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  Prince Rupert is Smiling March 22, 2012
Written by SSImuse
You can tell Fripp’s just getting warmed up on this take. It still doesn’t have the full ferocity of the final master but still sheds light on the Beast yet to emerge. BTW, I’m with the rest - I still consider Lizard to be a watershed work of musicianship; to hear these snippets from this album makes me want to hear the whole session.
Utterly beguiling March 22, 2012
Written by Hubert
This piece certainly makes my day. Lizard has always been my favourite Crimson album and I only wish Mr Fripp would be willing to issue a Lizard box with all the bits and takes that didn’t end up on the final product - like the Beach Boys did with Pet Sounds. I’m probably not the only one here who thinks those first four albums are the best. I’m inordinately fond of the subsequent Starless period, mind, but I consider Lizard a crowning achievement. Thank you, and keep them coming!
Another missing link March 19, 2012
Written by myshadow
This is an absolute jewel.
This solo, and the section where Jon Anderson sings over Keith Tippett’s glistening arpeggios have always been my favorite parts of the original Lizard.
It is quite surprising this didn’t make it on the 40th Anniversary set, though I am building an ’Alternate Lizard’ with the Hot Tickles we have been given.
Thanks for providing us with these sonic glimpses of incredible music.
Sustaining! March 19, 2012
Written by syncopatico
Concurring heartily with previous reviews! I’ve actually "always" loved Lizard (and felt the initial stereo mix and mastering was *state of the art* for 1970 (especially the drum sound!) so i haven’t quite understood all the hubbub over the new Steven Wilson mix enabling this album to be heard clearly and spatially ’correct’ for the first time (in regards to his new stereo mix anyway); 5.1 will have to wait for this sonic resistor.
Getting back to the alternate take selection at hand, it would be interesting to know the order or number of each of the four solos recorded for Prince Rupert’s Lament (obviously we DGM visitors have only heard this alternate and the master so far of course). This particular alternate solo sounds slightly ’busier’ than the master (could this have been an earlier take?), and is as equally as valid, with perhaps a fadeout beginning at approximately 2:00 and ending at 2:12 on that long sustained note/bend being effective (on the alternate reality master/album) before Big Top kicks in.
I agree with the choice of removing the clean chordal accompaniment for the album--its presence makes the solo sound not quite lamentable enough--but is very interesting in this context to hear what RF was originally playing/listening/responding to.
March 19, 2012
Written by crazycow
My eyes are dimmed with tears
March 19, 2012
Written by paulwelsh
I agree with the above and add the following; this is an astounding breakthrough in guitar playing per se. The use of modes in rock was still rare, and this is one of the purest recorded examples (in this case, the G Dorian). Note the effect of those delicious long unresolved 4ths (thats a C over a G). Also note the fine legato technique in the scale runs, a technique used fleetingly before, but finding itself perfectly adabted to the heavy sustain. Hendrix and Zappa, Jim McGuinn and George Harrison had all explored modality, heavy sustain and legato techniques, but by 1970 and at only 23 yrs old Fripp had mastered them and applied them to utterly satisfying music.
Incredible Piece March 19, 2012
Written by wildea
This is amazing piece of work. I would pay for an entire album of these works in progress. Maybe call it the Lizard Session Tapes
Extraordinary! March 19, 2012
Written by microbunny
Astoundingly beautiful! The guitar solo from Prince Rupert Laments solidified my lifelong appreciation of Fripp’s guitar playing. To hear this alternate take is beyond thrilling, especially with a previously unheard accompaniment is fantastic. This most definitely was deserving of a place on that 40th Anniversary version. Would also love to hear the other 2 solos too! What an incredible sound. I wish I could give it a higher rating than 5.
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