Extended Play Lounge Ep. 11 - POLL (2nd round)

These are all amazing!! I would love to see Lizard in the future!

Isaiah Walker

Islands is another good item for Doug to react to.

Michael Brown

I voted for Red because it is one of my favorite records despite "Providence." It'll be fun to hear you react to that piece. One of my favorite elements on the album is the trashy sounding crash cymbal that Bruford literally found in the studio garbage can and put to good work.

Gregory Robert Goddu

Looking forward to anything Crimson! X

I think the title track to Lizard would make a wonderful Friday reaction, Doug, opening as it does with Jon Anderson singing the first section. The only problem with it really is that it would be blocked faster than you could raise a cocktail to your lips. Yeah, that fast! Vimeo it?

John Clark

Larks' Tongues in Aspic, for the love of the deity of your choice, Larks' Tongues in Aspic.

John Clark

Looks like Red won the poll, with Discipline a close second. Hopefully you will do both in due time. Happy New Year.

BRIAN MILLER

It was tough between Red and Discipline but I picked Discipline because of the interlocking guitar lines and more percussive digital drumming. Red is my all time favorite. Wetton’s bass is so strong and upfront.

Mark Saxon

For me King Crimson reached absolute perfection with the Discipline Trilogy, "Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair". It's as though everything before those albums were just outworkings to reach that level of perfection. Simply brilliant!

Trev

Starless and Bible Black — I’d love to hear you discuss the song “Fracture”, the subject of a book and some videos concerning how it’s “impossible”as described by Fripp himself. https://youtu.be/rTIn4cIvtp0

I agree that Lark's Tongues in Aspic ought to have been here instead of Starless and Bible Black, an album of mostly live improvisations that I listened to for the first time recently and feel no great desire to listen to a second time. I maintain my general stance against In the Wake of Poseidon. Side 1 truly does copy Side 1 of In the Court of the Crimson King, song-for-song (aside from the short vocal intro: big whoop). "Cadence and Cascade" and "In the Wake of Poseidon" are even in the same keys as "I Talk to the Wind" and "Epitaph". And none of the songs are as good as the originals. And the second side just doesn't get me excited. I understand that at this point, the band only really existed on paper... but that's a reason, not an excuse.

Ray Sincere

I voted for Lizard specifically because Fripp once called it “unlistenable” but then rehabilitated a good portion of it for the last iteration of KC. I think it would be interesting to see what Doug would make of a piece that the composer has been ambivalent about. Larks is the better album by far though.

I've yet to delve into KC's earlier (or more recent) work. I'm a devotee of the Discipline trilogy, I remember seeing them live in the early 80's - so many songs I love from those three (Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair).

The whole Red album is great. But Starless stands out as the one of the best unions of melody and musical experimentation ever. Doug, it a whole life long study following all the incarnations of KC. The latest incarnations is arguably the best lineup musicianship wise, They have released several live albums reworking their early catalog. Three drummers at the front of the stage is quite a statement. And none of them are doing a pounding kick drum.

The song "Starless" was on the album Red. And Doug already reacted to that video in an earlier Patreon post.

BRIAN MILLER

It already looks like "Red" will win this. However, if you ever wish to review "Starless and Bible Black", the 12:35 minute live version done by Fripp & Co (live in Japan 2015 - features 3 drummers!) is masterful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhKJgqxNDD8

Rick Morse

Could make a case for any of these: In The Wake is almost a rewrite of In The Court, which could make for an interesting analysis in terms of the band's development. Plus you'll dig "Devil's Triangle." Lizard is their most classical sounding album. Starless And Bible Black includes arguably their best song, "Fracture." Red is arguably their best album (it's my fav), and, as some previous commenters have hinted at, it's an excellent finale to their '70s, classic-rock/jazz-inspired sound (although I don't quite agree with the comments saying it's the next "logical" development - I'd claim In The Wake or Lizard for that). Discipline is their most obviously complicated album, while still being quite listenable. My vote is for In The Wake, because I think it's the most interesting to listen to after In The Court. It appears Red will win, and I'm fine with that of course, but the only drawback is that, imo, Larks' Tongues / Starless & BB / Red make a perfect trilogy, in that order: the evolution of their sound with the lineup changes is fascinating.

