This is why Bruford left YES, cause he wanted to play music like this. Just an incredible album. ITCOTCK, Red, and Larks, are their 3 best albums, imo.
My introduction to John Wetton and Bill Bruford. When I was in seventh grade (1969 - '70) my buddy introduced me to "In The Court Of The Crimson King". We were both blown away. This wasn't our usual AM radio Top 40. It was my first awareness of there being a whole helluva different musical world out there that I just had to explore. We then bought Crimso's albums as they came out until their last album, 'Red'. I saw them on The Midnight Special doing "Easy Money", my favorite track on this marvelous album. It was eye opening, finally putting some faces to names I knew and greatly admired. "Larks' Tongues In Aspic, Part One" is my least favorite song on the album. Too much noodling for my tastes. Kinda like "Moonchild", but at least more interesting. But the rest of the album . . . HOLY SHIT! I really think you're gonna love (most of) this album.
I'm just returning from your full Patreon Reaction, JP. I enjoyed watching your reaction immensely. This album is one of the giants of 1970s golden era Progressive Rock. And it just turned 50 as of Thursday, so almost to the day. This has long been a favorite of mine. _Larks Tongues in Aspic, Part 2_ has been a staple of King Crimson live shows ever since its debut. But for the full appreciation of this track, you need to listen to _The Talking Drum_ and _Larks Tongues, Part 2_ uninterrupted as the two really do segue into each other. Again, great reaction, man! Cheers!
The Talking Drum▶️ Larks Tongues part 2 section is my favourite KC experience. Maybe after a few listens you might change your mind, if not that,s ok too.😇✨ the way they rack up the suspense and then that harsh riff, the fierce drumming, it,s just too good. ☺
Hi JP. Dave from Across The Ocean. Just listened to your reaction to side 1 of this album I haven't heard for yonks. Exiles is the stand-out track for me too. Lovely vocals, violin and guitar, and such a great melody - wouldn't be out of place on Court of the Crimson King. Like you I also like Book of Saturdays - Wetton in fine form as is Fripp and his backwards guitar. Not so keen on LTIA pt 1. Rather episodic, but I agree that Cross's violin section is terrific. He talks about this in the album's feature in this month's Prog magazine, and his influences were indeed The Lark Ascending, as well as Bartok's string quartets. Now for side 2... Now heard side 2, and Book of Saturdays and Exiles are still my faves. Some of side 2 are just too intense for my delicate ears - you're right, self-indulgent - but shout-out to Jamie Muir's percussion and sound effects (which include him sloshing his hands in a bucket of mud!) - he certainly takes a Keith Moon in-your-face approach. Great Jamie story on wiki. He met Jon Anderson at Bill Bruford's wedding, and recommended an Indian book, Autobiography of a Yogi, to him. It supposedly changed his life and led to Yes's Tales from Topographic Oceans. So we have Jamie to thank/blame, depending on your point of view - I will go with 'thank'.
Hey Justin, I believe they would have done most of this record when you saw them live. Easy Money, Larks Tongue and Talking Drum were given a new life with the 3 drummer ensemble. The interaction between them was just fun to watch and listen to. You might have gotten more out of the show if you heard this album before going to the concert. And you can certainly enjoy it again on their live CD/Bluray "Radical Action (To Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind). Great title.
A Groundbreaking album by the Classic Prog masters !! From ripping groves to soft ballads KC style !! Everyone shines here and always innovative sonically, Great Percussion & Allsorts by short time member Jamie Muir who was a great learning experience for Bill Bruford's percussion here on out !! Fantastic Drumming, Ripping and tender Guitar by Fripp, David Cross had his best playing on this KC Classic and John Wetton's Playing is Superb throughout from holding the line to power playing and Ominous Tones !! His singing is great on this album also. This album whole albums songs were played played on their Live tours in 1973-1974' and many are Concert Classics for KC ... Larks Pt.1 and Larks Pt. 2 are huge fan favorites The Talking Drum usually was played leading to Larks Pt.2 in 1973' but not in 1974' Live. Easy Money often changed around Live and Book Of Saturday & Exiles played Live also !! With the last incarnation of KC from 2014-2021' "The Seven-Headed Beast" &and "Three Over Five" lineup years, with these many great players these Classic song were truly played to their Larks glory "Live" !! ... Easy Money/ Larks Pt.1 and Larks Pt.2 are played so well during this Live period of King Crimson !! I suggest getting the Live CDs "Live in Chicago" 2017', "Live in Vienna" 2016', "Music is Our Friend" Live in Washington DC 2021" for the last period of KC and for the Great Bruford Wetton era .... "USA" the expanded edition 30th & 40th Annv., "The Great Deceiver" Box Set (Fantastic !!) and "The Night Watch" from Nov 73' The Larks album is a Must for all KC and Classic Prog fans and needs a few listens for the beginners of this Genre to truly get it all !! 🧐 This Era of KC should be heard Live to really feel them !! 👍🎼🎸🥁🎹🎻🎶✌
Cool cup, Justin. "Lark´s Tongues In Aspic Pt.1" was the first song (better say composition) that I´ve heard from KC. For the whole 13 minutes i sat in front of the radio and were baffled with an open mouth. I understood NOTHING!!! But it opened the door for me to the rooms with the REAL MUSIC. I had no idea why, but i knew THAT was the music i want to hear. At that time i heard 90% music from the charts, a little bit T.Rex, Led Zep and Deep Purple. And then came Lark´s Tongues... If you want an example for real experimental rockmusic, "Larks´s Tongues Pt.1" is THE ONE. They experimented with their instruments, unknown sounds and transitions. The alternation between Wagnerian fullness and the delicacy of Mozart is unbelievable in this track. And the rest of the album is no worse at all. The lyrics were written by Richard Palmer-James (so on "Starless & Bible Black" and "Red"). He later lived in Bavaria (Germany) and wrote soundtracks for german TV-Series. And you are right: "Lark´s Tongues Pt.2" (and "The Talking Drum") are cold and only...heavy.
When my younger was in the Youth Ballet corps of our local company I tried to no avail to her her to choreograph a work to "Larks' Tongue in Aspic, Part 2." I would dream about watching those kids trying to count in 10 or a counter beat of 7.
it's always been difficult for me to enter inside the King Crimson music world but i always wanted to and you actually helped me with this video. Sometimes we need to listen to something with someone else ears to get the feel of it, to understand the artistry. It is indeed a singular/awesome album.
