King Crimson - The Great Deceiver Volumes I & II

Four CDs from six Crimson concerts in 1973/’74

While the Fripp-Wetton axis produced some of the most melodic of Crimson’s wares, there was still plenty to challenge in the live arena, as these discs demonstrate. While they’re aimed squarely at the completist, the wisdom of including several Walk On passages (quite literally the band walking on stage and the audience clapping) is bordering on the eccentric. Once they hit their stride, as on Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part II, the power and drive of clattering drums, stabbing keyboards, strings and Fripp’s raking guitar make for a colossal cacophony. The syncopated Lament showcases Wetton’s dulcet tones, before the keening Exiles and a vehement Easy Money. It’s sandwiched between two improvisations that combine Clangers-like weirdness with xylophonic frenzy. And that’s just Disc One. Other highlights include a striking 21st Century Schizoid Man, the sturdy Book Of Saturday and tuneful Cat Food. Four takes on Easy Money could be overdoing it, the bossa beat of Tight Scrummy is awful, and only the 15-minute Is There Life Out There? stands out from the ad lib mire. That said, Doctor Diamond gets a welcome airing, Fracture looms pleasingly and The Talking Drum closes things in good order. If only Sharks’ Tongues In Lemsip lived up to its promise.

DGM/Panegyric | cat no tbc

Reviewed by Tim Jones
<< Back to Issue 343