DISCIPLINE

Updated 2020 : Real Progressive artists don't stay in one musical place, and Robert Fripp/King Crimson have certainly not been known to standing still artistically. This album burst upon us in 1981, and it was pretty much a total reinvention for KC , sounding more like a science-fiction version of The Talking heads than anything else. Bold, fresh, and timely, it moved music forward and kept the band relevant, when so many of their peers had caved to commercial pressure. Important then, and still important as a landmark today, 40 years later. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Imagine walking into a record store in 1981, and the first thing you see is a 12 inch by 12 inch crimson red LP cover centered with a large Celtic knot. Discipline's artwork is quite striking, simultaneously simple and complex, a reflection of the nature of the music held within. King Crimson had been on hiatus for seven years, and aside from the expected Brits Bill Bruford and Robert Fripp the other half of the band were now American. Adrian Belew and Tony Levin were certainly know entities, with extensive musical experience held between them, but just how would this hybrid sound ? The answer was, very different from all previous editions, but somehow still very...shall I say...Crimson ! Dual guitars weaving intricate patterns, sometimes together, at other times in opposition. Levin's Chapman stick rumbling below, but then again at times knitting within the other player's explorations. Bruford's stick- work mostly limited to the lower kit, with only the occasional firework cymbal thrash lashing out above. Amidst the seeming chaos an organized rhythm lies, it's there, but not easily realized. One two three four, one two three, one two three four five, one two three... like an arrhythmic heart it keeps the beast alive. How these musicians manage to shape songs out of this stuff is amazing. They convey incredible beauty ( Matte Kudasai ) , raging madness ( Indiscipline ), clinical precision ( Discipline ) and fearful danger ( Thela Hun Ginjeet ). This recording represents one of several peaks Fripp and co. have attained, and their life is still evolving. It was a masterwork in it's time, and if it were a contemporary release I think it would still be given such high regard.