ROBERT FRIPP & ANDY SUMMERS: I ADVANCE MASKED

This is an excellent album if judged on its own merits. The listener must carefully discern the style and intent from the artists' more universally known projects, of course King Crimson for Fripp and The Police for Summers. Those expecting a lost King Crimson album will likely be disappointed. Those looking for poppy punky reggae hooks of the Police would likely be let down as well. This is a project for both artists to explore personal artistic freedoms that each man was afforded after showing exceptional talent and artistic endeavour with their main collectives. In my mind, this is a true collaboration as the style of each man is evident after digesting it all. This definitely bears resemblance to the experimental ambient tape loop albums Fripp would release during the '80's as well as the path Summers would cut on albums like Mysterious Barricades and The Golden Wire. Enthusiasts should know before listening this is a terrific album if judged accordingly. China - Yellow Leader really exemplifies this mode of thought and in my mind is among the strongest material each man has recorded through their lengthy careers. 4 stars.