“Road to Red” Boxset. Sixteen concerts spread across 20 CDs of the final tour of my favourite King Crimson line-up. The shows here culminated in the creation of their final studio album, 1974’s “Red”. This was an intensely creative period for the band, full of musical improvisation. The music of this period was heavy and dynamic, moving effortlessly from whisper quiet to volcanically loud.
“Red” is probably my favourite King Crimson album. I love the guitar playing of Robert Fripp, and the drumming genius of Bill Bruford, but honestly, it’s the monster sized bass sound of John Wetton that keeps me coming back to this period of King Crimson. The new remaster of “Red” sounds superb to these ears and whilst the 5.1 recording is crystal clear, it is a matter of personal taste as to whether you like this modern take on classic albums.
The book contains Fripp’s diary which hold some interesting or telling comments and it would appear that Bill Bruford caused him some concerns at times, but there again he was not happy with his own playing all the time. Tracks including “One More Red Nightmare” with John Wetton in top form and Robert Fripp creating building tension and release on the title track, it became one of Crimson’s most powerful beasts. And what about the beautiful, haunting mellotron intro to “Starless” introducing one of Fripp’s melodious and pure solos. Oh simply wondrous, not only is it beautifully packaged with an album size replica of the original cover, plus “USA” envelope of track recordings with pics inside and a most informative 40 page booklet
20 CDs of live material from the final USA & Canadian 1974 tours, 1 CD of studio material featuring a new stereo mix of “Red”, 1 DVD featuring various versions of the “USA” album/concert, 2 Blu-Ray discs featuring 5 complete concerts in high-resolution stereo + “Red” in hi-res stereo & 5.1, 12” box with booklet, memorabilia & album prints. Limited to one worldwide pressing.
“Red” was one of King Crimson’s best albums, if not The best and this set serves as a document of the music the band were making live leading up to “Red”. If it weren’t for the cost I’d say everyone should own this. This is a record of a ground-breaking band at the height of their powers.
The Fat Angel Sings 