Tune of the Week for 09/10/07 -- King's X, In the New Age

Yes, we're back.  I've not checked my email for a week, and it's been great.  I have 140 emails in my business account (an exact average of 20 a day, although I rarely get business email on the weekends), including responses to our blogs.  So if I've not responded to something you've posted, I will shortly.  Doing nothing has been great, but it's back to reality.

Out of the Silent Planet

1988 King's X

This week, I'm starting my retrospective on King's X.  I'm going to play one song from each studio album, in order of their release.

This song's called In the New Age.  It's the first tune off of Out of the Silent Planet (1988), an album title which comes from a C.S. Lewis book.  You can tell from their first few albums that they were significantly influenced by him.

All three guys play and sing, although Doug Pinnick, the bassist, does most of the lead singing.  All three guys sing well, which is amazing and unusual.  They sound EXACTLY the same in person.  I've seen them as a headlining band (can't remember the opening acts) and as an opening act with Joe Satriani and Dream Theater.  That latter show was fabulous.

You'll hear a number of instruments in this song besides guitars and drums.  Among others, you'll hear dulcimer and sitar.  Some have said that early King's X has some punk influence.  I appreciate their music for its minimalism, among many other things.  These guys are purposefully holding back, with the ability to produce far more intricate stuff, yet choosing to create simplicity.

I hope you enjoy.

King's X | Out of the Silent Planet | In the New Age