THE YOUNG PERSONS GUIDE TO KING CRIMSON

Though I am not the keenest man regarding compilation albums, there are some releases that I actually recommend, due to its wisely chosen tracks, one of them is this one, entitled "The Young Persons Guide to King Crimson" which includes 15 representative songs taken from the 69-74 era, from In the Court? to Red, so this is a nice guide to people who are not familiar with KC's first years, or a cool compilations for those who love these eras and does not really feel attracted by their post 80s music.

Here you will have a feast of that classic and truly original progressive rock, made by (IMHO) the best progressive rock band ever, with musicians that have left their roots, a legacy in this particular realm. Here, one can listen to the voices of Greg Lake, John Wetton or Buzz Burrell; the winds of Mel Collins or Ian McDonald, the percussion of Michael Giles, Bill Bruford or Ian Wallace; and the strings of Robert Fripp (when not), Peter Giles or David Cross, and I am sure I am missing some musicians. So it is like going back not really to the roots, but to the fields of gold this band built in their first years, in which by the way, the line- up changed in several times.

The album opens with "Epitaph", which must be one of their most representative songs, and one that really touches our nerves due to its beautiful lyrics written by Peter Sinfield. Later you will listen to tracks such as "I Talk to the Wind", "Ladies of the Road", "Book of Saturday", which have that oldie sound, with a delicious mixture of rock and jazz, in which the mood changes all of a sudden and several passages are created in our minds. You will also find a couple of tracks from Red, the title track and "Starless", the first one leading to a heavier sound, while the second has to be one of the most awesome songs ever created in this musical genre.

This guide finishes with "In the Court of the Crimson King", which is a very good track to finish a good compilation album. My final grade may not matter, one may say this is a very strong album that deserves 5 stars, others that it is just for collectors, I will give it 3 stars, and I can say I like it and recommend it.

Enjoy it!

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