STARLESS AND BIBLE BLACK

For me this is KC's best 'studio' album. It really gets a high abstraction level, with a great live improv selection. It makes me think if it has to be considered a studio album, because there are only 2 complete 'studio' versions (TGD and Lament). However, there's no sound difference between the studio and live tracks; they all sound as good as ever. For me (although I know many reviewers would not agree), the best improvs are "The mincer" and "We'll let you know" (I think the other ones are also excellent, but I feel they particularly create great abstract atmospheres). S&BB is an excellent combination of compositions and improvs: "We'll let you know" is well placed after "The great deceiver" and "Lament" whole exaltation; and what clould be better than a silent introduction and a relaxed melody like "The night watch" after the power of "We'll let you know"? Followed by "Trio" it becomes a 10 minute break before coming again to the abstraction (the edited "The mincer", which I would know if it comes from the 'lost' part of "The law of maximum distress", and an abreviated "S&BB"). And then we find the best way to end an album: "Fracture"; I won't write anything about this... better listening to and then think about it... so great. It's a pity the following incarnations didn't play it again ... but at least now we have four great versions (Amsterdam-studio, Toronto, Asbury Park and Providence). At the moment I'm still waiting for more late-1973 live material.