In The Court Of The Crimson King

Hello, Red Screamy Man, my old friend… You’ve certainly got a reputation, haven’t ya? The “first progressive rock record”, the “greatest prog album of all time”, a “game changer”, “an album everyone should own on vinyl”…so on and so forth. Here’s thing…You are good, no one’s denying that. You were more or less the first and ushered in a new era. I’m just not sure that makes you immune from criticism, though. Good news first, “21st Century Schizoid Man”: an absolute classic. 53 years on, it’s still an undeniable heavy-duty tune. Great, great, great. Now, “I Talk to the Wind”…I get it, gotta calm down the chaos after the sonic assault of “Schizoid Man”. 6 minutes, though? A little excessive, right? Even in a genre known for excess, this one feels like a bit much and kind sucks the energy out the room after a blistering first track. (Red Screamy Man tries to interject and defend himself) Now hold on, this is for your own good. You’ve been coasting on your reputation for too long and sometimes we need to hear the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. And besides, you haven’t even heard everything I had to say… “Epitaph”…another classic. An absolutely gorgeous song and easy front runner for greatest Mellotron performance ever committed to tape. Yeah, it’s 2 and half minutes longer than “I Talk to the Wind”, but it does a lot in that time frame, where “Wind” just kind of rehashes the same musical ideas and tacks on a flute solo as an outro. Epitaph is dynamic, it flourishes, has swells of emotion…takes you on journey. See? It’s not all bad. You’ve done some wonderful things here. That said…“Moonchild”. Bro, not sure why you have the tendency to suck the life out of the proceedings right after you strike gold. This thing starts off like a trip to the Renaissance Fair and then devolves into minimalistic free jazz tedium. Again, too damn long and honestly, you’re starting to wear out your welcome at this point. I think even you realize that, because what do you follow it up with? “In the Court of the Crimson King”, which borrows some of the heaviness from “Schizoid Man”, inserts the spacey Mellotron soundscapes of “Epitaph” and makes for a fitting finale, even if it ends…weirdly. Well done. More good than bad, Red Screamy Man. A commendable effort, indeed. We both know you were the template and templates get improved upon and fine tuned…You walked so Lark’s Tongues in Aspic and Red could run. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, you’re the perfect gateway to King Crimson, but you’re not the be-all-end-all of the discography or even the genre and certainly not beyond reproach. Ok, sorry we had to hash that out…are we cool? (Red Screamy Man nods in agreement, but is unable to remove the screamy look from his face) Cool…good talk, bud. Seriously…“Epitaph” is amazing. You’ve got a lot to be proud of.

A progressive rock landmark. Influenced so many things that came later, including Yes, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Genesis, ELP, and many more. I never realized before that Yes pretty much stole the riff from 21st Century Schizoid Man for their song Heart of the Sunrise. Amazing debut album, it's like King Crimson emerged fully formed and mature. Classic. 5 stars.

YES. YES. YES. How have I gone my whole life without knowing about this album? This album is testament to how valuable this project can be. By doing this, I discovered a 5/5 album and a gateway to a piece of music history I once never knew.

2/14/2022 Today's Album: "In The Court of the Crimson King" by King Crimson - Finally, I am able to talk about an album from this generator that I know very well and can review top to bottom with ease. This album is incredible. This album defined what would become essential parts of 70s psychedelic rock, progressive rock, noise rock, and art rock. The production is top notch and the choice to split the music into 5 tracks makes listening to it an incredibly deep, yet digestibly experience. The first song, 21st Century Schizoid Man is one of the best openers to any album ever. The blaring saxophones, the blasted out vocals, the booming bass and top notch drumming make this track feel incredibly powerful and chaotic. There's many time switches, screeching saxophone solos, and dizzyingly polyrhythmic drumming. The band keep incredible co-ordination while having random pauses, impacts, and entrances in a way I haven't seen perfected again until Black Midi. The horns, bass, guitar, and drums play off each other so well and the vocals all throughout the track ranting about the terrible condition of this hypothetical 21st century man match the manic and unpredictable tone of the instruments perfectly. It's hard to tell when the track is going to end because of how noisy and scattered all of the instruments get. I Talk to the Wind follows this track up in an almost unexplainable way. It is such a calm and beautiful track that it gives the listener musical whiplash. The vocals are so smooth and dazed, lamenting the condition of the world and the way the vocalist simply talks to themselves and the wind around them. There are clarinets and flutes in the mix that add to the flowing and sedated nature of the track. The flute solo about halfway through the song followed by the pedaled guitar just sounds so pristine and clear they're memorizing. The outro solo from the flute is even more technically impressive and leaves the track off on such a groovy and impressive note. There is then a huge drumroll transition into perhaps the best track on the record, Epitaph. From the hypnotic guitar riff to the drowning bass and snappy snare hits, this album puts the listener into this cage as it drags you through the universe it creates. The singer illustrates a terrible dystopian environment that one might compare to today. The chorus on this song is powerful, insightful, and incredibly saddening. There is just an incredible weight to this song that leaves such an impact after what was such a laid back song in I Talk To The Wind. The whole album feels like it's set in this "world of the crimson king" which just so happens to be medieval Europe. There's instruments like harpsicord that add to this effect. Moonchild follows this epic piece with a haunting and atmospheric track called Moonchild. The lyrics are incredibly well mixed and produced, telling of this moonchild that yearns for a sun-child and dreams in the shadows of a willow. Each song feels like it holds lore to this mysterious land and this song just hugs your ears while doing so. There's a wailing guitar that accompanies drowning synth chords and cymbal clashes until the album completely tapers off into nothing. The 10 following minutes of this 12 minute track contain some of the wildest improv percussion and it really just needs to be listened to to believe. The 10 minutes of psychedelic ambiance is completely smashed with the intro of the final track, In the Court of the Crimson King. This song is the perfect finisher to the album, leaving it on a similarly noisy and chaotic note as it began and with many ending fake outs too! It's a great track to end off this absolutely incredible album. I have to end this off short due to text limits, but please listen to this album. It's something that has to be experienced and in the 3 years I've been listening to it, it hasn't gotten old. Score: 10/10 Period. Highlights: 21st Century Schizoid Man, I Talk To The Wind, Epitaph, Moonchild, ITCOTCK

