In 1977, Robert Fripp had dissolved King Crimson (not the first time and not the last). Fripp embarked on several projects planning a loose trilogy with Peter Gabriel's second album, his own solo album and this record from - of all people - Daryl Hall
Daryl Hall - Sacred Songs (RCA 1980)
The path to this record was not an easy one
So. Fripp, not being a singer, wanted Daryl Hall to be the vocalist on his largely instrumental solo album Exposure (EG 1978). RCA said no. If Hall did the vocals, then it was a Hall record. Fripp ended up with Hall on two tracks and the others by Peter Gabriel and Peter Hammill from Van Der Graf Generator.
Also in the works at this time was Halls solo record produced by Fripp.
The record was completed in 1977. RCA heard it and decided to shelve it. They felt it would alienate Hall's fan base and hurt his career. So much for an artist trying to push boundaries and evolve. This decision really pissed off Fripp and Hall. They took the finished record and sent cassette copies to journalists.
This resulted in a groundswell among the music press and hardcore fans to get the album released. Finally, RCA released it in 1980. The damage had been done. Plans were in the works to reform King Crimson with Hall as front man. This got derailed by RCA. The front man position eventually went to Adrian Belew.
This is a prime example of corporate money getting in the way of art.
No comments:
Post a Comment