I always imagine the last track is those larks being put down so their tongues can be cooked in aspic; they don't go quietly. There a 4 CD box set of life tracks from the '73-74 period called "The Great Deceiver". The live versions get new life, especially 'Easy Money'. There are also some improvisations live in concert.
@@ronniefarnsworth6465 Absolutely! The Night Watch is worth a listen too, it has great sound as it was meant to provide recorded material for the Starless and Bible Black album. Trio is from that show for example.
@@chefren77 Yes about 75% was used for SABB , Night Watch is fantastic , the Best Live cut of "Easy Money" Bruford & Fripp shine, "The Fright Watch"is the Best Ominous Creepy Powerful Bass Playing by Wetton Ever !! And this Live "Talking Drum into Larks PT.2 is just Great !! KC always better Live !! 👍🎶
One of their best albums for sure. LTIA Pt 1 is (in my opinion) one of the best progressive rock tracks by any band ever. So many contrasts and so inventive, even foreshadowing the expiration of World music well in advance of other bands. You asked if Book of Saturdays was a popular track - probably overlooked by many fans but a real gem for me, agreeing with you that the beautiful soloing by Cross and ppirF makes it special. I also agree with you that LTIA doesn't satisfy. I think the power does not come across on the studio version - it falls short dynamically. But if there were a 'fans' favourite' then this would be it, probably more because it packs a punch live. I'd also urge you to listen to some of the live versions of Easy Money as the middle instrumental varies wildly from show to show. Exiles harks back to the early King Crimson with its beautiful mellotron and even some flute by David Cross.
Phenomenal album. It’s easy to understand why Bill Bruford left YES to join King Crimson, this is on another level and makes YES sound like ‘Pop Prog’ in comparison. Probably my favourite of theirs but depending on how I feel I sometimes prefer their debut album.
Book of Saturdays is one of my favorites. I’m a sucker for backwards guitar as well. Something to think about is the recording process would have been to flip the tape over and musicians would hear the song in reverse and play and record then flip the tape back over and what they recorded would be backwards. I think most musicians ( me included ) just played something then crossed their fingers in hopes that what they played would sound good when flipped back over. But some musicians. Maybe Hendrix, Fripp Brian May had a very good idea of how what they were playing would turn out backwards. The melodies and notes that Fripp plays on this song do not sound like luck.
My favorite KC album by a mile and a desert island disc. At turns frightening and bombastic, lyrical and hushed. The dual drumming of Bruford and Muir was short lived but so effective. Rock and Roll on the edge.
A little surprised at your reaction to this one. It's KC at their most experimental/progressive so it may not be immediate though most fans rate Larks' Tongues part 2 as one of their best. Jamie Muir's additions I found to be the most problematic on first hearing this album, but now they're what makes it stand out as different. I recommend another three listens before you put this one at the back of the pile.
Ok, you're taking me down memory lane on this. It was my first year in college 1983. I loved Bill Bruford. I was hip to Yes, UK, The Bruford Band. Look, I love the avant-garde, duh! When I heard this, it twisted my mind, I was WTF! Bruford said Jamie Muir made him cry. Said he was commercial. This was like Henry Cow. I think experimental music is at its best when it treds between the known and the new. I recommend: Thinking Plague, 5uu's, Univers Zero, Simon Steensland, ( more recently) Poil and Mercury Tree. Check this out. My first time seeing Bruford was with Patrick Moraz in 83 on a riverboat in New Orleans.
Good review, plenty of humour and fun. I kind of think of LTIA as being the original 'Court' album but chucked in a blender with completely unexpected new elements (free jazz, noise, Eastern European folk and even Arabian and Asian textures): utterly original. The first time I listened to it I couldn't make head or tail of it like I could 'Court' and 'Red', it sounded completely bonkers even for Crimson - but over time it's grown to be one of my favourites: the epitome of prog!
Well Justin, since I listened to this whole thing while painting trim in my kitchen, I call it time well spent. So funny to look over at the screen when hearing a particularly jarring part, to see your face. At one point, late in the album, I looked over and thought, “He’s taking refuge in that nice cup of Matcha.” This was my first time hearing the entire album so it was a pleasure doing it with you. Painting is done and a good book beckons.
Justin, when and if, the Spirit moves you, check out and Review, the middle Third Album of this King Crimson Ensemble, Starless and Bible Black. These three Albums are Testament and Atmospheres of Robert Fripp's Dantean Descents .
This was their peak period I guess, Lark's Tongues, Starless and Bible Black and Red. Then Fripp disbanded KC so he could go play crappy solos for Eno 😆
Well...I found it to be interesting, and way ahead of its time, but I didn't really enjoy it that much. Fripp's contributions varied for me, but were generally good, especially so on Golden Hours.
I guess this is the best way possible to beat the blockers. You just hope you still get enough views and likes on the blocked YT video based on folks watching it on Patreon. Although I wonder how long it will be before lawyers for the big music industry giants put enough pressure on Patreon to make them figure out a way to block it there as well. Anyways, as for the music it can't be understated how huge an influence early Mahavishnu Orchestra was on this lineup of King Crimson. Re: lineups, I'd consider this the Mk IV lineup. I: the Lake-Giles-McDonald band, II: the Haskell-McCulloch-Tippett lineup, III: the Boz-Wallace-Collins lineup, then this. But some consider the Wake of Poseidon band transitional. Re: "Book of Saturday", I've never met a KC fan who didn't love it. Wetton played it in his solo shows pretty much right up til the end. Lastly, there's a reason bootlegs of this lineup in concert were hugely popular until the box sets basically mooted all of them. Just like Yes music from this era, this era of King Crimson on stage is whole 'nuther animal, and they knew it. That's why the next album is largely built on live recordings.
I like part 2. I most admit though, I haven't listened to the album version in a while. My goto for King Crimson lately has been the live albums from the 3 drummer lineup of KC. Good chance you heard some of these songs previously when you same them. Easy Money and Larks Pt2 are regulars in the setlist.
I’ll be curious to hear your take on their next album, Starless and Bible Black, my personal fave. I dig the hard abstract stuff though… for me, off this album, LT pt1 - Talking Drum - LT pt2 is the perfect suite.
