Live in Chicago
King Crimson · 2017
153 min · 21 tracks · progressive rock
A dynamic fusion of intricate musicianship and improvisation, showcasing King Crimson's mastery in live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One Start here — This track exemplifies the band's intricate interplay and complex arrangements, embodying their signature style of blending improvisation with structured composition.
-
→
Starless — With its haunting melody and climactic build-up, this track highlights the emotional depth of King Crimson's music, serving as a centerpiece of their live performances.
-
→
21st Century Schizoid Man — This iconic song showcases the band’s ability to fuse jazz and rock elements into a powerful commentary on modernity, remaining relevant decades after its original release.
-
→
Indiscipline — The raw energy and spoken-word sections within this track illustrate King Crimson's experimental edge, making it a standout piece in their live repertoire.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures King Crimson's intricate musicianship and improvisation, showcasing their distinctive sound in a live setting.
What we noticed
- Tracks often transition seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow rather than distinct breaks between songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with peaks
- wave-like pacing and intensity
- immersive two-half listening experience
- exploratory improvisation moments
- captivating live performance energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Captures King Crimson's renewed creativity and reinterpretation of their classics.
- Themes
- Chicago improvisation· progressive rock resurgence· 21st-century dissonance
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- Released in 2017, 'Live in Chicago' captures King Crimson at a stage of renewed creativity, following their 2014 album 'Radical Action to Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind'. This live recording features a lineup that emphasizes both classic tracks and newer compositions, reflecting the band's long-lasting evolution and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· Genesis· Frank Zappa
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Bellscape & Orchestral Werning 2:29
- 2 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One Start here 9:28
- 3 Neurotica 4:54
- 4 The Errors 4:53
- 5 Cirkus 7:34
- 6 The Lizard Suite 11:21
- 7 Fallen Angel 5:59
- 8 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two 7:10
- 9 Islands 9:58
- 10 Pictures of a City 9:53
Disc 2
- 1 Indiscipline 8:17
- 2 The ConstruKction of Light 6:19
- 3 Easy Money 9:34
- 4 The Letters 6:43
- 5 Interlude 2:24
- 6 Meltdown 4:22
- 7 Radical Action II 2:28
- 8 Level Five 7:04
- 9 Starless 14:14
- 10 Heroes 4:27
- 11 21st Century Schizoid Man 13:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Frances the Mute
The Mars Volta
Shares an expansive approach to progressive rock with intricate compositions and improvisational flair.
Lonerism
Tame Impala
Explores psychedelic soundscapes with a modern twist, blending meticulous production and improvisational elements.
In Absentia
Porcupine Tree
Combines progressive rock intricacies with a dark atmosphere and dynamic live performance energy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.