℗ 1970 E. G. Records EGLP-2
King Crimson opened 1970 scarcely in existence as a band, having lost two key members (Ian McDonald and Michael Giles), with a third (Greg Lake) about to leave. Their second album — largely composed of Robert Fripp's songwriting and material salvaged from their stage repertory ("Pictures of a City" and "The Devil's Triangle") — is actually better produced and better sounding than their first. Surprisingly, Fripp's guitar is not the dominant instrument here: The Mellotron, taken over by Fripp after McDonald's departure — and played even better than before — still remains the band's signature. The record doesn't tread enough new ground to precisely rival In the Court of the Crimson King. Fripp, however, has made an impressive show of transmuting material that worked on stage ("Mars" aka "The Devil's Triangle") into viable studio creations, and "Cadence and Cascade" may be the prettiest song the group ever cut. "The Devil's Triangle," which is essentially an unauthorized adaptation of "Mars, Bringer of War" from Gustav Holst's The Planets, was later used in an eerie Bermuda Triangle documentary of the same name. In March of 2000, Caroline and Virgin released a 24-bit digitally remastered job that puts the two Mellotrons, Michael Giles' drums, Peter Giles' bass, and even Fripp's acoustic guitar and Keith Tippett's acoustic piano practically in the lap of the listener. — Bruce Eder. |
(Fripp — Sinfield)
I am the ocean Lit by the flame I am the mountain Peace is my name I am the river Touched by the wind I am the story I never end.
(Fripp — Sinfield)
Concrete cold face cased in steel Stark sharp glass-eyed crack and peel Bright light scream beam brake and squeal Red white green white neon wheel. Dream flesh love chase perfumed skin Greased hand teeth hide tinseled sin Spice ice dance chance sickly grin Pasteboard time slot sweat and spin. Blind stick blind drunk cannot see Mouth dry tongue tied cannot speak Concrete dream flesh broken shell Lost soul lost trace lost in hell.
(Fripp — Sinfield)
Cadence and Cascade Kept a man named Jade; Cool in the shade While his audience played. Purred, whispered, "Spend us too: We only serve for you". Sliding mystified On the wine of the tide Stared pale-eyed As his veil fell aside. Sad paper courtesan They found him just a man. Caravan hotel Where the sequin spell fell Custom of the game. Cadence oiled in love Licked his velvet gloved hand Cascade kissed his name. Sad paper courtesan They knew him just a man.
(Fripp — Sinfield)
Plato's spawn cold ivyed eyes Snare truth in bone and globe. Harlequins coin pointless games Sneer jokes in parrot's robe. Two women weep, Dame Scarlet Screen Sheds sudden theatre rain, Whilst dark in dream the Midnight Queen Knows every human pain. In air, fire, earth and water World on the scales. Air, fire, earth and water Balance of change World on the scales On the scales. Bishop's kings spin judgement's blade Scratch "Faith" on nameless graves. Harvest hags Hoard ash and sand Rack rope and chain for slaves Who fireside fear fermented words Then rear to spoil the feast; Whilst in the aisle the mad man smiles To him it matters least. Heroes hands drain stones for blood To whet the scaling knife. Magi blind with visions light Net death in dread of life. Their children kneel in Jesus till They learn the price of nail; Whilst all around our mother earth Waits balanced on the scales.
(Fripp — Sinfield — McDonald)
Lady Supermarket with an apple in her basket Knocks in the manager's door; Grooning to the muzak from a speaker in shoe rack Lays out her goods on the floor; Everything she's chosen is conveniently frozen. "Eat it and come back for more!" Lady Window Shopper with a new one in the hopper Whips up a chemical brew; Croaking to a neighbour while she polishes a sabre Knows how to flavour a stew. Never need to worry with a tin of 'Hurri Curri': "Poisoned especially for you!" No use to complain If you're caught out in the rain; Your mother's quite insane. Cat food cat food cat food again. Lady Yellow Stamper with a fillet in a hamper Dying to finish the course; Goodies for the table with a fable on the label Drowning in miracle sauce. Don't think I am that rude if I tell you that it's cat food, "Not even fit for a horse!"
(Fripp — Sinfield)
Peace is a word Of the sea and the wind. Peace is a bird who sings As you smile. Peace is the love Of a foe as a friend; Peace is the love you bring To a child Searching for me You look everywhere, Except beside you. Searching for you You look everywhere, But not inside you. Peace is a stream From the heart of a man; Peace is a man, whose breadth Is the dawn. Peace is a dawn On a day without end; Peace is the end, like death Of the war.