Re: King Crimson

[metlay <mpmst1@unix.cis.pittsburgh.edu>]

King Crimson were responsible for launching art rock, heavy metal, progressive
rock, and at least one or two other fields. They date back to 1970 or so, and
at one time or another included Robert Fripp (who rose to fame through Crimso),
Greg Lake, Pete Sinfield, Mike Giles, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, Jamie Muir,
David Cross, and others. They existed in three stages: the first Crimso had a
gooey symphonic sound, with operatic vocals (Greg Lake and Jon Anderson) and
lots of Mellotron. Albums included "In the Court of the Crimson King", "In the
Wake of Poseidon," "Lizard," and "Earthbound." The second half of Crimso's 
early years was rawer and meaner, some of the best rock performances ever:
"Larks' Tongues in Aspic", "Starless and Bible Black," "Islands", "Red" and
"USA". (Many crimsoids consider "Red" to be the ultimate statement of Crimso:
only three musicians, raw and extremely difficult music.) Fripp broke the band
up in 1974 or 1975, and reformed it with Belew, Bruford, and Tony Levin in 1981
with "Discipline", "Beat", and "Three of a Perfect Pair." The band then self-
destructed again. "Beat" and "Three" have some OK stuff on them, but neither
is anywhere near as consistently phenomenal as "Discipline." If you wish to 
own only one definitive album from each phase, get "In the Court of the Crimson
King", "Red", and "Discipline". (and by the way, expect a lot of flamage from
people who won't believe anyone with an IQ over 65 hasn't heard of them.)

Hope this helps.