King Crimson

Out of all the many King Crimson line-ups over the years, one of the hardest rocking was undoubtedly one from the early '70s (comprised of Robert Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and David Cross) -- especially when they hit the concert stage. And this is proven once again by the release of the 2006 double-disc set The Collectable King Crimson, Vol. 1. Comprised of two shows from 1974 -- Mainz, Germany, and Asbury Park, NJ -- only four songs are repeated on each disc, which means there is quite a bit of variety here (not just the same old set list). Included is a fine rendition of Crimson's still best-known track, "21st Century Schizoid Man," as well as "Starless" and "Easy Money," plus several "Improvs" (which just about every single early-'70s rock band was indulging in). Think of an expanded version of the official Crimson live album from 1975, USA, and you get The Collectable King Crimson, Vol. 1 (as all of the tracks from USA are included here, plus more). ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide