LIZARD

After the guest appearance by jazzman Keith Tippett on their previous album, Crimson decided to get a whole ensemble of jazz guests for this one, making one of their most off-the-wall album ever! Lizard doesn't get nearly as much attention as others, perhaps because it lacks a great characteristic vocalist like Lake, Wetton or Belew. With that said Haskell does a fine job, and his voice is actually quite similar to Wetton's. Much of the album is similar to their first two, with sweeping neoclassical mellotronic euphoria (Lizard, Circus), a soft ballad (Lady of the Lake), and bluesy tracks (Indoor Games, Happy Family). It is also additionally enhanced by the omnipresent woodwinds and brass by the guest musicians, but somewhat spoilt by dated sound effects, especially on the two bluesy tracks. None of this material is really appalling, but "Circus" and "Lizard" in particular stand out as some of the best collections of sound waves the band has ever recorded, with a free improvised feel over beautifully composed melodies, and amazing playing by Fripp. Essential.