Great reaction. I think that in time Larks’ 2 will embed itself in your brain. As good as the album is, all of these tracks were much, much better live (with the possible exception of Book of Saturday). One of the concepts behind this period was blurring the line between composed and improvised music. They toured for several months prior to recording the album, playing a mix of of this new music and improvisation. The first show was Larks’ I (about 8 minutes, as it hadn’t reached its full length yet) followed by Book of Saturday, then over an hour of group free improvisation. After that was Easy Money, then another 10 minutes of improv before Exiles, Talking Drum and Larks’ II. They would add Schizoid Man as an encore on following dates. There was nothing like it at the time, especially with Jamie. There are many live releases of the Wetton-era band, fewer with Jamie since he only toured for about 3 months. They are stunning live, and it would probably make sense to listen to either The Nightwatch (Live in Amsterdam) or USA (live in ‘74), although they both only touch on the beast this Crim was live.
Believe it or not I’m only JUST getting into Crimson ❤ After 38+ years with Yes and Genesis and a big fan of Fripp who lives nearby It’s strange and amazing. I love it❤
KC v3 is this band, based in Fripp, Wetton, Bruford - introduced here, and culminating in Red. Muir left after this one, Cross after Starless, leaving the three piece for Red. v2 would be Lizard and Islands, so different from one another, but filling the space between the original band and this one. Some people group Poseidon and Lizard together, but I think Poseidon is too much like Court to separate those. The Levin, Belew, Bruford band starts with Disciplin, and I see that trilogy, with Beat and Perfect Pair as the next unique period unto itself. I see the remainder of the studio albums as kind of a continuation and evolution of that incarnation, but both harking back to older eras, and forging ahead to new experiments. This disk is so seared into my brain cells that I can hardly imagine what it's like on a first listen. But I can remember feeling thrown off and nonplussed at certain passages initially. With decades of listening, I now see every note as golden, this measuring up with and possibly surpassing anything they ever did. Much of it is not everyday listening, but when it's time to pull it out, it's just one of those perfect albums to me. The ending of Larks Tongues part 1 has got to me one of the strangest most unexpected moves in music - but what an enigmatic transporting moment. I think you were a little hard on part 2, maybe you were exhausted from the album? Give it another listen. But I agree with you about Exiles and Book of Saturday - they're not really the core of what this album is about, but they are both heart tugging immaculate gems. And don't miss Starless and Bible Black, this trilogy is Crimson at their peak.
I'm very thankful to see your reaction to this album, Justin. King Crimson is my all time favorite band, this album is my all time favorite album and in a minute I'll tell you why the middle part of "Easy Money" is my all time favorite piece of music. One quick note: What is meant by the second iteration of the band would be the version that was stable long enough to go on tour to play live, which would be mostly the band that made the Islands album: Boz Burrel, Ian Wallace, Mel Collins and Fripp. It was a very strange period for the band--one of the biggest oddities of the King Crimson catalog is that, after hearing the first KC live album, Earthbound, one would never think it was the same band that recorded Islands in the studio. But one could understand why this band let Peter Sinfield go and called Islands "an airy-fairy piece of shit". If you'll indulge me for a bit--I began to get passionately into music around 1971, about my freshman year in high school. I first heard King Crimson and other prog and early classic rock bands on an underground late night radio show called Beaker Street. I fell in love especially with "Court of the Crimson King". But being out in the middle of nowhere, none of the stores in my area carried "underground" music. I had to order In the Court of the Crimson King from Record Club of America--and about wore that 8 track out. But I didn't know much about or couldn't find the albums that came out after ITCOTCK. But things were changing. The first thing I heard of LTIA was on Beaker Street--the DJ was excited that King Crimson had a new album out and he played "The Talking Drum". I immediately went out and found it on 8 track. I believe I traveled about 40 miles to a larger town, but it wasn't long til our local stores were carrying King Crimson. This album had a profound effect on me. I had never heard anything like it and my imagination ran wild--especially on that first track. I think it was mostly David Cross and the sheer beauty of his violin work, along with the rest of the band on those first three tracks. Ever since then I have been a big fan of violin in a rock setting. That and Muir made the album very unique. Now, the middle part of "Easy Money" (and you and I are in agreement that the bookends parts of the song with the vocals don't do much for me--in fact I would say are horrendous) you are right on to say it's a Bruford and Muir showcase, and you mention the other guys--EXCEPT FOR WETTON--to me this is the greatest KC stuff out there, because of the subtlety of the interplay of Bruford and Wetton. I didn't appreciate it on first listen either, took me several listens. But check out Wetton's dynamics and how he and Bruford keep changing up--seldom play the same way twice. Sometimes almost but some small little thing is different. So this gave me a new appreciation for bass, too. Wetton and Chris Squire are my favorites and I will always believe Wetton is vastly under-rated as a bassist. You were talking about finding live versions of this song to check out Bruford's playing. There is only one that I know of that features that--search UA-cam for Easy Money 1973. Later on it was nothing like the studio version. The live version on the USA album was a big disappointment to me. The character of Fripp's guitar solo was very different and so was the rest of the band's playing. More atmospheric with mellotron that would remind me of Fripp's later "soundscapes". The bass and drums are much more subdued and laid back, hardly a ryhthm to it at all. Seems like there was something else I wanted to comment on but this is long enough as it is. Thanks again for the review and happy fiftieth birthday LTIA!
I've been waiting for this one. Thanks so much for the free-share of this pivotal album. I think by the end, a listener gets a bit of 'ear fatigue' after trying to digest all this sound. I used to listen to this on a daily basis, providing a soundtrack for that period. Got to know every note. I wonder if this is marketed under 'rock'? Does 'progressive' really cover it? The term did not exist at the time. Great to see you do this, and good luck with the April project!
The brain melting aspect of Larks' Tongues Part 2 is exactly why I love it, but I think I love Part 1 a bit more. There are three more parts (I think) on later albums.
For me the best song on album is Easy Money and it isn't even close. The live performances of it that I've heard are all supreme. Incredible album no doubt. Probably my favorite album cover as well, tho Court is a close second.
In the late 80s, I was taking a night bus home after work and I was listening to Pt2 on a walkman, when a massive , burly mean looking dude in Bermuda shorts (-10 degrees in winter) sat next to me and pointed at my earphones and mouthed:"What the f..is that playing"?. So being a total gentleman, I handed him my buds and he was completely blown away....."who is this?" , he asked, I answered "the band that influenced Metallica" . Pretty sure he went out the next day and purchased this icon.
