DAMAGE - LIVE (WITH ROBERT FRIPP)

I guess you could call this a stepping stone to KING CRIMSON's comeback album ("Thrak") released 2 years after this.The trio of Fripp, Mastelotto and Gunn who play on this live album would be the core of that "Thrak" record, but instead of Sylvian on vocals we would get Belew. While I think this ("Damage") a really good album I do find it frustrating because there are some killer tracks on here but also songs I just don't like, making this a mixed bag for me.This was recorded live in London, England in December of 1993.

"God's Monkey" is a song I didn't like from the studio album ("The First Day") and it's not much better here except for the atmosphere and guitar after 5 minutes. "Brightness Falls" is also one I dislike until it settles after 4 minutes with atmosphere. "Every Color You Are" is a great sounding tune. It's dark as a beat with reserved vocals comes in. "Jean The Birdman" is catchy with some energy. It's okay. "Firepower" sounds best when the vocals stop around 3 minutes. Love the atmosphere and guitar.

"Damage" opens with atmosphere and laid back keys as fragile vocals join in. It reminds me of NO-MAN. "Gone To Earth" kicks in with vocals right away. "20th Century Dreaming (A Shaman's Song)" sounds really good when the vocals stop before 3 minutes, but even when they return I really like the rest of the song. "Wave" has a relaxing beat as guitar then vocals join in. A good tune. "Riverman" is another highlight for me. It's laid back with vocals. "Blinding Light Of Heaven" is catchy and it kicks in pretty good. "The First Day" is a cool song with atmosphere and reserved vocals.

This is an album that KING CRIMSON fans should really check out. Most like this one a lot. I wish I was as enthusiastic.