RED

This is one of three favorite albums of all times to me, but it has nothing to do with reader's musical taste, right? Why I think this is masterpiece? There are many reasons, fist one is songwriting which is exceptional, for example in song Fallen Angel, and this great lyrics are everywhere followed by grinding, juicy, heart full guitar. Fripp plays music that will influence many great musical acts for long time period. This is where they slowly leave their symphonic period and begin experimental metal-like futuristic sonic adventures. Guitar riffs in composition called Providence are atonal and explorative, not to mention the heaviest bass of all times.

Album starts with weird and beautiful instrumental track; King Crimson plays metal for the first time and riffs are so damn inspiring and infectious, those that can destroy listener with its beauty. Whole track is in form of some heavier psychedelic trip, and this composition probably influenced track called Wedding Nails by Porcupine Tree, and possibly some others.

Fallen Angel has one great mood shift created by guitar and followed by chorus and some horns. Lead melody gets played by these horns and this sound devastatingly beautiful. Then we have short solo and great drumming, and again grinding riffs that make change in rhythm, and playing of all instruments that is very hard to describe: everyone plays his own melody and all pieces perfectly fit: Brilliant.

One More Red Nightmare rocks! There are some powerful percussions and unique guitar sound. I can even dance with this one. But still song has dark name and one excellent mood shift, from funky to dark, and whole song is so linear that nobody can describe it totally, as it is complicated but still accessible. It ends suddenly, like awaking from a dream (in this case from nightmare).

Next song Providence begins with some mystical violins and introduces interesting atmosphere. Than there come some heavy guitar notes and mind blowing bass line. It is wonderful atmospherics instrumental, the most futuristic of all tracks.

Starless is giant song. It made me cry several times, it is dark but warm, sad but full of hope, melody just killed me. First part is slow, melodic orchestrated, and second one starts with sudden repetitive guitar notes that grow and change discontinuously, and there go fascinating drums around, with bass that just beats down all bass players I ever heard. This song than runs to ecstasy, total trans, mind disintegrating delirium. I have no more words.

This album has soul, has image, has great production, exceptional playing. I hope I will hear this few hundred times more in next fifty years or so :-)

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