Aichi Kosei Nenkin Kaikan, Nagoya, Japan (April 20, 2003)

The penultimate gig of their Japanese tour, KC sounds oddly poppy in places. ProzaKc Blues seems more accessibly straighter than usual -- with the end section sounding radio friendly. Ditto the rendition of Eyes Wide Open which has a more commercially polished sheen than on other versions currently available. There's an almost bemused silence at the end of the song with more than a hint of a question mark in Ade's "Thanks" at the end. Elsewhere in the set, Level Five delivers an early jolt and a rare outing for Red on this part of the tour has the kind of bulldozer quality that wins Crimson so many pals. "Not bad boys, not bad" says Belew at the conclusion of a fiery Facts Of Life in which Robert’s revved up solo scoops the hairs on the back of your neck to attention. Dangerous Curves retains its edgy menace with Pat pulling out the electronic mayhem for all he's worth. Fripp notes the audience were "supportive and generous" whilst also observing some bumps and lumps in the performance. A solid and honourable gig where a softer aspect of Crimson’s personality is given equal status with its more malevolent inclinations. Buyer be warned: Happy is less than happy with the beginning of the song lost to digital purgatory.