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Rating: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... Sorry, this is the review of an album, not a movie! Let me start over! A long time ago (i repeat myself when under stress), before King Crimson, Frippertronics (now Soundscapes), and the various League Of... there were Giles, Giles & Fripp.
The two brothers Pete Giles on bass, Michael Rex Giles on drums and, of course, the indomitable R. Fripp on guitar. They recorded in four days, between March and April '68 the present album. Many tracks were composed in '67, even one "One In A Million" in '65. For those times, it is an eccentric and peculiar work. Obviously, it couldn't be otherwise with Fripp’s presence. The reviewed version of the album is the 1992 Deram release. Dense with bittersweet humor, with soft and refined sounds. The album consists of two parts (if we can say so) "The Saga Of Rodney Toad" containing eight tracks and "Just George" with five tracks. Additionally, there are five bonus tracks. "One In A Million/Newly-Weds" were released as singles and were completely forgotten. Both "The Saga Of Rodney Toad" and "Just George" contain amusing voice-overs that connect each track. All in all, it remains very lively musically to this day, with decidedly interesting aspects. Don't expect anything like the Crimso, although at certain points, there are some ideas that would later be developed by the genius Fripp. Only a true Bob Fripp enthusiast will notice all of this.
On average, each song lasts three to four minutes. All the pieces are tasty and catchy, I wouldn't know which one to mention in particular. "Little Children" expresses a spontaneity and innocence lost in time and musical space. "How Do They Know" is a track with a nice modified voice. "Suite N1" where Fripp, at the time twenty-two, reveals his incredible guitar skills. Undoubtedly a small gem. It is said that there is a Paganini piece too fast to be played by any guitarist; it seems Fripp is capable of playing it. Not to forget the fabulous "Under The Sky" composed by Fripp. A slow and dreamy track. The booklet includes some truly amusing photos with a particularly smiling Fripp.
Before concluding, I would also like to mention the "Friends Of Giles, Giles & Fripp" who provide great musical support in the album. Forty years have passed since the release of that album...
P.S "Hey, folks, don't think I'm that advanced in age!"
Tracklist Samples and Videos
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