Reviews (page 7 of 14)
I've already listened to his album (12). The original prog rock classic. Never gets old.
This was an interesting journey. I didn't hate it and I didn't love it.
Not a huge prog rock fan but I can see why people like this album.
another album i liked as a teen but forgot about for some reason. i do know that i never liked i talk to the wind, but its a standout now. lowest 4 thus far
Very good
A ratos me ha parecido un disco de versiones psicodélicas de los Beatles. No he entrado en el disco y creo que este es mi tercer o cuarto intento con el rey, así que no es lo mío a pesar de que debería. Lo siento.
Visionary. Not a light listen but a great one.
Great early progressive album … had I listened to it when I was young it would have the nastalgia factor … but without that .. the sounds are dated back to the early 70’s …
I think this band served as an inspiration for Spinal Tap.
Love this album, helped kick off and entroe decade of music. So many great (and terrifying) instrumentals and lyrics
Favourite track(s): I Talk To The Wind; Epitaph; The Court of the Crimson King What a journey. From the distorted screams of 21st Century Schizoid Man to the soft flute in I Talk To The Wind (a favourite simply for its melancholic tone). Then the intro to Epitaph, longing and dramatic, with the song later morphing into what feels like a death march and ending in that phrase, repeated. You do need to be willing to take a journey in Moonchild when distant guitar and percussion become more vibe than music. And lastly the big crescendo of The Court of the Crimson King with the organ at the end. Then it is over. Not too long. Experimental, yes. But still musically so very enjoyable. Perfect album.
I Liked 3 of the 5 songs, so 3 Stars seems apt. Although Moonchild was close to bringing this down to a 2. Here's an idea, don't make the worst song on an album the longest.
i have listened to this album before it was recommended to me and i heavily like this album, for example 21st century schizoid man and the court of the crimson king.
Love it. Dated as it is.
Another one I own on vinyl. #2. I love this album. Its all incredible. I don't know how they are so on time all the time.
Alright, listen up. If you're into rock music at all, there's one album you absolutely have to know about: In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson. This isn't just an album; it's a total head trip and, no exaggeration, one of the best prog rock albums ever made. In my opinion, King Crimson is one of the all-time great prog bands, and this record is the reason why. The first time you drop the needle on this thing, it's like nothing you've ever heard. It's got this totally unreal vibe, with these swirling Mellotron sounds that just take you to another dimension. The album shifts from intense, chaotic moments—like the opener "21st Century Schizoid Man" with its killer sax solo and heavy guitar—to these beautifully eerie, almost-sad tracks like "Epitaph." It’s a whole journey, not just a collection of songs. The production on this thing still holds up decades later; it's just so crisp and clear. I've had this on vinyl for ages, and there's just something special about listening to it that way. The artwork is iconic, and the sound just feels so warm and full. It’s the kind of record you put on when you want to really listen to something, not just have it on in the background. It's a solid five-star album for me, no question. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and check it out. Seriously. And if you have a turntable, you owe it to yourself to go find this record and add it to your collection. You won't regret it.
Chaotic, beautiful, theatrical. Absolute beautiful find, and why I started doing this challenge!
Hyvin vaihtelevaa ja ajoittain hyvää. Liikaa psykedeelisyyttä makuuni, mutta monista instrumentaalisista osioista tykkäsin. Biisit aika pitkiä ja hajanaisia, ilmeisesti sisältävät monta osaa.
Its crazy to me that I've known and listened to this thing since I was 14 or so, and I still had a fairly vivid memory of the songs so I almost wanted to just rate it and leave it at that. But last time I listened to it was probably 6 years ago and since them I knew I needed to relisten to this album. Now, obviously, it's still really good and I still love some of the songs, but that's the thing I feel like while I understand why I Talk to the Wind and Moonchild do to windown between the larger songs... I just kept hoping they'd end sooner so I could get to Epitaph or the title track. Moonchild especially felt too long for an improv track, the first half its fine but the rest just feels so out of place with the rest of the album's atmosphere. I Talk to the Wind is fine, it sounds pretty and its slow but that's about it for me with it, even in the past it wasn't my favorite. But those two out of the way the three remaining songs are just great: 21st Century Schizoid Man? Classic, one of the heaviest songs of the era. Epitaph? Emotional, huge, just such a great song. Title track? Epic in the actual sense, feels so evocative of the idea of whatever the crimson king is. I think what I love about these songs is that they feel so emotionally grounded and with lyrics that so perfectly illustrate all the themes in the album, be it fantastical like the title track or I Talk to the Wind, or more grounded like 21st Century Scizoid Man and Epitaph with war or loss. Other prog bands are great too but KC really did things in a way that sometimes go above and beyond what many did. Now don't get me wrong, this album is only a 3/5 stars because of the two songs i talked about but it's still fantastic for its other songs and I strongly recommend it.
classic
Progressive rock - when you try too hard to be alt that it becomes a bit cliche. Well done art but not an album I’ll revisit.
My older brother introduced me to this album when I was, I guess 13 / 14. I didn't really understand it, but I knew that it was different and exciting - from the insane track lengths to the vivid album sleeve. I guess "Schizoid Man" is probably the most well know but I had to play "Return of the Fire Witch" twice because it's just soooooo good. The flute, the drums.................... *insert heart emoji*
A landmark in progressive music, with some jazz thrown in too, though I think it is overshadowed by some of the records it inspired. Still a cracking listen though. Fave track on this listen: 20th Century Schizoid Man
I preferred the middle of the album more with the more instrumental tracks. I'm not a big progressive rock fan though.
Day 4 - having one of my favorite albums chosen was a treat, despite only listening to it in full a week ago, i was glad to jump back into it again. I tried going into this listen with an open mind, and was glad i did. I typically don't care for Moonchild, but got more enjoyment out of it this time round. Every other track is incredible too. Near perfect prog rock album
I love this album and wanted it to deserve 5 stars, but Moonchild being 12 minutes of nothingness is rough, and I cannot grant an album 5 stars if I prefer to skip almost 30% of it, can I?
One of (if not THE) the best debut albums ever made
Well, this was terrible.
Really nice and weird. Sets standards for its time.
I don't know why i spent my time without listening to this album, it was great all throughout, it flows nicely, tight together and all around a great listening experience.
I did enjoy the clearly jazz-inspired parts of this album, my favourite song was Epitaph (although I wasn't much of a fan of the marching interlude) because I liked the dramatics and classical strings. Enjoyed the other songs significantly less though, which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
This album was many things, genre bending, incredibly technically impressive, progressive, boundary pushing, unfortunately the only area where I found it lacking was being enjoyable to listen to. I understand that that wasn’t the point of this album, but i still don’t think I can give it any higher than 3 stars as a result of my personal music taste.
Rather liked this -- kinda proggy affected jazz. Wasn't familiar with them, would spent more time with them.
Enjoyed this more than I expected.
Неделю назад я смотрел фильм "King Crimson at 50", просто охуенный, и в общем участники группы все как один говорят, что Фрипп - демон, и что с ним невозможно работать, но продолжают это делать, а сам Фрипп имеет полное право требовать, потому что уровень, которого он требует от себя в свои миллиард лет - просто космический. Чел тренеруется на гитаре часами каждый. божий. день. Потому что иначе он не сможет сыграть Larks. Я никогда не воспринимал артиста вот так. Это всё в дополнение с эпопеей по фотографиям Кинг Кримзон на ластфм, отсутствием легальных способов послушать хоть какую-то музыку группы, перфомансы Фриппа на ютубе в ковид. Сам альбом звучит только актуальнее в 2025, на мой взгляд. Лучшая песня - Epitaph.
Psychedelic fantasy prog rock pioneers. I understand the historic genre significance, but too much jamming on the recording for me. 🤙🤙🤙
I had never heard of them but the album was alright. Not completely my taste.
