LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

This was my third King Crimson disk, and it really showed me what prog was all about. Before, I had experience with other bands such as Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, but I was still looking for the type of prog that I liked best. Each of those bands had a place in my favorites, but King Crimson with this album made me into a giant prog head. From the fat tones of Wetton's bass to the subtle brilliance of Muir's percussion to the tour-de-force guitar and drums given by Bruford and Fripp, as well as the excellent violin from Cross, the ensemble was a magical one that would never be matched. The giant climaxes of Larks Tongues in Aspic 1 to the somber tune of Exiles, to the funky masterpiece of Easy Money, to the last endearing climax from The Talking Drum to Larks Tongues Aspic II makes for a nearly flawless album. My only minor dislike is Book of Saturday, but it's just quibbling. As a ballad it is quite wonderful, but it doesn't fit on the disk.

If you're looking for an eclectic, heavy prog album, this is about as good as you'll get, besides other KC releases.