Islands (King Crimson song)
"Islands" is the title track of the album of the same name by the progressive rock band, King Crimson, released in 1971. It is the album's closing track.
| "Islands" | |
|---|---|
| Song by King Crimson | |
| from the album Islands | |
| Released | 3 December 1971 |
| Recorded | October, 1971 |
| Length | 11:51 (full version) 9:20 (without the hidden track) |
| Label | Island Atlantic Polydor E.G. Virgin |
| Composer(s) | Robert Fripp |
| Lyricist(s) | Peter Sinfield |
| Producer(s) | King Crimson |
| Islands track listing | |
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The song's pastoral, mellow, and quiet feeling (the lyrics talk of a peaceful island) distinguish it from the album's first four tracks.
The song was played live only a few times in 1971, with Collins using a regular concert flute, and Fripp playing guitar in place of the Marc Charig's cornet.
"Islands" was revived on the band's 2017 North American summer tour with the current Radical Action lineup of Fripp, Collins (with bass flute, and covering the oboe and cornet parts on soprano saxophone), bassist Tony Levin, guitarist and vocalist Jakko Jakszyk, keyboardist Bill Rieflin (playing the harmonium part), drummers Pat Mastelotto and Gavin Harrison, and drummer/keyboardist Jeremy Stacey (on piano). The band has continued to perform the track live in subsequent tours.
Personnel
- Robert Fripp – guitar, mellotron, harmonium
- Boz Burrell – vocals, bass
- Ian Wallace – drums, percussion
- Mel Collins – bass flute
- Peter Sinfield – lyrics
with:
- Keith Tippett – piano
- Mark Charig – cornet
- Harry Miller – double bass
- Robin Miller – oboe
- Uncredited musicians – strings