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  Catch Krimson Fever...Buy this show! March 24, 2011
Written by TimCleary
This show demonstrates that this lineup was probably THE premier band of the 70s, just as the original lineup was probably the premier band of the 60s. Yes, the lyric on Dr Diamond is almost impossible to sing at this pace. I have a feeling that it may be actually impossible to sing it and play anything at all at the same time - I defy any John Wetton detractor to either play his basslines at his level or sing his vocal line at his intensity... I won’t ask for both, as I doubt many could respond. From the moment The Great Deceiver begins until well after the final notes of 21st Century Schizoid Man die away, this show is spellbinding. Sometimes it’s even better than that. This night’s renditions of Lament, Fracture, The Night Watch, Starless, LTIA2 are all stellar. 21SCM is played by the entire band so far behind the beat I have no idea how they held it together at all, let alone played it with at least the intensity of the later Double Trio versions. All in all, this show is more metal than metal, more industrial than industrial; and contains probably the best live blues/funk/rock backing ever recorded - and these are just the instrumental parts, let alone the solos. If you like music, even if you’ve never heard of King Crimson - grab a copy of this show. As far as I’m concerned, this is THE SHOW to get. I first heard some of the tracks from this gig on a King Biscuit Flower Hour recording and spent quite a while tracking it down. I thought that recording was totally amazing, and it only had three tracks (from memory) Lament, The Night Watch and Starless. When the announcer somewhat breathlessly interrupted at the end of Starless describing ’an incredible musical journey from King Crimson’ he was only skimming the surface. This recording is much, much better - more clarity, more bass, more tracks, more of everything... People say that this night was inconsistent - I say its (very minor) flaws simply serve to highlight the superlative musicianship of all involved. Recovering from a ’flub’, such as John Wetton’s slurring or stumbling over lyrics, demonstrates enormous playing and listening skills. Even ’poor old’ David Cross, who spends most of the night relegated to playing mellotron parts (which are still amazing) acquits himself not just well, but spectacularly. If ten stars were available, I’d need still more to rate this concert and recording accurately.
The Above Average Deceiver April 15, 2009
Written by DeVito
This download is worth it for Fripp’s ripping solo on Schizoid Man. The solo opens with 60 seconds of full-on scream in Fripp’s patented FLAIL mode. After a wind-down and a brief pause, there’s a couple of minutes of single-note lead that goes from angular sustain to jagged feedback to knotted strings of notes and back again -- just some good old-fashioned electric rock guitar, supported by a monstrous, crunching groove from Wetton and Bruford. At the other end of the spectrum, and just as good, is the pastoral Daniel Dust improv into Night Watch (even though Fripp has to stop and start over again because of all the loudmouthed assholes in the audience). This was pretty much David Cross’s only chance to make an audible contribution on violin -- very nice. It’s clear that by this point Cross was having trouble fitting into this band; often he played supporting piano or mellotron, and on the loud tunes where he played violin, he was just audible enough to be distracting but not loud enough that you can really hear what he was trying to do. But on quieter pieces he made a vital contribution. I have to wonder how Dr. Diamond hung on as long as it did in the set list -- they needed an auctioneer to spit out those rapid-fire lyrics. The instrumental section is heavy though. Overall, this concert feels uneven to me, and I don’t think it’s among the best by this group -- though it’s nice to have a complete set from the Spring 1974 tour. But get it for Schizoid Man. Next, how about more from Summer ’74? -- Chris DeVito
Simply the best line-up April 13, 2009
Written by nickroperti
I do respect the complexity and virtuosity of all King Crimson line-ups from 1980 and beyond (including the projects) but I find myself falling in and out of love with this era while never tring 72-74 incarnation, which I believe is not only the best of the Crimson line-ups but quite possibly the best rock band to hit the stage in the seventies. If Fripp had not broken up KC and gone into isolation, I’m pretty sure it would not have been long before the masses would get wind of the incredible energy and musicianship of this incarnation and would agree with me. This Pittsburgh concert here is a wonderful example of the ambiance and stage presence KC had in the seventies. I love it! Unlike any of the next KC lineups, when I listen to this concert I feel the energy of a huge 70s concert venue packed with excited fans who could be there for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Kiss, Queen or any other heavies of that period. As the crowd screams with with racaus exhuberance, I can almost smell the pot smoke in the air and the five minue pounding for an encore at the end of LTIAII is almost worth the price of the download. I think this lineup just had a certain presence lacking the other incarnations to come. Belew is a talented front man, but sometimes I tire of his cerebral, grinning guitar noodling. Wetton just seemed to take what he was doing very seriously and sang with heart and soul that I sometimes can’t always find with Belew.
In the Wake of Poseidon April 4, 2009
Written by Horyzont
The second album of King Crimson is, as first, the most importand album in history of progressive jazz-art-rock.
March 24, 2009
Written by jogrant
Fantastic!!! THe type of show I’ve been waiting for ! Only second best to Central park or maybe just as good . THe set is longer so it just might edge out. THey were on fire that night. Cant believe they sat on this one, the whole thing should have been on GDBox. Great to hear such a long set, they ran thru almost all their repetoire.
Extraordinary show March 24, 2009
Written by Goddard
A set full of energy. Great Music, Great Band! It would be magic to see them live, but I was yet to born :)
Hoo Hoo Dilly Cha Cha March 23, 2009
Written by dubhthaigh
This one cooks the pasta! Yowza!
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