For those not in the know, King Crimson are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968.

In fact, King Crimson have been influential both on the early 1970s progressive rock movement and numerous contemporary artists.

Indeed, the band has undergone numerous formations throughout its history of which 21 musicians have been members; since October 2017 it has consisted of Robert Fripp, Jakko Jakszyk, Tony Levin, Mel Collins, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison, Jeremy Stacey and Bill Rieflin.

Nowadays, Fripp is the only consistent member of the group and is considered the band's leader and driving force and with the band having earned a large cult following, they were ranked No. 87 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.

The just released Earthbound is the twelfth release in the acclaimed King Crimson 40th anniversary series. The CD features an expanded 12 track version of the original five track album with the DVD featuring the 12 track expanded album in 24/96 hi-res stereo audio plus the Summit Studios performance in a new stereo mix and in quadraphonic.

CD:
1. 21st Century Schizoid Man
2. Peoria
3. The Sailor’s Tale
4. Earthbound
5. Groon

Mastered by Robert Fripp and Simon Heyworth at Sanctuary Mastering, 2002

Bonus Tracks:
6. Pictures Of A City (8/3/72, Milwaukee)
7. Formentera Lady (8/3/72, Milwaukee)
8. Cirkus (26/2/72, Orlando)

Mastered by David Singleton at DGM, 2017

DVD:
Original album sequence extended - 4 additional tracks for DVD - PCM Stereo 2.0 (24/48)

Summit Studios: New Stereo Mix
PCM Stereo 2.0 (24/48)

Schizoid Men
PCM Stereo 2.0 (24/48)

Original vinyl transfer
PCM Stereo 2.0 (24/48)

Summit Studios: New Quad mix
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround

As all their devoted fans will already know, this is the only surviving multi-track performance from the 1972 tour. Furthermore, the DVD features the album length "Schizoid Men" sequence of edits of 21st Century Schizoid Men taken from the Ladies of The Road live album.

As for the album itself, this live recording known as Earthbound was released in 1972 as a budget record shortly after the line-up that recorded it had broken up. As aforementioned, it contains the band's first official live release of their signature song "21st Century Schizoid Man", and an extended live version of their 1970 non-LP B-side "Groon". It also contains two improvised tracks with scat vocals from Boz Burrell.

So, just what did we think of Earthbound the first time of hearing it? Well, to me, it was King Crimson let loose, uncontrolled for want of a better word. A wall of sound is put up time after time here, allowing them to forsake their previous outings where a more finessed sound was their core.still an album for the ages, believe it or not.

Robert Fripp – electric guitar
Boz Burrell – bass guitar, vocals
Mel Collins – alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, mellotron
Ian Wallace – drums

A transfer of the original vinyl album completes the audio selections and this release is also presented as a digipak format in a slipcase with new sleeve notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith along with rare photos and archive material.

As aforementioned, Earthbound: 40th Anniversary Edition continues the highly collectable King Crimson series, and in some great style, as hearing these songs again, in such luxurious quality, is like Heaven on a stick for this prog fan.

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