ROBERT FRIPP & ANDY SUMMERS: I ADVANCE MASKED

In late 81-early 82, the guitarists of Crimson and The Police joined to record their first collaborative effort titled "I Advanced Masked." I bought it on a whim a few years later and didn't enjoy it much in those days. Now it is more enjoyable but mostly as a curiosity than a truly musical fulfilling rock album. The two paint some short and atmospheric tracks of guitar and synthesized guitar sound, leaving some to stand on their own and adding rhythms to others. My favorite is the lovely and longing "Girl on a Swing" which has beautiful repeating note sequences with mild lead licks over the top, quite melancholic. Much of the album is similar; it doesn't vary too much in approach. Sometimes in the heavier moments like the title track it can sound like a slower, hazier version of 80s Crimson but without the cutting edge bass and drums it lacks bite. The moods are somewhat cloudy and immersed in flowing washes and swirls. It's an album I enjoy more as background music and doesn't inspire much passion. The fantastic album cover is my favorite thing about it, and somehow or other I managed to acquire a poster of this album cover which adorns the basement wall. So while I don't play it often, I gaze at the cover every day. Recommended for fans of Fripp solo projects to check out, but others may be less than overwhelmed. Far from essential in my opinion but worth checking out if you can find it without spending a lot.

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