King Crimson - Three of a Perfect Pair: 30th Anniversary

Strong CD, but not the best of the 1980s studio work

Three of a Perfect Pair is certainly a strong CD, but of the 3 released during the mid 80s (Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair), it is not as strong a Discipline, but certainly much better than Beat. I really wish I could give 4 ½ stars because it is a very strong CD. The CD adds some interesting materials to the original album such as KC as a barber shop quartet on track 10 (which is a hoot - my 15 year old son loves to listen to this track) and the 3 different versions of sleepless. Likewise, Industrial Zone A and B are interesting tracks. I've always loved the variations on Lark's Tongues but found Part III to be the weakest of these - but it is still an interesting take on the original song that KC has developed across the years. I strongly recommend it but don't feel it was as strong of an effort as Discipline - but I feel Discipline is one of KC's top studio efforts up there with Red and In the Court of the Crimson King. November 30, 2008

Third times the charm!!!

I liked reading some of the blasting reviews listed for this record. Wow..it seems like some people only want music to be on their terms. I'm glad these people don't live next to me. This is my favorite Crimson effort from the eighties. A Hark back to the Lark time of an age bygone. It is truly an astounding work with little rules or even pleasing melody to generate it's sound. The second side is a bit messy and acidy...thank you Robert. The first side is barley carrying any radio freindly material...thank you again Robert!. If you like the 2 pedacesors to this reord(Discipline and Beat) You're probably not going to like this one so save your money. If your a do or die Crimson fan like myself. Buy it. It's a great record period. Chaotic..weird and induced. My kinda Fripp!
February 29, 2008

best... album.... ever

The CK musicians, as I've read, are not completely positive about this album. But I find it to be the most thematically cohesive, musically rich and technically proficient of all of them. It is as textured and layered as Discipline, but more varied. December 7, 2007

King Crimson Classic

Three of a perfect pair is a masterpiece. If your a KC fan then you need no convensing. For those unfamiliar first of all, all members have played with many different types of artist. From David Bowie to Nine Inch Nails and the list goes on. Robert Fripp is an amazing guitarist with a style that is unmistakable. This album was the third studio album with singer Adrian Belew. His style is very different, but is very good. "Sleepless" & "Nuages" are my favorite tracks. A must for all music enthusiasts. September 3, 2007

It's just good math!

This album is good enough to sway the naysayers of KC into followers of Fripp, Levin, Bruford and Belew. This agile group of talent join together once again under the Crimson flag and produce grand hits like "Three Of A Perfect Pair", "Model Man", and the monster of a song "Sleepless". Other great songs include the oriental flavored "Man With An Open Heart" and the beautiful soundscapes of "Nuages", the aptly named "Industry" and "Larks Tongue In Aspic Part III" which rocks out like only King Crimson can. This team has established a very unique sound and latched onto a "groove" all their own. I have to admit that once Adrian Belew joined this band they got my attention. He brings great guitar work, smart lyrics and strong pop mechanics to the group. Fripp continues to marvel me with his incredible fingers and Bruford is one of the all time best drummers the world has ever known. Tony Levin is just flat out a giant on the bass guitar and he also plays a stick which often paints different emotions similar to a cello. That's just good math my friends. This is one great album! Note - I rarely give 5 stars. - Ciao September 3, 2007

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