BEAT

One thing very obvious with the music of New Crimson is its repetitive rhythm section that sometimes intensify in volume or moves in crescendo. This might reflect the sounds that I have been familiar with in my country through the sounds of traditional instruments we call it as gamelan. Most of you who have visited Bali, an island in my country, might be familiar with Balinese gamelan. That kind of sound that I'm referring to. It's not a matter of the gamelan is used down here with "Beat" but it reminds me to that.

The repetitive Gamelan-like patterns appeared quite strong at "Discipline" album but it is now softer with "Beat". The opening track "Neal and Jack and Me," might represent the album title theme as it resembles the "beat" era at the time. There are quite a lot of improvisational work in this album like those spanning from "Neurotica" to the ominous "Requiem." Belew has matured in this album and he brings his best talent for his pop background. Say, "Heartbeat" in particular. It's probably the most pop stuff which was composed artistically and makes this song is interesting. Gradually, people would accept the new King Crimson music they started venturing from "Discipline" album. Some people might question the musical quality of this album as it seemed like it was released in a hurry. "Beat" was released in June 1982 or 8 months after the New Crimson lineup debut album "Discipline". This might be a strange thing for the band as it kept the same line-up in two albums.

It was funny the first time I bought this album in cassette format where there was Adrian Belew's solo album was used to fill up the leftover of Side 2. I liked one song of his solo: "Adidas in Heat". Oh yeah, it's a pop music but it's nice and funny. I then appreciated Belew's work with King Crimson. My version is the 30th Anniversary Remastered CD. If you love the band, you should have this one. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild.- GW