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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
After King Crimson's stunning first album, "In the Court of The Crimson King", the group began work on a follow up, titled "In the Wake of Poseidon". During the recording sessions for that album, Ian McDonald left and began work on a planned project with fellow Crimson member, Michael Giles. Giles eventually left Crimson after "Poseidon" and serious work on the new album began. Simply titled "McDonald and Giles", it took alot longer than planned to record, and cost a little more than originally thought of as well. When released by Island Records in 1970 the album was a complete flop, and has not been seriously re-issued until now.
So, if it was such a flop at the time, is it any good? Surprisingly, Yes! The opening 'Suite in C' is excellent, similar to the progressive build up of Crimson's '21st Century Schizoid Man', but also similar to The Beatles' Side two medley on "Abbey Road". Steve Winwood guests on Piano. 'The flight of the Ibis' was apparently the original template for Crimson's 'Cadence and Cascade', and is very similar to it. 'Is She Waiting?' is a little wet, but still pleasant, following it is Michael Giles' sole composition on the album, 'Tomorrow's People', an excellent slice of Hippie thought. On what would have been Side two is the fantastic 20 minute opus 'Birdman', apparently also considered for Crimson's "Poseidon", but not used because it was not ready at the time. The orchestra on this track really contribute well, and the closing movement, titled 'The Reflection' is wonderful.
This musicianship on this album is great, especially Michael Giles' spot on drumming, and Peter Giles' Bass playing, both coming through crystal clear with the remastered sound. The extra sleeve notes are facinating and the whole job has been done with the upmost respect. This album is not as groundbreaking as "In the Court of ...", but is probably on par with "Poseidon" and shows how much Ian McDonald and Michael Giles actually put into King Crimson. Overall a fantastic album.
So, if it was such a flop at the time, is it any good? Surprisingly, Yes! The opening 'Suite in C' is excellent, similar to the progressive build up of Crimson's '21st Century Schizoid Man', but also similar to The Beatles' Side two medley on "Abbey Road". Steve Winwood guests on Piano. 'The flight of the Ibis' was apparently the original template for Crimson's 'Cadence and Cascade', and is very similar to it. 'Is She Waiting?' is a little wet, but still pleasant, following it is Michael Giles' sole composition on the album, 'Tomorrow's People', an excellent slice of Hippie thought. On what would have been Side two is the fantastic 20 minute opus 'Birdman', apparently also considered for Crimson's "Poseidon", but not used because it was not ready at the time. The orchestra on this track really contribute well, and the closing movement, titled 'The Reflection' is wonderful.
This musicianship on this album is great, especially Michael Giles' spot on drumming, and Peter Giles' Bass playing, both coming through crystal clear with the remastered sound. The extra sleeve notes are facinating and the whole job has been done with the upmost respect. This album is not as groundbreaking as "In the Court of ...", but is probably on par with "Poseidon" and shows how much Ian McDonald and Michael Giles actually put into King Crimson. Overall a fantastic album.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There is no doubt that this is essential for fans of early King Crimson and progressive rock in general. The tracks have been remastered well, almost to the standard of the Crimson albums.
My only gripe with this re-issue, and the reason I have dropped a star on the rating, is that they have changed and re-recorded a lyric (one word, I think) on the first track. On the original album, the muse of the piece was described as having a 'pussy' (the word being savoured by the singer, in contrast to the innocent style of the music), whereas in the 21st Century version she now has a far less risque 'kitten'! I find this utterley bizarre, to say the least, and would be interested as to why the duo felt this necessary.
Having said that, the CD re-issue of this too long neglected album is well worth having.
My only gripe with this re-issue, and the reason I have dropped a star on the rating, is that they have changed and re-recorded a lyric (one word, I think) on the first track. On the original album, the muse of the piece was described as having a 'pussy' (the word being savoured by the singer, in contrast to the innocent style of the music), whereas in the 21st Century version she now has a far less risque 'kitten'! I find this utterley bizarre, to say the least, and would be interested as to why the duo felt this necessary.
Having said that, the CD re-issue of this too long neglected album is well worth having.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I waited and waited for this album to be released in 1970 after the success of In The Court of the Crimson King. Ian McDonald appeared to be the mastermind behind the early King Crimson and when he left I eagerly followed his career. To team up with Mike Giles was perfect and it meant these new tracks still had that Crimson style without the harshness of Robert Fripp's influence. The lyrics are by the marvellous Pete Sinfield giving an album centered around the wonderful 'Birdman'. All the selections are great and although I'm now 50 it still brings back memories of DJ Jeff Dexter playing tracks from it at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. A truly great album that only a few of us have ever been aware of.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Forgotten Gem
McDonald and Giles.
I had this originally on vinyl but had not listened to it for about 30 years. Bought the CD and Wow! Read more
I had this originally on vinyl but had not listened to it for about 30 years. Bought the CD and Wow! Read more
Published 9 months ago by Anto
A classic
I had this on vinyl for several years before student poverty caused me to sell it so I was very pleased to pick up this remastered CD and not at all let down. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Doug
Blast from the past
Quite forgotten just how good this album was. Had on vinyl since the 70's but rarely played it and it has lain, gathering dust in my record cabinet for 20 years. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr. C. R. Sambrook
I Fell In Love With This CD With the First Listen!
What a great CD! The sound is crisp and the music exciting to listen to. "Tomorrow's People" is the standout amongst a fine group of compositions; the drum and bass lead into a... Read more
Published on 11 Nov 2002
Melodic masterpiece
Not every track on "McDonald and Giles" is perfect, but the best ones (e.g. "birdman") are very nearly so! Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2002 by S. J. Merrick
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