THE COLLECTABLE KING CRIMSON - VOL. 1 (LIVE IN MAINZ, 1974 + LIVE IN ASBURY PARK, 1974)

Another 70s era live experience! Just when you thought there was no more to write about the 70s era of KC, this hits the market. However, this one has alot to offer. Two sets, one in Mainz and the other in Asbury Park (with most of the tracks seemingly the same from the USA album), and its all top notch King Crimson. As par with this group, the musicians seem on a whole other level with their ability to play and astound, even though many of the songs are on countless other albums. I'll being with Live In Mainz, 1974:

An awesome set (my favorite of the two) where the improvs and unreleased (at least in a more accessable package) Dr. Diamond steal the show. First off Dr. Diamond, a schizofrenic, paranoid rocker. Wetton does a great job on vocals, and Mr. Bruford is great on drums. I consider this to be a lost gem of the band (being as far as I know, its only other release was on The Great Deciever live box set). A must hear for Crimsonheads! The improvs and numerous and great. Starting off with a maelstrom that is The Savage. One of my favorite improvs KC has made (and they made alot). Violent, loud, and expertly crafted. Following that comes Arabica. Probably my least favorite from the album, but still alot to offer. The one thing I enjoy from the improvs, is that it keeps the album sounding fresh, especially in this case being there are so many. The next one up is Atria, starting soft but building up quite nicely. Fripp lays down some awesome lines and Bruford is again worth mentioning on this track as he does a stellar job matching Fripp's madness. The final improv is Trio, a track known of the album Starless And Bible Black, but its nice to have on here as well. Aside from the improvs, a faboulous rendition of Exiles and Easy Money, top off this album beautifully. On to disc two:

Live In Asbury Park, NJ 1974. Very reminiscent of the live album USA (and i believe reading that most of the tracks for that album were taken from this concert, if the track Asbury Park wasn't enough of a giveaway). However, there are a few diferences. First off, the entire track of the improv Asbury Park is present here, which is much appreicated. Often called Crimsons best improv, and with good reason. Also, there is a longer verison of Easy Money, which is also quite good. Even if you own USA, having LIAP is a must, even if its just for these two tracks. However, fine reditions of Starless, Fracture, and 21st century...can also be found here.

All in all, this is a must for Crimsonheads. Also, if you don't already own USA this is a much better purchase (as I feel this leaves USA obselete). Sometimes the songs repitition is a little much (case in point Lament, a good song but a little much twice). A very solid overview of 70s Crimson, with great improvs to boot. 4.5 stars.