*Yes*, finally a reviewer who shares my opinion of LTIA part 2 being trash! Part 1 is such a masterful and varied composition, and then they went with boring riff salad for the rest of the suite.
What I suspect you're missing about Part II is that every idea in it derives from the material of Part I, but whereas Part I ends in catastrophe and dissolution, Part II is about taking back what was lost in Part I, an unrestrained and violent counteraction, pure anger. The two parts have to be heard as acts of the same psychological drama. It is impossible to get a clear view of the album on one listen, and until you hear how the ideas in part II relate to those in Part I, you won't get it.
Larks Tongue 2 was used in porn movie Emmanuelle and Fripp' sued them. Definitely porno music though and it was meant to show the creation of the universe
I agree with you on this one. It's been a few years since I've heard this but I feel the same, ie, that side one and half of side two are great, but LT part II just seems to taper off and I lose interest every time. Still a KC fan, of course. "In The Wake Of Poseidon" next? You should!. Btw there is live in the studio footage, on YT, of "Larks Tongues..." Parts 1 & 2 on the Beat Club and King Crimson channels respectively. You can watch Jamie Muir do his thing and see that elusive time signature in action. Enjoyed the full video today, thanks JP.😺
You are totally right about how self-indulgent this album is. Often it's weird and experimental for no other reason than to be weird and experimental. Honestly, I don't think this lineup of KC finds its true direction until the Red album, and then it fires on all cylinders.
Frankly, from this King Crimson line-up, I've never been fond of Larks' Tongues in Aspic, nor Starless and Bible Black. I prefer Red overall (except for the experimental and complacent "Providence"). "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" reminds me of Magma. There are still a few interesting passages but overall it's a bit of a mess throughout and not really a piece in its own right. it reminds me more of fragments of ideas than anything else. I'm not sensitive to that kind of stuff at all, especially as it drags on unnecessarily to my liking and it's too free-form for me. "Book of Saturday" is pleasant to the ear, but that's it. "Exiles" is closer to the first days of the band but it's deja vu. "Easy Money" alternates between heavy and lighter moments but I'm not ecstatic for that kind of stuff. "The Talking Drum" with its jam-session aspect bores me. Finally "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two" is more to my taste but I prefer this piece in its live versions which make it much more attractive. Anyway, apart from In the Court of the Crimson King and Red, I've always preferred the 80s King Crimson with its formidable trilogy: Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair.
My feelings : I never really liked this album, neither Red. KC always been a bit problematic for me. I like In the Wake of Poseidon and Circus, and then the 80's trilogy. And that's about it. Great video has always anyway.
@@tuskact4overheaven873 I like prog rock lol. You really think KC embodies prog ? You're wrong. This band lacks something for me, like great melodies, or I don't know, magic ? Yeah I know their debut, I used to like it.
@@Alix777. how the hell is that even a question? Of course kc is prog rock, they literally created it. They are seen by a ton of great prog rock bands like yes and genesis as an inspiration, i am not even the one who says it but the music critique (and also the bands itself). And also prog rock doesn't necessary have to be ""melodic""", the hint it's in his name it's all about experimentation (which is something king crimson have done for ever, even in the 80's), but of course if you don't like them that's fine, they aren't easy to get into i admit
I like Book of Saturday, Exiles, Easy Money off this album. The rest are too dissonant and experimental for my tastes and yes, Larks part 2 is much better live.
A poor LP, and a chore to listen to. Tracks 1,5 & 6, what i expect of KC. Stark, jumbled, mechanical and largely unmelodic. T2 Blah. T's 3 & 4, these did have some nice lines... in part. But as a whole, not great either. Twist my arm, i'd say 4 was the best of a bad lot, more so if you fast forward the pointless 2min intro. No, as a gourmand of some repute, Larks tongues in aspic, not a dish for me. Now, dolphin heads in aspic, that's a different story. * Dolphin heads in aspic... anyone?
Guarda io ci ho provato ha fare tutto. Lp con il basso certe canzoni me le hanno bloccate su youtube non capisco perché forse er questa cazzo di guerra ciao uno dei miei albun preferiti
Bruford said that KC was the only band where you could play in 17/4 and stay in decent hotels. A masterpiece.
This is why Bruford left YES, cause he wanted to play music like this. Just an incredible album. ITCOTCK, Red, and Larks, are their 3 best albums, imo.
I’ve become a MASSIVE fan of Red. I second that one ❤
I'd say Larks, Starless and Red are their 3 best. Easily the most exciting era of Crimson.
My introduction to John Wetton and Bill Bruford.
When I was in seventh grade (1969 - '70) my buddy introduced me to "In The Court Of The Crimson King". We were both blown away. This wasn't our usual AM radio Top 40. It was my first awareness of there being a whole helluva different musical world out there that I just had to explore.
We then bought Crimso's albums as they came out until their last album, 'Red'.
I saw them on The Midnight Special doing "Easy Money", my favorite track on this marvelous album. It was eye opening, finally putting some faces to names I knew and greatly admired.
"Larks' Tongues In Aspic, Part One" is my least favorite song on the album. Too much noodling for my tastes. Kinda like "Moonchild", but at least more interesting. But the rest of the album . . . HOLY SHIT!
I really think you're gonna love (most of) this album.
I'm just returning from your full Patreon Reaction, JP. I enjoyed watching your reaction immensely. This album is one of the giants of 1970s golden era Progressive Rock. And it just turned 50 as of Thursday, so almost to the day. This has long been a favorite of mine. _Larks Tongues in Aspic, Part 2_ has been a staple of King Crimson live shows ever since its debut. But for the full appreciation of this track, you need to listen to _The Talking Drum_ and _Larks Tongues, Part 2_ uninterrupted as the two really do segue into each other. Again, great reaction, man! Cheers!
