LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

This happens to be the first King Crimson album that I ever listened to, and what a strange one it is. The only reason why I am not giving this five stars is because that I think it might be a little inaccessible for some and Wetton's vocals sound strained in the higher register on Book of Saturday, Exiles, and Easy Money. Besides that, I think this is one of my favorite albums and definitely one of the most creative albums I've ever heard. The Lark's Tongues in Aspic suite is just great. I love when the violin comes in with that driving riff before the distorted guitar part kicks in. Book of Saturday is just a beautiful tune, showcasing Fripp's sense of touch on the guitar. I like Exiles a lot, too, but Easy Money is, pardon the pun, easily the single off this album. The lyrics in the song are great, and you've gotta love Wetton's bass tone. It's just so freaking punchy and growly. King Crimson was lucky to have a handful of great bassists play for them, but Wetton is my favorite (just inching out Tony Levin). Wetton just had a style that was ballsy, in-your-face, and aggressive; it gets me every time, especially on the Red album. Anyway, this early seventies incarnation of King Crimson is my favorite, along with the modern day Crimson. Both of these lineups give the middle finger to accessibility and try not to push the envelope, but go to war on it. I love this album, but I find myself listening to Red and Starless and Bible Black more because I think those were more mature albums that continued to explore the sound that was created in this monumental album.