“Starless” - KING CRIMSON | Reaction (FULL SONG) Read Description 

This is the holy grail… OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE. \m/ Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!!!

Unironically one of the best songs ever

This was the last song on the album "Red". That incarnation of King Crimson disbanded and King Crimson did not reform until the album "Discipline", seven long years later. Back then we thought "Starless" was the last King Crimson song ever. That added a depth of melancholy to this song that I still feel to this day. In December '21 Robert Fripp and King Crimson played their last concert. After over a half a century of music, "Starless" was their very last song played live. Blessings.

You never forget your first time hearing "Starless". Simply amazing track.

Such a beautiful song. When my wife K took her life in 2009 she had this tune playing on a loop. To this day I cannot listen without being completely overwhelmed with emotion.

To say this song is one of the most staggeringly beautiful pieces of music in this universe would be an understatement... It's in my personal ultimate pinnacle of progressive rock music: - King Crimson "Starless" - Pink Floyd "Echoes" - Genesis "Firth of Fifth" - Steven Wilson "Luminol" - Porcupine Tree "Russia On Ice" - Yes "Close To The Edge" - Rush "La Villa Strangiato" Every one of these songs is definitely worth checking out! :3 They all have jaw-dropping tendencies. Have a good day/evening/night sir

Also when it comes to King Crimson, songs worth checking out would be for example "Epitaph", "Lizard", "In The Wake of Poseidon", "Fallen Angel"...

"Epitaph" off their debut album, I would say, is the MOST palatable and absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. It shows their talent and vast range of music. BTW, they have touring band that is wildly attended with founding member Robert Fripp and some past band members. Check out a concert they have GREAT recordings of their vast catalog of music. Saw them at the Greek Theater in L.A. in 2019. The audience had standing ovations for every song. I am NOT kidding. Just phenomenal!

The entire 'Red' album is considered by many KC fans to be their crowing achievement. I would suggest that you do a full album listen/reaction, because it's all on the same level!

I had the honour, 4 years ago, to see them perform this live. Best gig I've ever been to.

Absolute masterpiece

So glad you appreciate it as much as I do! This is the song that I plan to have played at my funeral. I actually did listen to this in my bedroom in the 80s at about 12 years old and it was like a journey into another dimension - still is.

I saw them live in the 70’s we needed something in my creative mind this was it. In a small venue in Glasgow Scotland the took me right out to another planet. I was dumbfounded. Stood right in front of John Wetton. I knew something special had happened, I didn’t know I’d be talking about them 50 yrs later. Pure creatives. I’m so lucky..

Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Yes. must listen to all the late 60s early 70's prog, The last of the great musicians. Musical composition.

I just was in Progressive Metal for a while in 2003 and read in the internet that a lot of influences date back to King Crimson. I then just bought Larks' out of curiosity, laied the CD in and heard the first glorious minutes of the title track. That piece touched me so deep, I can't descrivbe it even today. It was haunting and majestic and I am sure I suffered some brain damage in that moment :P Since then I hear all of their longplayers and some of their live outputs on a regular basis.

I heard King Crimson for the 1st time through the movie Children of Men, The Court of the Crimson King plays in this cool shot, great movie, great song. I looked up the song, been a fan since

the tone of the guitar at the start is like it has a different attack or envelope than what comes from the guitar

John Wetton was the king of melancholy throughout his career 💕 no one quite matches his beautiful and raw vocals!

The beginning of this absolute classic (which I consider one of the greatest song ever written) is used in the opening credits of the 2018 movie Mandy starring Nicolas Cage.

Listen to 'Fractured' if you want your mind to be blowned away by guitar technique.

Yeah, man. This is a heavy fucking first experience with the Mighty Crim. Arguably their best composition... I love this era and I also really love their '80's incarnation. Love the 90's and 2000's too, but the 72-74, and 80-84 runs are just magical. A rabbit hole worth completely falling into.

I would highly recommend listening to In the Court of the Crimson King. It's their first album made in 1969 and it's almost as incredible as this song and the album ”Red”. But no song can beat this one.

If I had to recommend one single Prog song I’d definitely be “Close To The Edge” by Yes it’s just a fucking masterpiece. One of the greatest journeys in music ever.

You're right. Starless is an amazing piece of music. It's incredible. I don't understand how it's not more widely kniwn. Very few are aware of it

I was fortunate to see one of their (possibly) last shows ever in America last August. One of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I will never forget it.

