LARKS' TONGUES IN ASPIC

I'm not usually into albums where the band experiments and improvises a lot but "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" really blew my prejudices right out of the water. It must have been an amazing time back in the early seventies and the news that Bill Bruford (the drummer for YES) was joining KING CRIMSON must have freaked a lot of people out, and CRIMSON fans must have been on cloud 9 in anticipation of their next album. Well the fans would not be disappointed as "Larks' Tongues In Aspic" would be their best work since their debut. Mellotron is played by Fripp and Cross and used beautifully on the 2 tracks "Exiles" and "Easy Money". Mr.Fripp has stated that he prefers the live versions of the songs of this record over this studio album.

We get started with "Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part One" an instrumental that opens with percussion from Jamie Muir. He gives us various experimental noises for about 3 minutes and then it stops as violin and guitar sounds come in. We get outbursts of guitar and drums that come and go quickly.This sequence happens again followed by percussion and a guitar melody. Drums come in and it all stops around 8 minutes in and we get violin melodies to the end of the song. "Book Of Saturdays" opens with vocals, guitar and bass as violin comes into this mellow song. Some cool vocal melodies from Mr.Wetton. Nice tune ! "Exiles" features various noises for 2 minutes until violin,guitar and drums come in.This is such a beautiful song with mellotron and great vocals. One of my favourites on the album.

"Easy Money" is another favourite of mine. With heavy drums and some cool guitar as vocals come in. Various noises again from Mr.Muir then the mellotron floods in. Great ! We get a funky rhythm and Fripp's amazing guitar as a hypnotic soundscape is produced. The laugh at the end of the song is priceless. "The Talking Drum" opens with different noises followed by percussion followed by violin then by guitar. Talk about building a mood ! The full sound is incredible after 5 minutes. "Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part Two" opens with a riff and drums as the violin comes in and the melody softens. This is another great tune !

This one may be very different from their debut, but it is equally a masterpiece !