In 2011 celebrated folk act The Unthanks recorded a version of Starless which utilised a cornet as a means of delivering the main theme. What they couldn't have known is that in 1974, Mark Charig was asked to take a run at the main theme during the recording sessions for Red. Deemed interesting but not quite what they were looking for, Mel Collins was also asked to lay down some soprano sax on the piece in much the same manner as he would several decades later on Jakszyk Fripp & Collins' A Scarcity Of Miracles.
Whilst recognising that choosing Collins' take was the right decision, Charig's take on the tune has a certain charm and power to it. Now for the very first time, we can hear the choice that befell the Crims at the control desk in Olympic Studios and get a sense as to how Starless could have sounded had a different decision been reached.
This track is available as part of Mr Stormy's next bumper collection. His fourth year of treasures from the murky, cavernous DGM archives, torch in hand, fedora upon his head is now available for download.
