to write home about, while the last three songs are much better. 'Ladies of the Road' has a Beatlesque approach to it (especially the vocals in the chorus) and Prelude : Song of the Gulls and Islands are beautiful pieces of classic inspired music. Very good melodies and well written songs.

Half a good album is not much, especially from the Crimson King. Good thing the line-up changed for Lark's Tongues, with which Fripp came back from the nether.

Not completely bad, but in my opinion, not essential.