Level Five

King Crimson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dgm / Inner Knot
• ASIN: B001FTHTQI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,101 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Dangerous Curves

2. Level Five

3. Virtuous Circle

4. The Construkction of Light

5. The Deception of the Thrush

Editorial Reviews

Japanese 2002 release featuring 5 tracks, 'Dangerous Curves' (new song), 'Virtuous Circle' (new song), Level Five (new song), 'The Deception Of Thrush' & 'The ConstruKction Of Light'. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The fifth incarnation has moved to Level Five, July 15, 2002

By 

Bwarg (Bwargville) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Level Five (Audio CD)

...Is it worth it though? I would say yes. I loved Heavy ConstrucKtion, but the version of ConstrucKtion of Light on Level Five is superior for a few reasons, the most important of which is that Pat Mastelotto's drum kit sounds like more of an acoustic drum kit. Like I said, Heavy ConstrucKtion was great, but at times I tired slightly of what sounded like a purely electronic kit. This is a welcome change, and makes King Crimson sound infinitely heavier (more appropriate for the tour with Tool from which the tracks on this album are taken).

Dangerous Curves and Virtuous Circle (tracks 1 and 3) sound like improv to me, and King Crimson never disappoints with their improv. They seem to be creating a more ambient, melodic mood with these 2 tracks than other live improvs. Level Five (track 2) is the new structured composition, and is the most worthwhile track on the disc. Dark and brooding, heavy and lurching, it shows why King Crimson is Tool's daddy, and why father and son decided to tour together (I heard that Danny Carey even sat in on Red and Frame by Frame some time on tour, it would have been amazing to hear that on this disc). That being said, the track Level Five sounds (to some small extent) like a synthesis of some of the ideas explored in Larks' Tongues pt. IV and FracKtured. Still sounds good and surprisingly fresh though.

A great version of The Deception of the Thrush appears here as well (my favorite is on Disc 3 of Heavy ConstrucKtion though), which benefits endlessly once again from Pat's new drum kit. A nice bonus improv at the end as a pleasant surprise.

Ultimately, I would say that the best reasons to buy this album would be to hear Pat's better sounding kit, and Trey Gunn's Warr Guitar (which is FINALLY balanced nicely in the mix to the point where you don't have to strain a little bit to focus on it). Robert Fripp and Adrian Belew are in top form as well. The band seems to have moved to the Level (Five) of synthesis between songwriting and instrumental chops appropriate for King Crimson's fifth major incarnation.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A King Crimson Snob thinks it's great, February 21, 2007

By 

Arthur Simon (Albany, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Level 5 (Mlps) (Audio CD)

OK, I'm a snob (or an old fart) and I own every Fripp/Wetton/Bruford Crimson disc. I love the mid seventies Crimson, but this disc rocks! It's awesome in every respect. Anyone who enjoys intense, improvisational, electric music will be impressed by this disc. A must have!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EARS WIDE OPEN, May 15, 2002

By 

Kerry Leimer (Makawao, Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Level Five (Audio CD)

Whatever the controversy has been around the various incarnations of King Crimson, the thing that had completely vanished from their music since the "Lark's Tongues" days is finally back. On "Level Five" we are again allowed to hear beyond the instruments to something extra-musical, and possessing a convulsive beauty. The lads have opened their ears again, and their instruments are playing much more than lots and lots of notes. This is thoughtful, intricate, passionate and interesting music that actually advances. King Crimson looks set to take another defining step.