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June 29, 1974  |
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Penn State University University Park, Pennsylvania |
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Notes
Though this particular line-up were edging closer to oblivion, listening to this full show 30 years after the event, the energy levels are astounding. In his journal from the time RF described the show as "Tired. Lifeless. Lacklustre” Maybe Fripp’s estimation of the gig was informed by his recovering from mild food poisoning, the cumulative effect of prunes and a boil in his ear!
It seems nobody was happy this particular night. Sound engineer George Chkaintz had trouble with the sound in the recording truck, roadie Tex is frightened to turn down Wetton’s amp despite the discreet urgings of other members of the band and crew, Fripp is giving tour manager Dik Frasier grief,and the promoter isn’t best pleased because the band haven’t done an encore!
Despite all of this, the concert isn’t anywhere near as bad as Fripp and others judged it at the time. LTIA rips and roars like an angry beast, and the exquisite lead lines during Exiles compensate for the liberties taken with some of ithe timing. Fracture is a major event with Wetton and Bruford seemingly in a deathmatch race to see who can reach the end of the song first. Thankfully Fripp and Cross manage to keep up with them! The improvs are robust in character and prove that even with all of the problems and politics in the band, Crimso hit escape velocity: the second one in particular gives a gently-inclined Cross a chance to move out from under the overbearing rhythm section. Oh, and did I mention that Starless is a must-have belter?
Mixed directly from the multitracks, with the exception of those improvs, having been previously pressed into active service on The Great Deceiver box set, this is the first time the entire concert has been made available.
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| Tracks
All previews are MP3 192kbps
Personnel
Bill Bruford - Drums, Percussion
David Cross - Violin, Viola, Mellotron, Electric Piano
Robert Fripp - Guitar, Mellotron
John Wetton - Bass Guitar & Lead Vocal
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Audio Source: Multitrack
DGM Audio Quality Rating: 
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Fan Reviews
The perfect accompaniment to Asbury Park, Thu., Jul 1, 2010
Written by TheMetalLordInfinity
King Crimson rises with greater rage when under pressure and this gig is the perfect example of such situation.
Everybody was disgusted with some aspect or another and the tensions were spoiling the general happiness, but the most intriguing is the fact that it doesn’t seem to spoil the performance. "Larks’ Tongues In Aspic - Part II" begins a bit shy but soon is dominated by angst and transforms itself into one of the best versions of the whole tour; "Lament" finds John Wetton’s voice in fine form and Bill Bruford in an improvisation spirit; "Exiles" is a special one, with two heartfelt solos by Robert Fripp and an inspired David Cross taking the piece to beautiful places; "Is There Life Out There?" is scary, particularly during the middle section, and ominous beyond compare (even by this line-up’s standards), easily knocking out "Asbury Park", "A Voyage To The Centre Of The Cosmos" and up there with "The Golden Walnut"; "Easy Money" showcases Fripp’s spirit on that particular night, frail and tired but inventive and angry, and the leading improv with it’s quiet and contemplative personality confirm the first impressions while give Cross the chance to shine; "Fracture" and "Starless" are worth the download itself, the first is technically flawless, with a powerful drum-playing by Bruford, whilst the second, with punchy Wetton bass work, seems to be a fitting way to end the night, "Schizoid Man" would spoil the mood.
And if you thought the recording’s qualities were only historic and musical you’re wrong, the multitracks allow it to be crystal clear while maintaining it’s warmth. This indeed the most beautifully recorded of the 1974 shows.
Burning from start to finish, this show gives Asbury Park a good run for the money and is well worth the purchase.
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