Ah, The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles and Fripp — the first album I ever reviewed. Mr. Webb’s grade 11 English class.
I picked up this LP at an underground record store in the old Stockholm at the owner’s recommendation. The background he gave to me: GGF turned into King Crimson — a more playful band on the boundary between psychedelia and progressive rock. He spoke the truth: Michael Giles and Robert Fripp would go on to found King Crimson with ELP guitarist, Greg Lake. You’ll hear very little King Crimson on this record: pretty much the only thing that carries over is the intelligence of the rock.
“Suite No. 1,” though instrumental, reveals a great deal about this young (at the time) trio. The roots of progressive rock are in musicianship, and this track — though pretty cheeky — showcases a band with tremendous technical talent. Sure, these guys were on drugs, but unlike hippie icons, these musicians had some skill… the kind of thing that comes from years and years of classical piano and guitar being shoved down your throat. Ever heard the term “Frippian guitar” thrown around? Ever heard such intricate rock and roll? Even Django would be proud.
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[...] didn’t know was that the guitar stylings are brought to you by the letter F for Fripp (see Suite No. 1). I guess once you’re told that the King Crimson guitarist was recruited for [...]
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