They have a lot of great songs - but this is their masterpiece. Along with Close to the Edge/Awaken/Gates of Delirium by Yes, maybe Karn Evil 9 by ELP, and Firth of Fifth by Genesis, this is the peak of Prog. This is as high as it goes (I'm not including Rush in "prog", as they also cover so many other areas. If we included Rush's prog era, then 2112, Hemispheres and Xanadu are in this pantheon, too)

Nice! Good reaction. This track is some of the most menacing sounding beautiful sounding light and dark heavy and soft textures ever committed to a recording. RIP John Wetton and Ian McDonald .Just brilliant composition, arrangement , performance and recording.! I was seventeen years old upon this release and took to it like a bee to honey. Long live the legacy of King Crimson.

Every time I put on Crimson I hear something I didn't pick up before. It's hard to describe their music, you just have to listen and let it happen. It's so great to see people hearing their stuff for the first time and really appreciating it. Great reaction! Cheers.

This reminded me of my first time hearing Starless... album aside, Starless itself is life changing

I went to see King Crimson live in July 2021 on a last second whim while knowing next to nothing about their music (I'd heard "21st Century Schizoid Man", but not much else). But I knew their reputation for top-notch musicianship so figured I would check it out. The band blew me away and I can still clearly remember the show opening with 3 drummers soloing together, then moving into "Pictures of a City". And I remember "Red" and "One More Red Nightmare" getting my jaw on the floor. But they did "Starless" very late in the show and that just took it to a whole other level. A truly amazing composition and performance. I've since purchased all their studio albums and a wealth of live stuff too, but "Starless" has to be their crowning achievement.

Many years ago I read a review on the album "Red" that was written by a music critic when it was released in 1974. The one part I remember (probably not exactly, so I'm paraphrasing here): "Side two is the most evil stretch of vinyl ever recorded". Side two had two songs "Providence" and "Starless". And he meant that in a good way of course. So glad you reacted to this KC song. And I'm amazed that you were able to sneak in as much of the song as you did, pretty much every reaction to studio KC gets blocked.

Oh wow I literally heard this song for the first time yesterday because of a RU-vid recommendation and now by checking out your channel (I just saw your reaction to How To Disappear Completely - also a RU-vid recommendation lol) I find this reaction uploaded just a few hours ago. Definitely one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Some other masterpieces you should react to or just check out if you haven't already are "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts. 1-5" and "Echoes" by Pink Floyd (though just to warn ya - Echoes is 23 min long). Love your reaction you just got a new subscriber :) Greetings from Germany

if you liked this one, you will love Firth of Fifth by Genesis

Very late response, but your little review and view of your taking in this marvel of music creation were perfect for me today. Waves of positive through time. I heard this first as a teenager in 1983. We sat in the basement of my buddy's house, in the stereo room, created a cloud of dreams, and King Crimson was discovered again and again. Thanks for making a rough have a smile!

Saw them all live early days up close, doing this Fripp Wetton Bruford, McDonald Cross et al. Changed me. I was a teen bottle fed on the Beatles. They took my soul and jumped on it yet also sent me to heaven. You can’t forget that, ever.

Hey, you're at the pinnacle [Red, Starless & Bible Black]. Look around and admire the view. KC were always the Golden Standard. Fracture - you need it…

You just experienced one of the absolute Masterpieces of the last century. Sadly, apart from music afficiansdos, the general public has no idea. One of my absolute favorites. I'm listening to this tonight, in honor of my cat. Some may make fun, but he was my companion for 14: years.

You have to do ELP. Saw them live too in the 70’s They were better live than studio! So exciting and hugely talented each one. Huge talents. I can’t put them into words. And I talk a lot. BLOODY INCREDIBLE!

Great reaction from someone your age. Grandpa here was listening to it when it came out; I followed Bill Bruford and he’s the reason I got into King Crimson and what a ride. I know their live USA album is on RU-vid; check out the opener, “larks tongues in aspic part two“. Another face melter💙🎶🤩 The LTIA album was my first King Crimson purchase; to say it was a startling and fascinating listening experience is only the start. I had the privilege of seeing them live on the starless tour in and this song was the last in their set. It’s a musical crime that they were opening for Alvin Lee and couldn’t play forever.

Bill Bruford on the drums, ladies and gentlemen

Great choice. "Starless" is one of the greatest gems of progressive rock. If you liked this, you can try "Lemmings" by Van Der Graaf Generator, "Tarkus" and "The Barbarian" by Emerson Lake & Palmer, and of course "Echoes" by Pink Floyd. It's juste the beginning of a big adventure called PROG.

