King Crimson - Larks' Tongues in Aspic

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King Crimson is a classic 70s progressive rock band with a unique jazzy sound that makes their music very fun and interesting. If you have heard of King Crimson at all, you probably at least know of their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King, and its popular song, "21st Century Schizoid Man". Although that album is undeniably great, I actually prefer this album, Larks' Tongues in Aspic.

        The first song on the album, "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part I", begins with a peaceful soundscape made by the sound of wooden wind chimes. Eventually, this transitions into the sound of frantic fiddles. The tension slowly builds as the fiddles get louder and some guitar and improvisation on what sounds like a found object drum kit is added in. Suddenly, a loud, sludgy guitar riff blasts through, completely taking you off guard. Like a lot of king Crimson songs, this one is full of interesting experimental jazz and improvisation.
        Another of my favorite songs on this album is "Easy Money". This song begins with a reggae like melody, and once again makes use of found objects unusual instruments to create a kind of uneasy sounding and interesting melody.
        Just like part 1, "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part II" is another winner. This song is full of all kinds of interesting jazzy melodies that create all kinds surprising and sudden jumps and changes. I'd describe it in more detail, but really you need to hear it to fully appreciate it.
        What makes this entire album so good is the surprising twists in the music, the interesting and jazzy melodies that constantly keep your attention, improvisation that is noisy and erratic, yet somehow flows perfectly with the everything else; the result is one of the greatest progressive rock albums of the 70s.

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