THE COMPACT KING CRIMSON

Tracks 1-8: a superb compilation of their 81-84 albums (Discipline, Beat and Three of a Perfect Pair). The tracklist, although not chronological, flows well. Tracks 9-12: King Crimson's 1969 debut album is presented almost in its entirety, except for the improv "Moonchild". The Compact King Crimson is a pretty good compilation to introduce someone to two of the best formations of King Crimson. It isn't perfect because it doesn't contain a single track from their 1970-74 albums (by the way, I'm reviewing the CD version; the double-LP version contains "Cat Food" [70] and "Red" [74]). One must consider, however, that at the 80s Fripp still haven't come to terms with their 70s albums - and that it was released at a time when CDs couldn't have more than 74 minutes. Nevertheless, The Compact KC does very well what it sets out to do: to present the highlights of the 80s King Crimson - and of their first album.