DAMAGE - LIVE (WITH ROBERT FRIPP)

The heading is a misnomer. This is not simply a David Sylvian album, NO, it's much much more. You get enough Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto to give the impression that something more is going on. I love Sylvian's solo albums, but this collaboration is distinctive and powerful, eschewing his mainly ambient melancholy for cKrimsonian might and crashing bravado. Oh, how I wish this had been a King Crimson reformation. Three or four studio discs, a live disc and then quit. OUT with Adrian Belew's poppy and oh- so-American vocals and IN with the master of suave, sexual and languid whispers of David Sylvian. Additionally, Michael Brook's infinite guitar is the perfect understatement to Fripp buzz saw sustain. Musically delicious.

Most of the disc offers The First Day in a live format, but the tunes are more enticing and raw played before an audience. The mood seems electric, pulsing with Mastelotto's kick drum. Trey Gunn's touch guitar keeps the whole endeavour grounded, but he occassionaly reaches skyward and offers snippets of melody and fills the spaces with a deft flurry of notes. The band covers a few of Sylvian's solo material, but remember, Fripp has guested on quite a few. His presence is more central to the music on this recording.

This is, basically, a must have for any Crimson/Sylvian afficionado. Modern music played extremely well and hitting on all cylinders. It don't get any better than this.

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