This was the last recording to come from King Crimson in the '70s. Robert Fripp decided that he didn't wish to go forward with KC, that he'd reached the end of his rope.

So Crimson went out with a real bang. This may be their best recording of all time. Low key in its own way, it starts out with grungy guitar and never lets up (with the exception of the forgettable "Providence"). Building in intensity to the stunning (and biographical sounding, but probably not biographical) Starless.

Like almost all Crimson, this one takes a few listens to get your head and heart around. After that, you can listen 100 times and hear new nuances each time.

If you can only have one Crimson record, get this one. If you prefer less intensity and aggression, get their debut, In the Court of the Crimson King. Or if you prefer more jazz feel, perhaps Starless and Bible Black. But get something, King Crimson has no real peer in their selected realm.