"1999" is, if I'm non mistaken, the initiatory of all album past times Robert Fripp featuring only his soundscapes performances (differentiated from Frippertronics every bit existence a wholly digital experience whereas Frippertronics relied on tape loops). Essentially, it is Fripp, his guitar, a serial of effects in addition to looping equipment. It is non music that is for everyone-- for those familiar alongside Fripp's guitar operate alongside King Crimson, this is non the form of jaw dropping materials he played alongside that band, instead it is similar to his operate alongside Brian Eno-- inwards fact ambient music. In addition, it is wholly improvised, in addition to thus all structure, implied or not, is spontanteous. And without such things every bit concrete melody, this music tin ofttimes survive extremely hard to bargain with.
Having stated that, "1999"-- v unedited alive recordings from 1994 is a decent representative of the cast (though non the best-- I've reserve that for "A Blessing of Tears"). The music moves betwixt black in addition to haunting ("1999"), horrific ("2000"), achingly beautiful ("2001"), meandering (the appropriately titled in addition to fortunately only edited rails on the record, "Interlude"), in addition to gentle ("2002"). Remarkably, the only rails I actually dislike is the "Interlude", which comes closest to sounding similar a guitar, the balance has an orchestral experience to it, the pure amount of noise generated at a minimum is pretty impressive.
If you're novel to soundscapes, start alongside the easier to respect "A Blessing of Tears", but if you're familiar alongside this work, rails this i down, it is an interesting in addition to rewarding release.
Robert Fripp's "1999" CD from 1994 was released during a fourth dimension when the legendary guitarist was making a major comeback. King Crimson had returned after a decade-long absence in addition to Fripp re-emerged alongside his initiatory of all solo performances inwards almost every bit long. 1994 too marked the nativity of Fripp's 'soundscaping' technique which was in addition to notwithstanding is an extension of his 'Frippertronic' experiments of the 1970's in addition to '80's.
Instead of using 2 tape machines every bit had been the norm alongside 'Frippertronics', Soundscapes utilized digital technology scientific discipline in addition to guitar-synthesizers to create in addition to loop the endless volume of audio created past times Fripp from his guitar. The thought was non a novel i but the audio definitely was.
Unlike the later on Soundscape albums which consist generally of layered calm atmospheric sounds, "1999" generally consists of giant crescendo-like pieces that cause down from pure quiet in addition to piece of cake prepare into harsh in addition to sometimes abrasive frightening walls of sound. The opening 2 pieces (1999 in addition to 2000) follow this mode in addition to are quite unsettling in addition to chilling. "2001" is a to a greater extent than calmer slice but notwithstanding has the same regulation every bit the initiatory of all 2 tracks. "Interlude" is an edited slice from a longer functioning in addition to is quite experimental alongside its sounds which ping-pong betwixt the speakers. Finally, to closed the album, "2002" points the administration inwards which Fripp would eventually accept his Soundscapes every bit it consists of beautiful ambient layered sounds.
"1999" has travel somewhat hard to respect inwards recent years but if your a fan of King Crimson, Robert Fripp in addition to Soundscapes, this CD is definitely a must. This was the start of a novel Fripp trademark which continues to this twenty-four sixty minutes menses in addition to displays him at his most experimental in addition to most unpredictable. Recommended!!!
Track Listing:
1. 1999 Pt. 1 (16:08)
2. 2000 (16:02)
3. 2001 (12:52)
4. Interlude (3:59)
5. 2002 (8:29)
Total Time: 57:30
Personnel:
- Robert Fripp / guitar
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