Red would be a wonderful choice as it is arguably their quintessential record of that second formation of the band. However, Discipline is Magnificently the fresh new sound of Crimson with groundbreaking adventurous music....songform.....and a new "face of the band" in the addition of Adrian Belew. This NEW KC sound was MONSTEROUS. Live as well. The interplay of 4 instruments weaving together as one is on a different level Gearing Belew's voice on Frame by Frame is simply a thing of beauty. I would love to.see Doug jump from the first album that began Prog. to.their newer sound of the '80's then jump back to a Red or a Lark's Tongue in Aspic

Paul Mouradjian

All of the albums from that era are essential listening.

Randy Hammill

From this list it would be either Red or Discipline for me. I chose Red, because it’s a logical step in the evolution in KC’s musical development: the end of the 70’s era. Discipline would be the next choice. I am really curious how Doug would relate to Providence as a live improvisation. And of his more in-depth reaction to Starless as a studio version with Bill Bruford and John Wetton on drums/percussion and bass guitar.

Frits van Voorst

That's too bad to see Starless and Bible Black instead of classic Larks Tongues in Aspic

Discipline !

Austin Mucciante

I voted for Red because it was my doorway to King Crimson, my introduction. But I also think that Larks Tongues In Aspic and Islands would be better option than In The Wake and Lizards, two albums that Fripp himself ignores nowadays.

Claudio Fernandes

Discipline gets the nod from me, scariest quartet ever assembled. And Three of a Perfect Pair Live in Japan 1984 is just jawdropping.

Anthony Taylor

I wish those were all on the same album, three of my favorite KC tunes.

Anthony Taylor

Larks Tongues in Aspic... :(

Steven Smith

I voted for Starless and Bible Black, but I don't mind most of the alternatives. That being said, I really hope that Discipline doesn't win. The songs on Discipline may be great, but in my opinion there are live performances of every track that greatly exceed what appeared on the album. And I say that as someone who normally really dislikes when Doug goes with live performances over the album versions.

Andrew Perrine

Sad Islands is not on the poll. I'd love to see that reaction someday.

We'll get to the more recent stuff soon!

R. Douglas Helvering

In the absence of Beat, my choice is Discipline.

Dave Vick

wow, what a collection: Starless and Bible Black was the first KC album I listen to .. was blown away by the starting riff in "Great Deceiver" it was the most unusual riff.. I've followed them since. Starless Bible Black is my fave. but two most favorite KC songs: "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" (all Parts) "The World's My Oyster Soup Kitchen Floor Wax Museum" just saying :D

Arpeggio Blues

Red or Discipline, but he already did Starless so the latter is my choice.

Lars

I went with Discipline (grab a calculator for those time signatures!), but it was rather disappointing to not see the band's two more recent eras represented at all (the double-trio, and the era after Bruford and Levin left). But no matter which is selected, Doug's reaction will be great -- I'm looking forward to it!

Mike D

In the Court, Red, Discipline, Thrak, and Power to Believe are probably the best albums to get a sampling of the different major eras of (mostly) studio Crimson. Red is an awesome choice, as it includes what will be your first listen to a live Crim improv (Providence), as opposed to the studio improv in Moonchild. The remaster includes the full improv (about 1-1/2 minutes longer) as a bonus track. The studio version of Starless is also a must, even though the live version you watched is also essential.

Randy Hammill

it would be nice to see a reaction to "Level 5", "Frame by Frame" and "Frakctured" :D

All albums in the poll are very interesting. But my two favourites would also be Red and Discipline. I voted for Red, because it's in my top3 albums of all time (along with Van der Graaf Genrator - Godbluff and Camel – Mirage). Very intense and groundbreaking sound of Wetton's era King Crimson just captivates me. Also, you have already reacted to Starless, so listening to the whole album might finish what you've started! Discipline is a major shift in King Crimson's discography, but a very good one. Discipline might be musically most complex album in KC discography, but has its new wave/post punk flavor, characteristic to early 80s. Their 80s albums, in my humble opinion, are even more cohesive than 70s ones. Actually, these days I like Beat even more than Discipline, so I hope that someday in the future you might consider listening to Beat or even Three of a Perfect Pair.