I don't like jazz, or classic rock, or long meandering songs with noodly guitar. I don't think this link should have been to the expanded version also?
ykw I expected this to be a bunch of random pretentious cluttered nonsense, because while i do know songs on here, I had never listened to all of them together, and while it very much is what I expected, i'll give it this - it's some surprisingly pleasant cluttered nonsense. random assorted thoughts: - this has weirdly few plays on spotify for such a well known album - cover art is horrifying - ahead of its time (which seems to be what music nerds like.) the fact that this is the 60s is wild favorite song: "i talk to the wind" overall: 6/10 (sorry rym)
Very instrumental. It was okay. Not exactly my forte but i can appreciate what it’s doing and it’s good at it. The production is great. Something my school band class would play, but I’m missing my chorus’s.
The jazz elements were interesting, 21st Century Schizoid Man was best. Most lyrics seemed very Late 60's with a lot of moon child and type of stuff. My mind opened to to them being more than just crimson and clover but still not my jam.
# 103/1001. Words cannot really describe this album.
It was a decent prog album, but not "wow"
8/26/25. Heard this one before. I think I’ll need a few more listens to truly appreciate it, but love the experimental nature of this album. The instrumentals are also on point.
One hit after another wow
Mindmelted. I am still working on this one.
the court was welcoming. really balanced and still exploratory. intense and chill all at once. 5
Throughout this record, King Crimson absolutely nails the art of "theme and variation". Five lengthy tracks with (essentially) only five musical ideas spread across them – and yet you're completely hooked, completely engaged, for all 44 heart-wrenching minutes. The quiet, tense lead-in of 21st Century Schizoid Man with the lonely sound of wind whooshing past you – and then you're hit with an excellent riff and (soon afterward) an enraged, heavily distorted vocal. Greg Lake delivers a slew of disillusioned and disjointed lyrics about, well, a schizophrenic dude. Rapid time signature and tempo changes, a bluesy harmonic mode, fast horn lines, and extremely high-level playing on bass and drums definitely sell this piece. Then we get I Talk To The Wind with its largely flute-based instrument accompaniment and a chillingly desolate melody. Epitaph has one of my favourite uses of the mellotron in any piece of music. And again Lake's singing is very strong – possibly the best on the record. Upon a first listen, Moonchild is definitely a tough nut to crack. It has an almost ancient-imperial feel about it, as well as the dizzying fantasy element (à la side 2 of Queen II). I've seen a lot of criticism about the lengthy soundscape in the middle of this track, with many citing it as boring and longer than necessary. I kind of agree. It's the weakest point in the album, though it does have its place as a sort of semi-psychedelic downtime between the two darkest and heaviest tracks. Speaking of which, the heavy and dramatic title track is ridiculously good. It's a climactic way to send off the listener, that's for sure. The delivery of the title line and subsequent backing vocals is so over-the-top, so passionately done, and has such a great melody that it's impossible not to fall in love. This is around the time where the strange cover art really clicks. We're all just puppets, subjects in a terrifying mystical court. (Or something.) Not a perfect album by any means, but as prog rock goes, it's darn impressive for its time. A rollercoaster of emotions showcasing lots of interesting musical ideas, some excellent musicianship, and variation of mood. If that ain't a great showing, I don't know what is. 5/5 Key tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King
Simplemente, no conecté con el disco
I mean, what else can I even add to the discussion on this album? I'l just say thank you Guitar Hero 5 for having this song on there
Un álbum históricamente destacable. Una obra representativa del rock progresivo clásico, genera muchísimas atmósferas diferentes, tiene contenido político en sus letras, combina elementos del rock, el jazz y la música clásica (en términos de instrumentación, pero también de estructuras e improvisación). La duración del álbum es muy amena para ser una obra de rock progresivo, lo que mejora muchísimo la experiencia de escucha. Lo cierto es que siendo un álbum de rock, los temas tienden más hacia la balada y lo melancólico (con la excepción del primer y último track). Algunos aspectos a criticar para mi gusto: La calidad de la grabación es muy buena, pero entre tema y tema la mezcla es un tanto disímil y por momentos cada tema pareciera de un álbum diferente, no es que sea algo malo, pero es extraña la gran diferencia que tiene el sonido de la voz en un track en comparación con el que le sigue, siento que al oído le capta la atención este aspecto, hasta que uno se vuelve a acostumbrar. Por otro lado, la decisión de poner "I Talk To The Wind" como segundo track, luego de "21st Century Schizoid Man" me resulta errada. Son temas demasiado contrastantes, y creo que "Epitaph" hubiese sido una mejor elección como segundo track. "I Talk To The Wind" es un tema que pertenecía al grupo anterior de Fripp, y lo utilizaron en este álbum para también proponer un sonido más suave. Esto es notorio, y aunque son detalles que no le quitan para nada valor al álbum, porque los temas son excelentes, afectó un poco mi experiencia de escucha. Aún así, un gran álbum.
I enjoyed this album listen! I’d never listened to this album or King Crimson before so that was a new experience for me. I’m not going to lie I thought this album was a little strange but I haven’t listened to much prog rock if I’m being honest. I think ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’ was the strongest track on the album, I feel like for me the album went down from there which left me wanting more songs like the opening track. I would give this album another chance in the future!
I first tried this when I was in a band in 6th form. 16 years old and my two fellow band members recommended it to me. I really struggled with it. I tried it again a few times in my life and slowly got to grips with it. I come back to it as part of this and realise its insane majesty and the influence it has had on some of the greatest bands on this list. I didn't know Fripp invented prog. I know, though that he did play some of the best guitar on some of the greatest albums ever made. Including this.
Des trucs un peu bizarre mais sympa dans l'ensemble
Je ne connaissais pas du tout, c’est pas mal chouette. C’est assez avant gardiste quand même Les morceaux sont un peu (trop) longs donc ça ne s’écoute pas dans n’importe quel moment à mon sens
Pas trop ma came et j'ai eu du mal à me concentrer dessus. 2/5
I get it, most of this is great musicianship and all, I guess I just don’t have the attention span for songs toss long without lyrics for much of it.
21st century schizoid man is the standout for me
King Crimson is Prog rock for people who enjoy going to Renaissance fairs. Fantastic album with a surprising variety of instruments.
Opening track is actually my least favourite, haven’t given the rest of the album enough of a chance in the past, but it’s great. Must be some of the earliest psychedelic rock. Great mixing too
interesting enough, I liked Epitaph, found Moonchild too long and indulgent, The title track was good - even if 10 minutes long. I have finally listened to it now.
Not a fan of this!
n
I like this album, listened it many times, but.. there's something that holds me back from putting 5*. Like it still lacks something..
אין הרבה מה לחדש - אחד האלבומים הכי טובים אי פעם שיר מועדף - I talk to the wind
I love prog rock. Yes, rush etc. I have this album, I don't get why it's so loved.
Can see why it's a classic. Clearly influential. But not my favourite King Crimson.
De 12 minutter af albummet, der udgør Moonchild kunne jeg godt undvære. Lidt for eksperimenterende. Ærgerligt, for tværfløjten og hammond er ellers ikke dumt.
I really liked this. I'd never heard it
Dirge
Superb
Mezcla bien interesante, me gustó la vdd pero no es algo que escucharía, demasiado largo lo dejaron
I have finally listened to the funny screaming guy album. Being someone who has listened to The Dark Side of the Moon and was not impressionable in the late sixties, I have to say my perspective is muddled. I am sure that this was a very important album for the time. I am also sure that because it has been half a century since this album was released, I am less impressed by it than I should be. Some parts of this were absolutely fantastic and some of the best music I have heard in months. Some parts of this album were insanely boring to listen to. I will likely be returning to every track except Moonchild. To surmise, I am glad that I have finally listened to this and do not regret my time.