"In the court of the Crimson AHHHHHHHH AHHHHH AHH AHHH! AHH AHH AHHHHHHH!" So damn good. I was lost during some of the quiet free-form jazz shit, but I am here for all of the rest. And one of the best pieces of album art of all time!

Psychedelic rock and progressive rock are always kind of hit or miss, and this album is no different. There were a lot of places where I felt like I was just getting impatient for something interesting to happen and other places where I was wowed by what I just heard. No doubt this was influential and I think this might get better on repeated listens but on this listen it was just a little above average overall. 3.5 stars

"Confusion will be my epitaph." A central line of the album, I defy you to think of anything more succinctly pompous. The reference to death, the deliberate ambiguity, the fact that the band hasn't realised the lyric makes balls-all sense: this album wants to be taken seriously, but there is nothing whatsoever that makes the listener contemplate (fuck the standard claims that cannabis opens up this album; that's no better than saying the album sounds better when you're drunk). Is there a more pernicious album in the canon? This is the album that invented prog rock, after all. Prog rock, my dear sugarplums, is the worst music genre of all. Prog rock is a perversion of all of rock's wonders. The smuggest, most conceited genre, prog rock bands wilfully failed to clock that their music was completely empty, that for all their virtuosity and Tolkien references (a children's author, for fuck's sake!), they had nothing to say at all. Every Roger Waters era Pink Floyd album has no deep message other than, "it's grim up north". Do you need further proof than the title of Yes' Tales of Topographic Oceans? I'll give it to you: Tales of Topographic Oceans was supposedly based on a series of Hindu texts, yet when pressed, the band admitted that they'd never evn read them. Or how about literally any lyric from Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Greg Lake was the guitarist and vocalist on ITCOTCK, and recycled the line "Confusion with be my epitaph" for their cyborg armadillo concept album Tarkus (yes, cyborg armadillo))? By the by, if you rearrange ITCOTCK, you get TIT COCK. As far as I can gauge, TIT COCK doesn't have an overarching concept. That is, I can't discern a central theme, even though the men involved (and it is only men) may claim that the album outlined the gulf between man in the hypothetical state of nature and man in the hyperthetical modern world of concrete and electricity. Horrifically, as I typed that, I realised that some trainspotters will assert that as the authentic reading of TIT COCK. Do you not comprehend that you can read anything into any old cryptic claptrap? Did you think "I Talk to the Wind" was a sagacious insight of a guru at one with Arcadia? If you're talking, you're technically talking to the wind except if you're in space. Hitler giving his speeches at the Nuremberg Rally was talking to the wind. And that inprovised section of Moonchild (a title condensed to utter painfulness) isn't improvisation, it's just hitting instruments at random. All this would be tolerable if the album had a sense of fun, a sense of theatricality, a sense of camp. But no, this is a serious contrivance, a work purporting to reveal the depths of humanity. But this album lacks the gravity for me to truly hate it, but instead I dismiss it like a wasp landing on my forearm. To give a contrast, I went and listened to Joy Division's Closer, an album I take seriously. I felt my eyes moisten during the third track. TIT COCK only made me mock. It shouldn't be a scream on the cover, it should be a boo. 21st Century Schizoid Man is one of Tony Blair's favourite songs.

'I Talk To The Wind' is right. This is farting around, plain and simple. They put in a lot of work in place of inspiration, but for what? A seven and a half minute opener with half a hook to show for it. And they don't get any closer than that in the subsequent 36 tedious as fuck minutes.

screamy man screamed and I screamed wittem

Fuck you if you think Frank Zappa is better or weirder than King Crimson. This album is basically perfect. Normies should not even begin to consider thinking about attempting to try listening to this without the proper headgear. All necessary precautions must be taken, not to be limited to the usage of thick wall padding, a straitjacket. This album is legally and medically considered a highly effective (if extremely unsafe) method of boosting one's IQ to beyond normal human range. Severe volume is recommended for maximum dilation of the third through fifth eyes and/or other sensory organs. Do not attempt while primitively confined to any arbitrary set of three dimensions; alternately, if confined to less than the necessary number of dimensions: use quickly, far too much, and in any way not recommended. Seriously, this is some heavy-duty shit, man

Yes, that sounded like they just invented prog rock.

