ABSENT LOVERS - LIVE IN MONTREAL, 1984

As a tribute of their 80's period of albums (Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair), this is a very good release. These albums are very much showcased and I actually prefer to listen to this live album more than the original releases, which I rarely even get out and play anymore. I never really got into this 1980's trio period of the King Crimson saga- many songs sound the same to me and seem to be lacking inspiration. Many on the albums are also dated, especially on Beat. However, the treatment they receive here is superior and full of fine energy and some extended improvisations. No moment is wasted here and there is a good mix of slower and louder, funkier tracks. The only dissapointment is the version of "red" which I don't prefer to the original, unlike the rest of this set. As a monument to this period of KC- 5stars. However, since this is my LEAST favorite period of KC- only 4 stars.