FF: King Crimson "Sleepless"
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Artist:
1984 saw the release of King Crimson's last 80's album, Three of A Perfect Pair. This is my favorite KC album of this era, and one of their best in my opinion. More than any other of this time period this album runs the gamut from well-structued song to free-flowing improvisation, hitting every stop along the way. One of those stops brings us to what might possibly be the funkiest, danciest track they ever recorded, "Sleepless." Again, Tony Levin brings it to the hilt with this one. One of my favorite parts of this is song is the occasional odd time signature they throw in--if you're not paying attention you might noe even notice it, but if you listen in the chorus there will be a couple of times where the vocals feel like they come in too early, pushing the beat along.
This was a single, and along with it came a video that I'm sure was watched by dozens of people at one time or another. Enjoy!
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Comments (10)
Thanks for posting this--I've always had a soft spot for this song (as well as "Neurotica"), even though this era of Crimson's kind of makes me cringe. I don't really get it--they had Belew, Fripp, Levin AND Bruford--but something about these albums just sounds so cold and artificial. It's the 80's musical production, no doubt. But they made some awesome music then, no doubt, as anyone who's since seen Belew do "Three Of A Perfect Pair" live and solo can attest (big props to Belew, also; although Fripp and co. would've found some band configuration that would've worked back when they reformed, Belew has proven to be one of the most important and fruitful frontman they've ever had--really like what he brings).
Nice. It's got 80's written all over it. I might even say it surpasses most of what passes for "music" these days... even with that 80's sound permeating the entire span of the song.
astronot, I know what you mean. The sound has a very digital quality to it, even though it predates digital a bit. I think it's the fact that they were all playing through processed and synthed up sounds, even the drums. Whereas the 70s Crimson is very organic and growling, this is cold and distant. But, as you say, the music still kicks.
And yes, Belew is a great frontman. He's basically second only to Fripp in Crimson importance, both in terms of longevity and in contribution.
Eric, I agree completely.
It's amazing the stuff that got to be videoed back in the day..Meaning the record biz had enough sales and money to support (and demanded)a King Crimson video. On the one hand that's very cool, on the other it was part of the problem with the record biz..You had to make a video and had to take a song out of its album context.
All that said, I dig the song and its visual component.
Chuck, I don't think I ever saw the vid! Amazing, since it is my favorite KC set. Yeah, it may be rooted in 80's production, but the precision and flow are just amazing. I keep this one on the iPod as a single file - no track splits - 'cause I know once it starts I won't stop it. In fact, gotta head out again, earbuds in, thanks for the prompt....exit stage right!
Cody: glad you like it. The first time I saw this video I was also amazed that there had actually been a King Crimson video made, too. It sure didn't boost them to teenage stardom!
scot: glad to be the inspiration. I'm the same way, when this album starts I'm in it for the long haul every time.
man, you are hitting us hard with King Crimson today. I went back and read some of your earlier posts like you asked, finding a new appreciation for this band
Cool tune, never heard this one.
great vid Chuck, thanks for posting
Glad you guys are enjoying!
Hey, Dean: been working on any more songs lately?