Even in albums I enjoy, there's always one or two songs that just don't live up to the rest of the album. In The Court of The Crimson King is an exception. It's an album where I genuinely cannot pick my favourite song (Sure, there's only 5 on the tracklist but they're divided into parts so technically there's more). Even the improv part of Moonchild, which fans tend to dislike and which I found boring at first listen, is amazing once it transitions to the title track, and I can't imagine the album without it. That's really one of the many strengths of ITCOTCK: each new song part ends up complimenting the last one. The majority of the album is actually quieter and more peaceful than 21st Century Schizoid Man and the title track might make one think; it starts off with the angry but anthemic first song, then becomes more mellow and introspective, gradually building up to the climactic final track. That's not to say any of the 3 tracks in the middle are in any way worse; they're just as perfect as the opener and closer. I'd like to point out the absolutely fantastic instrumental work on this album (just like all future King Crimson albums, of course). Michael Giles' drumming carries the entire album and the whole thing would be significantly lesser if the band had a less talented drummer. Ian McDonald's (rip) flute parts are simply perfect too. In conclusion, listen to this album. Or I will find you.

A real pinch in the hourglass for the genre; all the influences and fledgling prog ideas beforehand really came together into this album, and no prog rock can look back without tracing some roots to it. A true influence, and a true masterpiece.

Superb, sounds like a real anachronism coming out at the time it did. King Crimson often sounded more expansive, grown-up and frankly more sinister than their peers - probably because they were. Nice to see a band that was (kind of) from my hometown represented on here!

My feelings on prog are well known. I am not, generally, a fan. Too clever clogs, widdly-widdly, pretentious, ridiculous time wasting, and not nearly rock and roll enough. I do, however, make an exception for King Crimson, largely because they rock hard. I have a number of albums from across the breadth of their career, although I have never become a devotee (i.e., I have never been even mildly tempted to buy any of their encyclopaedic and hideously expensive box sets). If ever you were going to identify the ground zero for prog rock, it really would have to be In the Court of the Crimson King. But let's not hold the subsequent sins of others against it. I was turned onto this record, especially 21st Century Schizoid Man, by some uni mates in the early 90s who had an instrumental jazz rock band (Trout Fishing in Quebec, check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEeU3rFSO6c You can hear the King Crimson influence). I still think 21st Century Schizoid Man is the bomb. It excites me every time I hear it. If all prog was this good, I would listen to prog (but it isn't, so I don't). Observations: - I am sure that that Fripp and MacDonald are playing each other's solos. The guitar solo sounds like a sax solo, and vice versa. - The fast start-stop section is awesome. As my drummer son pointed out, the timing is not precise. They were playing that tight in the room together, because they could. If you listen to the live recoding on Earthbound, you can hear that they could replicate that on stage, too. A testimony to Robert Fripp's band discipline. - This is the first evidence of Robert Fripp's propensity to play at right angles to what any other guitar player ever would. His note choice is consistently weird, but I love it. I will listen to him play on anything. (I particularly like the album he did with David Sylvian in the early 90s. And the Bowie records. And the Eno records. And Talking Heads and Blondie and Peter Gabriel and hundreds of other records). The title track is majestic, and memorably featured in Children of Men (2006). The use of mellotron has never been bettered. Really, all the pastoral stuff in the middle of those two tracks are dull with a tendency to go widdly-widdly on occasion. Personally, I could live without everything but 21st Century and the title track. But those two tracks alone rate 4 stars.

ok WOAH! -OMGGGGGG THIS IS WHERE THE KANYE WEST SONG COMES FROM "POWER" ??????? ohhhhh i didnt even know that was a sampleeee bro 21st century schizoid mannnnn -talk to the wind lyrics are GOOD - great album 5/5

Ah the classic r/vinyljerk album cover. Love it. I've listened to this before but never really paying as much attention to it as I should've Only know 21st Century Dude and the Court of the Crimson King. Leggooooooo No one man should have all that POWER! What an awesome sample. 21st Century Schizoid Man rules. Just some finger-lickin' jams. I have gained such a respect for my favorite of the woodwinds, ze flute (thanks Stu Mac). Dude fucking kills it on this track with it. Epitaph would be a great song to use in a film. Thinking Tarantino. Fun fact Space Jam got its name from Moonchild. Wiggly is the word I'd use. I really like that every song seems to have a different instrument that sticks out. Saw Claypool Lennon Delirium cover The Court of the Crimson King and have been in love with this song since. That fucking flute and the drums are so fucking good. This is some baller ass prog rock. I'll be back

21st Century Schizoid Man gets this an automatic 5 star. Amazing song, great album.

Nunca había escuchado nada de King Crimson y vaya que es un viaje. Disco de 1969, es la pura psicodelia progresiva. Arreglos complejos, van de 0 a 100 y de 100 a 0 una y otra vez. Epitaph fue mi favorita del disco, lúgubre y grandiosa. Desafortunadamente después de disfrutarla tanto viene Moonchild y si fue tortuoso bajarle de revoluciones tanto durante tanto tiempo, pero en general es un discazo. Songs: Epitaph, 21st Century Schizoid Man

Una obra mestra atemporal. Cinc petites joies d'orfebreria tan ben engastades que no es desgasten per més escoltes que es facin. Quina millor manera d'acabar el 2021 que escoltant un álbum 5 estrelles!

