King Crimson “Lizard (Elemental Mix)” (2025 UK/EU limited edition LP, a remarkable new edition of one of King Crimson’s most ambitious and intriguing albums. “Lizard“, the band’s 1970 progressive rock masterpiece, has been completely reimagined in the 2025 Elemental Mix by producer David Singleton, offering a revelatory new perspective on this richly layered classic.
Pressed on 200-gram Super-Heavyweight Vinyl cut by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering, and manufactured at The Vinyl Factory, London. Singleton’s “Elemental Mixes” approach delves into the heart of each recording session, incorporating alternate performances and newly uncovered takes from individual musicians to illuminate details that were previously buried in the original 1970 mix.
Featuring Robert Fripp on guitar, Mellotron, and electronic keyboards, alongside Mel Collins, Gordon Haskell, Andy McCulloch, and lyricist Peter Sinfield, “Lizard” also includes guest appearances from Jon Anderson, Robin Miller, Mark Charig, Nick Evans, and Keith Tippett. The album’s fusion of symphonic rock, jazz improvisation, and poetic lyricism finds new clarity and warmth in this fresh 2025 master.
One of the highlights of the King Crimson 50th anniversary CD/Blu-Ray editions to date has been King Crimson producer David Singleton’s series of Elemental Mixes as he utilises the full spectrum of available studio sessions for each album to produce very different takes on the familiar songs and pieces.
This is especially true of “Lizard” where the ambition of the material, the much-expanded line-up of musicians – the background of many of them in the jazz rather than the rock world – and the number of takes recorded, resulted in a large amount of material to be considered for this album.
There was enough material for David to be able to mix and produce alternate takes for every piece from the original album.
As well as giving great insight into the recordings, the nature of Elemental Mixes allows for different takes from individual musicians to be included – sometimes alongside one another – in a way that would never be considered in the formulation of the original album.
David comments that “When I was working on the Elemental mixes, I jokingly described them as ‘Lizard for those who don’t like Lizard’. They were a complete revelation. “Lizard” is the one album which, in its initial incarnation, never quite convinced me. And yet these Elemental mixes, with their opportunity to look ‘under the hood’ of the album, revealed something fresh, wonderful and astonishing. So, if you are a King Crimson fan, who like me, has never quite taken “Lizard” to your heart, then these are essential listening. And hopefully equally fascinating to those who already love the album”.
Robert Fripp: Guitar, Mellotron, Electric Keyboards & Devices
Mel Collins: Flute & Saxes
Gordon Haskell: Bass Guitar & Vocals
Andy McCulloch: Drums
Peter Sinfield Words & Pictures
With: Robin Miller, Mark Charig, Nick Evans, Keith Tippett and Jon Anderson
The Fat Angel Sings 