“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” – Songs Ranked

I’m loving King Crimson more with each passing day. Over time I’m building up a nice catalogue of songs I enjoy, which in turn is making some of their albums an excellent experience on the whole.

“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” was initially too out-there for my tastes, but with repeated listens I’m starting to really dig it. How would I rank all six songs?

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Meh

6 – The Talking Drum

All of my favourite King Crimson albums seem to have one skippable song – “Moonchild” on Court and “Providence” on Red – and this album’s edition is “The Talking Drum”.

It’s an experimental percussive and instrumental piece that escalates throughout. I like the build-up, but the execution and concept isn’t for me.

Good

5 – Exiles

“Exiles” feels like the spiritual successor to “I Talk To The Wind”. Needless to say, it doesn’t hit as hard.

It’s a good song on paper. Maybe this is controversial, but I don’t think Wetton’s vocals fit it very well.

Great

4 – Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Part I)

“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Part I)” is clearly the main attraction of the album, but I don’t think I love it as much as other King Crimson fans do.

The first half? Incredibly intense and explosive. The second half? A bit boring.

3 – Book Of Saturday

“Book Of Saturday” is by far and away the most popular song on the album, and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s absolutely lovely (which few King Crimson songs are), and I love how it grows into a gorgeous climax.

2 – Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Part II)

Is it blasphemous to like part two of the title track more than part one?

“Part II” hits hard from start to finish, whilst still having the experimental approach seen in “Part I”. The live version with David Cross going mental on violin is a must-see.

Amazing

1 – Easy Money

I’m cheating ever so slightly here, as when I imagine “Easy Money” my mind immediately goes to the incredible live version from The Midnight Special.

That’s not to say the album version isn’t great – in fact, it’s my favourite on the record. The sleezy attitude and sudden choruses are fantastic, and the build-up to the final refrain is my favourite few minutes on the album.

Aaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: