Robert Fripp – Let The Power Fall (1981)

This one's a recent birthday present - something which has sat on my Amazon wishlist for far too long, but I finally get a chance to listen to.

It's a collection of Fripp's 'Frippertronics' experiments with tape loops and guitars from the late 70s / early 80s.

And 'experiments' comes with the caveat that this might not be for everyone. Opening piece 1984 opens as a very staccato soundscape, a repeated theme with a new sound added every so often during the first half, while elements are taken away in the second half of the twelve minutes. It's a relaxing listen, but won't fill the dance floor. 1985 is very similar, with perhaps a slightly more melodic feel, but still more of a sound than a tune. 1986 is a less full sound, and only in its second half does the minimal composition settle to something ambient. By 1987 I'm struggling to say anything more - this is a bit more disrupted in production, almost willing the listener not to get comfortable with the piece, while 1988 feels an easier listen but with a hint of menace. Final track, (yes, you guessed the title) 1989 is a longer, disjointed piece with the additive/subtractive style of the earlier 1984.

This CD edition contains a number of bonus tracks, all different versions of 1984. I'm particularly taken by the idea of a 'single edit' (weighing in at only 4 minutes), as if it might have gained some radio airplay if reduced to a more palatable size. I can't find any evidence that it was ever released as a single, but the idea of Frippertronics on TOTP tickles me.

Mix One of 1984 has the guitar soloing above the original version (and is slightly shorter), while Mix Two sounds very similar, with perhaps the same guitar mixed a little lower. Or it might be identical and I'm the victim of an elaborate practical joke at the hands of Mr Fripp?

It's at once and easy listen, yet not an easy listen. It's not merely background ambient, as it seems to demand your attention just as you're getting comfortable. And for me, the alternative mixes with the trademark swooping guitar are my favourites. But even on a second listen, I'm finding more and more to enjoy, and I think this will repay further listening.

Link to album tracks

4* - so completely out of kilter with prevailing musical fashion in 1981, yet a lovely listen, mostly.