Meltdown: Live in Mexico City cover

Meltdown: Live in Mexico City

King Crimson

Album 2018

About this album

Sound: "An intricate tapestry of progressive rock that intertwines improvisation with meticulously crafted compositions."

Where they were

Released in 2018, 'Meltdown: Live in Mexico City' captures King Crimson during their ongoing resurgence, following the critically acclaimed albums 'Radical Action to Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind' (2016) and 'The Elements Tour' (2017). This live album showcases their evolved lineup and refined sound, marking a high point in their later career phase.

Why it matters

This album is significant as it features a collection of songs that span King Crimson's entire catalog, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners. The performance was well-received, highlighting the band’s ability to adapt and reimagine classic tracks while maintaining their reputation for live innovation.

Essential tracks

  • "21st Century Schizoid Man" — This iconic track serves as a powerful opener that encapsulates the band's early legacy while showcasing their dynamic range and improvisational prowess.
  • "Starless" — A hauntingly beautiful composition, 'Starless' exemplifies King Crimson's ability to blend emotional depth with complex musical structures.
  • "Epitaph" — 'Epitaph' stands out for its poignant lyrics and intricate arrangement, resonating deeply with listeners through its themes of existential reflection.
  • "Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two" — This track highlights the band’s remarkable musicianship and adventurous spirit, making it a quintessential representation of their progressive rock ethos.

Release Date

January 1, 2018

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Walk On 3:46
  2. 2 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One 9:27
  3. 3 Neurotica 4:57
  4. 4 Cirkus 7:41
  5. 5 Dawn Song 2:19
  6. 6 Last Skirmish 6:10
  7. 7 Prince Rupert’s Lament 2:30
  8. 8 The Hell Hounds of Krim 3:42
  9. 9 Red 6:42
  10. 10 Fallen Angel 6:09
  11. 11 Islands 9:02
  12. 12 The Talking Drum 3:47
  13. 13 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two 6:52

Disc 2

  1. 1 Indiscipline 8:19
  2. 2 The ConstruKction of Light 6:05
  3. 3 Epitaph 8:33
  4. 4 Banshee Legs Bell Hassle 1:39
  5. 5 Easy Money 9:56
  6. 6 Interlude 2:46
  7. 7 The Letters 6:12
  8. 8 The Sailor’s Tale 6:23
  9. 9 CatalytiKc No. 9 1:12
  10. 10 Meltdown 4:22
  11. 11 Radical Action II 2:28
  12. 12 Level Five 7:07
  13. 13 Starless 12:27

Disc 3

  1. 1 Peace – An End 2:13
  2. 2 Pictures of a City 8:21
  3. 3 Devil Dogs of Tessellation Row 3:10
  4. 4 Fracture 11:03
  5. 5 The Court of the Crimson King 7:03
  6. 6 Heroes 4:42
  7. 7 21st Century Schizoid Man 13:34
  8. 8 Discipline 5:29
  9. 9 Moonchild 2:24
  10. 10 Tony’s Cadenza 1:23
  11. 11 Jeremy’s Cadenza 1:05
  12. 12 Breathless 4:59
  13. 13 Cool Jam 2:31

Disc 4

  1. 1 Walk On 3:28
  2. 2 Neurotica 4:51
  3. 3 Pictures of a City 8:23
  4. 4 Cirkus 7:34
  5. 5 Lizard (The Battle of Glass Tears – Part I – Dawn Song) 2:19
  6. 6 Lizard (The Battle of Glass Tears – Part II – Last Skirmish) 6:10
  7. 7 Lizard (The Battle of Glass Tears – Part III – Prince Rupert’s Lament) 2:26
  8. 8 Epitaph 8:31
  9. 9 Devil Dogs of Tessellation Row 3:09
  10. 10 Fracture 11:05
  11. 11 Islands 9:25
  12. 12 Intermission 0:45
  13. 13 Indiscipline 8:03
  14. 14 Peace – An End 1:56
  15. 15 Easy Money 9:55
  16. 16 Interlude 2:47
  17. 17 The Letters 6:13
  18. 18 The Sailors Tale 6:23
  19. 19 CatalytiKc No 9 1:13
  20. 20 Fallen Angel 6:00
  21. 21 The Talking Drum 3:48
  22. 22 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two 6:51
  23. 23 Starless 13:24
  24. 24 The Hell Hounds of Krim 3:39
  25. 25 21st Century Schizoid Man 13:58