Search - King Crimson - Neal and Jack and Me (Live 1982-84) on DVD

See What You Missed! - Great DVD

Scott McFarland | Manassas, VA United States | 11/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I say "See What You Missed" because so many music lovers never got a taste of how great this band was during this incarnation. These guys were full of invention and taste. Robert Fripp (guitar) continued to steward the band into new, highly progressive territory and continued to bring his significant skills in composition to the table. Adrian Belew (guitar, vocals) was in his prime, like a mature Jimi Hendrix, a master player and an engaging frontman. Tony Levin (bass & stick) contributed perfectly tasteful bass parts and Bill Bruford (drums & percussion) was at his absolute best during this era, when he was experimenting with electronic drums. Bruford's parts are constantly tasty and add an element of anarchy and excitement to this intricate music.



"The Noise" from 1982 is a great filmed performance that shows the band at their best. The 1984 performance is crisper and contains more material, and is great also.



The music mixes sonic experimentation ala Hendrix in his prime with a framework influenced by African & Asian music as well as 20th Century minimalism (Glass, Reich). Perfectly. Great band, great DVD. They tended to make fans out of whoever saw them live and I would guess this DVD will make you a fan of this band if you aren't already.

"

All I can say is "WOW!"

William Scalzo | Niagara Falls, NY | 04/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first spotted this baby in the store I thought I was seeing things. I practically sprinted to the checkout and probably broke a few traffic laws racing home to play it. Neal and Jack and Me did not disappoint in any way, being a perfect video counterpart to the band's three fine early-80's albums. Virtually all of the high points from this lineup are here, with a few older KC classics cut from the concerts.



This sucker looks and sounds so good I can only wonder why it took two decades for it to be released, but I suppose better late than never. Getting to see these four talented musicians live and in action, during one of the most fruitful periods in the band's long career, is a very special treat.



Of the two almost complete concerts, the earlier set (a supporting slot recorded live in Frejus) is a bit rawer and more exploratory, while the later headlining set in Tokyo a bit slicker and more polished. In both cases, bandleader Robert Fripp as usual sits in the shadows, but you can enjoy watching Adrian Belew cheerfully abuse a series of Fenders while Tony Levin puts on a clinic on bass and stick. Then of course there's Bill Bruford, whose presence here is reason enough to buy this DVD. Don't miss Bruford and Belew's dual electronic drum segment on "Waiting Man!"



The bonus material includes a very cool video of "Sleepless." There are some noticeable flaws in the master tapes which is duly noted in the booklet but not on the outside of the packaging.



Four more talented musicians have never shared a stage together. This is an essential and priceless document of the early 80's Crimson and an absolute must-have for fans. Now, when is someone going to unearth a show from the mid-70's Wetton-Cross-Bruford lineup?"

Good sound, good video, excellent performance!

jimmy | out of this world | 09/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got this DVD the other day, and can compare it with the

faint memories of the original Live In Japan special, and the

even fainter memory of actually seeing them live in 1984.



First off, the sound quality is as I remembered it -- a bit

grainy, but you can hear what's being played. The stereo

separation has been improved, though.



The video quality is also as I remembered it -- quite grainy at

times (sometimes this was intentional, other times, I think not).



What's really important, though, is that these videos capture

the 1980s King Crimson at the height of their powers. Happily,

this is also as I remembered it. It's all about the music, and

these folks roared."

A Light In The Dark Ages

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 08/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For many, the 1980's were the dark ages of popular music. For example, in 1982, Olivia Newton-John,'s 'Let's Get Physical' was the number one song of the year. In 1984, Prince's 'When Doves Cry' was at the top of the charts. Beyond 'keeping the torch lit' during such years, King Crimson kept it raging for high-minded progressive rock. This DVD is a video testament to such power. During such moments, they may look as cheesy as "Men at Work" or "Duran Duran," with their clothes, guitars and electric drums. But make no mistake, this was one of the premium King Crimson line-ups. During "the Beat" and "Indiscipline" time periods, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Tony Levin and Bill Bruford were a combination of virtuosity and good timing. Indeed, the world would never again see such a synchronicity of song writing, vocals, instrumental brilliance, chemistry and flat-out creativity. The sound is futuristic by today's standards. This music would eventually lay the foundation for the up and coming jamband revolution. Les Claypool solidified this sentiment when he made 'Thela Hun Ginjeet' a staple of his live shows. Beyond "Neal and Jack and Me" being the essential video of King Crimson's 80's period, it is the only video document of the band's climax."