USA

A few years ago Robert Fripp his Discipline Global Mobile label re-released early King Crimson CD's in a wonderful package with a hardboard cover, a 12-page booklet and bonustracks (the 30th Anniversary Editions). The live LP USA always has been my favorite King Crimson album because it contains many of my favorite songs and very few tracks that can be described as 'organised chaos' or 'cacasymphonic' (the experimental and complex part of KC I disgust) like Fractured, one of the 3 bonustracks on this re-issue. The booklet features lots of articles (including the shocking announcement from Fripp that "King Crimson have ceased"), reviews ("Play it loud") and pictures (like from the 'Schaefer Music Festival'). The music delivers King Crimson at their pinnacle: propulsive, inventive and dynamic drumming from Bill Bruford, agressive and powerful bass work and wonderful, very distinctive vocals from John Wetton, 'chainsaw-like' guitar runs and compelling Melllotron waves from Robert Fripp and beautiful violin play (along keyboards) from David Cross. The one moment the music is mellow with soaring Mellotron, the other moment very agressive or complex featuring amazing interplay and virtuosic soli. One of the highlights is the bonustrack Starless, an absolute All Time Top 10 Progrock Composition. First a dreamy start delivering wailing violin, moving Mellotron, warm and melancholic vocals. Then gradually swelling and ominous with slow but powerful bass runs and twanging electric guitar, shivers down my spine! Halfway the music erupts heavingly and turns into agressive with howling, often very biting Fripperian guitar (also replacing Mel Collins his saxophone on the studio LP), this is King Crimson at their best!