SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KING CRIMSON – LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC – THE COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS

KING CRIMSON
LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC – THE COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS
PANEGYRIC RECORDS

Larks’ Tongues In Aspic was released in 1973 and was the fifth studio album by Robert Fripp’s King Crismon. It also marked the first album with an all-new line-up, the third line-up since the band began in 1968. King Crimson Version Three included Fripp, but also marked the debut of John Wetton (bass, formerly of the band Family), former Yes member Bill Bruford on drums, David Cross (violin, from the band Waves) and jazz musician Jamie Muir (percussion and drums). To say there were high hopes for the album is putting it mildly. The new band was featured on many covers of many U.K. magazines. Fripp and company did not disappoint. It may not have charted as high as previous albums, but over time it has become recognized as one the greatest prog rock albums of all time, and who am I to argue? It is a brilliant album.

Now, 50 years on, thanks to Fripp’s own Panegyric label, the world has the 50th Anniversary, Complete Recording Sessions version of the album. There is a lot on this package and there are many different versions of this reissue available, so one can have their pick. Let’s start with the album itself. All but one song are group collaborations. Parts one and two, “Larks’ Tongues In Aspic”, are instrumental classics, veering into jazz. Wetton’s bass playing is absolutely stunning throughout and the band really came together.

This new version features Steven Wilson’s remixes, initially done for Dolby Atmos, but also available on CDs and vinyl. There are differences, from the opening of the album to the end, Wilson brings out different sounds and vibes that are somewhat buried in the original mix. The set also includes two Blu-rays which feature the sessions for the album. Fans can hear very early versions of some of these classic songs, and in most cases, the title track, one can hear how the song gets shaped into the final mix. It is part education, part fascination and, honestly, part just brilliant music.

Those familiar with the album will love this set. There may be a bit too much for the casual fan to enjoy, but the Steven Wilson Remix is well worth exploring and the individual album release featuring the new mix is the ideal method to enjoy the album. However, one may want to return to the original mix as there are differences and both versions are worth exploring.

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