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August 07, 2008  |
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Park West Chicago, Illinois |
 Surprisingly rich and rewarding July 7, 2009
Written by kevred
I say "surprisingly" not because I expect these fellows to underachieve, but because I’ve seen track listings very similar to this for many years now. So, with some of the other mixed reviews in mind, I felt a little trepidation downloading this. Could they breathe new life into these tunes?
But I had nothing to worry about. Just when I thought I’d heard "Red" performed as many ways as it was going to be, here comes this monstrous new version that adds new layers of roar and lots of clever twists, largely courtesy of Mr. Levin. He shines from end to end of this recording, restlessly pushing and pulling and generally wringing these tunes dry (and standing out very well in the mix). Not being a particular fan of Porcupine Tree, I was also a little skeptical of the two-drummer lineup--often the 90s double trio felt less interesting to me from a drum standpoint than either Bruford or Mastelotto on their own. But while a handful of tracks here seem conservative in the drums, most are charged with a genuinely exciting new energy due to the tight racket these two make. "Level Five" comes to mind, and the post-Levin material here, which never grabbed me as viscerally as earlier work, here charges out with a renewed drive and Levin’s inimitable groove adding new muscle to the delightfully ornate twin guitar lines. I enjoy the (very) occasional rough edge or odd twist in the recording--there’s a very "alive" energy that made this very enjoyable for me to listen to. It doesn’t sound fussy or sterile, rather it sounds vibrant and fully in-the-moment, almost like an updated version of "Absent Lovers". Great stuff, thank you. Having finally come to this stage of the group very late, I’d love to hear more of this tour.
More Articles
Your search found 80 items (Viewing 51 to 60 of 80)
| Fan Review |
Ya DID have to be there! Sat., Aug 23, 2008
Posted by: dacope
For my 18 year old son and me, this concert was a culmination of our pursuit of the Crimson King. This past year, we saw Pat with TU opening for Tool, Gavin with Porcupine Tree, Ade with his Power Trio Read more
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| Fan Review |
Average, unfortunately... Sat., Aug 23, 2008
Posted by: takavl
Let’s just say that I’ll listen to it again...opinions being subject to change, of course.
However -- p’raps something was lost in translation...maybe ya had to be Read more
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| Fan Review |
Not So Great Recording Sat., Aug 23, 2008
Posted by: ScottM
I’m sure it was a lot more fun in person with big waves of electric noise hitting people. On this, which sounds like a soundboard recording, as per usual for those, there’s not much energy, the drum sound is unappealing, Read more
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| Fan Review |
A MUST BUY!!!! Sat., Aug 23, 2008
Posted by: mahanta
I have seen Crimson every show since 1974. The two shows in Philly were the best I have ever seen/heard. If you were not one of the lucky few to catch them on this abreviated tour, at least this will Read more
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| Fan Review |
Utterly Mysterious Fri., Aug 22, 2008
Posted by: BilSabab
Having been at this show it’s interesting to compare the memory of the experience with listening to this recording. The front line is hung out to dry a bit in this Read more
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| Fan Review |
Disappointing Fri., Aug 22, 2008
Posted by: tmansrp
Under-rehearsed & sloppy. The lack of synergy between Belew & Fripp came as a complete surprise, as did hearing TLev struggle with Trey’s parts, particularly on ConstruKction of Read more
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| Fan Review |
very worthy Fri., Aug 22, 2008
Posted by: timohara
I was at the 8/17 show in New York and was very satisfied. I did, at the time, feel like the guitars were too far back in the mix, though the sound overall was nicely Read more
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| Fan Review |
Wow. Fri., Aug 22, 2008
Posted by: foodforthemoon
So, for the first time since 1995 I’ve missed a King Crimson ’tour’. The Park West is a fantastic venue for the band, but a prior commitment to a family trip prevented me from Read more
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| Fan Review |
The Big Crim Fri., Aug 22, 2008
Posted by: JPrisco
All right then; we see the pattern: those who have not heard this lineup find this to be fantastic, and those who have heard/seen shows later than this find it to be lesser than what they have already Read more
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| Fan Review |
Chicago, Illinois August 07, 2008
Posted by: sshindell
Do not hesitate to buy this show--the sound quality is superb and the "new" take on old favorites is a delight. But let’s hope (and lobby!) for a hotter night. I was at the 8/12 Keswick show and this one Read more
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