I really wanted to hate this Album, but it was pretty neat. Apart from the middle part, where they forgot to stop the recording and we got like 10 minutes of random noises.

this was a lot I think I liked it? not at first, but it really grew on me

Screamy red man album. This one is the stuff of legends, it's up there with Dark Side of the Moon as the album that your pretentious music nerd friend won't shut up about. Memed to oblivion, but I haven't heard it in full yet, so let's see if it's worth the hype. Of course, it's got "21st Century Schizoid Man," infamously sampled by Kanye West on "Power." That's a cool song, sounds nothing like "Power," which is why sampling is so fun. A few other great tracks on here too. I'm into this prog stuff, I'm not entirely sure if I like this album or Larks Tongues in Aspic more, but safe to say I'm a fan of these guys. That said, I also don't see this as "best album ever" by any stretch, so it doesn't quite live up to the pedestal in the way Dark Side of the Moon absolutely did. But it's still a great ride, and knowing this is one that I'm sure would grow on me too, I'll give it the half-star bump. Glad we finally got this! Favorite tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Moonchild, The Court of the Crimson King. Album art: Screamy red man. This poor guy looks like he just noticed the door of the room he's being wheeled into is labeled the "Penis Explosion Chamber." 100% iconic, no notes. 4.5/5

This is a classic album that aptly represents the times. Always worth and end-to-end listen.

I've been on Reddit long enough to see endless memes about the Red Screamy Man, but I had never listened to it until now. It is a pretty good album but I will continue to laugh at the memes about it.

No. 61/1001 21st Century Schizoid Man 2/5 I Talk To The Wind 4/5 Epitaph 4/5 Moonchild 2/5 The Court Of The Crimson King 4/5 Average: 3,2 Epitaph and the title track are really good, other Songs are too out there for me. Adding evidence to the discovery I made on the Taylor Swift album: I'm a basic bitch

While I love some aspects of prog rock, my brain craves structure. This experimental stuff led to some of my favorite bands (Rush, for example) but most of this album is a bit too off-kilter for me. Also I hate the album cover. Ugh.

Overwrought and outdated. I was never a big fan of prog-rock, even when it was current and I was young. Always felt like a bunch of young men being way too introverted for their own good. There are some fun tunes but ultimately I just can't get on board.

I just couldn’t get behind this album. I don’t know how this is talked about on level with Dark Side of the Moon.

It's insane that this came out when it did. 21st century might be the best prog rock song ever recorded. I didn't like all of the songs as much as that, but still this is an amazing album. Weak 5 or strong 4, it changes.

With its iconic album cover of the red screamy man, *In The Court Of The Crimson King* is one of those albums that’s widely considered a landmark in music. I can say with confidence that I agree with that statement. The influence of this album cannot be overstated. Its fusion of rock, jazz, and classical were hardly ever seen in popular music before this album was made, if at all. Those fusions come together to make an album that truly is an experience to say the least. The opening track, *21st Century Schizoid Man*, is a stone cold classic and is gloriously erratic and deranged. Greg Lake’s distorted vocals really help set the tone of the track. The instrumentals are also amazingly well done and fast-paced. *I Talk to The Wind* is a great contrast to Schizoid Man, with its serene and dream-like woodwinds and poetic lyrics. The next track however, *Epitaph*, is the definitive highlight of the album. Its symphonic sound and progression make for a truly captivating experience. Greg Lake’s vocal performance, Peter Sinfield’s lyrics, and the instrumentals are so emotional and poetic. The crescendoes on this song though are just so cinematic and breathtaking. It all makes for a true masterpiece. *Moonchild* is mostly a dreamy improv avant-garde jazz track. I find it interesting, however it does drag a bit for being twelve minutes. The title track though is an amazing send-off. The lyricism is so immersive and the harmonic chorus is iconic. In short, *In The Court Of The Crimson King* is a monumental classic that deserves the praise it gets. I HIGHLY recommend it.

the real peak of all the music history, it gets better when you play it over and over again. greatest one 🙏🙏

A marvelous album with variety, great riffs and its lyrics make one think while listening to it. A great album.

Hello? I was just listening to this exact album before the generator pop out like this??? I think this album is probably everyone's introduction to proper prog Rock. I love it, and has a habit of revisiting it every once in a while. Very basic but "21st Century Schizoid Man" is still one of my favorite. A very enjoyable album, especially giving that it is one of the first that taught me deep listening, I do think every track on this one is simple master piece. Absolute 5/5 album, it's just classic.

it's old. it's rock. but I do get the hype. except "Moonchild," I don't get what was going on there.

A perfect album. Bouncing between chaos and melody. Incredible musicianship. Legendary artwork on the vinyl. I'll be humming this the rest of the day.

Ein Klassiker des Prog - es hat erst meine Tochter gebraucht, die mich darauf gestoßen hat.

I remember getting this album on CD because it wasn't available on Spotify and was iffy at best on youtube. Classic early 10's issues! I do think this was a major influence in my music tastes. Everything here is so grand and awesome. I think I still know all the drums to 21st Century Schizoid Man. Plus I know the sparse area of Moonchild was a bit eye opening to younger me. I'm at the point now where I think the saxaphone solo on 21st Century does not go on too long. I've still got plenty of Crimson to check out but I forgot Greg Lake was on this, still got so much more ELP that I haven't cracked. It's interesting that this is such a weird album but it's one of the most accessible prog ones. Highlight: Court of the Crimson King

I thought it was a fantastic album, I was really engaged with it and listen to it multiple times over the weekend. I definitely need to listen to more of King Crimson.

