STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

It's an impressive feat for a band to release two masterpieces in an entire career. To release two masterpieces back-to-back is even more amazing. But to release two masterpieces in a single year (!) is something that only King Crimson could do.

I bought this album with trepidation, hearing that it wasn't as good as the excellent "Larks' Tongues" album, or the astonishing "Red" album. After I had given it two spins, I was astonished. THIS was the weak Wetton-era album? Ha. This album is now fighting with Red to be my second favorite progressive rock album ever (nothing beats Thick as a Brick), and I'm pretty sure that it's winning.

The opening track was a hell of a surprise at first. The title of the album, for some reason, evoked feelings of melancholy, and of sadness. The Great Deceiver snapped me out of that in a hurry. Bizarre tempos, and silly lyrics are icing on this excellent rocker.

Lament may be the most underrated Crimson song ever. It's soft, it's heavy, Wetton's singing is great for a change, and Fripp and Co. are once again excellent.

Tracks 3-7 are mostly jams. With the exception of the title track, they are short enough, and varied enough to sustain interest. We'll Let You Know and The Night Watch are especially great.

The album closes in amazing fashion with Fracture. Wow. I really can't describe this track well enough to do it justice. It's heavy, it's beautiful, and it's scary. Much like the entire album.

In conclusion, if you like Wetton-era Crimson, you probably have this already. Crimson's heavy side has never sounded better. Easy 5/5.