|
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
|
WSVNRadio Archives
King Crimson related sites:
|
|
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.
© WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved.
Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
E'G Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
|
|