Amazing blend of styles. Bravo. I only wish one other track on the album matched the caffeinated chaos of “20th century schizoid man”.

In my defense, there is just so much fantastic music in this world, it really is okay to be late to some parties. However, this is the second album in a week I'm hearing for the first time - consciously? - that feels like coming home? Huh? Amazing! And the production is just ooof. The only other album in here so far that gave me the visceral reaction of wanting to lie in the bed of these sounds was The Beatles' Abbey Road. This one here hits even harder? Maybe? Anyways. Ten stars. Twelve.

An album that changed music when it was released. Yes, it was THAT important. The only question? Would it have had as big an impact if it didn't have one of the most recognizable album covers in history?

A prog masterpiece. You can tell the first track influenced Mars Volta. The whole record rips.

So much Math. I can’t count like that. But it’s good.

Fantastic.

Album cover is literally me when! Favourite Songs: YES Least Favourite Songs: NO

Great album, true classic, all 5 tracks are good, and the opener and closer are really really great in my view. But 9 minutes of Moonchild is meandering nonsense, that could so easily have been better, detracts from the whole experience for me. 21st Century Schizoid Man feels so ahead of its time, it’s very impressive. 4.6/5

Was already a big fan of this album. I love the layers and discord of pros music and this is one of the firsts as I understand it.

One of THE best Prog Albums of all time. Weird and Wild and Complex and Beautiful in equal measure.

Starts off with a stone-cold classic and takes you on an amazing odyssey.

Nächster goat 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 Paar Songs hier sind so lush und belohnen dich so sehr. Peak prog rock

masterpiece

This is an experience. I was entertained for this album from start to finish and really felt like this could be the kind of album I put on and actually do nothing else while listening. Each song was so dynamic and varied. Some of the later songs reminded me of Moody Blues. I am especially thinking of 'Epitaph': an epic ballad with wide-open orchestrations. I think my dad would like this band. You can tell just listening to is that this is a late 60s British rock band. '21st Century Schizoid Man' had a great rock jazz breakdown in the second half that inject energy into your veins. Then 'I Talk to the Wind' slows you down and says, "let's go for a stroll through an English garden." The title track had some beautiful chord progressions that subvert the easy route over and over again. The whole thing sounds so noble, you just want to imagine the scene that the music is expressing I had already listened to "Larks Tongue in Aspic". I said that one was "noise music". Having come first, this album was just noisy music, BUT we did get a little taste on 'Moonchild' of some lovely soundscapes. I genuinely loved every song on this album and it might be one of my favorites of all time.

Simply incredible.

Cult classic. No less no more.

Great album. If i didn't know, I'd never guess it was released in 1969.

Even though it's really not my type of music at all, I can still tell that it fucking rules.

Aboslute perfection.

This album totally blew me away. I rolled my eyes when I first saw prog rock and 1969, but every track surprised me in the instrumentation, the soundscapes. As soon as the title track started, I knew it would be a 5. Loved every single track and the big cohesive world they built within this album. I can’t think of anything else like it.

Very few albums will get the same visceral reaction upon reveal If this came out today it would be futuristic and not out of place, but it came out in 1969 5/5

4.9/5 i love this album so much. it’s grown on me over time and it’s just such an incredibly beautiful album! the first track is always a bit challenging for me but i appreciate it more and more with each listen. my favourite tracks are basically everything after that. epitaph is an incredibly beautiful and epic song. the only place where i tend to lose my focus is during the slow, improvised part in moonchild. i generally don’t mind it but it drags on for too long. one thing it does well tho, is when the title track finally hits, you instantly go YES!! the title track is another insanely beautiful song that gives me goosebumps. i want to learn these chords because they have such a nice sound to them! the album cover is cool tbh, it makes for a perfect emote in a discord server 😆 i bet barry godber never could’ve predicted that xD

"I talk tuah wind" Such a monumental record, like this is THE prog rock album. I can't imagine what it was like listening to this in 1969, it would've blown my mind. Hell, it still blows my mind 56 years later. Right from the opening track you know you're in for a ride. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is absolutely electric, one of the best songs that the prog rock genre has to offer. Then you got "I Talk To The Wind" and "Epitaph" which are both fantastic. "Moonchild" is where it loses me for a bit. Not that its bad or anything I just can only take so much experimental prog bullshit before tuning out. Fortunately The album finishes on a high note with that incredible title track. The whole album as a package is very satisfying even down to the legendary album cover. As someone who has never been huge about King Crimson I can safely say "I get it now". I think this is the first true 5 star album I've received so far. It's just that good. Favorite track: 21st Century Schizoid Man

100/10. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!!!!! This is quite simply one of the greatest albums of all time. And it's prog. And I fucking love prog. It bursts with the iconic number 21st Century Schizoid Man, and then the album diverges into a TDSotM-esque masterpiece...except this came BEFORE TDSotM. Sorry, it's past midnight right now, I need to go to bed, and I'm just scrambling a lot of thoughts. JUST LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM!!! You probably won't regret it. It's just so incredible. I want to scream like the guy on the cover of this album. 100/10. Also, I find it quite funny that the eighth keyword of this album is "Kanye". I didn't really realize that so many people know about 21st Century Schizoid Man because of Kanye West.

