King Crimson - Beat (1982) (@256)

King Crimson - Beat (1982) (@256)

(Review from progarchives.com)

The album which followed in June 1982, Beat, which was largely influenced by the writings of Beatnick visionary Jack Kerouac, featured more technology and artistically went even further beyond musical comprehension. Another dose of "Discipline", this time favoring the languid, dreamy side of the quartet's combined powers.

"Beat" isn't much different from their last album, so the shock value associated with "Discipline" is lost. "Neal And Jack And Me" won't surprise anyone who's heard "Frame By Frame", "Heartbeat" doesn't hold any magical treats that "North Star" didn't already unlock years ago, "Neurotica" is a familiar indulgence of indiscipline, etc.

There are some new ideas at work here, treading into Steve Hackett's dark forest on "Sartori In Tangier", showcasing Frippertronics on the closing "Requiem", exploring "Beat" imagery on "The Howler" and "Neal And Jack And Me" (hence the title).

The superlative, mathematical approach of this King Crimson attracted a whole new audience of younger listeners who viewed the band as champions of instrumental envelope pushing.

Line-up :
- Adrian Belew / guitar, vocals
- Bill Bruford / drums
- Robert Fripp / guitar, organ, Frippertronics
- Tony Levin / Stick, bass, back vocals

Track List :
01. Neal and Jack and Me - 4:22
02. Heartbeat - 3:54
03. Sartori in Tangier - 3:34
04. Waiting Man - 4:27
05. Neurotica - 4:48
06. Two Hands - 3:23
07. The Howler - 4:13
08. Requiem - 6:38