From the Vault...

03/21/1999
#621

info
King Crimson
"In The Court Of The Crimson King"


© E'G Records

Year of Release: 1969
Rating:

track listing
  • 21st Century Schizoid Man
  • I Talk To The Wind
  • Epitaph
    (including March For No Reason and
    Tomorrow And Tomorro
  • Moonchild
    (including The Dream and
    The Illusion)
  • The Court Of The Crimson King
    (including The Return Of The Fire Witch

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    King Crimson related sites:
    King Crimson Website
    Wikipedia
    Previous Review: #620
    The Band--Cahoots
    Next Review: #622
    Eric Carmen--Eric Carmen
    King Crimson
    "In The Court Of The Crimson King"



    As we all look for a particular album/CD to buy, we can't help but to browse around the store. And in doing so, you will notice some very unique album cover artwork. King Crimson's 1969 debut album, In The Court Of The Crimson King's album coverwork is extremely exceptional. Without even knowing the band's music, you're curious in what their musical style sounds like. In the early years of King Crimson, they were classified as a progressive rock band, similar to the likes of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the Peter Gabriel years with Genesis, and the early years of The Moody Blues.


    "21st Century Schizoid Man" is definitely psychedelic hard rock, likewise progressive. From the opening minutes, if this song doesn't grab your attention, I don't know what else will. The song is close to 10 minutes long, and even though King Crimson is considered guitarist Robert Fripp's "baby" throughout the band's many personnel changes, this album's vocalist was Greg Lake, who would later leave King Crimson to join Emerson, Lake & Palmer. In hearing the first song, with its psychedelic hard rock sound, you would think the rest of the album has that same sound. But it doesn't, as it takes a complete (and fantastic) 180° turn, and in the end, it was for the best.


    "I Talk To The Wind" is a beautiful song, where progressive rock meets classical music. It reminds me of the songs heard in the classical music style of The Moody Blues' Days Of Future Passed, with its many flute arrangements. The guitar solos also have a new-age jazz touch.


    "Epitaph" is another slow song, and this song is definitely in comparison to The Moody Blues. The musical arrangements can also be compared (very slightly) to Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".


    "Moonchild"'s opening musical arrangements is similar to the opening of of Led Zeppelin's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", but "Moonchild" doesn't rock like the Zeppelin tune. Again, it is a slow song, and its style would later become a common trend for Emerson, Lake & Palmer. If you're familar with ELP's Tarkus album, this song would be best to compare. The entire 12 minute song is an excellent piece of musical composure.


    The album ends with "The Court Of The Crimson King", a progressive rock song, where it is more theatrical. This song, like all of the songs heard earlier, has excellent musical arrangments.


    In The Court Of The Crimson King is a must for the progressive rock fan. The early years of King Crimson were the most exceptional, as their debut album is a great experience in sound. From the second song heard on this album on, it truly defines a sound that combines rock, classical, and theatrical styles all rolled into one. If you've never heard of King Crimson, you'll discover their music is just as exceptional as those of The Moody Blues and Genesis, two bands that were around at the time of this album's release. After hearing King Crimson's debut, you will want to explore their remaining albums, and then place their name on the Top 10 Favorite Progressive Rock Acts in the wonderful world known as Popular Music.


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    Previous Review: #620
    The Band--Cahoots
    Next Review: #622
    Eric Carmen--Eric Carmen