King Crimson - "Islands" 1971

So, speaking of Robert Fripp, I thought I'd present an album that has some of what I think are overall the most interesting King Crimson songs. Sure, "In the Court of the Crimson King" is one of the most amazing and groundbreaking albums of all time, but you probably already know that. So let's take a look at.....

King Crimson - Islands
Island, 1971


















Many King Crimson fans will tell you that this is one of their worst albums. I beg to differ. The first two tracks alone instantly caught my attention... They are powerful and free-moving at the same time, progressive and jazzy yet atmospheric in a way that is very King Crimson and yet not quite like previous albums. I bought the LP for these two songs. The third song is nice, a bit of a quieter brooding affair, but nothing really too special for me. Side two opens with my least favorite song, "Ladies of the Road", and continues with two rather nice tracks. But it never reaches the intensity and atmosphere of those first two tracks.... I suppose I am saying the opposite of most King Crimson fans who prefer side two... so see for yourself:-) Oh! and our friend Keith Tippett shows up to play piano on this album.... be sure to check out his albums (a couple featured on this blog!)

This was the last album where they collaborated with Pete Sinfield as lyricist. I think Pete's lyrics are kind of hit and miss. Sometimes they work well, other times you're just glad the music is so amazing that it makes up for it. I think "In the Court" is where they work best. Their second album had some lyrics I really didn't care for (Cat Food) and here again Ladies of the Road just doesn't quite work for me. But listen to "Formentera Lady" and you'll want to be on that exotic Mediterranean island....











The cover features the Trifid Nebula in the Sagittarius constellation. The original cover didn't have the band name or album name on it.



















THE LINE UP:

• Robert Fripp – guitar, mellotron, Peter's pedal harmonium & sundry implements
• Peter Sinfield - words, sounds and visions
• Boz Burrell – bass & lead vocals
• Mel Collins – saxophones & flutes
• Ian Wallace – drums

Additional Musicians:

• Paulina Lucas – soprano (vocals)
• Keith Tippett – piano
• Robin Miller – oboe
• Mark Charig – cornet
• Harry Miller – double bass

some reviews:
"Grotesquely underrated masterpiece from KING CRIMSON which in my opinion takes the best elements from their previous 2 albums mixing the lyrical style of "Poseidon", and the orchestration and improv found on "Lizard". I have always been amazed at "Islands" profound musical extentions and emphasis on experimentation with its extended compositions. Critics harsh opinins on "Islands" seem to be mostly focused on the poor and inadequate lead singing of Boz Burrel (BAD COMPANY). In contrast my opinion is that Boz is more than adequate and offers a nice change from Mr. Wetton and actually gives "Islands" a different feel and identity than previous albums. "Islands" emphasizes its creators brilliance (Robert Fripp & Peter Sinfield) who were a very creative and "progressive" duo as demonstrated here. KING CRIMSON here rely heavily on classical instrumentation without ever getting too dominant. Guest musicians bring a nice musical influence with piano, vocal soprano, oboe, Cornet and string bass. This album also shows Fripp's Mellotron playing at it's best, along with his arrangement and composition skills. The standout for me is Fripp's use of the Mellotron (not to mention the 'ol guitar work). All in all this is a great recording and for me stands out as a great contribution to the wonderful world of progressive rock." --loserboy

"Another underrated effort by King Crimson, a band that always played a controversial role in the world of Prog Rock, plagued by constant line-up changes, and often without really consistent material, most of their albums didn't turn out anything like anybody would expect. The Rock Critics had so far not been very kind to the band (with the exception of the debut, which was loved by most). But there is much to appreciate on Islands, an album filled with lush soundscapes and some heavy parts, but most of the parts being really mellow. The usual opinion of the album is that it has very nice arrangements, but that it is at the same time slightly dull. This is pretty much the case, some of the tracks are really so beautiful that you almost melt whilst listening to them, but few parts of the album could be called exciting. Sailor's Tale is probably the most exciting and eventful track, while the final two tracks are probably the most beautiful ones. The outro on the title track closer is one of the most magnificent things that the band ever created in my opinion. Another great track is Ladies of the Road, which does get a bit aggressive at some points. Islands is [...] pretty similar to something that the band Tangerine Dream would create [...] I believe Islands to be an underrated album that should definitely be given an honest chance. It lacks the playfulness and humor Lizard, but glimpses of pure beauty does make up for that." --Prayermad



FILL YOUR EARS
(no complaints with sharebee yet, so here goes again...)