EPITAPH

Wait... why is this called 'Epitaph' if it's trailed by one of the most groundbreaking songs of all time?

The title track 'Epitaph' itself is a good balladesque-type song with an excellently orchestrated climax. Seeing as the album these songs are coming off is a classic right off the bat, it's hard to ignore the quality of these songs. But firstly, it's quite easy to get the album itself and listen to these songs as well as three more, and secondly; the marketing (title) of this seems extremely awkward.

While all of the songs (even the extended jam on 'Moonchild' are good and intelligent) are intelligent and filled with quality, I've always found the first and last songs to be the definitive highlights. 'Epitaph' might be easier for a commercial listener to digest, but still, as far as King Crimson goes, the pursuit of a commercial listener seems a bit fargone.

I know uttering that statement of "Creating prog rock" is due to cause lots of controversy, but it's used for effect, not argument ;). I really find this release odd. Seven years after the release of the undoubtedly groundbreaking In the Court of the Crimson King, during a hiatus no less, the band found it appropriate to release a single from their 1969 album. Of course the two tracks chose, the phenomenal Epitaph and defining experimental track 21st Century Schizoid Man, are both superb track selections. But for a single? One that was most likely attempted to be played on radio? These songs aren't what I would call "commercially friendly," as most King Crimson isn't. That is why this truly is an odd release.

Sadly I denounce this as a money grab for Island Records. My only explanation for this post- release single, and not even a few weeks after the release to feed off the hype, but 7 years after the release, is an attempt for the label to suck a bit more cash out of a successful album while a band is no longer making money for the label. In the end, although these tracks are in fact some of the best showings in classic prog, as all the tracks of the band's iconic debut are, this single is quite useless. For one, Epitaph is the lead single, which is dwarfed by the might of the B-side 21st Century Schizoid Man. Two, every person who would like this music most likely already owned the whole album and most of the other albums the band had released. Three, not very many radio stations would be willing to play such experimental and uncommercial music. In the end, the music is good, the release is not. 3- stars.