They sure started with a bang! Possibly the most majestic record of all time.

Although the album does show its age at times, especially the live recordings included on the deluxe version on Spotify, a lot of it still feels extremely fresh, especially the full version of 21st Century Schizoid Man, which, if I had no previous knowledge of the song or album, I could easily believe as having come out within the last year. Fantastic music, which is a lot of fun, and it's easy to see why King Crimson is considered an influence to many bands across the world!

HOW DOES IT WORK?!?!?!?!?!?

Yeah I really like this one

One of the best and most important albums ever released by one of the best and most important bands ever formed. A masterpiece that founded an entire genre of music, and laid the groundwork for so much musical creativity. An all-time classic

We talkin about one if not the best album existing. This album means feels and sounds a lot to me. Crazy how it gets more appreciated in time somehow. Epitaph a all time fav song personally and always a full album listen

Psychotic. Serene. Mystical. Human. Ethereal. Corporeal. The first track shoots you out of a cannon to an another world where you float along observing for a while until the last song welcomes you home (to this other world, where you always belonged. Not the place you formerly thought was home). Unique and creative song structures and arrangements with top tier musicianship across a wide range of sounds (these guys can shred jazzy circles or set sprawling ambient soundscapes). Surrealist poems, lyrically and musically. An early prog masterpiece.

soms iets te langdradig... maar altijd goed... twijfel tss 4.5 en 5...

i mean this was always going to be a 5 and i've only just started to listen to it, this is front to back classics of prog!

This is just a known masterpiece. No one noodles like Adrien.

What a beautiful album. Aged really well for the birthplace of a genre. I love every bit of it, even the weird noodling on Moonchild and the other unorthodox musical moments.

I've always meant to listen to this album at some point. This project gave me the kick up the arse I needed to finally get round to this, and holy shit I've been missing out. Easily one of the best prog rock albums ever. I would give it a 5 immediately for Epitaph and 21st Century Schizoid Man alone. Ends on the title(ish) track sublimely making this the best album I've had in my (just over) 2 months of generating albums Only downside to this is the 8 minutes or so of whatever-the-fuck at the end of Moonchild. Why they decided to add in random noises beats me tbh

Any album that can get me to stop in my tracks and bring me to the brink of tears gets 5 stars. Epitaph, whew, what a song.

What is there to say about this album? One of the best and most influential prog rock albums of all time. Fantastic top to bottom, and delightfully weird in that very specific 60s way. Practically flawless. So good. I hate the album cover, though. So, so much.

One of my favorites. Somehow this album manages to do everything and make it sound not only good, but cohesive. And the cover is just fantastic Fav Songs: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court of the Crimson King

This is seriously such a great and diverse album. The first track is more aggressive, but as the album progresses, you get to hear a few tracks with that beautiful and colorful orchestral sound, very similar to The Moody Blues. Then there’s another track that’s slow, minimal, and avant-garde. This album is widely accepted as the very first official prog rock release, and based on this one album alone, King Crimson really set the tone for all the different directions prog rock would go in as it became more and more popular throughout the 70s.

Discazo. La canción esa larguísima con los soniditos raros no me gustó, pero tiene al menos dos que son una absoluta maravilla y le merecen la fama y las 5 estrellas.

Going into this I was expecting a great album and I was proven right! The first and last song are just perfection. The guitar, drums, bass are all incredible throughout. Moon child was definitely the low point of the album as it's pretty boring, but the concept is cool. Overall an obvious but necessary choice for this list.

Bought the LP, classic Crimson

Really is one of the best albums ever, the drumming is insanely good and the keyboards add another level to the music. A+

One of the most influential albums ever made, In the Court of the Crimson King essentially created a genre (progressive rock) out of thin air. On top of this influence, the album holds its own to this day. It's a potent mix of heavy riffs, bizarre folk, and weird jazz fusion, all while remaining chock-full of great melodies, memorable hooks, and astonishing virtuoso performances. Quite easily one of the top ten records ever made.

Probably my favorite prog album of all time. What an incredibly dark atmosphere.

It’s a great album

Outstanding musicianship 4.6

Amazing album. I’ve listened to it before and enjoyed returning to it. Played it twice at work yesterday. Moonchild does run too long for me, but the first half is great. Standouts: Everything.