Ty Reaper :)
The Talking Drum▶️ Larks Tongues part 2 section is my favourite KC experience. Maybe after a few listens you might change your mind, if not that,s ok too.😇✨ the way they rack up the suspense and then that harsh riff, the fierce drumming, it,s just too good. ☺
Hi JP. Dave from Across The Ocean. Just listened to your reaction to side 1 of this album I haven't heard for yonks. Exiles is the stand-out track for me too. Lovely vocals, violin and guitar, and such a great melody - wouldn't be out of place on Court of the Crimson King. Like you I also like Book of Saturdays - Wetton in fine form as is Fripp and his backwards guitar. Not so keen on LTIA pt 1. Rather episodic, but I agree that Cross's violin section is terrific. He talks about this in the album's feature in this month's Prog magazine, and his influences were indeed The Lark Ascending, as well as Bartok's string quartets. Now for side 2...
Now heard side 2, and Book of Saturdays and Exiles are still my faves. Some of side 2 are just too intense for my delicate ears - you're right, self-indulgent - but shout-out to Jamie Muir's percussion and sound effects (which include him sloshing his hands in a bucket of mud!) - he certainly takes a Keith Moon in-your-face approach. Great Jamie story on wiki. He met Jon Anderson at Bill Bruford's wedding, and recommended an Indian book, Autobiography of a Yogi, to him. It supposedly changed his life and led to Yes's Tales from Topographic Oceans. So we have Jamie to thank/blame, depending on your point of view - I will go with 'thank'.
Hey Justin, I believe they would have done most of this record when you saw them live. Easy Money, Larks Tongue and Talking Drum were given a new life with the 3 drummer ensemble. The interaction between them was just fun to watch and listen to. You might have gotten more out of the show if you heard this album before going to the concert. And you can certainly enjoy it again on their live CD/Bluray "Radical Action (To Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind). Great title.
A Groundbreaking album by the Classic Prog masters !!
From ripping groves to soft ballads KC style !! Everyone shines here and always innovative sonically, Great Percussion & Allsorts by short time member Jamie Muir who was a great learning experience for Bill Bruford's percussion here on out !! Fantastic Drumming, Ripping and tender Guitar by Fripp, David Cross had his best playing on this KC Classic and John Wetton's Playing is Superb throughout from holding the line to power playing and Ominous Tones !! His singing is great on this album also. This album whole albums songs were played played on their Live tours in 1973-1974' and many are Concert Classics for KC ... Larks Pt.1 and Larks Pt. 2 are huge fan favorites The Talking Drum usually was played leading to Larks Pt.2 in 1973' but not in 1974' Live. Easy Money often changed around Live and Book Of Saturday & Exiles played Live also !! With the last incarnation of KC from 2014-2021' "The Seven-Headed Beast" &and "Three Over Five" lineup years, with these many great players these Classic song were truly played to their Larks glory "Live" !! ... Easy Money/ Larks Pt.1 and Larks Pt.2 are played so well during this Live period of King Crimson !! I suggest getting the Live CDs "Live in Chicago" 2017', "Live in Vienna" 2016', "Music is Our Friend" Live in Washington DC 2021" for the last period of KC and for the Great Bruford Wetton era .... "USA" the expanded edition 30th & 40th Annv., "The Great Deceiver" Box Set (Fantastic !!) and "The Night Watch" from Nov 73'
The Larks album is a Must for all KC and Classic Prog fans and needs a few listens for the beginners of this Genre to truly get it all !! 🧐 This Era of KC should be heard Live to really feel them !! 👍🎼🎸🥁🎹🎻🎶✌
Cool cup, Justin.
"Lark´s Tongues In Aspic Pt.1" was the first song (better say composition) that I´ve heard from KC. For the whole 13 minutes i sat in front of the radio and were baffled with an open mouth. I understood NOTHING!!! But it opened the door for me to the rooms with the REAL MUSIC. I had no idea why, but i knew THAT was the music i want to hear. At that time i heard 90% music from the charts, a little bit T.Rex, Led Zep and Deep Purple. And then came Lark´s Tongues...
If you want an example for real experimental rockmusic, "Larks´s Tongues Pt.1" is THE ONE. They experimented with their instruments, unknown sounds and transitions. The alternation between Wagnerian fullness and the delicacy of Mozart is unbelievable in this track. And the rest of the album is no worse at all. The lyrics were written by Richard Palmer-James (so on "Starless & Bible Black" and "Red"). He later lived in Bavaria (Germany) and wrote soundtracks for german TV-Series. And you are right: "Lark´s Tongues Pt.2" (and "The Talking Drum") are cold and only...heavy.
When my younger was in the Youth Ballet corps of our local company I tried to no avail to her her to choreograph a work to "Larks' Tongue in Aspic, Part 2." I would dream about watching those kids trying to count in 10 or a counter beat of 7.
it's always been difficult for me to enter inside the King Crimson music world but i always wanted to and you actually helped me with this video. Sometimes we need to listen to something with someone else ears to get the feel of it, to understand the artistry. It is indeed a singular/awesome album.
I always imagine the last track is those larks being put down so their tongues can be cooked in aspic; they don't go quietly.
There a 4 CD box set of life tracks from the '73-74 period called "The Great Deceiver". The live versions get new life, especially 'Easy Money'. There are also some improvisations live in concert.
The Great Deceiver Box Set is a must for all KC fan to have !! 👍🎶
@@ronniefarnsworth6465 Absolutely! The Night Watch is worth a listen too, it has great sound as it was meant to provide recorded material for the Starless and Bible Black album. Trio is from that show for example.
@@chefren77 Yes about 75% was used for SABB , Night Watch is fantastic , the Best Live cut of "Easy Money" Bruford & Fripp shine, "The Fright Watch"is the Best Ominous Creepy Powerful Bass Playing by Wetton Ever !! And this Live "Talking Drum into Larks PT.2 is just Great !! KC always better Live !! 👍🎶
One of their best albums for sure. LTIA Pt 1 is (in my opinion) one of the best progressive rock tracks by any band ever. So many contrasts and so inventive, even foreshadowing the expiration of World music well in advance of other bands. You asked if Book of Saturdays was a popular track - probably overlooked by many fans but a real gem for me, agreeing with you that the beautiful soloing by Cross and ppirF makes it special. I also agree with you that LTIA doesn't satisfy. I think the power does not come across on the studio version - it falls short dynamically. But if there were a 'fans' favourite' then this would be it, probably more because it packs a punch live. I'd also urge you to listen to some of the live versions of Easy Money as the middle instrumental varies wildly from show to show. Exiles harks back to the early King Crimson with its beautiful mellotron and even some flute by David Cross.
