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  Islands in the stream November 8, 2012
Written by emperornobody
What a find. I never knew this existed until a few days ago and couldn’t download the FLACs fast enough... possibly the definitive live set from this outfit (this + Summit Studios might be tied). What I keep zoning in on -- even amidst multiple epic solo turns from the other players -- is the feel and substance of what Boz is playing, and how it shows that even early on RF was destined not just to turn the world upside down as a player and composer, but to teach in equally-as-world-altering ways. From helping turn a then-newbie into a powerhouse bassist (which propelled him into some pretty Bad Company, etc.) to the global reach of Guitar Craft, you can surely see what I am saying.
I was wondering how and why this was recorded -- my assumption is the band were trying to get a reference for where the tunes slated for the record were at weeks from going into the studio -- but why not the other nights at the Marquee? We’ll probably never know but be assured, the sound is utterly phenomenal; almost perfect as some here have noted. I really like the VCS3-ized vocals at the end of Ladies of the Road, which just stomps and thrashes in general. The Improv -- really more a structured piece incorporating solos that might be titled "The Islands guys take a very interesting and jazzy stab at what will become ’72-’74 KC" -- is at times astonishing and really gives a fascinating glimpse into the later material that would follow and how committed RF was to shaping and developing it, even before the recording of Islands.
There’s almost too much to say about this one -- for instance the transition from Formentera Lady (RF’s picking on the verses = sublime) into The Sailor’s Tale is different and more gradual than the recorded version from 2 months later on the album, and dammit I think I like it better! And if you love the Mellotron, well this version of Cirkus is a veritable ’Tron orgy-and-a-half. Anyway, ’nuff said... in the immortal words of Dr. HST, buy the ticket and take the ride!!!!
An excellent recording all around September 23, 2012
Written by jeffoaster
First off - the sound on this one is brilliant. The playing is astonishing and shows just how good of a player Mel Collins is.
Two things that really standout out: The Improv (which would soon be replaced by Groon in the set) clearly foreshadows LTiA pt 1 and Lament. It’s a good thing this piece never was made official, but it’s quite interesting to see some embryonic versions of later pieces appear.
Also, the arrangement of Sailor’s Tale is quite interesting. Basically a centerpiece for Fripp’s guitar solo, this version has a very brief solo from Fripp (I actually missed it the first listen) then Collins’ takes over before a massive brass mellotron swell finishes the song.
All in all, an essential purchase for any fan of live Crimson, especially for those who like the Islands lineup. Hell, Ladies of the Road is even pretty good, and I can’t stand that song ;^)
Wonderful! May 22, 2012
Written by JohnSmallwood
Five stars indeed all the way, both in terms of sonic quality and performance. The arrangement of Formentera Lady/The Sailor’s Tale is very interesting and takes unexpected twists and turns, and even rivals the recorded version. And if you enjoyed Ian’s sense of humor on the Summit Sessions, you’ll enjoy his unique contributions here, too. Must-have for every KC collection, thank you for this one, DGM.
A must have ! May 5, 2012
Written by beebfader1
This is a superb recording of a band at the top of their game, trying out `Islands’ material and more. `Sailor’s Tale’ has an incredible guitar solo from Fripp, and there is a pretty wonderful half hour improv covering all sorts of bases including Wallace’s drum and VCS3 battle. Much more cleanly recorded than Earthbound, this stands head and shoulders above it. 90 plus minutes of exceptionally well recorded material.
Excellent ***** April 30, 2012
Written by MikeLockyer
What a pleasure this recording is - high quality throughout and very jazzy.
Currently my favourite live recording
Many thanks and hoping for more
Best yet from this incarnation April 30, 2012
Written by DocBobster
This is splendid stuff -- just what I always hope for in a live set. Everyone was extremely creative this night; every tune is filled with nice surprises and little experiments. Fripp, Wallace, and Collins were very adept at jazz. I miss that aspect of the early Crimso; Robert seemed to develop an allergy to anything hinting of jazz after the 1970s.
Superb +++++ April 25, 2012
Written by fripprob
I Agree --- Absolutely Superb all around!! Another great show & recording from this oft critizied incarnation of K C !! These jazzy readings are infectious and apt to spread--so watch out.. I love all the incarnations of K C, so keep it coming. Please dig up MORE from `74!!! Just Great, Fripprob (phil)
superb April 24, 2012
Written by Wilbert
Superb recordings, beautiful and clear sound, except for the leaking VCS3 during vocals parts (The letter). The first half improvisation is pure jazz. The greatness of this incarnation hereby prooved once again, one of the best version I have of this line up.............
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