King Crimson – USA (2020 Limited Edition Double-LP on 200g Vinyl)

This edition is limited to just 2,000 copies and features the 2013 mix from the original multi-track tapes by Robert Fripp, Tony Arnold and David Singleton. A 12" 24-page booklet and 24" square poster are also included with this release.

USA is a live album by King Crimson, released on 3 May 1975. It was recorded at the Casino, Asbury Park, New Jersey, on 28 June 1974, except 21st Century Schizoid Man, which was recorded at the Palace Theatre, Providence, Rhode Island, United States, on 30 June 1974. Violin and electric piano overdubs by Eddie Jobson were recorded at Olympic Studios, London in 1975.

Live recording was performed by George Chkiantz and David Hewitt using the Record Plant Remote Truck.

The album opens with a brief excerpt of The Heavenly Music Corporation from (No Pussyfooting), an album Robert Fripp recorded with musician and producer Brian Eno. While it was not listed as a separate track on the original album, it is present on all releases.

Jobson plays violin on Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (Part II) and 21st Century Schizoid Man, and Fender electric piano on Lament to improve the poor sound quality of the original parts played by David Cross.

On the original UK vinyl release, the audience noise after the end of the last track was embedded in a locked groove, leaving the applause to go on as long as the phonograph needle remained on the record.

Track Listing

Side One

1. Walk On: No Pussyfooting
2. Larks’ Tongues In Aspic, Part II
3. Lament
4. Exiles

Side Two

1. Improv: Asbury Park
2. Easy money
3. Improv

Side Three

1. Fracture
2. 21st Century Schizoid Man

Side Four

1. Starless