Einaras Sipavičius

Very tough choice, and there isn't a bad outcome here. The violin work on Starless and Bible Black was the tipping point for me, I just adore that album and find it very soothing (in a weird way). It's so unique. It looks like this round may go to Red, which is also a fine choice, but I would love to see Starless & Bible Black return as a possibility in the future.

KB Gardner

Clearly either Red or Discipline are going to win this poll. Which is not a bad thing at all as both albums are great. My vote was for Lizard and I stand by it. Robert Fripp reached a creative peak with Lizard which has never yet been matched. If not the whole album, then might I suggest devoting a YouTube episode to just the Lizard Suite. It's an amazing piece of music, well worth a Daily Doug analysis. You might want to have some herbal assistance for this one.

Glenn Matteson

Red is great, but Discipline has so many enjoyable musical tricks going on... I can't wait to hear it through Doug's ears!

All are great albums... Discipline is my choice and it's running second place. It represents an interesting shift in style. I hope it pulls ahead!

Richard Moore

Since Larks’ Tounges In Aspic isn’t an option, I gotta go with Red.

Doug, Red is winning but as a music theory guy I believe you would enjoy Lizard much more. That album is so complex in its usage of diminished triads plus the instruments being played. Red is brutal Prog Rock and the diminished triads are there also but it’s only a guitar bass drums affair with some violin and a sax. Lizard is amazing In it’s classical leanings and the Mellotron is incredible whereas Red hardly uses it.

Rand Kelly

I like Discipline the most but Red is more important in the progression of the KC sound. We can get to Discipline soon enough!

Stop Propaganda

Can’t go wrong with Red or Discipline. I went with Discipline since that also happens to be my favorite Crimson song.

Deepak Singh

For me, anything with Jon Anderson on vocals is the winner. Even if Fripp did rein in Anderson's vocal stylings on his track. Lizard for me, please.

Illume Eltanin

As much as I love Red, and especially the track Starless, my vote goes to Discipline, as it is my favorite album of theirs.

Ole Martin

Wanted to vote for both Red and Discipline.

The correct answer is...Discipline :-)

Ahh such a difficult choice... but I voted for Red because The Lizard Suite can have a video on it's own and Red is such a classic. A masterpiece which influenced many bands and contains some of the best drumming I've ever heard by the genius of Dr. Bill Bruford. The pure and extreme essence of the 70's KC is in there , final album of that era , a recap of everything they've done and become.

Hetfield Ninno Davide

I voted for 'In the wake of' because that's their concert in The Demontfort Hall in Leicester resounded with Boz having just joined the band... could not see the join :)

Sapphyr

These records are older than Methuselah. Go for Power to Believe

JiriK

I'm not that familiar with KC and have only heard of Discipline, so it gets my vote.

Aaron E Austin

Very difficult choice…go to starless…Very Very good!!!

Michel Paré

I am voting for Lizard. It is very likely my favorite KC, and the Steven Wilson remix is outstanding. The 5.1 remix is truly revelatory in my opinion. Discipline holds a good place in my heart, as this is the first one that really got me into the band, that would be my 2nd choice.

Richard Karbowski

Starless for me. It's kind of the next logical step after ITCOTCK, since Lark's Tongues isn't a choice. Although I love anything Crimson.

Nickie Kelly

as much as i'm a fan of "Pictures of a City", "The Great Deceiver/Lament", and "Fallen Angel, Red Nightmare" i think Discipline is the best album of the lot. tough choice

They're all great, but I'm going with Discpline as I think it would make the most interesting show.

Julio Scissors

Dificult choice but Discipline got my vote