King Crimson - happy with what you have to be happy with
2002 / 34:37 Minutes / 10 Tracks / Studio / EP-CD
Release Date: October 8, 2002 - Sanctuary / DGM
Produced by: King Crimson
Engineered by: Ken Latchney
Website: www.king-crimson.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on November 11, 2002

What we have here is a warm up EP/CD from one of the great, if not THE greatest progressive rock bands of all time. A warm up EP because we are promised a full length disc in January. On this disc are two cuts that originate from the sessions of the upcoming, however, don't assume that these tracks will remain the same. Fripp and the boys are tinkerers. But damn fine ones at that.

This disc is not a standard Crimson disc but satisfies on many levels. Now...be sure that you realize that to thoroughly enjoy this disc to its fullest, it is strongly helpful that you be a King Crimson fan to start with. Not a pre-requisite but it'll help. The disc throws together an eclectic mix of songs that exemplifies the erractic assembly of materials usually exhibited by Fripp. But that's lots of the allure of a collection of tunes form Fripp especially if those tunes originate from the mothership known as King Crimson.

Let's face it folks. Many hail Page, Clapton, and Beck as guitar geniuses but...really, Robert Fripp, with his experimental brilliance, qualifies for the title of Guitar Genious Extraordinaire. He does more with his music than any one individual could and succeeds in creating technical and aural extravagance. Certainly his achievements, even when he's just screwing around, showcases the depth of his thinking.

"happy with what you have to be happy with" provides a collection of tantalizing jewels, some rough, some polished. Beginning with the 25 second elektronika (like King Crimson, huh?!) infused "Bude" that introduces "Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With", which is a quality hard rocking, chorus dominated, jewel of a song. Labeled a 'tone probe edit' from the forthcoming "Elektrik", it is a great example of what we can expect.

The explorative "Mie Gakure" and the haunting perfectionism of "Eyes Wide Open", rendered in acoustic mode, could have fit into any period of their career although both are best suited for the 80s unit of KC. I can't wait to hear the rocked out version of "Eyes Wide Open" on the upcoming disc. This acoustic version, all by itself, makes this disc collectible. The hypnotic xylophonic aura of "Shogani" delivers the grace of sound as music. If you're in like mind, you become entranced.

"Potato Pie", perhaps the most structured track on this album is a song that shows lots of 70's teeth and muscle. Fed by the introductive "I Ran", it lets the boys slip back to a time of great bluesy, experimental musicality as does the "Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part IV)" which is a haven of 'old timey' 70s lovin' goodness. Oh yeah!! Those were the days.

The repetitive "Clouds" dissipates into silence only to segue into campiness as the 'hidden' "Einstein's Relatives" appears. The disc's weakest track, and good reason why it's hidden, is a tapestry of jokes and silliness. You can wait til it begins, at the one minute marker of "Clouds" or just shut the disc off during the silence after "Clouds". You won't miss it.

With a quartet of highly qualified musicians including the classic core of Adrian Belew and founding father, Robert Fripp, King Crimson's other members, Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto, round out a solid and tight unit.

PRODUCTION & PACKAGING

Who am I to talk about the production of Robert Fripp, who creates mixes exactly as he intends for them to sound. Nevertheless, my assessment is nothing short of awe. When the mix is muddied, it works. When its clear and precise, interchanging the channels for effect, it works. That's Fripp. That's the pleasure of a King Crimson disc.

A six page fold out insert with art, band photos, credits, and song listing is included. No notes, no lyrics. But then KC has always been about music primarily. Not to forget, this is an EP CD.

THE FINAL SAY

King Crimson is the prog band of the universe. If you're a fan, you're going to dig this one. It's not a primer. It's not a sampler. It's unadulterated King Crimson. With that said...be "happy with what you have to be happy with" but get this disc.

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