Rock, Metal King Crimson King Crimson – Three Of A Perfect Pair (1984)
King Crimson – Three Of A Perfect Pair (1984)
King Crimson – Three Of A Perfect Pair (1984)
A1 Three Of A Perfect Pair 4:11 A2 Model Man 3:46 A3 Sleepless 5:18 A4 Man With An Open Heart 3:01 A5 Nuages (That Which Passes, Passes Like Clouds) 4:46 B1 Industry 7:22 B2 Dig Me 2:59 B3 No Warning 3:28 B4 Lark's Tongues In Aspic Part III 6:01 Bass, Chapman Stick, Synthesizer, Backing Vocals – Tony Levin Drums [Acoustic, Electric] – Bill Bruford Guitar – Robert Fripp Vocals, Guitar [Fretted, Fretless], Lyrics By – Adrian Belew
Upon its release in 1984, Three of a Perfect Pair caused some unrest among fans of King Crimson. Most of their audience felt that the band had made a conscious and obvious decision to try to break through to a more mainstream pop audience. But in hindsight, this is hardly the case; it sounds unlike anything that was out at the time. Like 1982's Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair doesn't quite meet the high standards set by 1981's Discipline, but does contain a few Crimson treats. The opening title track has an unrelenting groove that never seems to let up, while "Sleepless" starts off with Tony Levin laying down some funky bass until Adrian Belew's trademark paranoid vocals kick in and assure the listener that "it's alright to feel a little fear." Also included are the seven-minute instrumental soundscape "Industry," and the cautionary tale of a "Model Man." This would prove to be the new King Crimson's last release for nearly ten years; the group disbanded soon after as its members concentrated on solo careers and other projects, until a mid-'90s reunion brought them all back together. ---Greg Prato, AllMusic Review
It's better to be charged with this album. There's almost nothing in common with KC original and typical sound. "Three of a Perfect Pair"confirms a new musical direction taken by the band, closer to the 80s spirit. So we can hear a lot of electronic drummings parts, slap bass guitars...However don't be disconcerted, it remains prog despite that it shows us a more alternative pop and synthetic side of KC's music. In the track "Nuages" we come back to Fripp original and touching guitar style. A calm and mysterious piece... Also a great mention to Adrian Belew harmonised and groovy vocals. "Three of a perfect Pair" is not essential and not the first you need to listen to for a first approach to KC's musical creativity but a recommended album for the band's lovers. ---philippe, progarchives.com
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