LIVE IN MAINZ, GEMANY 1974

It's still morning here when I am writing this review and it's raining. I have been running a personal project since two months ago: converting the CD collection that I have to 320 bit rate MP3 in order to make the music mobile, not carrying the physical CDs that are too heavy and space-hungry. After all, how can I do my regular cycling with bunch of CDs at my pannier? No way! I have to compromise it with my ears to accept whatever best sound coming out from my iPod. So I initiated the project and it's so tiring because too many already ini my collection. I start to think selling some of non-progressive CDs ....maybe.

This time is the time to convert all the King Crimson CDs. I was playing the music also when the PC did the ripping into MP3. I started with Lizard, In The Wake of Poseidon. In The Court ....and finally I got this 'Live in Mainz' which I think is one of the best King Crimson live records. Well, actually almost all of King Crimson records are excellent - especially if you a the Crimson lover. If you are the fan of KC I don't think you have the rationale for not buying this excellent concert with classic line-up and classic compositions. Oh man ... I really enjoy this concert very much and I repeated the album in its entirety because I love it. Yes there are many improvisations as you can see from the songs list ... But ...trust me, the improvisations are really excellent especially if you have Crimson mind and heart. I cannot believe with my ears listening how great these four gentlemen played their music. Awesome!

It started with Improv: The Savage (2:12) which basically the instrumental exploration of the four members and it serves the stage for next tracks. Dr Diamond (5:48) follows beautifully with great vocals of Wetton combined with jaw dropping Bruford drumwork. Oh man .... Bruford is a really uniqe drummer and fits 100% with King Crimson's music. Of course Mr Cross also provides his stunning violin work supported with howling guitar work of Fripp. Next tracks showcase how brilliant these musicians craft their performance differently from the studio version with improvisation (making new explorative songs like The Savage - Arabica) and modify their basic tracks but maintaining the tagline melody. Even, I can bet you if you are not KC lover but you have great attitude about prog music, you would definitely enjoy this musical exploration. It's really an excellent record!

Oh my God .... the band plays classic tracks 'Exiles' beautifully, continued with stunning performance of 'The Night Watch' after exploring with an improvisation track Atria. I tell you, you would really love it. It's classic and it's memorable. The other great talks include 'Starless' with great drumwork with nice 'feel' as the music turns into interlude and slow in tempo. Another favorite of mine Easy Money is also played excellently by the band.

For sure this is a MUST have for prog fans especially those who are fans of this legendary and inventor of progressive music. Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

(I repeat this album three times already this morning)

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