USA

When I saw the track list of this live album, I was a bit disappointed because only one song out of their very good album "Red" was featured. Since this record was released in 1975, I would have expected more of it ... There are also no tracks (except "Schizoid") from their first four albums (but those will be covered with the release of earlier live material, much much later).

This live release has a very sound quality (at least on the anniversary edition). It opens with the great "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part II" which was my preferred track from the album. "Lament" was a more difficult one for me, since I prefer their symphonic side, but I have to say that this live rendition is quite good and sounds better to my ears than the studio one.

"Exiles" is a brilliant and symphonic piece of music. Unlike the studio version which opened on a weird two minutes intro, on this live effort we are almost brought straight to the peaceful and melodic part. How brilliant it is ! How I love such numbers ! We are very close to the "Epitaph" atmosphere. Again, I prefer this live version than the original (mostly because of the intro I guess).

Next number is unknown to me (but I am not really a KC die-hard fan). It is more on the edge of their improvisation-jazz-rock numbers. Still, it does not irritates me as much as some of their studio equivalent. Probably because one can tolerate more these type of tracks on a live effort than on a studio album.

"Easy Money" is a typical KC song which leads me from trouble to joy : difficult in its initial phase and melodious in the second half. All in all, again a good number.

No need to say that with the addition of two tracks, the anniversary edition really adds value to the original album. You'll get an additional twenty-six minutes of music including one of their best ever song : "Starless". But "Fracture" comes first. In an extended format. Stronger than in the studio this version is great. The incredible and hypnotic beat works extremely well. A highlight with no doubt.

Another highlight of course, is the closing number of this special edition. How could we not love "Starless" ? Although it looks like we'll get an extended version for it, it stops at 12'30" (almost like the original studio album) and finishes with over two minutes of applauses). A great moment indeed.

Four stars for this very good live album.