King Crimson is one of the most Iconic Progressive Rock Bands!! They are Masters, they exude Pure Virtuosity!! ❤️❤️😍😍

Это произведение открывается с новой стороны всякий раз, когда прослушиваешь его снова и снова. Безумно и бесконечно красивая штука!)

I feel I wanted to add, this is a great example of using a mellotron! The opening strings are on a set of tape loops attached to keys and is very early complex, analog device, looking like it's future digital children.

can you believe that Fripp thought Fans wouldn't like Starless and they'd rather listen to Starless and bible black (the improv)? yeah, just goes to show how different the artists opinion can be on the music they make. Also, one of the best solos, and all that just with one note... I'd also suggest giving the version with their last line-up a watch it's truely amazing.

I love your reactions!! Just like how we felt first listen :)

"In The Court Of The Crimson King" is almost a perfect album. 21st Century Schizoid Man is on that album. Just one part is a little bit long. Never heard such a perfect album. Their first singer Greg Lake (from Emerson, Lake & Palmer) had such a beautiful voice. But the singer here is also great to be fair. The intrumentals are perfection. Sadly they like to block videos. The ELO album you like wasn't even in my top 5 :D interesting. But when i hear it again i will probably like it more. I also recommend early prog Genesis. Currently my favourite music.

Starless is My fav song of all time. I saw Them twice once back in 82 the beat tour then again last summer their last Us tour. They Played Starless and I teared up.

These bands like KC and ELP had to be able to replicate this live but such was their talent they did so. Tech was limited even on album production too. Pure talent was a requisite back then. If you didn’t have the chops as Bruford said you weren’t hired. Such an honour to see them live as a teen. They changed me in many ways. Just amazing really.

Saw them live early days up close, was basically astounded. Still am

The Crimson track was inspired by The Stan Tracey Quartet track, "Starless and Bible Black". You should take a listen to the original. The main theme is the same, but Crimson extended the track into other areas. If you want to hear the most beautiful track ever recorded, try King Crimson's "Walking On Air". If you want to hear something that was a field leader, at the time, "Cat Food" by Crimson. If you want full on dissonance try, "Red" , "Another Red Nightmare". A fabulous live video is King Crimson in Mexico City playing, "Indiscipline".

Totally captures the depths of despair.

Got to hear them live jin concert recently and they were awesome. Mind-blowing musicians. Their music is so different and epic and will certainly endure.

King Crimson "Starless" Live at Orchard Hall Tokyo 8th December. Live video on YT of thier last show on the last tour probably never to be seen again. From Sound to Silence

the way Fripp legatoes those notes with the stable tone

Yeah this track is incredible. Extremely heavy. For something also released in 1974 on the more psychedelic side of prog that you should definitely check out is the equally mind-blowing Gong - A Sprinkling of Clouds from the album You.

My favourite song ever. Some other prog classics you should react to: Yes - Close to the Edge, Genesis - Supper's Ready; Firth of Fifth, Pink Floyd - Dogs; Shine on You Crazy Diamond; Echoes Patreon is a great idea! Given that KC reactions usually get blocked on YT. I definitely recommend you to react to these KC albums: In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), Red (1974).

'On the Third Day' is a really nice album. Some gorgeous melodies and cool lyrics to go with some impressive arrangements and musicianship.

amazing review and so pleasing to hear someone from your generation discovering and getting this amazing music so eloquently. I thing Kurt Cobain loved this whole album. I love OTTD by ELO Too!!

Best KC reaction I’ve ever seen dude!

Love this song for so many reasons

masterpiece!

this is my favourite song of all time beside Moya by godspeed you black emperor. took me a while to graduate from court of the crimson king up to red, but haven't filled in the space in between yet. hope to catch you doing so with me!

Out of this god dam world pure dead brilliant cheers don

It's Wonderful!!!!!!

The most mournful, sorrowful melody ever created.

Hello from the u.k. I’m 65 now, followed the crim since I was14, prefer up to RED but not after, but that’s my own taste. Starless, I would put at joint number 1 with schizoid man As the 2 best tracks ever written. Check out stillusion by Pete sinfield who was crimsons first lyricist, a masterpiece of song craft. Best album ever, in the court of the crimson king, lyrics, musicianship, and the young age of the players! Absolute lightning in a bottle, no debut like it, or since!

