Lennon/Beatles/King Crimson

[Thanh Dang Nguyen <nguyet1@Eng.Auburn.EDU>]

Hello Ian,

> I have never heard this song before! Which album is it from??
> Do you know who Zimmerman might be? My guess is JL was making 
> a reference to Robert Zimmerman, laterly known as Bob Dylan ...

This is my guess, too! About the song, it is originally from Lennon's
debut solo album entitled "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" released
in '70 (just after his break-up with the Beatles). This band was
formed basically from Lennon's close friends (including the first-class
guitarist Eric Clapton), and of course, his wife Yoko Ono. I've never
had this album, but only heard this song on a compilation album which
accompanied an excellent tribute documentary entitled "Imagine: John Lennon"
made in '88, if I remember correctly. BTW, I also had a chance to watch
the clip of this song at a Beatles festival in Budapest long time ago
(when I was admittedly a crazy Beatles fan :). Quite memorable!

> Sounds like there might be quite a few Beatles fans in here!
> As much as I don't want to admit it :))

I haven't been listening to this fabulous group for about 4-5 years.
I used to have all of their albums, and was crazy enough to hand-copy
hundreds of their songs. Although my interest in Beatles faded away
with my age, I think I still love their music, especially the more
"mature" stuffs after the Beatlemania era. I also respect their
historically influential role in the development of rock'n'roll music
all over the world. It's just because of my grown-up status that I become
able to live without their music. In fact, Beatles is definitely a
very good place to start our vetures into the rock music, where the
the only horizon is our imagination ...

Some of my most beloved Beatles songs: "Norwegian Wood", "Come Together",
"Here Comes The Sun", "She's So Heavy", "Because", "A Day in The Life",
"Yellow Submarine", "The Fool on The Hill", "All You Need is Love",
"Across The Universe", and so on. You might have noticed that I favor
compositions from Lennon to those from McCartney, and I'm more into
their late 60's stuffs, starting from "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
Band" and culminating in "Abbey Road". For some reason, I also love the
little chaotic "White" album very much.

> upon a VNSAr's recommendation, I think I'll get me some
> King Crimson this weekend and give it an earshot. Anything in
> particular I ought to get first, KC fans?

Ian, I really don't want to raise a big fuss about this thing, but
please be extremely open-minded in approaching this wonderful progressive
band. That is to say, listen without any prejudice or expectation
whatsoever. It may work for you, or not, but I'm sure you will
hear something "different", that's for sure. And do keep trying!
You might be able to notice the fine elements in their music only after
a few listenings.

You might want to try the stuffs from the KC's first era, starting
with the very-very influential debut "In The Court of The Crimsong
King". This ground-breaking album (released in '69) contains
many basic elements of the progressive music that many other
bands tried to develop and master in that period. If you like it,
you may go on to try with the remaining albums from this era,
including "Island", "Lizards", and "In The Wake of Poseidon". I personally
like their second era, with a highly experimental and dark sound,
full of dynamics and dense textures. However, you'd better try them
after getting familiar with at least "In The Court ...".

BTW, King Crimson may not be a good place to venture into progressive
music, since they may sound scary and unusual for first-time listeners.
Try with other bands with a melodic sound, like Emerson, Lake and
Palmer (ELP), whose classical mixture with rock is very unique (they
played compositions from Bartok, Mussorgsky, Bach, and so on, in a rock
trio form). Other big names include Jethro Tull, Yes, Genesis
and Renaissance. If you want recommendation of their music, please
feel free to drop me a line.

I have been collecting jazz, progressive rock and blues music for a few
years. If anyone of you gets interested in these or other kind of music,
I'm always happy to make you a copy of the music I have, provided
you supply me with a blank tape. This is a good way to start your
own collection, on the "taste and try before you buy" basis. Otherwise
you may spend your good money for something quite mediocre, which had
happened with me so many times! It's also okay with me if you want
to trade tapes or CD's. Here in the States, they have a few music clubs
where you can find more popular stuffs with high-quality at very cheap
prices (say about $4-5/disc).

Have a pleasant listening!

-Thanh