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Six Ways (to hear a song) Dec 27, 2008
I received the first King Crimson album on Christmas, 1969. After that, I collected all the KC that came out on vinyl and/or tape until THRAK. Later, when I obtained CD's, their live concerts were now available to me. "The Collectible King Crimson, Vol. 3...." is the most multi-dimensional sound of a live band I've heard out of KC. Even with stereo the music spaces out, the various instruments build independencies in and out of one another. They're all good cuts, though this version of "21st Century Schizoid Man" must be one of their best. Six pieces giving six interpretations makes for an 'improv' mood. All 22 tracks project an impressive show of virtuosity and talent. There is even a 23 min. soundscape by Robert Fripp. If you want one album to reflect the best of the "THRAK" sextet, this is it. (2CD)
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Collector's Club Part Three May 23, 2008
This is the third release of Collector's Club cd's as mainstream releases. The nice thing for those who didn't buy these as CC releases can now get them at better prices this way.
This show itself is from 7-1-96 Shepherds Bush Empire, London, England with the Double Trio finishing up the Thrak tour. As with the other releases, the one is quite hot featuring a major chunk of Thrak mixed in with classics like Matte Kudasai, Red, and the return of 21st Century Schizoid Man. If you love KC during this period, then you'll love this.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 1996 May 12, 2008
The Collectable King Crimson series brings to the listener the best of the live King Crimson experience. Something unique is offered in each of the cds (3 as of this review). In this release we meet up with Fripp and the boys at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London, circa 1996. The double trio is in fine form this evening, and instead of two partial performances, which has comprised the Collectable series thus far, the listener is treated to the entire show.
The first cd starts off with a bit of a surprise for those who do not read the liner notes first. Apparently, The California Guitar Trio was supposed to open the concert, but were unable to perform, so Fripp comes out and does a stunning 24 minute soundscape. A real treat for anyone, but particularly those who have not heard a Fripp soundscape. The remainder of the band come out to join him for a stunning first half, spearheaded by the drum solo Conundrum. The sound quality is perfect, having been taken from the 2 track stereo soundboard mix. The songs are, as usual, performed to perfection, including Improv 1, a delightful improv experience.
The second cd starts as the band return to the stage and starts off with the classic Lark's Tongues in Aspic Part II. Frame by Frame is delivered at a blistering pace, but the band softens it up a bit for a nice rendering of Matte Kudasai. Later, is another well done performance of 21st Century Schizoid Man, during which the crowd sings along (something I've not heard before in a KC performance).
The crowd is heard throughout the show, sometimes to the annoyance of the listener, but I like this actually. To hear the crowd AND the performance is to be there at the show, the only thing missing being the visuals.
I've listened to a lot of live King Crimson so I think I can provide a fair opinion of Collectable King Crimson volume 3. It's a stunner of a show, with some real memorable highlights. A definite must for the King Crimson collector, and accessible for the new fan.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Two That Travel Familiar Terrain May 10, 2008
The third in an ongoing series of live recordings that covers the King Crimson's career is pretty familiar territory, since the mid- to late-1990s has a number of studio and live recordings already in the catalog.
But what the band delivers on stage is an intensity of improvisation that makes any live set special. This series is a spin-off from a failed program where fans would subscribe in advance for six releases. The revenue was then used to remaster the archival material. But that program did not meet its financial goals.
The Collectable King Crimson is a welcome and accessible addition to the KG discography.
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