Customer Reviews

The Collectable King Crimson Vol. 3: Live At The Shepherds Bush Empire, London 1996: Parts 1 & 2 (2 Cd)

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This is the 'double trio' lineup at the end of their European tour. Compared to the live album B'Boom, which is a record of this lineup's first performances, the London performance is a much more exciting listen. The band's playing is fast and furious, giving a new life to a much-performed repertoir. Although the fast pace is at the expense of subtlety, the sound of a band pushing itself to the limit technically is exhilerating.

I was at this performance, and this CD confirms that I've retained an accurate memory of it even though it was over ten years ago. King Crimson completists might be interested to know that the CD also includes a short Robert Fripp soundscape. This was the only soundscape of the tour, and it was played because the support band had to pull out at the last minute. Also, it was the first performance in many years of 21st Century Schizoid Man. I would recommend this highly.

Wow...this is a truly EXCELLENT 2 disc set. This is the 'double trio' band at the end of their tenure as Crimso. They play with a ferocity and precision that you can only marvel at...the material is a fine summary of their body of work, even the old warhorse 21st Century Schizoid Man gets an airing (and one of the best versions I have heard). Fripp has to be congratulated for creating music that knew no boundaries - no showboating but a group of excellent musicians attacking their work with energy and passion. Only a bit of irritating crowd noise detracts on occasion but I have had this on repeat for weeks now. Not for nostalgics...this is music that will challenge listeners...