King Crimson – Red

I’m curious, was there a single lp version with just the SW mix released in 2024? I only ask because Amazon U.K. seem to have an ‘unofficial’ version.
I rarely use Amazon these days because they rarely use catalogue numbers and it is hard to know what they are going to supply.
I have the 2013 version of Red, it sounds good but in my opinion it lacks bass, is the 2024 two disc a vast improvement?

Very good US pressing, sounds real great, I would highly recommend it!

I recall a YouTuber making a remark that the elemental mixes are reminiscent of Lizard in a sense with how busy they are, utilising a lot of sax, violins and the like. It's definitely a lot more busy. Whether that's a good thing or not is entirely up to you, but to me it's pretty awesome being as Lizard is my second favourite KC release in part due to its wild sounding recording.

I can't compare the sound quality of this 2024 mix compared to the most recent original mix reissues as it's the only original mix King Crimson album released prior to Beat that I don't yet own. That being said, it does sound supremely good, packing a hell of a punch. It won't be a night and day difference in regards to mix, but it very well could be in sound quality, if the Larks' release is anything to go by. The only detractor is that the bass on Starless is overblown to the point of harming my enjoyment of the track. This is coming from someone who typically doesn't mind strong bass even on masterings that typically draw criticism for this.

While the new mix is cool and all, it's the elemental mix that makes it really worth the while. While not as interesting as the Larks' elementals (probably because the album itself isn't as interesting, in my opinion), it's still a really cool alternate version of the album, featuring a lot more orchestration than the final. There are some really cools bits on Starless in particular that are totally absent in the final, even if that ultimately was a good thing as it distracts from the main trio of musicians and overall vibe of the song. Fallen Angel's intro is another good example where there's a lot more happening instrumentally, but while interesting and again great as an alternate listen, they definitely made the right choice by removing certain elements. While I wouldn't say this is the way the album should've sounded, especially since it's not intended to sound totally cohesive, I do enjoy certain tracks on here more than normal as it brings out subtelties I appreciate. Providence was omitted for being a live track (I presume), but that's probably my least favourite Crimson track up until this point anyway, aside from The Devil's Triangle.

Two noted regarding packaging:
1. They removed the unique sleeve design they had been using for KC products for years for this one. It's now a generic black. I'm not sure why.
2. This, as with the 2023 Larks' and one of my others has really shoddily glued cardboard that almost immediately detached at the bottom.

Anyway, if you like this album even moderately, I'd say this is a really worthwhile purchase. The vinyl itself arrived clean and quiet and the music, mastering and mixes are brilliant.

This Japanese edition sounds absolutely amazing - the best CD edition I have heard so far ! Beautiful ...

I only have this pressing in Mint condition. And I can say that sound here is just blows my mind off.
This, and Steven Wilson’s Remix and also 50th Anniversary “Elemental” Mix are incredibly good.

Album that changed my life…

Having bought this pressing only because of the enthusiastic reviews - I'm very disappointed.
It's hard for me to comprehend people praising sound quality of this UK 1st.
As for the music, sure, unbelievably good. However, the sound is just mediocre, nothing special.
In fact, Steven Wilson's 40th anniversary (200gr cut from the master tapes) is MUCH MORE impressive.
After careful song by song comparison, it's no brainer.
Probably the first time I've decided to keep modern repress instead of original version as my go to copy.
Hope this helps and I am not alone being confused how's this 3U/6U is a capsule of perfection...

I think the new "Elemental Mixes" sound phenomenal!! They rock really hard and let the songs shine in a different, but exciting light. Also the more subtle acoustic guitars in "Fallen Angel" come out very beautiful. Maybe the mixes seem confusing to some people, because they are so "in your face" but I love it and Red was and is definitely one of my top 3 King Crimson albums.

Vinyl #2 David Singleton's "Red" mix with the distorted bass guitar panned hard left, just sounds horrible. His left/right balance choices is just off-putting. Vocals are put between center and right channel.
The Steven Wilson mix sounds very good, though. Haven't compared it to my 40th anniversary copy, or OG yet.

Worth it for the extra album alone.
This could possibly be their finest hour.

Magnificent sound quality.

Highly recommended!