Robert Fripp & The League of Gentlemen - (1980) Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx Official Bootleg Live

Robert Fripp & The League of Gentlemen - Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx Official Bootleg: Live in 1980
“Ooh! Mr.Fripp” indeed,as this has surprised me like few Robert Fripp albums did. The five stars with which I’ll rate this album are a bit euforical,I admit,still not far from reflecting the real value. A truly surprising album,coming in the lights of opinion exactly at the point of abunding soundscaping (the trend started just one year ago--).And besides surprising (as style and value),it is close to the most original thing existing in Robert Fripp’s discography (if we are to think of all the perspectives of Robert Fripp’s solo carrier,it comes as the only album with this orientation;”Let The Power Fall” lost its title of unique after the response of 11 soundscaping years given to it).” Thrang Thrang Gozinblux-Official Bootleg 1980” is an alternative to the casual Fripp,but also individually it represents Fripp.A diversity of styles is most welcome and here is one: the manifest of genius in the proportions of popular session. The concert is thrilling,the sensation is one desirable and the quality is beyond good.As unusual as it can be,Fripp’s approach towards dance music turns out masterfull.

The only League Of Gentleman album besides this one (“officialy”) is “God Save The King”,a project that is full of flaws and unattractive moment,practicly a muddy,low point.This bootleg gem distinguishes completely as effect and grand height from its related album,still not that much concerning the concept and the elements assemble. ” Thrang Thrang Gozinblux-Official Bootleg 1980” is an uncommon,yet perfect demonstration of the Fripp guitar force,mixed with the orchestration of the Gentleman own contribution.Helds great moments of “string streaming” and goes wild on the mind effects. The concerts is a brute demonstration of imaginative pieces,performed for the delight of the audience and the style statement. Half-improvisatorical,half-enroutened in a precise maneuver play, music is glamorous and creates a booming effect.Magnitude is the main things that caught my attention and that serve as an impulse of positive opinions. The sound is beautiful through its abrazive,sharp substance and melody is denoted as a poliphonic output of casual mastermind action from the guitar master and his colleagues.

As 1980, ” Thrang Thrang Gozinblux” is again surprising.Nothing of “Exposure” in it.Nothing of “Let The Power Fall” as well.This is the second special and unique manifest in three consecutive years-seen generally (prog-related, electronical guitar jamming and frippertonics). Interesting,very interesting.

Three things go as brilliant in ” Thrang Thrang Gozinblux-Official Bootleg 1980”,the way I see it:The atmosphere,one of euforical state and vigurous pleasure pill. Of all the concerts session,this is the one that communicates with the people and enlightenes them (making the audience burst of excitement is a grand acomplishment,seen both individually and generally)… The creation: light (and easy) music,defined through subtile movements and impecable presentation,marked by point of very good moments and nice expressions. Each of the League shares a role and fulfilles it more than enough.The general effect is one of true artists playing with music and playing with the concept of dance music. Dynamic,robust,full of pleasant vibes, active rhythms and special connotations. A positive manifestation. A warm performance. A striking pulse. An unforgetable hour… The rafined taste of playing. Fripp and the League don’t just play,they create and develop their idea with great skill and understand. This isn’t just benevolic act. It’s a brand of genuine construction. Fripp remains “the” Fripp,even within such an easy inclination like this one.

The fourth thing and reason to experience this album is a more spiritual one: the desire to conquer a height and to express something.The message is more powerful that the appearance of the album.The impression,in the end,is what counts. Power shock of quality. A top deal. I will end calling ” Thrang Thrang Gozinblux-Official Bootleg 1980” as a highly recommend acomplishment,applauding the gesture of making it “official” and remember that excellent moments here are more than you can desire. Whoever desires to join the dancefloor are most welcomed. Whoever desire not to are most welcomed to not.
CD DGM9602 (1996)
Recorded live at El Mocambo, Toronto, 17-18 June 1980, and Harpo's, Detroit, 10 July 1980

Track listing:

1 Inductive Resonance (5:16)
2 Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx I (2:17)
3 Trap (4:53)
4 Boy at Piano (4:25)
5 Heptaparaparshinokh (2:09)
6 Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx II (3:20)
7 Christian Children Marching, Singing (3:46)
8 Ooh! Mr. Fripp (4:34)
9 Dislocated (4:25)
10 Minor Man (3:31)
11 Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx III (3:38)
12 Farewell Johnny Brill (3:58)
13 Inductive Resonance (2) (11:32)

Total Time: 57:44
Line-up:

- Robert Fripp / guitar
- Barry Andrews / organ
- Sara Lee / bass
- Johnny Toobad / drums