starless and bible black

• The original stereo mix of the 1974 classic
• Newly cut from masters approved by Robert Fripp
• Includes exclusive codes for 320kbps MP3 downloads of an original 1974 vinyl transfer
• 200-gram super-heavyweight vinyl

After the transitional ISLANDS, LARK'S TONGUES began the third Crimson phase that continued with STARLESS and ended with RED. The quartet of David Cross, John Wetton, Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford (augmented on LARK'S TONGUES by madman percussionist Jamie Muir) is regarded as the most innovative of Crimson's many lineups, offering hard-edged improvisations on an unprecedented level. With founding member/lyricist Pete Sinfield departed, Robert Palmer-James stepped in with a more cutting, concise lyrical approach that matched the group's uncompromising instrumental precision.

STARLESS takes the furious improvisational style inaugurated by it's predecessor and takes it to new heights. Tunes like "We'll Let You Know" and "Fracture," while based around typically devilish Fripp guitar figures and complicated time signatures, lean heavily on the spontaneity of the band's no-holds-barred interaction for their fireworks. The drumless "Trio" is 100 percent improvisation and inspiration. "The Great Deceiver" is about as close to a standard "rock" tune as STARLESS gets, Wetton's throaty vocals leading the charge. Even on this, one of Crimson's pointiest, nastiest efforts, there's room for a poignant ballad, "The Night Watch," which ranks among the band's best.

Track Listing:

• The Great Deceiver 4:02
• Lament 4:00
• We'll Let You Know 3:46
• The Night Watch 4:37
• Trio 5:41
• The Mincer 4:10
• Starless And Bible Black 9:11
• Fracture