Phenomenal album. It’s easy to understand why Bill Bruford left YES to join King Crimson, this is on another level and makes YES sound like ‘Pop Prog’ in comparison. Probably my favourite of theirs but depending on how I feel I sometimes prefer their debut album.
i fukkin love Bruford for that. More to life than money!
“If you’re already having a good time why not just click the like button…” you got it!!
Ty love!
Book of Saturdays is one of my favorites. I’m a sucker for backwards guitar as well. Something to think about is the recording process would have been to flip the tape over and musicians would hear the song in reverse and play and record then flip the tape back over and what they recorded would be backwards. I think most musicians ( me included ) just played something then crossed their fingers in hopes that what they played would sound good when flipped back over. But some musicians. Maybe Hendrix, Fripp Brian May had a very good idea of how what they were playing would turn out backwards. The melodies and notes that Fripp plays on this song do not sound like luck.
My favorite KC album by a mile and a desert island disc. At turns frightening and bombastic, lyrical and hushed. The dual drumming of Bruford and Muir was short lived but so effective. Rock and Roll on the edge.
I’d recommend Red as another stunning piece of work. Just amazing and slightly tighter than this ❤
Larks pt. 2 is the second greatest King Crimson song after Starless
I put Starless on at a raging house party one time. I still cringe 8 years later xd
A little surprised at your reaction to this one. It's KC at their most experimental/progressive so it may not be immediate though most fans rate Larks' Tongues part 2 as one of their best. Jamie Muir's additions I found to be the most problematic on first hearing this album, but now they're what makes it stand out as different. I recommend another three listens before you put this one at the back of the pile.
Ok, you're taking me down memory lane on this. It was my first year in college 1983. I loved Bill Bruford. I was hip to Yes, UK, The Bruford Band. Look, I love the avant-garde, duh! When I heard this, it twisted my mind, I was WTF! Bruford said Jamie Muir made him cry. Said he was commercial. This was like Henry Cow. I think experimental music is at its best when it treds between the known and the new. I recommend: Thinking Plague, 5uu's, Univers Zero, Simon Steensland, ( more recently) Poil and Mercury Tree. Check this out. My first time seeing Bruford was with Patrick Moraz in 83 on a riverboat in New Orleans.
My favourite KC album by a country mile!
For anyone who questions their influence on tool here it is.
I'm sure you will warm up to Larks part 1 and 2. They should be right up your alley. I think it's normal to take several listens.
Good review, plenty of humour and fun. I kind of think of LTIA as being the original 'Court' album but chucked in a blender with completely unexpected new elements (free jazz, noise, Eastern European folk and even Arabian and Asian textures): utterly original. The first time I listened to it I couldn't make head or tail of it like I could 'Court' and 'Red', it sounded completely bonkers even for Crimson - but over time it's grown to be one of my favourites: the epitome of prog!
Greatest King Crimson album in my opinion.
Well Justin, since I listened to this whole thing while painting trim in my kitchen, I call it time well spent. So funny to look over at the screen when hearing a particularly jarring part, to see your face. At one point, late in the album, I looked over and thought, “He’s taking refuge in that nice cup of Matcha.” This was my first time hearing the entire album so it was a pleasure doing it with you. Painting is done and a good book beckons.
Lol! Refuge in my Matcha sounds like a great song title!
@@JustJP Songs from the Opium Den?
One of the best bands, one of their best albums… but aren’t they all
🤔🤐
Justin, when and if, the Spirit moves you, check out and Review, the middle Third Album of this King Crimson Ensemble, Starless and Bible Black. These three Albums are Testament and Atmospheres of Robert Fripp's Dantean Descents .
When bands jam someone may drop a great riff and the band hears it and learns it. Jamming is the foundation for these very smart guys.
This was their peak period I guess, Lark's Tongues, Starless and Bible Black and Red. Then Fripp disbanded KC so he could go play crappy solos for Eno 😆
@@CAdams6398 aye, I'm only going on yesterday's abomination.
@@CAdams6398 Agree. St. Elmo’s Fire especially.
@@CAdams6398 I just don't like Eno, I'm afraid. Something of him in everything he does irritates me.
@@CAdams6398 I shall give that a proper listen later on. 🙃
Well...I found it to be interesting, and way ahead of its time, but I didn't really enjoy it that much. Fripp's contributions varied for me, but were generally good, especially so on Golden Hours.
Still so fresh and dynamic! Except for the murky lyrics of Easy Money. The last incarnation of the band changed the words in part.
Also, LTIA pt2 was used in a French soft core porn film in the 70s. Without Fripp's permission!
One of my all time fave albums.... searing heaviness and explorations of the sub conscious ...
I guess this is the best way possible to beat the blockers. You just hope you still get enough views and likes on the blocked YT video based on folks watching it on Patreon. Although I wonder how long it will be before lawyers for the big music industry giants put enough pressure on Patreon to make them figure out a way to block it there as well. Anyways, as for the music it can't be understated how huge an influence early Mahavishnu Orchestra was on this lineup of King Crimson.
Re: lineups, I'd consider this the Mk IV lineup. I: the Lake-Giles-McDonald band, II: the Haskell-McCulloch-Tippett lineup, III: the Boz-Wallace-Collins lineup, then this. But some consider the Wake of Poseidon band transitional.
Re: "Book of Saturday", I've never met a KC fan who didn't love it. Wetton played it in his solo shows pretty much right up til the end.
Lastly, there's a reason bootlegs of this lineup in concert were hugely popular until the box sets basically mooted all of them. Just like Yes music from this era, this era of King Crimson on stage is whole 'nuther animal, and they knew it. That's why the next album is largely built on live recordings.
I think LTIA part 2 is genius, one of KC best. Very intense and very complex.
I like part 2. I most admit though, I haven't listened to the album version in a while. My goto for King Crimson lately has been the live albums from the 3 drummer lineup of KC. Good chance you heard some of these songs previously when you same them. Easy Money and Larks Pt2 are regulars in the setlist.
I’ll be curious to hear your take on their next album, Starless and Bible Black, my personal fave. I dig the hard abstract stuff though… for me, off this album, LT pt1 - Talking Drum - LT pt2 is the perfect suite.
Sooooooo good so good. Totally MAMAZING 😂 I love the percussive track at the end and similar tracks on Thrak .
