King Crimson Live
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The mid-1970's line up of King Crimson has been much touted around these parts, my MOG page being no exception. I've posted some of their stuff already, and far be it from me to beat something to death, but I wanted to talk briefly about their live performance. There are hundreds of bootlegs from this lineup in existence, most of questionable quality, but the demand always seems to be there. The reason? Sheer, raw intensity. This line up was the heaviest of KCs long-fables history. Bill Bruford on drums and John Wetton on bass were an almost overpowering rhythm section, and at no other time in his career was Robetr Fripp more prone to just simply shred. The only lighter element of the band was David Cross on voilin/mellotron, and even he was known to make his instrument screech and wail like you couldn't possibly imagine (I remember once playing a section for my girlfriend at the time, and when David started in I said, "You know, that's a violin there." And she refused to believe me.)
Anyway, I was trolling youtube today and came across this. This video shows in two parts. The first part is them playing one of their more popular songs from that time, "Easy Money." There are dozens of recording of this song out there, and each one is different. The second video shows the ending of that song, and then the band launched into one of their many unscripted, improvisational moments (they always did this once or twice in a show). I think this one must have been at least slightly planned out, though, as they seem a little more together than is probably possible ina completely improvised moment. Unles they were really THAT GOOD, which is possible.
And the second video:
Comments (6)
I don't have to tell how much these vids rock.
Your regret about not seeing the Heads mirrors my regret not seeing Crimson in '88 when I had the chance.
'Easy Money' is still one of the first tunes I play when I throw 'Lark's' on the turntable. I love that tune.
I always think about getting the sun and moon from that album tattooed on me somewhere.
wow, incredible videos indeed. Everytime I see stuff like this it makes me want to go out and see a live show
Chris, I saw KC on the Thrak tour back around '95 or so, and while it wasn't quite the powerhouse spectacle seen here, it was amazing. I missed them the next time they came around, which goes up as another of my great regrets.
I've also thought about getting that for a tattoo--either that or the celtic knot from the Discipline album, but those are a little bit trendy now for my tastes.
Kevin, I don't know if you're up on much KC, but if not you should give them a listen (there's a lot to be found just going through my past posts, trust me). This band, more than any other, sums up what music means to me. I can't think of higher praise than that, really.
I dont know that much about them other than their name and some songs. Will be heading into your back catalog for another listen though
Here's some shortcuts to help out:
http://mog.com/Groon/blog/169055
http://mog.com/Groon/blog/172493
http://mog.com/Groon/blog/137836
http://mog.com/Groon/blog/147932
http://mog.com/Groon/blog/83367
There's a bit there from the 70s as well as the leaner, more new way sounding 80s incarnation as well.
thanks for this, will be heading over when I have more time tomorrow......and I am a little more sober