Track Listing

1. Suite in C
2. Flight of the Ibis
3. Is she waiting
4. Tomorrow's people (The children of today)
5. Birdman (involving The Inventor's Dream (QUAT))
6. Workshop
7. Wishbone ascension
8. Birdman flies
9. Wings in the sunset
10. Birdman (The reflection)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7814 in Music
• Released on: 2002-08-19
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Customer Reviews

A fascinating, worthwhile purchase.
After King Crimson's stunning first album, "In the Court of The Crimson King", the group began work on a follow up, titled "In the Wake of Poseidon". During the recording sessions for that album, Ian McDonald left and began work on a planned project with fellow Crimson member, Michael Giles. Giles eventually left Crimson after "Poseidon" and serious work on the new album began. Simply titled "McDonald and Giles", it took alot longer than planned to record, and cost a little more than originally thought of as well. When released by Island Records in 1970 the album was a complete flop, and has not been seriously re-issued until now.
So, if it was such a flop at the time, is it any good? Surprisingly, Yes! The opening 'Suite in C' is excellent, similar to the progressive build up of Crimson's '21st Century Schizoid Man', but also similar to The Beatles' Side two medley on "Abbey Road". Steve Winwood guests on Piano. 'The flight of the Ibis' was apparently the original template for Crimson's 'Cadence and Cascade', and is very similar to it. 'Is She Waiting?' is a little wet, but still pleasant, following it is Michael Giles' sole composition on the album, 'Tomorrow's People', an excellent slice of Hippie thought. On what would have been Side two is the fantastic 20 minute opus 'Birdman', apparently also considered for Crimson's "Poseidon", but not used because it was not ready at the time. The orchestra on this track really contribute well, and the closing movement, titled 'The Reflection' is wonderful.
This musicianship on this album is great, especially Michael Giles' spot on drumming, and Peter Giles' Bass playing, both coming through crystal clear with the remastered sound. The extra sleeve notes are facinating and the whole job has been done with the upmost respect. This album is not as groundbreaking as "In the Court of ...", but is probably on par with "Poseidon" and shows how much Ian McDonald and Michael Giles actually put into King Crimson. Overall a fantastic album.

Classic Album - but why have they overdubbed new lyrics?
There is no doubt that this is essential for fans of early King Crimson and progressive rock in general. The tracks have been remastered well, almost to the standard of the Crimson albums.
My only gripe with this re-issue, and the reason I have dropped a star on the rating, is that they have changed and re-recorded a lyric (one word, I think) on the first track. On the original album, the muse of the piece was described as having a 'pussy' (the word being savoured by the singer, in contrast to the innocent style of the music), whereas in the 21st Century version she now has a far less risque 'kitten'! I find this utterley bizarre, to say the least, and would be interested as to why the duo felt this necessary.
Having said that, the CD re-issue of this too long neglected album is well worth having.

A musical delight
I waited and waited for this album to be released in 1970 after the success of In The Court of the Crimson King. Ian McDonald appeared to be the mastermind behind the early King Crimson and when he left I eagerly followed his career. To team up with Mike Giles was perfect and it meant these new tracks still had that Crimson style without the harshness of Robert Fripp's influence. The lyrics are by the marvellous Pete Sinfield giving an album centered around the wonderful 'Birdman'. All the selections are great and although I'm now 50 it still brings back memories of DJ Jeff Dexter playing tracks from it at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. A truly great album that only a few of us have ever been aware of.