King Crimson - Indoor Games

Stormy Monday Selection (Occasional Series - Acts of Random Archive Rummaging)

With this intriguing remix, Alex ‘Stormy’ Mundy gives us an alternative glimpse into what King Crimson might have been like had the VCS3 synthesiser been given a more prominent role in the group’s sound. Pete Sinfield had met up with Peter Zinovieff, the creator of the device at the EMS premises in Putney sometime during 1969. “I must have bought either the first or second VCS3 and it really was simple for me to understand its basics and its limitations as I, er, pushed its envelopes. I loved it!” On this track, the melodic accompaniment is played by Fripp and in this new mix, we can really hear the different textures where it shadows sax and guitar. The track also boasts Mellotron not heard in the original release and further additional guitar, as well as a comment from Fripp and more than we've heard before of Gordon Haskell's garrulous but exasperated laughter at the end.

[leomilani_gtr]

You guys should make this whole record with the artwork animated!

[moogyboy]

Way better than the original album mix. I love Robert's peevish tone of voice at the end: "It wasn't right." I mean, you can *hear* him, sitting on his stool with his 'fro and his Les Paul, scowling. I'm reminded of a late '90s interview where Robert said of the post-Court period that he knew everything the band did for the next two years (including Lizard) would be wrong but had to be done to get to the other side, (Larks Tongue through Red). In that context, Robert muttering "it wasn't right" sounds more like resigned disgust at the whole KC project as it stood. Which is a pity since this track is such a delightful concoction.

[gilbertguy]

Just two more days until lizard 50th anniversary

[papal_bull]

@Alex_Mundy >. Gordon Haskell’s “Hey Ho” laughing ending to Indoor Games is followed on the LP by a pulsating VCS3 intro to Happy Family. I have only heard KC use this sonic effect one other time. On April 23rd 1974 at the Boston Music Hall during an extended improv/jam in the 2nd half of the show this sonic effect was stereo panned back and forth across the stage. I was at their shows that followed 26 June 1974 Cape Cod Coliseum and 30 June 1974 Providence Rhode Island Palace Theatre and this effect was not used at these shows.

If you can find the Boston Music Hall show in the archives do listen for this improv/ jam and sonic effect. I have only heard this effect used by KC and only these two instances of it.

Thanks for the “Indoor Games” find . Enjoyed it.

[nationnofire]

I cannot believe the youth still love King Crimson

[pocketcrocodile]

Andy McCulloch is such a underrated drummer. His playing has been such a inspiration for me. You never know what he is gonna play on the next bar and where does the next fill start or end!

Lizard has to be my favourite KC album. Everybody just seems to play whatever they wan't but still keeping it classy. This brings the primitive inner dancer out of me and I can't do nothing but just smile and boogie around. Happy Family is also one of my favourite songs ever.

Thanks to the whole crew who has worked with KC. You really make an impact!

[peterdavis]

Lizard was always my favorite KC album. Glad the Jakko lineup started performing it again. I saw Jon Anderson live at the Milwaukee Zoo about 15 years ago. He played a 45mn set on acoustic guitar and then did a 45mn set on piano by himself. The whole concert I secretly hoped that he would do Prince Rupert Awakes....he did not, but it was a great show anyway.

[danimagina]

50 years of Lizard album, released December 10, 1970.

[revspinnaker]

So glad to hear more of the Crimson classics on YouTube.

[msanders]

As the story goes, Haskell's semi-maniacal laughter (as heard at the end of this track) was how he dealt with the intensity and perfectionism demanded by Fripp in the studio. Drummer Andy McCulloch, on the other hand, was often reduced to tears. Their tenure in the band is among the shortest of all KC alumni.
The group had many incarnations. This one is probably the most overlooked. I've found that listening patiently, and persistently, every incarnation reveals its crimson DNA. This is very apparent if you listen to 2017 live in Mexico City (or any show from recent tour.)

[Brytons_Thoughts]

That opening synthesizer sounds like a video game power up sound effect.

[BergmitetheBlueandPointy]

The title seems appropriate for the current situation, you can’t go outside so you need Indoor Games to deal with the boredom.

[zero]

"it wasn't right" haha this KC lineup was pretty strange but amazing as always, so entirely unique

[theneonchimpchannel]

This was the first King Crimson album I heard and it's still my favourite. Cool to hear a different version of this song.

[caiosoares]

Really cool mix! Even though i don't consider myself a member of the "Lizard Gang" i agree that Lizard is definetly way better than it's reputation says.

[marklanier]

When I bought this album in the day, my friends detested it, but I loved every minute of it! Nothing like it before or since! Still sounds fresh and wonderful!

[RationalArgumentMan]

This mix should be officially released for Lizard 50th anniversary! Would buy

[Brytons_Thoughts]

On a serious note, I always consider this the most underrated album out of the classic KC batch.

[Wizuu]

Gotta love Robert's "It wasn't right" at the end.

[theo]

Ι just love every little bit of this amazing album ! It was the first KC album I listened to, back in 72 and the amazement lasts until today ! RIP Gardon Haskel Hionides, I love your vocals and bass guitar work in this, even if you thought of the recording sessions as an ordeal.