It’s alright innit. Goes on a bit, when songs include other songs it gets a bit silly. 21stC Schizoid Man is a massive riff, though. 3/5 Best Song: 21stC etc
Its maybe the greatest just pure prog album of all time, the intersection of so many genres. Obviously quite a busy listen, and i haven't listened to it the whole way through in a while, but i had so much fun listening to it again. 4.5/5
Such a tremendous opening track! It might have been because we were listening in the car but the middle tracks were either 60s flowery or somewhat forgettable quiet solos, then it ended with another banger in the court of the crimson king!
in the court of the crimson king
Classic
Lots of very cool progressive tunes in this. Songs really draw out way too long although and it gets very boring.
Why am I suddenly craving a giant turkey leg? I grew up in the '70s and was into all of the other hard Rock and prog Rock and psychedelic rock bands of the time. But somehow this was an album I had never listened to before.. I'm glad that I've finally checked that box. Although, I am most definitely never going to listen to this again. Obviously a lot of talent and I can see why people would love. But for me it was just really cheesy and boring (except for 21st century schizoid man, which is pretty awesome).
J - 3/5 Best Track - "21st Century Schizoid Man"
Finally, some good fucking music.
I think the first "absurdly long" (oh, that was so long ago) song I've heard referenced was not Bohemian Rhapsody, but 21st Century Schizoid Man. And despite having the album on my phone for sooo soo long I've never really gave the entirety of In The Court Of The Crimson King a listen. I think having Schizoid Man be soo soo different from the rest of the album is a bad choice. It'd be so easy to listen to all jumbled mess songs or background rock, but it's a mix of both of these - and I think that's a mistake. Both parts are pretty, but together they don't fit.
really good start ngl
Fantastic musicianship, particularly the drummer! I could definitely see myself revisiting this.
Schizoid - My link to this song is Bad Religion’s quasi-cover. I’m that kid. But I also had a heavy Zorn/Knitting Factory phase. The clear immediate descendant. These days I like prog elements in my rock, but I generally like a straighter backbone. Love the voice fx and the sax on this the most. I talk to the wind - My first instinct was coiled revulsion. But then I unwound when the slick-like-that drums kicked in. There is a clear and simple, almost stoic/detached delivery of the vocal lines. Restraint. Very pretty. This would make a sick jazz-rap loop. You listening, Kendrick? Dig this dancing flute. Motherfucker is FREE. Epitaph - BIG ROLLING TYMPS deposit us before a quiet crooning doomsday poet who is gradually joined by rising gusts of somber strings and dense synth clouds painting a sonic portrait of a Goya nightmare future. Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying. Moonchild - So far the record, despite the frenzy of Schizoid, is more Floyd than Zorn. Very pretty. Chill. A bit too wizard-y for me, lyrically. But I’m digging the spaces between. My 90s indie rock brain pulling in Tortoise and Lambchop. Court - Don’t get me wrong. I love D&D. Just not in my music. I feel like I’m being forced to listen to a professional LARPer’s poetry while I’m trying to hear the spacey Pinky Floydy band jamming next door. The last three minutes are the best of the record. Ends just when it’s getting really interesting. As stated too much fantasy imagery for me. Schizoid remains my favorite, and makes me want to go listen to some Painkiller. EDIT: (Thanks for this feature!) I didn’t listen to the live tracks before I rated. I should have. ‘A Man A City’ was the operatic Zornian frenzy I wanted from this album from the start. I know this band parented much of the weirdness I love from Sonic Youth to Don Cab to Bungle ad infinitum. This is the DNA proof. And the reason I’m bumping the whole album up a star. Viva weird!
21st Century Schizoid Man amd the Court of the Crimson King are fantastic, and early high water marks for prog. The tracks in between are doing some interesting experimentation, but not interesting enough to elevate the album.
fun album, would listen again.
Cool Album. These long songs hit different nowadays. You learn to be more patient compared to these 2-3 minute songs from today. The jazz influences are really interesting.
Finally! My first Prog rock album! What an album to be my first prog showing, the grandfather of prog, King Crimson. This album is really good. I’ve only heard 3 King Crimson albums, this one, Red, and Larks Tongue in Aspic, and it’s between this and Red to be my favorite of them. But back to this album, it sets the standard of what prog would be like in the 70s, while also showing what King Crimson can do. King Crimson also has one of the greatest guitarists in rock, Robert Fripp, and boy does he deserve that label. His guitar work on songs like 21st Century Schizoid Man is incontestable. Greg Lake’s vocals are also an essential part of the album, and they help give the band its signature sound. Greg also plays bass, and along with Michael Giles, completes the rhythm section of the band. But we can’t forget about multi instrumentalist Ian Mcdonald, who played a crap ton of instruments on this album, and he really. contributed to giving the lab such an epic sound on songs like the title track and Epitaph. The one problem I have with this album that holds it back from a 5 is that, although it’s a prog rock album, the band can tend to just, go off in the middle of songs and go do really weird sounding stuff before coming back, this is really an issue on Moonchild, where most of the song is them tooling around, even though the main verse and chorus sound lovely. But, overall, definitely a solid prog rock album, and if you’re a prog fan who hasn’t checked it out, what are you doing?
Highlight Song/s: 21st Century Schizoid Man This is one of those albums that I've been meaning to listen to, but haven't come around too. Most of the tracks were fine to great, except for "Moonchild" for some reason that song triggered me with all those strange sounds around a couple minutes in. I can't explain it that well, but it made my blood boil for some reason
Reminding me Bee Gees Odessa, this is a very British album.
The fact that this album was released in 1969 is incredible. Very ahead of its time, very proggy and extremely well done. It just takes you on a great journey.
I think this album forces me to confront my own guidelines for rating. Is this the best Prog album ever? Probably not. Is this my favorite Prog album? No, probably not. Should everyone listen to this album at some point before they die? Absolutely, even if only to inform those who will continue a path down the genre. This albums popularity isn't a stain on its reputation, it's a marker of appreciation.
Good stuff. Only a couple of familiar songs. I can put this on and just chill any old time. 7.4
I like this album a lot more than the first king Crimson.
This album was wild. I really liked it, but I felt like each song was different. It was really good.
Okay when symphonic, fabulous when jazzy. Stark trea
Great jazz. At least, that's what I'd call it. A bit restless at times, but that's part of it.
Surprisingly got really into this mad album
What an opening track. A total ripper that feels so ahead of its time and still wows today. During its release, to have been a fan of both Black Sabbath & Yes only to then hear this must have been a surreal and exciting experience. Strangely, I always found a lot of this album sleepier than I would have liked. That said, there are some EPIC moments besides the opening song like what you find in “The Court of the Crimson King” as well as the truly ethereal moments of “...” which for me make this album truly enjoyable. Moments on this album also feel like the permission the Mars Volta (and many others) needed to do what they do today.
I should like early prog rock but I find it kinda cheesy.
Lesser Moody Blues Who mixes the cymbals higher than any other instrument or the vocals? no thanks.
In fact, my birthday theme this year was experimental prog rock Ren Faire opera! Not.
'I Talk To The Wind' has surfaced on a few Discover Weekly's (and I like it!), but the rest of the album was pretty meh and unmemorable.
Ominous, foreboding, with a real plot line. I’m just not putting this on to listen to music
a perfect album - it keeps growing and growing - sum exceeds its parts
Pretty good. Sounds like a lot of other influences from that time
Halfway through the album I stopped and realized this was rad yo.
21st Century Schizoid Man was great. In the Court of the Crimson King was good. Everything else sounded like they were just rehearsing and tuning and forgot the recorder was on.
I want wipe all late 60s music from existence to get rid of this album.
