LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

King Crimson's Larks' Tongues in Aspic was Crimson's first album that featured a stable lineup. John Wetton on bass and vocals, Robert Fripp on guitar and mellotron, and Bill Bruford on drums and percussion formed the core for the next three albums. With the addition of David Cross(violin, viola, and mellotron) for this and the next album (and as a guest spot on the third album) as well as the excentric Jaime Muir on percussion, including found percussion, we have more, and different, depth than Crimson had had in years.

I think that the title piece and its second part (as well as the later third and fourth parts in the next couple of decades) are seminal pieces that shout Crimson to the world. Talking Drum, as well as Easy Money (a concert staple) and Exiles are all excellent.

This lineup would do bigger and better work, up until its disolution. But Larks' Tongue is a great way to kick it out.