THE COLLECTABLE KING CRIMSON - VOL. 3 (LIVE AT THE SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE, LONDON, 1996)

I've always been a fan of KC's live albums. Before this one, I had listened to some other live albums from the 70's and the 80's line-up, but this record is made by the double trio line-up. (The same line-up which made Thrak). I didn't know how they would manage to perform old KC's hits like "Lark's Tongues in Aspic pt.2" or "21st Century Schizoid Man". But, interestingly, they have pulled off a good live album.

On first hearing, one would pass "Introductory Sounscapes" which is of course a nice track, but I prefer hearing at the ending not in the beginning. The Thrak songs have minor changes, and don't make such a difference to the studio version except the crowd cheering. 80's songs from " Discipline" era have some changes, "Indiscipline" is made a bit longer than the usual, and we have other songs like "Three of a Perfect Pair" and "Matte Kudasai" which are played very good. Actually, I like this versions of "Indiscipline" and "Matte Kudasai" more than the studio version. There is another interesting track, titled "Prism". It's a double-drum solo, and it's a really nice one, too. Made me feel like I'm in a tropical forest with wild cannibals chasing me! Fast and beautiful, this is one of the best drum solos I've ever heard. There's also an improvisation on disc one, titled "Improv I". This one is guitar heavy, no drums at all. Looks like Fripp and Belew were showing off their skills on improvising.( I think Levin or Gunn didn't play anything on this one). Not my favorite Improv, but not bad at all. 70's songs are good. The performance of "Lark's Tongues in Aspic pt.2" is just great. Simply one of the best live versions recorded; Wonderful ending. "Red" is also great. Fripp and Belew always play this one amazingly. The oldest song on the set list..."21st Century Schizoid Man" was not exactly what I expected. This song is one of my all-time favorite songs, I was expecting something stronger than this from the double-trio. Belew's vocals are funny on this one. The "Mirrors" section is performed good(not great) but for me, it lacks energy a bit.

Overall: This live album is a good one. If you are a KC fan(like me) and you like the double trio line up, this double live album is a good choice. 7.5/10