Just terrible shit. I don’t care if they heavily influenced an entire genre when they bands they influenced are a million times better
Great album. Not my favourite KC album, but a fantastic album nonetheless. 21st Century Schizoid Man aside, this is a moody listen. Like a lot of their output, you have to be in the mood for it. The musicianship is flawless. I love Michael Giles’ drumming on this. Production is almost claustrophobic - it has the intensity it needs. More than 50 years on, the songs still hold up. And of course, the iconic cover art.
I wish I would have a trial in the court of the crimson king.
A prog masterpiece that includes some of the best production but the jazz improvisation on moonchild is not very good 9.5/10
#51 In The Court Of The Crimson King ~ King Crimson There's a reason why this album can be so beloved to people. It's opulent, bombastic and over-the-top. Its solos are meandering and never-ending ecstasy-fests. Its arrangements are dense and rough around the edges. Its lyrics by Peter Sinfield are pretentiously abstract and delivered from lullaby whispers to howling shrieks. This is a hipster album. THE hipster album of the late 60s maybe. And there might be certain debate about whether this is the best KC album, its certainly the most fun. Cause really this album is designed to smash you with walls of sounds and you will be made to take it. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a showcase really of the band's ability to delve into excessive technicalities, especially the underrated ear of Robert Fripp's guitarwork. I Talk to the Wind a showcase of McDonald's multi-instrumentalism but also after the first track, the more mellow and sensual side of KC. Epitaph is probably the best track of this album, KC at its most dramatic: an orchestral march for mellotron and drums decorated with guitar and wind harmonics. This middle track is its most beautiful in the album. Moonchild is an interlude to the final titular track, which is basically a sum-up of the first three tracks' virtuosity, sentimentality and need for drama. The best way to approach this album is frankly just to be entirely relaxed because these tracks are all long, as expected from prog rock. Let your imagination go wild when you listen to these tracks; the fantastical titles of these tracks are not for show.
epitaph is in my top 5 best songs ever
I was ready to hate it. What a surprise this was for me.
I will be honest and say I have always thought King Crimson was a band from like 2002. I had no idea they were around in 1969. This was really different, but wow! You can really hear many of the bands that came after this. The fantastical stuff was pretty good, not a fan of the dissonant jazz stuff. But I can see how this is considered a very influential group, some of the sounds you can almost hear other groups listening too and working into their own sound. Really makes me wish I was more fluent with that for examples. I would give it two stars, but I can hear what comes next and that bumps it up to 3.
Another group that I've heard of, but never listened to. This is a heavy dose of prog rock. Overall I enjoyed it until I got to Moonchild where it wanders to almost Spın̈al Tap Jazz Odyssey levels of jazz or whatever they were trying to do there. The artwork for the cover and inside the gatefold is pretty amazing and it makes the album instantly recognizable. I think I can see his brain.
en renodlad klassiker vad kan man säga
eh, it was fine. wouldn't listen again.
This album was a killer when it came out. Me and my brother would go to Dave's house and hang out because he had a Macintosh amp and Bose Speakers and a Dual turntable; this album would always be cued up and it just sounded so great with that equipment. His sister was dating a doctor and he had upgraded his stereo. Dave got the old items.( they were practically new!) Wish I knew what he upgraded to! 21st Century Schizoid Man was just so incredibly awesome.
Cool
🐣❤️
The opener catches me off guard a bit with a heavy main riff and distorted vocals. I Talk To The Wind is different altogether, dominated by flute and soothing vocals. The jazzy drumming stands out. It's ethereal and excellent. Epitaph closes the side, slow at first with deep bass but building into a cinematic tour-de-force. Pounding drums accentuate the middle section. The second side is two longer pieces. Moonchild starts off pretty and turns very experimental and sparse. I can't decide if I like it or not. Then the title track is big and dramatic again with a triumphant chorus. There's lots to love here: the variety of songwriting, tempo changes, the instrumentation. Everything sounds great and has space to breathe. Rarely matched atmosphere. Moonchild is maybe a bit arty for me but who are we kidding, this still deserves top marks.
Good
It's fine. I enjoy listening to "first of their kind" albums like this. But it doesn't change my mind that prog rock is for twee nerds. 2/5
94% Best: 21st Century Schizoid Man; Epitaph; The Court of the Crimson King Must-Hear? Yes
Exceptional album
This album was the defining moment of Prog rock and a metal. Truly a classic, some song better than others. But I want to listen more.
o que alguns chamam de "clássico total absurdo" eu chamo apenas de "tem umas pedradas surreais mas tem outras que eu literalmente preferiria estar catando bosta de porco na divisa de ponte nova com mariana/mg a escutar de novo"
intenso pra caraio hein. um caos e uma calmaria tudo ao memo tempo. ouvi no busao noturno indo pra serra do cipó e fui MASSACRADO pela primeira música. as boas sao, de fato, BOAS PRA CARALHO. de resto, eh meio medieval (?) demais. btw capa foda demais acho pica.
I'm not usually a fan of psychedelic rock but this album had a bit of a New Orleans vibe. I guess it was the horn section but I got really into it.
< the Beatles
Fabulous album. One of the greatest of all time. Even the album cover is fantastic.
This is an amazing album, so creative and superbly made. Prog Rock sprinkled with a good dose of psychedelia. I especially like the drumming, very clever. The album is varied but it all fits together really nicely. An easy 5*.
Impressive but perhaps a bit self-congratulatory in the cleverness of the musicianship
even more beautiful than the previous one
Starts strong. The textures were weird and bold and I liked that they weren’t afraid to get a little messy. Somewhere close to early Floyd but less refined. Still worth a spin. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - 21st Century Schizoid Man - Epitaph - The Court Of The Crimson King
Good rock album. I could sense the influence on The Flaming Lips
Challenging and groundbreaking.
All time prog-rock classic. Samples by hip-hop royalty and covers by rock gods only cement the importance of this album.
A huge sounding album. King Crimson really came screaming out of the gate with this one; that first song being responsible for one of the dirtiest riffs in music and would serve as an influence to an entire subsection of prog-rock. I think it’s safe to say they without King Crimson, there’d be no Rush, no Pink Floyd, and no Mars Volta. I know to some that would be a blessing, but they’re probably the three most pivotal bands in shaping my music tastes, and so I can only be grateful to this incredible album. On its Owen it still sounds incredibly fresh, and I know people who say them on the 50th anniversary tour for this album and said it blew them away. There’s incredible intricacy here in the movements and the way in which sections build and deconstruct. There’s classical and jazz influences as well as early signs of more complicated metal and post & math rock. King Crimson threw everything at this, and somehow it all stuck.
Gets a little meandering but still a tour de force
Very amazing prog rock album. I even love the free improv track "Moonchild." It's oddly relaxing and makes for a great calm before the closing track.
The keystone of progressive rock. Absolutely brilliant. My introduction to the genius of Robert Fripp. A luscious, propulsive masterpiece.
21st century and the title cut are certainly Prague Ground Zero. I forgot how much flute and jam things were going on in the rest of the record. Some of that held up some of it not so much definitely on the list.
Never been a huge fan of theirs. I do get the importance and influence they had on music just not for me.
Great album. I assume Kanye enjoyed the first song.
This album took me by surprise and blew me away. There was some brass wind jazz noodling that I could take or leave, but outside of that there was so many inspirational sounds. I will come back this for sure
Great
😎 cool
At a time when most of the best hard rock was blending with blues, and heavy metal was just around the corner, King Crimson instead blended their hard rock with elements of jazz and orchestral music. While some later bands did improve on this progressive rock blueprint, this remains a fantastic album and 21st Century Schizoid Man in particular is still a classic. I definitely could have done without the second half of Moonchild. But all in all a fantastic achievement, and highly influential to some of my top favorite prog metal bands.
