The gigs at Shepherds Bush Empire weren’t just a pair of hot dates. They were a couple of scorchers[endtease] Although the band had been in town only a year before, the rather formal setting of the Albert Hall had led to it being a slightly muted occasion. By contrast, Shepherds Bush Empire was a far more excitable affair. The inclusion of Waiting Man on this tour wasn’t the only surprise – who would have thought Schizoid Man would be knocking them dead a full 22 years after it had last been played by KC. There’s a storming version of Three Of A Perfect Pair (best live group version yet?) and the eerie String Quartet – a precursor to Sus_Tayn_Z? Am I the only who thinks it’s a pity they didn’t do more of that kind of thing? Elsewhere, B’Boom is something of a savage crowd-pleaser and Frame By Frame positively blows yer socks off as Robert noted in his diary.
“Frame By Frame is blasting away at an astonishing tempo. FxF was never written to be played at this speed. But in the fire of the moment, and in the context of the particular overall tempo of the unfolding performance, the front man hits the tempo that feels right; and the guitarist stage left is hung out to dry.”
Please note that this entire concert will be available as The Collectable King Crimson Volume Three (DGM5003) from mid-April 2008.
The gigs at Shepherds Bush Empire weren’t just a pair of hot dates. They were a couple of scorchers[endtease] Although the band had been in town only a year before, the rather formal setting of the Albert Hall had led to it being a slightly muted occasion. By contrast, Shepherds Bush Empire was a far more excitable affair. The inclusion of Waiti...
This is a solid concert, but not definitive. While there is some fun to be had, one gets the sense that the band is beginning to grow weary at this stage, breaking up a year later during the "Nashville Rehearsals". The 1995 concerts I've heard feel lighter, more buoyant - though 'Coda: Marine 475' and '21st Century Schizoid Man' rip. The other THRAK songs come across well, but the 80s songs are of variable quality (Robert's harmonized clean tone can become grating outside of 'People').
Written by Bob Luciani
New to this lineup
I’m more familiar with the 1970 to 1974 version of King Crimson than I am with this line up but I bought this CD based on what I read about the show and I must say I’m quite impressed.The songs I’m not used to hearing was a great ear opener.I particularly enjoyed The Waiting Man,Thela Hun Ginjeet and Frame by Frame. By the way I don’t know if it’s me but I thought I heard an awkward edit at the 2:13 mark of the song Frame by Frame. Anyway great CD I will have to look more closely...
I’m more familiar with the 1970 to 1974 version of King Crimson than I am with this line up but I bought this CD based on what I read about the show and I must say I’m quite impressed.The songs I’m not used to hearing was a great ear opener.I particularly enjoyed The Waiting Man,Thela Hun Ginjeet and Frame by Frame. By the way I don’t know if it’s me but I thought I heard an awkward edit at the 2:13 mark of the song Frame by Frame. Anyway great CD I will have to look more closely to this line up.Bob.
Written by Ray Mauro
Wonderful
I’m reluctant to review any type of artistic work, it’s all subjective and opinions are like..., well we all have one. You get the idea. However, of all the many shows I’ve downloaded off of this site this has to be one of my very favorite concerts. Great setlist, inspired playing and fantastic sound make this an experience to enjoy time and time again. Highlights for me, the opening soundscape, a very loose and funky Sex, Sleep, Eat, Dream and a very powerful Frame By Frame....
I’m reluctant to review any type of artistic work, it’s all subjective and opinions are like..., well we all have one. You get the idea. However, of all the many shows I’ve downloaded off of this site this has to be one of my very favorite concerts. Great setlist, inspired playing and fantastic sound make this an experience to enjoy time and time again. Highlights for me, the opening soundscape, a very loose and funky Sex, Sleep, Eat, Dream and a very powerful Frame By Frame. B’Boom aint too bad either. What am I saying? It’s all weather and noise; just the way I like it. This isn’t my favorite Crimson line up, but this may be one of the best shows any line up of Crimson have played. Download and enjoy! RJM - lost and found in the greater SF Bay Area
Written by Robert MacCoun
Worth checking out
If, like me, you have many many versions of most of these tracks, then, like me, you might have groaned when this one was released. With respect to set list, recording quality, and performance, Vrooom Vrooom is still the best release from the double trio. And still no double-trio Sheltering Sky; sigh! But this turned out to be worthwhile. What’s new: A lengthy and very distinctive soundscape (a colorful tropical paradise), the "Improv 1" string quartet, and an ama...
If, like me, you have many many versions of most of these tracks, then, like me, you might have groaned when this one was released. With respect to set list, recording quality, and performance, Vrooom Vrooom is still the best release from the double trio. And still no double-trio Sheltering Sky; sigh! But this turned out to be worthwhile. What’s new: A lengthy and very distinctive soundscape (a colorful tropical paradise), the "Improv 1" string quartet, and an amazing version of Waiting Man. (THRAK also has a wonderful improv section.) And even where this overlaps Vrooom Vrooom, the percussion is consistently fresh and exciting -- even Thela Hun Ginjeet sounds fresh here, because Bill and Pat were rethinking everything.