Great reaction. I think that in time Larks’ 2 will embed itself in your brain.
As good as the album is, all of these tracks were much, much better live (with the possible exception of Book of Saturday). One of the concepts behind this period was blurring the line between composed and improvised music. They toured for several months prior to recording the album, playing a mix of of this new music and improvisation. The first show was Larks’ I (about 8 minutes, as it hadn’t reached its full length yet) followed by Book of Saturday, then over an hour of group free improvisation. After that was Easy Money, then another 10 minutes of improv before Exiles, Talking Drum and Larks’ II. They would add Schizoid Man as an encore on following dates.
There was nothing like it at the time, especially with Jamie. There are many live releases of the Wetton-era band, fewer with Jamie since he only toured for about 3 months. They are stunning live, and it would probably make sense to listen to either The Nightwatch (Live in Amsterdam) or USA (live in ‘74), although they both only touch on the beast this Crim was live.
You know I love it!!!
Believe it or not I’m only JUST getting into Crimson ❤ After 38+ years with Yes and Genesis and a big fan of Fripp who lives nearby
It’s strange and amazing. I love it❤
KC v3 is this band, based in Fripp, Wetton, Bruford - introduced here, and culminating in Red. Muir left after this one, Cross after Starless, leaving the three piece for Red. v2 would be Lizard and Islands, so different from one another, but filling the space between the original band and this one. Some people group Poseidon and Lizard together, but I think Poseidon is too much like Court to separate those. The Levin, Belew, Bruford band starts with Disciplin, and I see that trilogy, with Beat and Perfect Pair as the next unique period unto itself. I see the remainder of the studio albums as kind of a continuation and evolution of that incarnation, but both harking back to older eras, and forging ahead to new experiments.
This disk is so seared into my brain cells that I can hardly imagine what it's like on a first listen. But I can remember feeling thrown off and nonplussed at certain passages initially. With decades of listening, I now see every note as golden, this measuring up with and possibly surpassing anything they ever did. Much of it is not everyday listening, but when it's time to pull it out, it's just one of those perfect albums to me. The ending of Larks Tongues part 1 has got to me one of the strangest most unexpected moves in music - but what an enigmatic transporting moment. I think you were a little hard on part 2, maybe you were exhausted from the album? Give it another listen. But I agree with you about Exiles and Book of Saturday - they're not really the core of what this album is about, but they are both heart tugging immaculate gems. And don't miss Starless and Bible Black, this trilogy is Crimson at their peak.
I'm very thankful to see your reaction to this album, Justin. King Crimson is my all time favorite band, this album is my all time favorite album and in a minute I'll tell you why the middle part of "Easy Money" is my all time favorite piece of music.
One quick note: What is meant by the second iteration of the band would be the version that was stable long enough to go on tour to play live, which would be mostly the band that made the Islands album: Boz Burrel, Ian Wallace, Mel Collins and Fripp. It was a very strange period for the band--one of the biggest oddities of the King Crimson catalog is that, after hearing the first KC live album, Earthbound, one would never think it was the same band that recorded Islands in the studio. But one could understand why this band let Peter Sinfield go and called Islands "an airy-fairy piece of shit".
If you'll indulge me for a bit--I began to get passionately into music around 1971, about my freshman year in high school. I first heard King Crimson and other prog and early classic rock bands on an underground late night radio show called Beaker Street. I fell in love especially with "Court of the Crimson King". But being out in the middle of nowhere, none of the stores in my area carried "underground" music. I had to order In the Court of the Crimson King from Record Club of America--and about wore that 8 track out. But I didn't know much about or couldn't find the albums that came out after ITCOTCK. But things were changing.
The first thing I heard of LTIA was on Beaker Street--the DJ was excited that King Crimson had a new album out and he played "The Talking Drum". I immediately went out and found it on 8 track. I believe I traveled about 40 miles to a larger town, but it wasn't long til our local stores were carrying King Crimson.
This album had a profound effect on me. I had never heard anything like it and my imagination ran wild--especially on that first track. I think it was mostly David Cross and the sheer beauty of his violin work, along with the rest of the band on those first three tracks. Ever since then I have been a big fan of violin in a rock setting. That and Muir made the album very unique.
Now, the middle part of "Easy Money" (and you and I are in agreement that the bookends parts of the song with the vocals don't do much for me--in fact I would say are horrendous) you are right on to say it's a Bruford and Muir showcase, and you mention the other guys--EXCEPT FOR WETTON--to me this is the greatest KC stuff out there, because of the subtlety of the interplay of Bruford and Wetton. I didn't appreciate it on first listen either, took me several listens. But check out Wetton's dynamics and how he and Bruford keep changing up--seldom play the same way twice. Sometimes almost but some small little thing is different. So this gave me a new appreciation for bass, too. Wetton and Chris Squire are my favorites and I will always believe Wetton is vastly under-rated as a bassist.
You were talking about finding live versions of this song to check out Bruford's playing. There is only one that I know of that features that--search UA-cam for Easy Money 1973. Later on it was nothing like the studio version. The live version on the USA album was a big disappointment to me. The character of Fripp's guitar solo was very different and so was the rest of the band's playing. More atmospheric with mellotron that would remind me of Fripp's later "soundscapes". The bass and drums are much more subdued and laid back, hardly a ryhthm to it at all.
Seems like there was something else I wanted to comment on but this is long enough as it is. Thanks again for the review and happy fiftieth birthday LTIA!
Appreciate the indulgence Pk. Ty for that🙂
I've been waiting for this one. Thanks so much for the free-share of this pivotal album. I think by the end, a listener gets a bit of 'ear fatigue' after trying to digest all this sound. I used to listen to this on a daily basis, providing a soundtrack for that period. Got to know every note. I wonder if this is marketed under 'rock'? Does 'progressive' really cover it? The term did not exist at the time. Great to see you do this, and good luck with the April project!
Ty Ed!
The brain melting aspect of Larks' Tongues Part 2 is exactly why I love it, but I think I love Part 1 a bit more. There are three more parts (I think) on later albums.
SKIP!
I still love you JP!
Bruford was basically schooled in percussion textures both found, classical and ethnic, in this line up x
For me the best song on album is Easy Money and it isn't even close. The live performances of it that I've heard are all supreme. Incredible album no doubt. Probably my favorite album cover as well, tho Court is a close second.