Flute on the second song yasss I like epitaph Not musically inclined enough to appreciate 12 min of sounds
Idk I was bored
Not a fan.
I feel like it's not a coincidence that the track I enjoyed most on this album (I Talk to the Wind) was also the shortest. That reminded me of Air, which I was not expecting. The plinky, plonky cod-medieval stuff though? Honestly, that kind of is what I was expecting this to be.
This slaps. The bass tone on 21st century schizoid man is so good
Quite a wacky album, if you know what I mean. There were plenty of highs and lows. I'm glad I heard it, but I doubt I'd seek it out again.
8.5/10
Album is king for a reason people
This album has an amazing ability to turn what feels like 20 minutes into an hour - every song on here is so fresh and different, yet adheres to the thematics of the album. Not to mention it probably has one of the strongest starts to any record ever with 21st Century Schizoid Man, and an utterly amazing closing track. Everything about this record is utterly flawless. This is definitely a record you listen to from start to finish without skipping a single second. Even the artwork is so good you can just stare at it the entire time listening. If you ask me, this is the greatest prog rock album of all time. It's not even close (I don't count DSOTM as prog rock).
I don’t think it would be hyperbole to call 21st Century Schizoid man the most iconic prog rock song of all time. Hell, just that opening chord feels so iconic that I feel as though most would have heard elements of this song in one way or another. I see some critics of this album saying this song does a lot of heavy lifting for the album but I think that couldn’t be further from the truth. I love the willingness to pivot so freely in styles and weave genres together, it’s a lot cruisier of an album than the intense opener would lead most to believe. Epitaph might be my hidden contender for the highlight. Greg Lake’s singing works perfectly with the almost dream-like quality of the instrumentals on here are of the same ilk as what I have praised previously from his work on Tarkus. A fantastic album with more than one amazing song.
I've saved most of the songs on this album individually over the years, thoroughly enjoyed them all, but never listened to this whole album top to tail. 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph and The Court Of The Crimson King are epic tracks that have been in my rotation for a long time. Moonchild starts very well, but after the first few minutes, it’s just too much jangling keys and other random percussion that didn’t build to anything on the track. Thank god The Court Of The Crimson King was up next with a strong start. Music ahead of its time by leagues, very impressive. GOATED debut album. No doubt influenced many of my faves.
A literally genre defining debut. Every song here is totally fresh and interesting and the fact this came out in 1969 is mind boggling. Even putting aside the standout hit that is the opening track, the sideshow here is still phenomenal. ‘I talk to the wind’ is such a tonal backflip you would think it’s a different band. Iconic in its truest sense.
Better than anything those Pink Floyd blokes have ever released 👍 9/10
The album that arguably defines prog rock is a debut effort? That's wild. There isn't a lot to say about an album that approaches perfection. Iconic album art (the only painting done by the artist who tragically died very shortly after), genre-defining hits and about as influential to music as it gets. An easy 5. Highlights: The whole thing but especially The Court of the Crimson King
Har godt hørt navnet King Crimson før men tror ikke jeg har lyttet til det. Det er lidt flippet musik Hov jeg har hørt “i talk to the Wind”?? Ved ikke hvor. Men den kan jeg meget godt lide. Ikke fantastisk. Men den ville jeg lytte til. Det er faktisk meget godt. Kender åbenbart også deres sang “Matte Kudasai”? Den er i hvert fald på min playliste
The opening tracks is one of the greatest prog rock songs in rock history. Closer is also an amazing song. The three in the middle are fine, if not a little dragging.
Touched by the Crimson King!
I think this has to be a 5! 21st Century Schizoid Man is growing on me and Moonchild might yet, and the other three tracks are sensational.
Weird but interesting I guess. Worst Song: Epitaph - Including "March for No Reason" and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow" Best Song: 21st Century Schizoid Man - Including "Mirrors" Added to Liked Songs:
Algo completamente distinto y experimental. Muy curioso
”it’s fine”
sympatoche sans plus
Some good tunes in there, not entirely my cup of tea. I think the cult following of this album does a lot of carrying in it’s ratings
I liked this album. Cool album cover. Pretty crazy this was made in 1969.
No private session used for Spotify. I have certainly have heard 21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King before, but haven't listened to a complete King Crimson album.
Álbum de menos a más, hay fragmentos interesantes pero otros muy estridentes. 6/10
i like red
This might be a hot take and I want to preface it with I think all of the people in King Crimson are extremely talented, but this album seems more in the category of influential rather than good
Liked this a lot more than I was expecting. Big, sweeping songs with interesting lyrics.
Overall: 8/10 I absolutely adore prog rock, so I obviously have a lot of love for the first fully prog album (some would argue The Moody Blues did it first with Days of Future Passed in 1967 but those people are nuts.) It opens with one of the best songs ever written, 21st Century Schizoid Man. This song blew my mind the first time I heard it and it still blows my mind years later. I Talk to the Wind isn't bad but it's a bit of a letdown after such a scorcher. Epitaph is another masterpiece. Moonchild starts off pretty good but becomes a little too minimalistic for me by the end. Finally, The Court of the Crimson King has some great harmonies and ends the album off on a high note. It's truly a great album, even if I prefer others in the King Crimson discography. Fav Song: 21st Century Schizoid Man Least Fav Song: Moonchild
Un lujo
Súper súper rock experimental y me parece que chulo que lo sea porque es de 1969!!! Vamos, canciones de 12 minutazos de las cuales solo 1 minuto tiene letra y que te pondrías de fondo pero no cantar (hay dos frases). Pero se nota que es rock en cuanto cantan y eso me gana, Epitaph FAV. Por cierto increíble que se marquen un jazz rock por la cara.
no se si el tren llamaquique - aviles lo esta haciendo horrible pero asi se siente.
Bastante basura la verdad. Menos mal que hay otros álbumes de ruido porque si no iba para el último de cabeza
Moonchild tickled my brain. This album was cool looked at as a whole piece.
Classic album, this rocks
I'd never heard the originals of court of the crimson king or schizoid man before. It's an interesting album - bit too jazzy for me. It's a proper album though - not meant to be separated. I like that and I feel it would grow on me
I loved parts of this. Other parts were so self indulgent it became unenjoyable. Really not sure how to rate this actually in a simple 1-5 rating. Kind of album that I think would be amazing on the 100th listen and is pretty good on the first. Given it a 3. In hindsight Duran Duran should have been a 2 as this is taken from a list of classic albums. The voting system is not granular enough imo.
I like prog rock and I cannot lie! This dipped to a 2 "Just musicians noodling around with no real plans" to a 4 "transported to a fantasy world" No real suprise I ended up in the middle (again)
I struggled with this. Prog is not my thing at all and I didn't really particularly enjoy anything here.
Me gustó PERO me aburre al mismo tiempo, tengo un tema con los artistas que hacen esto de meter 2 minutos al final de la canción puramente de instrumental e improvisación, siento que en vivo estaría re copado pero escucharlo así me la baja un montón y quiero ya cambiar de tema.
Alto stand. Buen álbum, por momentos se me hace aburrido pero cuando arranca se pone.
Is this a JOJO reference? Realmente no habia escuchado el disco, algun tema suelto. Me gusto bastante, hay una de las primeras pistas que siento que podria ser tranquilamente ost de la parte 3
Lo escuche completito cuando volviamos de una excursion en Iguazú. Está tan bien grabado que temas como Moonchild se escuchan super espacial. Tiene algunos momentos medios abstractos y pasados de drogas. Pero no llegan a opacar el resto del disco. Es algo para escuchar cada tanto
10 / 10
First off - top contender for iconic album covers. Don't know much about King Crimson other than it is an early progressive rock band whose members have expanded and left incredible marks on modern music through the musical prowess and creativity of its various members. As with many other prog artists, I have no idea what the heck they are talking about - it is more about the music and vibe. The first few songs are beautiful, of ourse The Court of the Crimson King is familiar and an epic listen. Really like the voice of the singer, although I know he didn't last long in the group with John Wetton (another great prog singer/bassist), but the vocals really hit on this one. Enjoyed the album much more than I anticipated and support weird, good music when I can.