Ah, well, there were actually no "opening strings" - there is only a Mellotrone, sort of a predecessor of the synthesizer, with real strings on magnet tape loops for each key. KC never used mixed in backing tracks like strings or brass, everything was performed by the band members and sometimes guests like Ion Anderson (from Yes) themselves.

Red is such a heavy album.

dude i reacted exactly the same way when i listened the song 4 the first time

King crimson are the best of the best!

You are officially KCed!

Mr Wetton singing this song like a -Falling Angel-

And why have they not made it into the Rock and Roll hall??????

You, my friend, are VERY brave man for listening to Starless by KC. Probably one of GOAT prog songs. The first time I heard this I had the same reaction as you with tears of joy. There is nothing like it on the face of the earth that equals. No, not Rush or Yes. KC is on the Mt. Rushmore of Prog Rock bands. Really enjoyed your reaction. Keep it coming. I am new, so Steely Dan may elicit the same result for you as I think you have a refined ear for quality music. Cheers!

I'm impressed that your favorite ELO album is "On the Third Day", That's my favorite, too.

Just stood at the end of the gig stuck to the floor, I thought what do I do now? I cat go back to my ordinary life?

High school 1970… everyone thought I was weird. Still weird today!

King Crimson - Industry

It’s good Fripp has taken off the ban on their work, up until about a year ago imagine my frustration wanting to share this genius and not being able to. A huge positive experience in my life and fighting to get it on here.

Do yourself a favor and buy their live CD\DVD or blu ray combo of "Radical Action To Unseat The Hold Of Monkey Mind". This song, along with many other classics are performed, with a trio of drummers, including Porcupine Tree's Gavin Harrison. It is amazing!

You just gave me a new perspective on the analog/digital thing. Air fryers are great, but I make soup. ALL THE SOUNDS/FLAVORS! My mentors were all poor, separate tracks/pots are a high budget deal. Add salt.

This song is perfection, its a triple draft between this song, Close To The Edge and Shine On You Crazy Diamond

I would recommend side two of the album that came before this..."Starless and Bible Black", it features two tracks...Starless and Bible Black and Fracture

My favourite King Crimson Album is is this one, "Red", it's heavy before "Heavy" was a thing. Every track a winner! But what a song you chose; absolutely a classic of Rock History.

My favorite song of all time. From flowing tragic melancholy to incredible build-up with pounding bass crashing into horns and percussion, to an astonishing full circle finale with one of the greatest bass drops and emotional conclusions ever. Red is my favorite album by them, but Larks Tongues In Aspic is extremely close behind. The combo of The Talking Drum and Larks Tongues In Aspic Pt 2 and the final cacophonous closing is something that must be experienced. It feels like the song that created Tool.

King crimson& tool ahead of it's time!

Thanks for reacting to my recommendation. Its the first time anyone has done that so I'm grateful as I'm sure you now are too. Wish I could have a yarn with ya mate I have so much to say King Crimson related but how they influenced Tool. Some awesome other prog rock bands out there too. Genesis - Firth of Fifth is another of my favs. As for King Crimson throw a blanket over 20 plus songs and all would be worthy. In the Court of the Crimson King, A Sailor's Tale, Fracture, Matte Kudasai, Epitaph to name a few. I'll try find ya on FB I'm not on insta. Cheers mate. 🙌🤘🍻❤🔥

A lot of fantastic prog comes out of the 70's

You should listen to this live on the Live in Toronto album from about 6 years ago. The live video of it is on You Tube.

back in the 80s when I was a teen, I used to sometimes skip school and go to a local library which had a music section (vinyl of course), they would give you a set of headphones and you could listen to anything they had. THAT was my introduction to King Crimson. I treasure those memories, of listening to Starless, and so many other amazing pieces, for the FIRST time. treasured memories indeed

Finally.😀✌🎵

My share of recommendation would be Van Der Graaf Generator's _"A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers"._ Judging by your reaction to _"Starless",_ it might score another hit. (Also, you'll find Robert Fripp as guest guitarist on the original studio recording.)

Hail the kings of prog rock

KC are out of this world!

Love KC, got into them in the 70's ... great reaction !! really ! I might be wrong but i feel that this performance was a live recording, not the 74 original cut ... interesting to hear on anyone else's view on that ... PS My favourite track is 'Starless and Bible Black' from the album of the same name .... be amazing if you could react to that

❤

Red is perhaps the album Black Sabbath wish they could have written and recorded.

This could be my favourite song.

You can’t react to it, because Fripp will come to your house and kick your dog, but there’s a great modern live performance of this tune.