Vrooom Vrooom (Bonus CD) [Import]

King Crimson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Jvc Japan
• ASIN: B000M7FQ5A
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #919,737 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Vrooom Vrooom

2. Coda: Marine 475

3. Dinosaur

4. B'boom

5. Thrak

6. The Talking Drum

7. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Pt. II

8. Neurotica

9. Prism

10. Red

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Conundrum

2. Thela Hun Ginjeet

3. Frame by Frame

4. People

5. One Time

6. Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream

7. Indiscipline

8. Two Sticks

9. Elephant Talk

10. Three of a Perfect Pair

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!, November 30, 2001

By 

Steve Marshall "Steve" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vrooom Vrooom (Audio CD)

King Crimson has been releasing live material through their Discipline Global Mobile label for quite some time now. The latest (and if you're a fan of the double-trio lineup, the best) release is VROOOM VROOOM, a compilation of shows recorded live in Mexico City, Los Angeles and New York. My only complaints are that the running order on the CDs doesn't coincide with the order of the songs in the actual concerts, and "B'Boom" and "THRAK" appear twice (once on each CD). Aside from that, this is one hell of an album.

Starting with a blistering version of the title track, the intensity continues through "Coda: Marine 475" and into "Dinosaur." Although the quiet midsection on the latter is missing, it's still a great performance. A lot of disc one is drum/percussion based. "B'Boom" and "Prism" are basically drum improvs. While they're far from boring, they would be more enjoyable in the actual context of the shows, instead of having so many drum-based songs on one disc.

"The Talking Drum" and "Larks Tongue in Aspic (Part II)" were always concert highlights, and they don't disappoint here. The thing that's sure to grab the attention of the fans on disc one is the killer version of "21st Century Schizoid Man" (which they normally don't play). Coming out of the quiet "Biker Babes of the Rio Grande" improv, the audience erupts with applause as soon as the song starts. Adrian Belew's vocals seem a bit odd on the song, but the awesome display of musicianship more than makes up for any vocal shortcomings.

Disc Two begins with the drum improv, "Conundrum," followed by the 1982 classic "Thela Hun Ginjeet." Recently covered by Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade, this classic from the Discipline album is well played and features the original conversations in the background. "People" shows the listener exactly what this band is all about. The interplay between the six musicians on this particular song is nothing short of breathtaking. "One Time" and "Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream" are both great, and this particular version of "Indiscipline" might just be the best ever.

After a great "Elephant Talk" and "Three of a Perfect Pair," "B'Boom" and "THRAK" are back. Granted, they're not bad performances, but there were other songs played during these shows (like "Matte Kudesai") that don't appear here. Disc Two also includes the rarity "Free as a Bird"--previously only available on a Japanese import or via a membership in the KCCC (King Crimson Collectors Club)--although the intro is missing here. Instead, it just starts from the end of the improv at the end of "THRAK." Rounding out this collection is one of the band's most beautiful ballads, "Walking on Air." The stereo effects on the sound are particularly noteworthy.

Some people have expressed displeasure (Fripp included) about the double trio being little more than a `greatest hits' outfit. While this may be a true statement, it's also true that the live renditions of these `hits' are far superior to their studio predecessors. The band improvised freely onstage during these tours (something the 80's lineup seldom did), taking musical risks at every possible opportunity. VROOOM VROOOM is an excellent representation of what the double trio was capable of onstage (even if the songs aren't in the proper order). Recommended for Crimheads and newbies alike.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ferocious rock juggernaut!, December 2, 2003

By 

Lord Chimp (Monkey World) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vrooom Vrooom (Audio CD)

Do not listen to this if you are trying to quit smoking. Whenever I listen to _VROOOM VROOOM_, I need precious smoke to calm down afterwards. Some turkey would be good too. Actually, it's almost ceremonial in a way. Honestly, there's not too much that can be said about this release. It's true that you can get most of the package here from two separate King Crimson collector's club discs, although I think this has a few different tracks. But it's hard to argue that this _isn't_ the ultimate live document of the terrorizing Double Trio incarnation. Disc one, from Mexico City, is onslaught after brutal onslaught, disorienting and scary but actually pretty fun. Even by the time "Dinosaur" is over, you've been battered and bruised by the hyper-complex assailment...but it gets CRAZIER. "B'Boom" sounds like the war ritual of a beastman army before it marches to battle. Then "THRAK" enters like a nightmare from the depths of Hell where even devil princes fear to tread, but it is stripped down and with so much room to breathe it manages to be even more menacing. Hearing the Double Trio rip up "Neurotica" (the nastiest song from _Beat_) is just deranged. Then the weirdo-funky percussion jam "Prism", which kind of reminds me of Thinking Plague's "Organism", then "Red" with those familiar ascending Octatonic scales that have never sounded so bloodthirsty. The dual percussion really brings this one to a new level. Bringing it to a close is a juicy rendition of "21st Century Schizoid Man". Disc two, from NYC, has the Double Trio playing some more goodies from _THRAK_ and reinterpreting a lot of great MK IV songs, breathing new life into them (not that they were DEAD or anything, but you know). Instead of more wacky descriptions that I like coming up with, I'll just say it is excellent and fun to hear -- especially since the studio versions sound so TEPID compared to these ones. And of course hearing the surreal beauty of "One Time" and "Walking on Air" is always a treat.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beast! Beast!, November 16, 2001

By 

spiral_mind (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vrooom Vrooom (Audio CD)

Lock the doors and keep away the children. Warn any non-KC fans before they get too close. B'Boom was the only live release by this Crimson lineup previously available to the public, but listening to it now is like watching a tiger cub play before it's finished growing fangs and claws. Vrooom Vrooom, on the other hand, is more a snapshot of a barely caged monster ready to rip your head off if you get too close. What a difference a year (or two) makes.

Disc 1 alone has the most searing, primal sound mix I've heard from KC yet. "Red" and "Larks' Tongues II" will shred wallpaper at three miles. The resurrected "Schizoid Man" sounds almost (gasp) bouncy, but once it reaches the bridge everyone rips into a manic frenzy. We also get an ambient group improv (not on the original Mexico City recording) and a blazing "Neurotica" that puts the original to shame - which is quite a feat.

Disc 2 leans more heavily on Thrak and Discipline and isn't as much of an outright slap in the face (although "Indiscipline" is the most deranged version I've heard yet). The group was still finding ways to flesh out the songs as a six-piece, rather than letting loose and shredding like there was no tomorrow. Compared to disc 1 it's almost laid-back - if such a term can even be applied to Crimson. "Walking on Air" and "One Time," along with Adrian's (in my opinion) unnecessary "Free as a Bird," show just what beauty these guys could create when they wanted to. Elsewhere "Thrak" shakes the floorboards and "Thela" pounds along in hyper mode - be careful playing it on the highway. I get the feeling the song could have gone completely crazy, but everyone holds back a little to keep in sync with the taped spoken-word segment. Take a listen to the Absent Lovers version if possible; that one smokes even more.

Overall these two discs present a snapshot of KC's evolution when compared with the original recordings: Thrak was the sound of the group finding its direction. On Broadway it's growing into its massive role and beginning to show its potential, and on Mexico City it's practically bursting at the seams. A heady stew of distinctly Crimsonian raw power, music at the edge of chaos. For those who love this phase of KC, this will be a nightmarish treat for the ears; for those unfamiliar with it, the Vrooom EP is a relatively inexpensive (and relatively painless) introduction. Then pick up Red and Discipline if your interest goes further.