King Crimson - Lizard: 30th Anniversary Edition
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Music CD Cover
Artist: King CrimsonEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
CD Release Date: 2004-12-20
Music Label: Discipline Us
Soundtracks:
- Cirkus (Including Entry Of The Chameleons)
- Indoor Game
- Happy Family
- Lizard
- Big Top
Free Music Notes for Lizard: 30th Anniversary Edition
Free Music Review: A great and extremely experimental Crimson album
Hit: 5 Stars
This 1970 release was created in-between the brilliant 1969 debut (In the Court of the Crimson King) and the staggering virtuosity and general "wildness" of the 1973-1975 incarnation of King Crimson (Larks Tongues in Aspic; Starless and Bible Black, and Red). Although some fans and critics regard Lizard as a weaker album (and even hard to "get into"), I personally feel that the music is excellent and shows a great deal of compositional sophistication (classical influences figure prominently). Pete Sinfield even turned the heat up on his lyrics and they are very elaborate and complex on Lizard. Come to think of it, the album stands among some of my favorite King Crimson albums.
The core lineup on Lizard included: Robert Fripp (acoustic and electric guitars, mellotron, electric keyboards & devices); Mel Collins (flute & saxophones); Gordon Haskell (bass guitar & vocals); Andy McCulloch (drums and percussion); and Peter Sinfield (words & pictures; VCS3 synthesizer). Additional musicians include: Robin Miller (oboe & cor anglais); Mark Charig (cornet); Nick Evans (trombone); Keith Tippet (piano & electric piano); and finally Jon Anderson of Yes fame (vocals on "Prince Rupert Awakes"). In terms of musicianship, Robert Fripp and excellent drummer Andy McCulloch are the true standouts here, although the supporting brass and woodwind players turn in some excellent ensemble work (especially on the track Bolero). Bassist/vocalist Gordon Haskell (who was apparently a fan of soul and Motown music) was either reluctant (or unable) to embrace the complex material on Lizard and it shows in his bass playing, which is fairly weak throughout (his vocals may be an acquired taste for some - although I like them a lot). Following the release of the Lizard album, Haskell left the band (along with McCulloch).
The five tracks on the album range in length from 2'47" (the delicate Lady of the Dancing water) to the massive (23'15"), seven-part Lizard suite, which would prove to be the largest piece that the band would ever compose. Musically, Lizard presents a nice mixture of symphonic prog, the avant-garde, and even some highly experimental, jazz-inflected moments here and there (apparently a Miles Davis influence), although it is extremely odd-sounding and angular jazz. Pieces that are good examples of the avant-garde aspects include Happy Family, which features Tippetts' insane pounding on the piano. Although there are some hectic and aggressive moments on the album, in large part it is quiet and even reflective at points. Lady of the Dancing Water is the most soft and pastoral piece on the album, and features some excellent flute playing by Mel Collins.
Other personal favorites include Cirkus (love the mellotron), Indoor Games, and the huge Lizard suite. The suite opens with the very delicate and pastoral Prince Rupert Awakes movement and features the high pitched and soft vocals of Jon Anderson. His vocals work perfectly with this track. Bolero (the second movement in the Lizard suite) is another favorite and is a virtual showcase for supporting musicians Tippett, Miller, Charig, and Evans. The Lizard suite goes through a number of twists and turns, ranging from the delicate to the all out instrumental chaos of The Battle of Glass Tears/Last Skirmish. The piece closes some 23 minutes later with Big Top, which consists of carnival music, sped up and otherwise distorted (very creepy sounding stuff).
All in all this is a very progressive and challenging album by King Crimson and is a personal favorite from the 1970 -1972 period. Very highly recommended along with the 1969 debut, Larks Tongues in Aspic (1973), and Red (1974).
Lizard: 30th Anniversary Edition Poster
2004 reissue of the band's 1970 album. Discipline.Classic Rock Music CDs
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