King Crimson is basically the kind of band tailor-made to please a handful of nerds who confuse complexity with genius. They try to push some sort of “psychedelic progressive rock” full of gimmicks, but at its core it’s just a pretentious collage of reheated jazz and recycled medieval melodies — all wrapped in an air of “high art” that feels more like a desperate attempt to seem profound. It’s a completely overrated band: praised as if they reinvented music, when in reality they sound more like a messy jam session of musicians who couldn’t pick a style and decided to throw everything together, thinking that would automatically make it deep.
I love me some prog, and this is one of those early examples that would end up defining the genre. But I'm glad it didn't stop here: too much "experimental" in Moonchild, too much repetition in The Court of the Crimson King.
i have loved this album for 3 years. Good one. A little too long sometimes so it gets a 4, but deserves a 5
Pre-listening thoughts: I’m really curious about this one. I feel like it’s super popular among classic rock fans but I’ve just missed it. Also I get this band mixed up with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard oops Post/during listening thoughts: this was actually really good. I understand why people glaze the shit out of this. HOWEVER. Every single song went on at least a minute too long. Moonchild was like insane. I thought we had transitioned to another song but there were still SEVEN minutes left. But the good parts of the songs were really good. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: honestly all of them except MoonChild Least fav tracks: moonchild
PROG This album is fundamental to the modern understanding of wizards
Just a wild ride. Surprisingly palatable for how weird it is.
I genuinely am torn on how to rate this. On one hand, it’s so ahead of its time. Never would’ve guessed it’s a summer of love era album. And Basically created Prog Rock and manages to still hold its own and not be overshadowed by later prog albums. I love the way the vocals are mixed in particular, and I’m a big fan of some psychedelic nonsense lyrics. On the other hand, it’s very artsy in a way I don’t really like. Moonchild in particular reminds me too much of an art museum, which is my least favorite kind of museum. It’s what’s playing in one of those dark isolated corner rooms. I get nothing out of the instrumentals and solos except a sense of impatience for something else to happen. 21st Century Schizoid Man and Court of the Crimson King would be easy 10/10 for me without the 5 minute solos (the latter of which, while too long, is probably the best one as I feel it goes somewhere and has appropriate thematic elements to it). Ultimately I think this is one of those best listened to while on drugs albums, but I’m an anxious man and can’t really do that. 5/5 with less improv solos, 2/5 with them. The strong elements are really strong but how am I supposed to enjoy this in the car? Gonna have to be a 3 from me. What’s a man gotta do get an abridged version of this album?
Really good, not expecting it even tho the reviews said so
Kanye sampled "21st Century Schizoid Man" in "Power". Long long long album for a lot of repeat songs. 6.3/10
This album and MC5's Kick Out the Jams are the two 1969 albums that just blow me away every single time. I don't love every song on this, and there are a couple standouts ("21st Century Schizoid Man" and the title track) that I connect with way more than the rest. But it's still so cool to listen to this and be able to hear the way it's influenced so much music since then. I love hearing all the experimentation that was going on and trying to figure out what stuck and what didn't and why. A super fascinating album for me!
I do not care for prog rock. Like, it's pretty annoying to me. Pretentious theater kids acting like their better that everyone and just telling critics that they don't "get it." That means you aren't conveying anything in a meaningful way; you're just self-grandeurizing.
Recorded in 1969. think about that, that was over 50 years ago. It blows me away how innovative this album was for the time, so much so that it would probably be described similarly if it was released today. King Crimson took influence from the early psychedelic rock of Pink Floyd and The Beatles, mixed it together with free jazz and modern classical to create an album that would become among the most influential in rock and roll history. While Court is seminal prog rock, one can hear elements of so many modern genres like heavy metal, industrial and psychedelic rock. It is easy to see why so many musicians cite it as an influence and among their favorites. Including Hendrix who supposedly declared them to be the best band ever before this debut album was even produced. Crimson has stated that they wanted to album to be frightening, while I wouldn't describe it this was, it is deeply emotional which is something that would have been easy to lose track of through the improvisation and innovative musical elements. Part of what make this music emotionally impactful are the understated vocals (and poetic lyrics), but also the underlying structure taken from jazz and classical. Yet, other elements like the discordant woodwinds and experimental guitar riffs carry the emotional impact forward because they take you on a journey to new and unexpected places. I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the fantastic sampling, with one of the earliest uses of what would become resampling. Also, it has among the best album covers ever that conveys visually what you are about experience sonically. A masterpiece in just about every way possible!
Happy to listen but not something I would pick on my own.
7/10
Ya lo he escuchado, pero sé que es una puta obra maestra impresionante. Lo amo.
Classic, incredible prog masterpiece. 21st Century Schizoid Man is one of my favorite songs of all time. The guitar and bass with together so well. The transition to I Talk To The Wind is quite jarring, ditching the jazzy maximalism of the opener for a very mellow, folksy song headlined by the flute of Ian McDonald. Epitaph and Moonchild are excellent songs in their own right, but they end up being slightly overlooked between the two opening songs and the title track.
Overraskende bra
so hectic.
Yeah it’s really good, some songs go on too long but that’s just prog for you. 4 stars
Like Alice Cooper but exponentially worse.
Prog. I just don't get prog.
Amazing prog debut. Schizoid man is a force to be reckoned with.
Three lullabies in an ancient tongue...FOR THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KIIIIIIIING I love love love love this album 100000/10
Very good
Surprisingly not familiar with this album, despite having listened to some prog rock throughout the years. Immediately, I recognized the sample from "21st Century Schizoid Man", later included in Kanye West's "Power". A pretty strong 1st track, politically charged with equals parts of eeriness and powerfully rocking guitars/drums. Also lengthy, a prog rock specialty. The rest of the album unfortunately strays from all of that and opts to fill the space with some disjointed ambience. The closing track is a bit of a return to the aforementioned sound, but the whole album makes for an uneven listening experience. That's pretty much the point of progressive rock, though, and this album in particular is usually labeled as the first "true" progressive rock album from what I've read. Those are about the only flowers I can give this album in my honest opinion.
One good song
I completely understand the hype. My first crimson album and it was fantastic.
Sehr durchwachsen Anfang bisschen anstrengend aber spannend, dann wurde es besser. Der experimentelle Mittelteil war nicht so meins, es klang irgendwie mehr wie ein Xylophon das die Treppe runterfällt als wie ein Lied, was ich mir gerne in meiner Freizeit anhöre Der Titelsong hat mich dann wieder richtig abgeholt Favs: Epitaph, The Court of the Crimson King
mochte die langen Instrumentalteile und ruhigeren Lieder, aber muss ich im mood für sein
Hat mir insgesamt sehr gut gefallen. Favourite Song: "Epitaph"
Die ersten Lieder etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, wird dann aber besser. Viel spannend experimentelles dabei!
Prog rock is new for me and not my favorite newly discovered genre. This was actually pretty good though. Almost a 4.
overstimulation: the album
I absolutely see why this album is influential and on this list, but I just can't get into prog rock.
