The agile fingers of Tony Levin usher in the undulating lines of what would become one of the key tracks for the newly reincarnated King Crimson. Several decades on from this recording, modern ears are familiar with the Stick. However, in 1981 this slippery sound, with its ability to move simultaneously in both bass and lead roles, added to the dazzling newness radiating outwards from the core of Crimson’s material. Hearing Levin’s sinewy tapping moving between Bill Bruford’s drum parts and Adrian Belew’s isolated voice in close-up provides another opportunity to admire Levin’s instincts for what works and what best serves the music.
The agile fingers of Tony Levin usher in the undulating lines of what would become one of the key tracks for the newly reincarnated King Crimson. Several decades on from this recording, modern ears are familiar with the Stick. However, in 1981 this slippery sound, with its ability to move simultaneously in both bass and lead roles, added to the daz...