I've tried listening to prog rock in the past and I didn't really care for it. Pink Floyd is kinda bad, I didn't care for Rush (kinda annoying), and didn't hate Yes' album (with Roundabout) but wasn't feeling it. My fault for making assumptions in the limited box that is a genre, but I digress. Track reviews (my favourite segment): I'm not writing the names lmao figure it out. 1. Starts off with an incredible riff, then starts popping off Baccano OP style, then hits you with the Risk of Rain 2 beats, then overloads your circuits, then transitions back to Baccano, edges you for a minute, then builds up back to the main riff again. You always think it's going to pop off, then it never does, making it go ballistic when they finally pop off. All the while throughout the tonal shifts, there is an underlying progression that grounds the song. It's barely controlled chaos, but controlled nonetheless. Really makes you *feel* like a 21st Century Shizoid Man. 2. Big monster vibes here. I never watched the anime but I've heard the ending. The way I see it is, the most insane thing happens then a tonally clashing songs plays as a stark contrast. This is what this feels like compared to track 1. Maybe some persona vibes as well?? Guilty gear even a bit???? Not my favourite song, but fits in well, and you know what it is pretty good. Quite pleasant. 3. The VLR vibes holy man. So immediately significant and ig imposing. Seems to be telling the tale of senseless violence for reasons unknown to those fighting and maybe even those demanding violence. A tale as old as time, and this song takes a personal approach detailing the suffering of man. "The wall on which the prophets wrote / Is cracking at the seams" is such an amazing line. In other words, the foundation of their beliefs and hopes for the future are being fundamentally disintegrated and (in the context of the song) there is no ideological recourse, just confusion ("confusion will be my epitaph"). I could probably keep going but the point is that this song is actually amazing. 4. The beginning of Moonchild is somber, beautiful, and tragic. Not sure what the lyrics mean but my best and only guess is that she's waiting for someone to come home (from war) but "the sun" will never rise again hence why they are a moonchild. The next 6 minutes is some quiet, fleeting, and ultimately abstract instrumentation. I think it's mysterious and interesting but falls into the category of "good for the album as a piece of art but not as good for normal listening. To its credit, the album is so generally good and cohesive that it works for me more than most, which it really needs because this is so long. The next 90 seconds is more of the same but a bit more musically pronounced. The final 90 seconds is even more pronounced. 5. Not too sure on the meaning of the lyrics, but they seem to be an extension of some of the themes from Epitaph contextualized in this world King Crimson have created. Better worldbuilding than Arcane season 2 :speak:. I didn't have too much to say about this song, but that doesn't mean it is worse, in fact it's amazing. --- This album is literally peak fiction and it's just music :sob:. The huge one in Moonchild aside, there are a lot of "art" moments but actually not really because they are still really good somehow since the songs support such a strong atmosphere or something like that. p.s. since I forgot to mention: some of the lyricism and even sometimes the tone of voice reminds me of black sabbath if it wasn't ass, pretentious, or "random." p.p.s. definitely listen to this album with mostly full attention, it's worth it. Not sure if I'll regret this and think it's a bit lower later, but I think this is the first 5/5 album. Super cohesive and it goes absolutely ballistic. No misses either (more or less) which is a big factor. I listened to it twice before rating it. Not checking over this so hopefully the review is good.

what else was it going to be?

This was great. I hadn't heard of King Crimson before, but I like ELP and this was wonderful. I would've listened to it twice but I ran out of time in the day. Five stars.

Excellent. I had a bit of an issue with 'Moonchild' sounding too improv and ill thought out, but everything around that moment was cohesive, well executed, and overall excellent. 'I Talk to the Wind' was my fave, but 'The Court of the Crimson King' was also an amazing track. I can see myself listening to this again easily.

9.5/10 Progressive Rock/Art Rock. 1969. I Talk To The Wind 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including "Mirrors") The Court Of The Crimson King Epitaph (Including "March For No Reason" and "Tomorrow And Tomorrow") Moonlight

