Marking the golden jubilee of King Crimson’s iconic 1973 album, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” is set to be re-released in a comprehensive four-disc collection. This edition promises to immerse fans in a richer auditory experience, featuring Steven Wilson Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and stereo mixes, as well as an exhaustive compilation of every recording session associated with the album.
The collection is split across two blu-ray audio discs and two CDs. The inaugural blu-ray showcases Steven Wilson’s latest Dolby Atmos Mix, which amplifies the depth and breadth of the original 2012 mixes, while preserving their intrinsic energy. Wilson’s meticulous Atmos technique involves revisiting the original multi-track recordings to craft new stereo and 5.1 surround mixes, resulting in three distinct mixes for this release.
Parallelly, Alex R. Mundy and David Singleton were engrossed in blending every single take from the initial studio sessions. These raw, previously unheard takes are presented with pronounced separation, aiming to recreate the sensation of being amidst the live studio recording.
Singleton’s ‘Elemental mixes’ offer a novel perspective on the album’s primary takes, spotlighting unconventional elements, some previously concealed and others unused. Extended versions of tracks like ‘Larks’ 1’, ‘Talking Drum’, ‘Easy Money’, and ‘Larks’ 2’ are featured. This content, along with Wilson’s trio of mixes and select instrumental versions, is housed on the first blu-ray.
The second blu-ray, leveraging the expansive storage of the format, encompasses the entirety of the sessions recorded for the album. All these tracks, presented for the first time in high-resolution 24/96 stereo, have been freshly mixed from the original recordings. This disc also includes the album’s original stereo mixes and Singleton’s audio documentary, “Keep That One, Nick”, the only components previously available in the 2012 box set.
Complementing the blu-rays, the set includes two CDs. The first features the 2023 stereo mix and instrumental versions of the album, while the second showcases the elemental mixes and select master reels.
The packaging mirrors the grandeur of the content. The four discs are encased in two gatefold sleeves, accompanied by a booklet enriched with insights from King Crimson biographer, Sid Smith. All components fit snugly into a sturdy outer slipcase, reminiscent of the 2019 “In The Court of the Crimson King” 3CD+blu-ray set.
For vinyl aficionados, a 2LP version is also available. The first LP showcases Steven Wilson’s 2023 stereo mix, while the second LP features Singleton’s quartet of ‘Elemental’ mixes.
Set your calendars for 13th October 2023, as “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” makes its grand re-entry via Panegyric.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
