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Crimson's second album is cast very much in the same mold as its predecessor, but it expands upon the ground broken by the debut. The contrast between soft, lyrical ballads and frenetic sonic barrages is even more pronounced, the dynamics shifts even more extreme. As on IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING, there are extended cuts comprising several discrete sections. An important development is Fripp's increased (and increasingly sophisticated) use of the mellotron as its own instrument rather than an orchestra substitute, as seen on the album's several ominous instrumental pieces.
"Pictures of a City" seems meant to pick up where "20th Century Schizoid Man" left off, with it's furious ensemble passages, knotty Fripp guitar leads and Greg Lake's authoritative vocal. "Cadence and Cascade" helps fill out the ballad quotient with a beautiful, wispy vocal from transitional singer Gordon Haskell. A valuable note of humor is interjected into the proceedings via the jokey, off-handedly jazzy "Cat Food." Keith Tippet's piano and Mel Collins' sax--both soon to play larger roles--were introduced on POSEIDON as well.
2004 reissue of the progressive rock act's 1970 album adds two bonus tracks, 'Cat Food' (single version) & 'Groon' (Cat Food B-side). Discipline label.
Personnel: Gordon Haskell, Greg Lake (vocals); Robert Fripp (guitar, Mellotron); Mel Collins (flute, saxophone); Keith Tippett (piano); Michael Giles (drums).
Audio Remasterers: Robert Fripp; Simon Heyworth.
Recording information: Studio Wessex Sound, London, England; Wessex Sound, London, England.
Directors: Robert Fripp; Peter Sinfield.
King Crimson: Greg Lake, Gordon Haskell (vocals); Robert Fripp (guitar, Mellotron); Mel Collins (flute, saxophone); Keith Tippet (piano); Peter Giles (bass); Michael Giles (drums).
Lyricist: Peter Sinfield.
Record Collector (magazine) (p.83) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Greg Lake takes the reins on the eight-minute brassy-jazz of `Pictures Of A City,' showcasing Fripp's Yes-esque guitar cacophony."
Record Collector (magazine) (p.93) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "With Robert Fripp approving the masters, the album has been cut to perfection....Of course, it's the music that matters, and the album sounds wonderful."
In The Wake Of Poseidon Music
King Crimson - In The Wake Of Poseidon Songs
In The Wake Of Poseidon Music
In The Wake Of Poseidon Music Review
Average Rating: (4.5 out of 5 stars)    List All 6 Reviews NOT THE BEST, BUT STILL VERY GOOD
If you like their first album, you're going to like this one too, some of the songs here are actually similar to those on "In The Court...": "Pictures Of A City" will remind you of "21st. Century Schizoid Man" and the title song might sound to you like "Epitaph", but remember they were already playing some of this material on the tour for that previous album so the similarities shouldn't be too surprising; Greg Lake's voice sounds great here, Robert Fripp does an outstanding job with his guitars (but then, when doesn't he) both acoustic and electric, Ian McDonald is gone but in comes Mel Collins on flute and saxes and it's very difficult for me to tell who's better (because both are fantastic!), the Giles brothers set the rhythms as well as anyone can on bass and drums and Gordon Haskell sings on "Cadence And Cascade", one of the most beautiful songs King Crimson has ever recorded. This album hasn't been regarded as one of their best, but it has its great moments and it's definitely worth having.
Submitted by a reviewer (Ensenada, BC, MEXICO)
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Wake of Poseidon
This follow up disc to the great "Court of the Crimson King" is a great work. If you liked the debut album the chances are you will like this one as well. The formula is the same. Each song from Court of the Crimson King has a similar "sister song" on Poseidon. While I would rate the songs on that debut album more inspired, giving that disk 5 stars, I enjoyed the Poseidon songs as well but rate them at only four stars.
The contrast of a melodic soft sound with delicate instrumentation, such as "Cadence and Cascade", co-existing with the hard edged "Pictures of a City" will disturb listeners who expect their CD's to consist of
formula songwriting and mainstream subject matter. But it will delight King Crimson listeners who expect a little variety and innovative experimentation in their musical diets.
Submitted by a reviewer (Seattle WA) 
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This review is for a different format.  Similar to the previous album but still a masterpiece!
If you love King Crimson (specially their first album “In The Court Of The Crimson King”), you will also adore this great musical masterpiece. Both albums have similar style and feeling: “Pictures Of A City” is a song close to “21st Century Schizoid Man”. Both of them have plenty of aggressiveness. “In The Wake Of Poseidon” has a dramatic mood that remains “Epitaph”, etc. Anyhow, in my opinion, “In The Wake Of Poseidon” isn’t as good as their first album but there is some innovation in it: the band creates terrifying atmospheres with the track “The Devil’s Triangle” (perhaps, a type of psychedelic instrumental song). Mell Collins replaced Ian McDonald for wind instruments. Anyway, both of them are fabulous musicians. One of the songs is beautifully sung by Gordon Haskell (although, I still prefer Greg Lake). Lake doesn’t play bass guitar on this album. He was replaced by Peter Giles (who came from the previous band Giles, Giles and Fripp). “Cat Food” is an original song with a distinctive and chaotic piano with a particular sense of humor. At the beginning and at the end of the album there is a short song with the same melody but with different lyrics. Robert Fripp uses the melody of these songs to create an instrumental acoustic guitar piece that sounds gorgeous. “Poet” Peter Sinfield, who also appears on the previous album, writes all lyrics. On the other hand, I must say there are some magical moments that don’t appear “In The Court Of The Crimson King”.
Submitted by christian_grierson (Madrid, SPAIN)
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Ludicrous to compare King Crimson's masterworks
though many always feel compelled to use In The Court of the Crimson King as the yardstick to perfection; I would rather enjoy each album on its own merits with the full realization that it was created in a different space and time.
All that truly matters is our enjoyment of this rare genius. Thanks to Robert Fripp & Steven Wilson for their admirable work by staying faithful to the original creations while providing amazing sound refinement. Quite a tightrope act.
THIS ALBUM I wish I could give more than 5 stars.
Submitted by faust8577 (Lorraine, Que. Canada)
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This review is for a different format. Why do people always feel compelled to compare?
This great work was entitled 'In The Wake Of Poseidon' for a reason, it is NOT the previous classic - it is a different album recorded at a different time. It seems that people have no tollerance for change or evolution. Since I was a kid I never compared my favorite artists albums most popular albums to their lesser appreciated works. Always felt that each album either stood up or did not on its own. How many times have you gone to concerts and noticed folks screaming out for the artists greatest/radio friendly/often trival hit songs?
I am finally getting back into King Crimson and frankly enjoying the experience each step of the way. Looking forward to picking up a vinyl copy of this gem scheduled for release October 10 of this year.
Submitted by faust8577 (Lorraine, Que. Canada)
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