In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson is one of those rare albums that feels like stepping into an entirely different world. From the moment “21st Century Schizoid Man” begins, the listener is thrown into a chaotic, distorted storm of sound that somehow still manages to feel calculated and purposeful. That track in particular is a powerhouse, jagged and aggressive yet deeply compelling. What makes this album so special is how it balances that harsh energy with moments of floating beauty and mystery, crafting something that feels both royal and surreal, like a sonic myth unfolding track by track. The album’s pacing and narrative arc give it the feeling of a cohesive story, one draped in the majesty of prog rock and filled with surreal poetry. Songs like “Epitaph” and the title track expand the album’s scope into something truly cinematic. While “I Talk to the Wind” does not fully hold my attention the way the other songs do, its inclusion still makes sense in the overall flow, offering a moment of stillness in the storm. This is a one-of-a-kind album, rich, strange, and unforgettable.
purely magnetic. perfect from beginning to end.
Es esch scho fascht schwerig ned metzbecho dass das Albom vo Kritiker extrem globt werd ond zom biispel of Rate Your Music bi de top Albe debi esch ond ech mues säge ech verstoh sie scho chli. Es esch zwar chli ongwont, met de längi vo de Songs, aber au wie sie Musig möched. Genau das esch de aber s erstuundleche. Mer chönnt sech jo bi dem Froge was das för komischi Grüüsch ond verzerrti Tön send, aber sie brengets äne ergend e Struktur izbaue sodass mer sech dänkt "okay speziell, aber gar ned so schlächt". För das esch aber wäg em eher experimentelle es ufmerksams lose nötig. Was mer au no sett amerke, esch dass es extrem guet gpelt esch. Es sent zom teil sehr schnelli Soli oder komplexi rhytme wo tadellos gpelt send. Trotzdem geds nome 4 Särne. Ech be zwar of de Kippi im Albom 5 z gä, aber es ged halt au so chli impro stelle wo rächt lang tuured ond mer sech de halt schnell au verlore fühlt. Au send mer gwössi songs fascht e chli sad.
My bf loves this one. I never heard it before but knew he likes it. I like it too now! Really good, feels like a top 10 of all time.
goat album
A mega classic - best prog album ever
Ugh, this thing. I first heard this album in ninth grade. I had an English teacher who tried to display that he was a "cool teacher" by decorating his classroom with various Rock albums. I asked him about this one, as it had the most distinctive art. Encouraged by my curiosity, he offered to let me borrow it, guaranteeing that is was "heavy" and "so cool." I took it home, played it on my parents' stereo, and quickly realized that the music was incredibly tedious, annoying, and painfully uncool. Forty years later. my opinion remains unchanged and my distrust for authority, and my English teacher (we'll call him Mr. P.) in particular, remains unchanged.* The single star is granted solely for the quality of the album's cover art. * This sentence was poorly written as a protest against said English teacher.
21st Century Schizoid Man is a 5, the rest of the album is just ok
This would be a 4 if they cut out the non-song portions. The actual songs are great.
I loved it!
top 5 discos de la historia.
Overall pretty good. When he is singing the instruments back him perfectly but the long instrumentals are nowhere near as enjoyable. Moonchild is really not a great listen because of this.
I didn't understand it when I was a young teenager, but I gave this a listen recently and now it's pretty amazing. Funny how that works.
It’s ok. I don’t mind prog but prog fans can be insufferable and talk about this band like they are the greatest thing ever. They are ok. I wouldn’t listen again but didn’t hate it. 3
4/5 interesting and catchy.
Probably wouldn't listen again
I’ve always thought this record was really fucking strange, but in the most appreciative and reverent way possible. It’s a manic combination of rock n’ roll, very early heavy metal, prog rock, and jazz. There’s probably a dozen more genres one could pull out of the incredible and wacky soup this record is born from. I really struggle to put into words how fascinating this album is, I can only imagine how someone listening to this for the very time in 1969 would have felt. It was so novel and incredibly different than anything that came before it. This album has been ridiculously influential to a frankly inconceivable number of artists since. I would love to say more about it, but I fear this is one of those records that I cannot do justice to by simply typing words. This albums inclusion on this list is unquestionable, in my opinion, its definitely a record that everyone should hear at least once. 5*
‘In the Court of the Crimson King’ is often cited as the first indisputably prog rock prog rock album. While I think it’s exceptionally rare that an art movement peaks at its very beginning, this album is, note for note, the greatest prog rock album of all time for my money. It’s probably a top 5 English album of all time and a top 5 album of the 1960s for me. No matter how you categorize this album, it is best in class. I put off writing this review for a long time because there’s so much that can be said and I worried about leaving out something that’s important to me, but it’s really time to get on with this project. I’m going to go song by song because that’s how I generally think about the album. I don’t think the album was written this way, but I think one way you can listen to it which I will explain below is that each track highlights an instrument/instrument section. “21st Century Schizoid Man”; featured instrument(s): guitar and saxophone I think guitar and sax as the featured instruments here requires pretty little explanation. This song kicks the doors down on this album with one of the most iconic guitar riffs of its time. I love this riff. The first six notes are evenly paced but the last three are slightly slowed; the effect is like being underwater and holding your breath, knowing you have to hold it for just a few seconds more but desperate to inhale. After two verses, lest you think this subtle tempo manipulation is all the song has in store, the first six notes of the song hurriedly transition into a completely frenetic, frantic, schizoid jazz break. The time signature has changed. There’s syncopation. The guitar and sax are together, they fall apart, they trade crazy solos. The entire time the bass is racing. Eventually it falls back into familiar territory with another verse/chorus repetition and the song is over. It is shocking and electric and there is nothing like it. “I Talk To the Wind”; featured instrument: flute & Mellotron After the opening track, it takes no more than a few notes of “I Talk To the Wind” to make the contrast between the two evident. The flute and mellotron immediately envelop you in… cashmere, quicksilver, a moonlit lagoon, tranquilizers… it’s the total opposite of “21st Century Schizoid Man”. The flute solo around halfway through and again towards the end of the song are beautiful. The composition of these solos has an obvious from classical music, which will continue to be heard throughout the album. “Epitaph”; featured instrument: vocals The mellotron continues from the previous track into “Epitaph”, and it’s very prominent in this track as well, but what stands out in “Epitaph” is the vocals. The singing is much more involved than on other tracks and uses the vocals as a melodic instrument rather than simply a form to deliver lyrics. The lyrics of the song, to be frank, I don’t entirely understand on their own, but the emotion of the vocals leaves no doubt, combined with the swelling instrumentals… lovely track. “Moonchild”; featured instrument: percussion & bass This song begins in the orbit of “music” for about 2 minutes, before it entirely drifts off into the vacuum of improvisation, largely led by some superbly creative use of drums and bass. What strikes me about this improv section is that the drums and bass, the “rhythm section” of the band, are used in an almost completely arrhythmic way. They flutter and flit around like moths in a dark empty room. Eventually, like from the chaotic and senseless primordial soup, rhythm—order, life—emerges. “In the Court of the Crimson King” On the final track, all the components of the band come back together in a beautiful symphonic reprise. It’s soaring and completes the album perfectly, so satisfyingly. The choral vocals and the mellotron together, the guitar solos, the flute melodies… it ties up like the ending of a smartly written movie. This album is not only ahead of its time, it exists outside of time. It is THE definitive prog rock album, but it exists outside of genre. RIP Berlioz, Grieg, Wagner, Mahler, Saint-Saëns, y’all would’ve loved ‘In The Court of the Crimson King’.
Phenomenal. I think I’m gonna love prog rock if it’s like this. Mellotron is sooo beautiful and I didn’t even know an instrument like this existed. Also drummer was seriously killing it, band was very disciplined. I love how it’s a mix of rock, classical music and jazz which are the most enjoyable genres for me. The only reasons why I would give this album 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the length…they made moonchild too long and it kind of loses its spark, and also my interest. The court of the crimson king was the perfect outro and I have never in my life heard a better intro than 21st century schizoid man. Guitar was so fun and this whole album is chaotic in the most fun way
Meraviglioso, la creazione del progressive. Penso un o degli album più belli mai incisi, anche se come album dei crimson forse non il più bello. Per favore ascoltatelo ed amatelo.
