USA

Sure I've known King Crimson since about 1989. and own all their 1970s studio albums, but never tried any of their live albums. I was told Earthbound was to avoid, but USA, released after their breakup, was obviously much better. It was recorded towards the end of their existence, so obviously Larks' Tongues in Aspic is the most emphasized album, although only one cut from Starless & Bible Black is represented. If you own the CD reissue, you also get "Fracture" from the same album, as well as "Starless" from the as-yet-to-be released Red (that one was actually meant for Starless and Bible Black, but didn't all fit, although given that album was consisted of short pieces on side one, two or three lesser songs could have been easily removed for "Starless"). "Asbury Park" is exclusive to this album, recorded in New Jersey at the same town famous for Bruce Springsteen. This is an incredible live album that's required for all fans of King Crimson, just get a load of "Larks' Tongues in Aspic Part II", "Lament", and "Exiles". The latter arranged a bit different. I also needs to be pointed out some of David Cross' violin playing was poorly recorded on tape, so Eddie Jobson had to touch it up afterwards. "Asbury Park" is a nice, fun enjoyable jam, but it's really cool to hear the Fripp-Bruford-Wetton-Cross lineup do their take on "21st Century Schizoid", the only song from an earlier lineup, on the album. It's a bit strange to hear John Wetton do a song suited for Greg Lake. At times when I feel King Crimson sound like they spend too much time messing about, on this album they really mean business and avoid some of the bad tendencies that bog down the band (the 3/4s of "Moonchild" being a prime example"). Essential album required in your collection.