20 April, 1994
Taken from Vrooom, the run-up to Thrak, we get to hear a pre-vocal version of Cage. A superb example of Adrian’s more experimental songwriting, the group were asked to play the tune “frantic” which clearly they do! Consequently there’s greater clarity between Trey Gunn’s high-register whirling and Tony Levin’s bowed Steinberger upright bass in the foreground. The announcement of the Double Trio version of Crimson brought some criticism about Adrian’s role in the band on what was then the only Crimson-related internet forum, Elephant Talk. If you’ve ever fancied yourself as being up to the job just try singing the lyrics to this little hummer in Ade’s rapid-fire delivery as heard on the finished version. Not so easy eh?