## In The Court Of The Crimson King: An In-Depth Review **Introduction** Released on October 10, 1969, *In The Court of the Crimson King* is the debut album by the English progressive rock band King Crimson. Widely regarded as a landmark in the genre, it encapsulates a blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences, characterized by its complex compositions and profound lyrical themes. This review will explore the album's music, production quality, thematic depth, and its lasting influence while also discussing its pros and cons. ## Music King Crimson's musical approach in *In The Court of the Crimson King* is marked by intricate arrangements and a diverse instrumentation that includes electric guitars, mellotron, flutes, and drums. The album consists of five tracks that showcase a range of styles and emotions: - **21st Century Schizoid Man**: This opening track is a chaotic fusion of heavy guitar riffs and jazz-inspired rhythms. Its lyrics critique war and political corruption, encapsulating the anger and disillusionment of the era. The song features powerful vocal delivery from Greg Lake, complemented by Robert Fripp's searing guitar work. - **I Talk to the Wind**: A softer piece that contrasts with the opener, this song features ethereal flute melodies and contemplative lyrics reflecting doubt and introspection. It showcases King Crimson's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes. - **Epitaph**: Considered one of the album's highlights, "Epitaph" combines melancholic lyrics with lush mellotron arrangements. It addresses themes of existential despair and societal collapse, resonating deeply with listeners. - **Moonchild**: This track is notable for its experimental nature. It begins with a gentle melody before transitioning into an improvisational section that can feel disjointed. While some listeners appreciate its avant-garde qualities, others find it less engaging. - **The Court of the Crimson King**: The closing title track is grandiose and theatrical. It weaves together various musical motifs and features an anthemic chorus that encapsulates the album's overarching themes of power and societal manipulation. Overall, King Crimson's musicianship shines throughout the album. The interplay between instruments creates a rich tapestry of sound that remains captivating even decades after its release. ## Lyrics The lyrics of *In The Court of the Crimson King*, primarily penned by Peter Sinfield, are notable for their poetic abstraction and social commentary. They reflect the tumultuous spirit of the late 1960s: - **Themes**: The album tackles issues such as war, alienation, and existential dread. For instance, "21st Century Schizoid Man" vividly depicts the horrors of conflict with lines like “Blood rack barbed wire / Politicians’ funeral pyre,” which resonate with anti-war sentiments. - **Imagery**: Sinfield’s lyrics are rich in imagery and metaphor. In "Epitaph," he paints a bleak picture of humanity’s future with haunting lines that evoke feelings of hopelessness. - **Abstractness**: While some tracks feature direct political commentary, others embrace more abstract themes. This duality allows listeners to interpret the songs in personal ways, contributing to their enduring appeal. ## Production The production quality of *In The Court of the Crimson King* was groundbreaking for its time. Engineered by Pete Sinfield and Robert Fripp, it utilized innovative techniques to enhance the listening experience: - **Instrumentation**: The use of mellotron was particularly significant; it added a symphonic quality to tracks like "Epitaph" and "The Court of the Crimson King." This instrument became synonymous with progressive rock. - **Layering**: The album features complex layering of sounds that create depth. Each instrument occupies its own sonic space, allowing for clarity even in dense arrangements. - **Mixing Techniques**: The panning effects used in tracks like "Moonchild" provide an immersive experience that draws listeners into the music. This attention to detail in production set a standard for future progressive rock albums. ## Themes The thematic content of *In The Court of the Crimson King* reflects both personal and societal concerns: - **Existentialism**: Many songs delve into existential questions about life’s meaning amidst chaos. "Epitaph" serves as a poignant exploration of despair in an uncertain world. - **Critique of Authority**: Tracks like "21st Century Schizoid Man" offer sharp critiques of political figures and systems. This theme resonates strongly in today's socio-political climate. - **Isolation vs. Connection**: Throughout the album, there is a tension between feelings of isolation (as expressed in "I Talk to the Wind") and a longing for connection (as seen in "The Court of the Crimson King"). This duality reflects universal human experiences. ## Influence *In The Court of the Crimson King* has had an indelible impact on music history: - **Pioneering Progressive Rock**: Often cited as one of the first true progressive rock albums, it laid the groundwork for countless bands that followed. Its fusion of genres influenced artists across various musical landscapes. - **Cultural Significance**: The album captures the zeitgeist of the late 1960s counterculture movement. Its themes remain relevant today, reflecting ongoing societal issues such as war and political disillusionment. - **Legacy**: Many contemporary artists cite King Crimson as a major influence on their work. The album’s innovative approach to composition continues to inspire musicians seeking to push creative boundaries. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Musicianship**: Exceptional instrumental performances from all band members highlight their technical prowess. - **Lyrical Depth**: Thought-provoking lyrics that engage listeners on multiple levels enhance emotional resonance. - **Innovative Production**: Groundbreaking use of technology in production creates a rich auditory experience. - **Cultural Relevance**: Themes remain pertinent decades after release, allowing new generations to connect with its messages. ### Cons - **Experimental Nature**: Some tracks (particularly "Moonchild") may alienate listeners who prefer more conventional song structures. - **Abstract Lyrics**: While many appreciate poetic ambiguity, others may find it difficult to connect with or understand certain lyrical themes. - **Uneven Track Quality**: Opinions may vary on specific songs; while some are universally acclaimed ("21st Century Schizoid Man"), others are viewed as less engaging. ## Conclusion *In The Court of the Crimson King* stands as a monumental achievement in music history, blending intricate musical compositions with profound lyrical themes. Its influence on progressive rock cannot be overstated; it not only shaped a genre but also provided a voice for societal concerns that resonate even today. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its experimental nature and abstract lyrics, its artistic merit is undeniable. Ultimately, this album remains a timeless exploration of human experience through music—a true masterpiece that continues to inspire both artists and listeners alike.

Amazing

My god there was so much bad prog around the late ‘60s / early ‘70s, so I’m extremely glad albums like this exist. It helped to make prog rock worth the phase that it had. A highly influential, mesmerising rock record, KC were completely off their rocker for this thing. Insanely tight drumming, broad and fascinating soundscapes, engaging progressions that stay interesting throughout. Just a masterfully executed rock record, and absolutely mad that it came out in 1969. So ahead of its time.

On the verge of chaos with 60´s sensibilities lurking to ground the album

Goated prog rock and will always be King Crimson’s best

Finally! I've been meaning to listen to this for so long. Maybe I was worried it would be a letdown if I didn't love it, knowing how adored it is. I just never got around to it, and then knew it would generate on here eventually, so I waited. It's incredible and deserves all the love it gets. The more prog I've listened to throughout the years, the more I've grown to appreciate it, and all of it shares a common heritage with this album. I want to highlight one track, which is I Talk To The Wind. It's gorgeous and lonely and makes me think of Odyssey and Oracle which came out the year before (though I think it was actually inspired by Joni Mitchell). It's a little breath after the frenzy of that opening track. Overall, the seamless flow of this album is incredible. Once I was through, I realized these songs express such a dynamic range of emotions. Even if there were no lyrics at all, the storytelling would still be there. This is one of those albums I can loop over and over and find something new to appreciate each time. And to realize this is a debut - whew!

Awesome Album!!