Starless and Bible Black
King Crimson · 1974
46 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · art rock
Challenging yet beautiful, this album weaves intricate musicianship with haunting vocal performances and dark lyrical themes.
Why this album works
The album is notable for its innovative approach to progressive rock, particularly its blend of live recordings with studio production. Critics praised it for its complexity and emotional depth, solidifying King Crimson's reputation as pioneers of the genre. It has influenced countless artists across the progressive rock spectrum and continues to be referenced in discussions about avant-garde music.
- Career context
- Released on March 29, 1974, 'Starless and Bible Black' was King Crimson's fifth studio album and followed their acclaimed work 'Larks' Tongues in Aspic'. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning through various lineups and styles, showcasing a willingness to experiment with improvisation and live recordings that would define their sound moving forward.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer· Soft Machine· Frank Zappa
- If this clicks, go next to
- Red — This album continues the dark themes and complex arrangements found in the current album.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "The Great Deceiver".
- 1 The Great Deceiver Start here 4:02
- 2 Lament 4:05
- 3 We’ll Let You Know 3:41
- 4 The Night Watch 4:40
- 5 Trio 5:40
- 6 The Mincer 4:08
- 7 Starless and Bible Black Standout 9:11
- 8 Fracture Standout 11:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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