The Collectable King Crimson, Vol. 3: Live in London, Pts. 1-2 1996

The two-plus hour concert contained within this double-CD package serves up a most effective link from the of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s with the double-trio resurrection that boasted the unified talents of (guitar/voice/words), (percussion/drums), (guitar), (touch guitar/voice), (basses/Chapman stick/voice), and (percussion/drums). Both sets of their July 1, 1996 performance at the 2,000 seat in London are offered in a superb stereo recording that bristles with the constant transfer between players and attendees alike. However, prior to the full ensemble even having the chance to make it to the stage, it is announced that will play a solo Soundscape in lieu of the support act -- the . The spills from with a buoyancy that foreshadows the formidable program to follow. As the cover of 's will bookend at the close, the likewise percussive kickstarts the proceedings as the rest of the band ready themselves for battle. With over a year of active touring under their belts, 's set lists had evolved considerably. Newer material from their latest studio effort (1995) has begun finding its way more organically into the performances. That said, it is not until after the authoritative revival of '80s favorites and a slash-and-burn take of the instrumental title track to (1974) that they concern themselves with the first rumblings from via Before the conclusion of the first set, the sextet dip deeper into the new pool of fresh sounds on 's brainy-as-ever and the pairing of with the strident Disc two contains the slightly shorter -- yet arguably more intense -- second set that begins with a raving update of and a suitably frenzied and otherwise spot-on Even the typically sedate takes on a heightened sense of exigency. and the new LP's title composition lead up to what is, by all accounts, an epic unleashing of Regardless of some old-school enthusiasts' devotion to the original 1969 lineup, even the most ardent supporter would be hard-pressed to find fault with the high degree of interplay, particularly between and . The pair trade fiery exchanges, the likes of which make a rightfully indelible impression upon the listener. The methodical all but puts the wraps on the show -- sans the encore led by 's masterful rundown of that is tagged by an energetic In addition to this show, www.dgmlive.com allows interested parties to download other full-length concerts in lossless FLAC and MP3 formats -- one of which is the previous evening, June 30, 1996 at the same venue, . ~ Lindsay Planer