Customer Reviews

Kneeling at the Shrine

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I learned of this album from a rave Stereo Review article just over ten years ago, shortly after it was released. King Crimson, Robert Fripp's chameleon, is a decidedly masculine affair, and yet here we have the only entry of Crimson-like music accompanying a woman's voice and lyrical musings. As other reviewers note here, the disc has been quite overlooked, and unjustly so.

Motherhood in poverty, masochism, religious hypocrisy, craving, discouragement. The lyrics are indeed a challenge to the (male-dominated) status quo, and as such are squarely in the tradition of Crimson, one which has sought to establish new philosophical and musical foundations. Fripp's music is endlessly inventive and masterfully played throughout. This record requires an open mind.

When you mention this album to a lot of King Crimson/Robert Fripp fanatics, the usual response is "what was that?" Most fans are ignorant of this excellent one off release from Mr. and Mrs. Fripp. Part of it's power may lie in the fact that this group did just one record. Normally I'm not into female vocalists, with the exception of Annie Haslam and Sonja Kristina, but Toyah Wilcox (Mrs. Fripp) is great in the context of this band. Fripp's playing is much in the vein of his 80's Crimson work on this release. Stick bassist Trey Gunn, later of the 90's Crimson, makes his entrance here;however he's not as impressive a player as Tony Levin. The album's closer, "Freedom", is beautiful and my personal favorite.

This recording has grown on me over the years. My problem was getting over the first impression that Toyah was engaging in unimpressive and unnecessary Kate Bush imitation. I now believe that was mistaken, and we have to take Toyah's singing on its own terms. This recording contains some highly effective songs, some of Robert Fripp's best studio guitar work on record, and some solid and clever support by Crafty stick player Trey Gunn (now a King Crimson member) and drummer Paul Beavis. Particular favorites of mine are "Storm Angel" (killer guitar solo), and "Freedom."

airy voices and synthesizers blend to create an original and seductive work. Fripp and Willcox transport the listener to a world of imagination where things aren't always what they seem to be. Recommended Tracks: Blood Bruise Tattoo and If I Were a Man- but there isn't a bad track on the CD

This cd is great. If you like much of Fripp's work, you won't be disappointed. Trey Gunn is one hell of a stick player. It should be noted that Fripp fell in love with Wilcox upon hearing her sing the last song on this cd. It sure is worth waiting for, all the songs are well crafted pop. Listen to the samples!