BEAT

What was it about the eighties that turned seventies prog greats into commercial sounding bands. That may not be a fair statement, but it seemed to infect them all. Even RUSH who started the eighties so well, went from "Moving Pictures" to "Signals" to "Grace Under Pressure" quite a change of style in a short period of time. And so here we are with KING CRIMSON who also started the eighties so well with "Discipline" before changing to a more pop style with "Beat". I still think this is a good release, but I actually think it would be better if it was an all instumental record. Not that I dislike Adrian's singing, I just keep finding myself focusing on Fripp's guitar playing and being so amazed and impressed.

Adrian's vocals are certainly the focus on "Neal And Jack And Me". I like the brief intrumental section before 3 minutes. "Heartbeat" just seems so eighties to me. Hey I was there ! Catchy though. "Sartori In Tangier" has some atmosphere to open before we get a beat with other intricate sounds. More atmosphere after 2 minutes with lots of percussion. "Waiting Man" is again filled with intricate sounds as Belew starts to sing. I like what Bruford's doing before 2 1/2 minutes. Check out Fripp after 3 minutes.

"Neurotica" has sirens, whistles and lots of other sounds as Belew comes in speaking the lyrics at a fast pace. Interesting track. "Two Hands" is a tough one for me to get into. "The Howler" sounds great to open with guitars, bass and drums all working together. "Requiem" is spacey as guitar comes in with some relaxed angular sounds. The guitar does speed up as Bruford and Levin join in. Experimental yes, and the best song on here.

I like this record enough to say it's good, but essential ? No way !