What does it sound like?:
Crimson’s second and third albums, which both originally appeared in 1970, are reissued as single cd plus bluray sets featuring new Atmos mixes by, you guessed it, Steven Wilson, plus Elemental mixes by long time manager and collaborator David Singleton, and as if that wasn’t enough, you also get the complete recording sessions for each album.
Looking at Poseidon first, Wilson has prepared a new stereo mix, 5.1 mix and of course an Atmos mix of the album plus the single B side Groon, while Singleton adds four elemental mixes. I won’t go through all the tracks as fans, who this package is squarely aimed at, will obviously be familiar with the music already, but if I had to pick out a couple of highlights, it would be the title track and Pictures of a City. In a way the cd is a bit superfluous as all the material plus lots more content besides is to be found on the bluray disc, which also houses the full recording sessions plus the 30th anniversary mix of the album now presented in hi res stereo.
Lizard follows a similar format in its layout, although this time there are Elemental mixes of the whole album included. Cirkus and the epic title track are two of my favourite pieces by the band, so it’s great to hear them given a new lease of life with the Atmos treatment, and also to hear the original recording sessions for them.
If I had to choose between the two, I would go for Lizard as I think that overall it’s a more cohesive album, although certainly Poseidon still has plenty going for it, so you pays your money and takes your choice really. Either way, both albums really benefit from the new Atmos mixes, although again for me Lizard is the one that gains the most
Both sets feature excellent detailed sleeve notes by long time Crimson biographer Sid Smith, which really complement these super packages.
.
What does it all *mean*?
Two sets which are excellent value at around the £20 mark, although they are really aimed at the hardcore Crimson fan, rather than newcomers to their music.
Goes well with…
Reminiscing about the 70’s, the golden days of prog, when we were all so much younger!
Release Date:
24 Oct
Might suit people who like…
Definitely one for the devoted fan who wants to hear every last note the band committed to tape, warts and all.
I came across the ‘elemental’ vs of Lizard on Spotty only yesterday. Didn’t listen to all of it but it really is stripped down allowing individual instruments to come to the fore. What struck me was the amount of acoustic guitar and the wonderfully precise and flawless technique from Fripp. I don’t think I’ll bother listening to it further though and much prefer the original fuller mix (love to hear the SW vs though)
When did King Crimson (Fripp) allow their music to appear on Spotify?
For years it was barren with respect to Crimso.
I think it was around the 50th anniversary of the debut. In the spirit of reaching as many people as possible- which has worked. The band is now talked about more than ever, and there is a younger audience. The core albums are available in their previous releases, so if you want the latest Wilson mix, you have to buy it. The huge box sets aren’t available either. But there’s plenty of good stuff to hook in the unsuspecting listener… and Fripp related stuff gets added quite often.