KING CRIMSON islands UK 1st Press Pink Rim Island Psych Prog Progressive LP 1971

$

53

Here’s an ORIGINAL UK 1st PRESS ISLAND 'PINK RIM' LABEL VINYL LP release of the WONDEROUS fourth studio album "ISLANDS" released in 1971 by the LEGENDARY British progressive art-rock group KING CRIMSON. Original UK 1st press LP from one of the great groups of the late sixties and early 70's. This is the one and only UK pressing on the Pink rim Island label from 1971. The flipback cover is in EX condition. The record is in EX condition. The gatefold innersleeve is torn apart, but everything is still there.
Record Label: Island Records
Catalogue No: ILPS 9175
Matrix Nos:
Side One: ILPS 9175 A-1U
Side Two: ILPS 9175 B-1U
(Signifies original UK very first pressing).
This album sold pretty badly on it's release in 1971 and as a result there are very few true 1st pressings around.



Whereas Lizard was King Crimson's jazziest album, Islands is arguably King Crimson's most classically influenced album, utilizing cellos, flutes, and other instruments of that sort. The music on this album is actually very lush and atmospheric, especially the openening song "Formentera Lady", and "Song of the Gulls" is entirely a classical composition. Also noticeable on this album is a profound folk influence which comes through greatly and combines fluidly with the classical influences. This album is regarded by long time KC fans as the groups' most underated album, if you don't already have this great progressive masterpiece, well you definitely should! A very moving album, and the closing chapter of the first King Crimson saga. Islands is one of the most satisfying and beautiful mellow prog rock albums ever released, true art in music, and comes to you very highly recommended indeed!!

For all its break-ups, periods of non-existence and fluctuating methodology, King Crimson remains one of the interminably compelling bands playing within the domain of rock music to this day. Widely acknowledged as being the harbingers of the art-rock genre with their monumental 1969 album "In The Court Of The Crimson King", they paved the way for innovative art-rock/progressive rock bands such as Yes, ELP etc etc. in the early '70s as well as providing a stimulus for more recent neo-progressive bands like Tool and The Mars Volta through their post-progressive work in the early '80s and '90s.

Islands is without doubt another King Crimson masterpiece. A truly wonderous album. Creative songwriting and unparalleled musicianship are displayed here en masse. I would heartily recommend this album to any fan of progressive/experimental rock. I would especially point this album out to any open-minded music listener who is not yet familiar with avant-garde music;  This is a progressive rock classic of the HIGHEST ORDER and has never truly been replicated, and I don't think that it ever will be!

Grotesquely underrated masterpiece from KING CRIMSON which in my opinion takes the best elements from their previous two albums mixing the lyrical style of "Poseidon", and the orchestration and improvization found on "Lizard". Islands is certainly one of my personal my favorite KC albums. I've read that some people didn't really care for Boz' vocals, I view them as the best from any KC album. "Sailor's Tale" is a searing freakout, cathartic instrumental, that really stands out for me. The seamless transition from "Formentera Lady" to "Sailor's Tale" is great. Boz' vocals really come out on "The Letters" which is a dramatic song about infidelity. The chorus in "Ladies of the Road" is really wonderful, with vocal participation from Ian Wallace and Mel Collins. Fripp's guitar playing is excellent throughout and his instrumental "Prelude: Song of the Gulls" is one of his most delicate and pastoral compositions. "Islands" is a very subtle ending to this album and is a continuation of sorts of the previous song. This album serves as a transitional album, from their earlier albums, to their next couple of amazing albums. I have always been amazed at "Islands" profound musical extentions and emphasis on experimentation with its extended compositions. "Islands" emphasizes its creators brilliance (Robert Fripp & Peter Sinfield) who were a very creative and "progressive" duo as demonstrated here. KING CRIMSON here rely heavily on classical instrumentation without ever getting too dominant. Guest musicians bring a nice musical influence with piano, vocal soprano, oboe, cornet and string bass. This album also shows Fripp's Mellotron playing at it's very best, along with his arrangement and composition skills. The standout for me is Fripp's use of the Mellotron (not to mention his outstanding guitar work).

"Islands" is the fourth studio album from the continually disintegrating band headed by Robert Fripp. Given the fact that the personnel vary so frequently, it's remarkable that Fripp was able to get anything at all recorded, let alone something of such high quality. The album consists of six generally lengthy songs and maintains a somewhat more laid back atmosphere than King Crimson is known for, but the record is not without its intense moments. I find both the title and the cover art to be extremely appropriate; the theme of little spots of color surrounded by emptiness is embodied perfectly in the music here.

The opening track, "Formentera Lady", begins with brooding cellos which gradually give way to a rather pastoral song without much drama. This all changes with "A Sailor's Tal", an energetic and orginal piece recalling the bombast of "21st Century Schizoid Man". However, unlike King Crimson's second album, "In The Wake of Poseidon", "Islands" avoids simply rehashing earlier material and all of the songs have a personailty of their own. "The Letters" is extremely powerful both musically and lyrically and "Ladies of the Road",features some tasty Beatles-esque vocal harmonies in the chorus. Finally, we are treated to an orchestral piece and the expansive melancholy of the title track.

The musicianship is excellent all around, especially considering that Fripp, lacking a bass player, had to teach all the parts to the singer note for note. Fripp's banjo influenced solo on "A Sailor's Tale" is unlike anything you've ever heard on an electric guitar. The drumming is universally great.

Yes, this record is great. It brings an end to the groups' early period. The general feel is soft and tranquil this compliments the artwork greatly. In some ways, 'Islands' brings together all the best parts of the previous three albums, but just like those it could never be perfect. That would come later...

All in all this is a great recording and for me stands out as a great contribution to the wonderful world of progressive rock.

Very highly recommended and without doubt one of KING CRIMSON'S very FINEST albums and is indeed one of the BEST progressive rock albums released by ANYONE, ANYWHERE!!

Line Up / Musicians:
Robert Fripp: guitar, mellotron, Peter's Pedal Harmonium and sundry implements
Mel Collins: flute, bass flute, saxes and vocals
Boz: bass guitar, lead vocals and choreography
Ian Wallace: drums, percussion and vocals
Peter Sinfield: words, sounds and visions

WITH:
Keith Tippet: piano
Paulina Lucas: soprano
Robin Miller: oboe
Mark Charig: cornet
Harry Miller: string bass

Tracks
Side 1.
1. Formentera Lady (10:14)
2. Sailor's Tale (7:21)
3. The Letters (4:26)
Side 2.
1. Ladies Of The Road (5:29)
2. Prelude: Song Of The Gulls (4:14)
3. Islands (11:51)

NOTE! Postage indicated in the auction is not the actual postage as ebay doesn't allow a higher postage then 4 US$ in this category. Postage for this item is 12 US$ to most countries within Europe and 23 US$ for the rest of the world. This is up to 2kg, so you can add up to 6 more LP's for the same postage. Postage for 7 LP´s is the same as for 1 LP, so buy more to save on postage!
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