I always think of their earlier albums as baroque and this lineup as when they moved into the 20th century.
Desert island album for me. I never get tired of a note.
You may know this, and might be why you picked it. I forgot to mention when you posted this but the album is 50 years old this month.
Saw this iteration 4x 73'-74' 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
In the late 80s, I was taking a night bus home after work and I was listening to Pt2 on a walkman, when a massive , burly mean looking dude in Bermuda shorts (-10 degrees in winter) sat next to me and pointed at my earphones and mouthed:"What the f..is that playing"?. So being a total gentleman, I handed him my buds and he was completely blown away....."who is this?" , he asked, I answered "the band that influenced Metallica" . Pretty sure he went out the next day and purchased this icon.
I love the Wetton era.
*Yes*, finally a reviewer who shares my opinion of LTIA part 2 being trash! Part 1 is such a masterful and varied composition, and then they went with boring riff salad for the rest of the suite.
This is Crimson's best album.
FINALLY
What I suspect you're missing about Part II is that every idea in it derives from the material of Part I, but whereas Part I ends in catastrophe and dissolution, Part II is about taking back what was lost in Part I, an unrestrained and violent counteraction, pure anger. The two parts have to be heard as acts of the same psychological drama. It is impossible to get a clear view of the album on one listen, and until you hear how the ideas in part II relate to those in Part I, you won't get it.
Talking Book
Larks Tongue 2 was used in porn movie Emmanuelle and Fripp' sued them. Definitely porno music though and it was meant to show the creation of the universe
Probably their best album or at least equal to their debut. Absolutely the best lineup ever. Levin is a great player but cannot improvise like Wetton.
Unfortunately Jaime left before they really hit the road 🛣️🤷🏻
Only played Live with KC 12 times before leaving to join a Scottish Monastery !
Niiiice 👍
Northernlion shirt 👀 my man
😉
Not their best album. I have it, but rarely listen to it, and can't listen to it all the way through. Reminds me of toothache!
I agree with you on this one. It's been a few years since I've heard this but I feel the same, ie, that side one and half of side two are great, but LT part II just seems to taper off and I lose interest every time. Still a KC fan, of course. "In The Wake Of Poseidon" next? You should!. Btw there is live in the studio footage, on YT, of "Larks Tongues..." Parts 1 & 2 on the Beat Club and King Crimson channels respectively. You can watch Jamie Muir do his thing and see that elusive time signature in action. Enjoyed the full video today, thanks JP.😺
Krimson IS metal, everything else, not so much. Also Krimson is not prog. Prog is a group of people trying to emulate KC but failing miserably.
You are totally right about how self-indulgent this album is. Often it's weird and experimental for no other reason than to be weird and experimental. Honestly, I don't think this lineup of KC finds its true direction until the Red album, and then it fires on all cylinders.
👍Totally agree with you !
I expected a lot when I listened to Red for the first time, but I was pretty disappointed.
@@Alix777. Sorry to hear.
There's AT MOST 5 minutes of listenable music on this album... but it's spread out throughout the rest of it.
Yep. I've had this album for decades, and occasionally I'll 'give it another chance'. I never make it through the whole album!
Frankly, from this King Crimson line-up, I've never been fond of Larks' Tongues in Aspic, nor Starless and Bible Black. I prefer Red overall (except for the experimental and complacent "Providence").
"Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" reminds me of Magma. There are still a few interesting passages but overall it's a bit of a mess throughout and not really a piece in its own right. it reminds me more of fragments of ideas than anything else. I'm not sensitive to that kind of stuff at all, especially as it drags on unnecessarily to my liking and it's too free-form for me.
"Book of Saturday" is pleasant to the ear, but that's it. "Exiles" is closer to the first days of the band but it's deja vu.
"Easy Money" alternates between heavy and lighter moments but I'm not ecstatic for that kind of stuff. "The Talking Drum" with its jam-session aspect bores me. Finally "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two" is more to my taste but I prefer this piece in its live versions which make it much more attractive.
Anyway, apart from In the Court of the Crimson King and Red, I've always preferred the 80s King Crimson with its formidable trilogy: Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair.
My feelings : I never really liked this album, neither Red. KC always been a bit problematic for me. I like In the Wake of Poseidon and Circus, and then the 80's trilogy. And that's about it. Great video has always anyway.
So basically you don't like prog rock, btw try to listen to their debut since you liked wake of poseidon
@@tuskact4overheaven873 I like prog rock lol. You really think KC embodies prog ? You're wrong. This band lacks something for me, like great melodies, or I don't know, magic ? Yeah I know their debut, I used to like it.
@@Alix777. how the hell is that even a question? Of course kc is prog rock, they literally created it. They are seen by a ton of great prog rock bands like yes and genesis as an inspiration, i am not even the one who says it but the music critique (and also the bands itself). And also prog rock doesn't necessary have to be ""melodic""", the hint it's in his name it's all about experimentation (which is something king crimson have done for ever, even in the 80's), but of course if you don't like them that's fine, they aren't easy to get into i admit
I like Book of Saturday, Exiles, Easy Money off this album. The rest are too dissonant and experimental for my tastes and yes, Larks part 2 is much better live.
A poor LP, and a chore to listen to. Tracks 1,5 & 6, what i expect of KC. Stark, jumbled, mechanical and largely unmelodic. T2 Blah. T's 3 & 4, these did have some nice lines... in part. But as a whole, not great either. Twist my arm, i'd say 4 was the best of a bad lot, more so if you fast forward the pointless 2min intro. No, as a gourmand of some repute, Larks tongues in aspic, not a dish for me. Now, dolphin heads in aspic, that's a different story. * Dolphin heads in aspic... anyone?
Which KC albums do you think are great?
clean your ears, people
@@goldenboy140 clean your ears 'people'? To whom are your words directed at?
Totally agree.
@@Lightmane ItCotCK, ItWoP, Red (though Wetton's voice spoils it a little), Discipline.
There's a Beat Club video of Pt.1 you should absolutely watch; Here the reference ?v=WhudDa3JAyc (not a complete URL as they are filtered by YT).
Guarda io ci ho provato ha fare tutto. Lp con il basso certe canzoni me le hanno bloccate su youtube non capisco perché forse er questa cazzo di guerra ciao uno dei miei albun preferiti
It's got to be this album or Red as my fave KC album. Both masterpieces!