LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

I haven't yet written a review for a regular album from the classic Crimso era (1969- 1984, you retards!!). I hadn't owned a copy of Larks Tongues In Aspic until around easter 2004. I was in for a new listen - AND BOY OH BOY WHAT A LISTEN IT WAS!!!!!

A soft marimba intro does its job well but it doesn't set the pace for the album though. In fact, this album is no easy listening at all. Soon, other percussion starts to take force and becomes so powerful, it's necessary for some guitar to step forward. And what an explosion it makes, ladies and gentlemen! The guitar uses so much power, it almost makes the track impossible to take in one dose. Later on, some unintelligible talking and some frantic violin spontaneously combust with some more subdued guitar making this track a definite highpoint in the album.

The award of the best track, however, goes to Book of Saturday. A great love song in which we first hear the vocals of John Wetton in King Crimson. His voice takes a little adjusting to (much like Jon Anderson of Yes), but he does he take good control of the band. The guitar solo is also great. I don't know why, but this song reminds me of that old hit by No Mercy called "Where Do You Go," that was a hit in late 1996 (when I first heard this song!).

The follow-up "Exiles" has more of the feel of In The Wake Of Poseidon. It's a very subtle, very moving track. However, it's my least favorite, but it's still a great track.

"Easy Money" possibly pioneered a lot of 90's alternative rock. You can hear it in Robert Fripp's guitar which he plays with great power. The drums are also very powerful, as well as the lyrics. John Wetton also sounds like he's full of power.

"The Talking Drum" is a slow track that takes a while to find its focus but it is a powerful track nonetheless. What's odd, though, is there are no African sounds on the track.

The last track, "Larks Tongues In Aspic Part 2," bites the first one is the ass and is much more powerful and doesn't feature any fade-outs or subdivisions. In fact, this track is probably the third best track on the entire album.

Five stars for another great drive with Robert Fripp & co.