Of course, these bands are already loaded with boss-level musicians--everything they do sounds well played. What sets the performances here apart are innovative composition and arrangements. They are also mixed well, so you can hear each voice in the band clearly. First, a classic, followed by three pieces released this year.
King Crimson: “Red” (1974)
I believe the “Red” album stands the test of time as one of the greatest albums ever made. Each piece is wildly different from the others, but they fit together into something gorgeous, dark and sinister. The title track sounds intense and tightly wound despite actually being set to a leisurely beat. It draws directly on Bartok and Stravinsky, with heavy use of tritonic scales, odd time signatures, and an unexpected cello solo. Bill Bruford’s drumming is a tour de force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_pDwv3tpug
Bridear: “Brave New
World Revisited” (2021)
This piece gets going with hints of Yes, King Crimson and Dream Theater, among others, and then takes off from there. It’s a roller-coaster ride of changing moods, multiple time signatures, layered harmonies, and gorgeous little piano, drum and guitar fills. Actually, I think it’s a breakout performance for the drummer. Now someone needs to make a movie just so they can use this as the sound track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-OXcyMkYI
Band-Maid: “Manners”
and “Black Hole” (2021)
Band-Maid have staked out a position as one of the most musically ambitious rock bands in the world. This is a live performance, but it sounds studio-perfect. “Manners” is built on a groovy, funky bass line and lots of syncopation. If there was ever a case for the bass as a lead instrument, this is it. “Black Hole” switches into a higher gear, with a lot of call-and-response among the various voices and instruments. There is a line about “space distortion” which perfectly captures the slightly chaotic feel of the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaf94nNSRGE
I love King Crimson, saw them at the Greek in 1985. Red is great, but i also love Discipline, which also has a variety of very different sounds, ranging from Elephant Talk to Frame by Frame to Thela Hun Ginjeet. I can still see Fripp sitting on his chair, Belew making those odd noises from his guitar and Levin attacking the bass.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not quite the same, but in the fusion part of this category, I've been a big fan of Dixie Dregs for 40yrs. Although Take It Off The Top, Cruise Control and Free Fall are wonderful, intricate works, my favorite is Twiggs Approved. I'm not sure why, i think it's the bass that runs through the entire song.