Første låt: å, det er her Kanye har sampla fra Gold Digger. Godt og variert, mellom god gammeldags rock og jazz, prog og alt egentlig. Plutselig er det tverrfløyte på låt nr. 2. Bra album - bærer preg av eksperimentell progressiv rock. Det er gøy. Lange tracks, merging av tracks. Ganske chill album, fint, men litt mye til tider på enkelte låter og partier, men bra med variasjon. Alt i alt, et trestjerners album - ikke helt min type musikk, men fint å ha på i bakgrunnen når du jobber.
we prefer BEAT era king crimson.
This is an album I have heard before and I thought it was alright. This time, listening to it again, I really enjoyed it! It’s loud, chaotic but at times it’s also beautiful. It’s just such a fascinating album and deserves its place in history!
Crimson Crap.
Was fine. Single good. Others meh
Another prog rock winner for me. 21st Century Schizoid Man was incredible and hearing the kanye sample out of no where was a fun experience. Title track is everything I enjoy about prog rock. The way it builds, the sinister sound, just a 10/10. I don’t understand the ambition behind Moonchild’s final 8 minutes — but as the wife said, “it’s calming background music”.
Too many random noises sprinkled throughout and silence / nothing musical happening in Moonchild to be Great for me. "In the Court of the Crimson King" is a great track though. I can see peoples' minds being absolutely blown by this when it came out, seeing as they're contemporaries with the likes of the Beatles and the Carpenters. Too experimental and abstract in many sections for my liking though.
Forging the path
Well, this is wild. This classic prog album opens with ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’ that combines an full on Fripp freak out rock guitar solo, freeform jazz, angrily political lyrics and an eerie intro produced when someone accidentally rested their arm on a malfunctioning reed organ. The second track ‘I Talk to the Wind’ calms things down a little with a flute dancing around the melody, before we get to the mellotron heavy ‘Epitaph’ to close side one. Flipping the album over, there are just two tracks - Moonchild and the cosmic weirdness of the title track which is like some sort of fever dream that builds to an epic climax. Prog-tastic!
Whatever has been said about this album, this is truly a great, genre-defining album. Moonlight is a tad too long, but all great albums have their flaws, don't they?
A bit crazy to listen to but I really enjoyed
Mi canción favorita ha sido I Talk To The Wind. Siento que es super chill y que me lo pondría para tirarme en cama un ratiño y desconectar a la vez de sentirme rara. Sí que es verdad que la voz del cantante se parece que flipas a la del de Blur Creo que también tengo que destacar que se me hacen un poco largas las canciones, pero escuchadas seguidas tienen bastante coherencia. Le doy un cuatro porque me gusta el concepto un montón. Es como si más que crear un album intentasen hacer una atmosfera y siento que eso pudo ser innovador para la época. Se que a iris le va a gustar porque es una puta radiohead lover y si que tiene un aire puta lesbiana existencial PD la portada es INCREÍBLE y me encanta
Brooo vaya puta locura de album. Es mituco album que todos los reviewers dicen que es el mejor, y nunca lo habia escuchado. Iba con espectativas bajas, porque la misma gente que le da un 10 a esto, se lo da tambien a David Arquito, asi que no me fiaba. Pero guau, tenian razón. Si que es verdad que me cuesta no ser subjetivo pq me encanta el rock progresivo. Desde pequeño siempre sonaron artistas como Deep Purple, Yes, Rush entre otros en mi casa, entonces estoy muy habituado al estilo; y justamente este album es uno de los precursores directos. Lo que destaca es que es especialmente bueno y sotisficado para ser precursor del género. Son solo 5 caciones, pero se me hace muy completo por la longitud de canciones y variedad entre ellas; basta con comparar las dos primeras entre si. Suena muy bien para ser de los 60. No vi las letras porque no me suelo fijar en eso, pero alguna frase suelta que escuché suena guay, probablemente porque uno de los integrantes del grupo era únicamente letrista, rollo no hacía nada mas, y era poeta (viva la wikipedia). No me importaría nada darle 5 estrellas pero, ya se sabe el problema: Moonchild. Mira, yo lo entiendo, el album entero gira alrededor de un estilo de musica que basicamente no existía, asi que es todo es experimental. En general encontraron una muy buena formula que definió un estilo. Pero claro que tambien se pasaron de experimentación. Moonchild son 2 minutos de cancion acompañado de 10 de silencio con ruidos aleatorios de instrumentos. Si fueran 3 o 4 min me haría hasta gracia, pero son 10 minutos de tortura, que van empeorando segundo a segundo tu opinion sobre el album. Intento ser comprensivo por lo que dije respecto a la experimentación, pero es un punto muy débil del disco. Si hubiera decimales diría que esto es un disco de 4.5 o algo por ahí. Logicamente le pondré 4 estrellas, pero son 4 estrellas mas grandes que el de Stevie Wonder. 4.5/5 -> 9/10
Llevo mucho tiempo queriendo escuchar este álbum, me han hablado maravillas de él TODO el mundo. El principio me rayó bastante porque es la canción de un anuncio muy famoso, entonces empecé el álbum un poco desorientada. Pero en general me gustó bastante. He de decir que lo escuché en un momento muy estresante de estudio (que alguien me suicide) así que a lo mejor no le di mi mejor escucha, lo repetiré otro día. Las últimas canciones fueron probablemente las que más me gustaron (ignorando la repetición de la primera canción del álbum), con ese royo jazzy así experimental muy chulo. Le daría un 3,5 pero le voy a poner un 4 porque tengo grandes expectativas de que me guste más la segunda vez que lo escuche.
Menuda pasada de álbum, había oído mucho hablar de él pero nunca lo llegué a escuchar y no tenía ni idea ni de qué estilo era ni nada así que me sorprendió un montón. Todas las canciones me parecen super buenas, aunque me encantó I talk to the wind, definitivamente voy a volver a escuchar este álbum porque me parece brutal. Todo el instrumental está genial, no está ni muy cargado ni se queda corto y la voz se integra muy bien en todas las canciones. Estoy en el dilema de si darle 4 o 5 estrellas, porque para mí este álbum sería como un 4'6/5 o así, pero no creo que sea perfecto, así que le pongo 4. 100% mi álbum favorito por ahora de los que me aparecieron en este proyecto.
21st century schizoid man is probably one of the best songs ever written
Heard 10+ times. Axe Moonchild's noodling and this is the best prog album of all time. Always wish it leaned more into folk instead of the symphonic shit. Greg Lake shouldn't have left to go do ELP wankery, he slaps that god damn bass. (Red is still better.) 10/10.
As a 21st century schizoid man, I always enjoy the dreamy vibes of this record. I feel like a fuedalistic peasant having an acid trip. The album is both ahead of and behind the times. Middle of the album is underrated.
Probably could be a 5/5 because the bookend songs are legit some of my favorite of all time. The tracks in the middle are also great, just a little same-y. -1 star for Robert fripps wife’s nipples on instagram
Favorite Track: 21st Century Schizoid Man
In The Court of The Crimson King, by King Crimson
Interesting Prog Rock Album, a bit high concept for my taste but it wasnt bad
Masterpiece. The standard for all the followed.
Is this list making me enjoy prog rock? I think the worm is turning for me, I usually dont enjoy the genre much but this was a nice surprise. The melancholic lyricism usually turns me away but this was pretty captivating. This must've blown some minds back in the 70's.
That’s some classic prog rock! What kid just getting into drugs didn’t rock out to this album?!? Still holds up.
Kind of an epic album. Some pretty great tunes and instrumentation. Definitive progressive rock.
I'm blown away. 1969? Why did we keep making music after this? How did they have this fully formed ready to go as a debut? Why is Moonchild just another version of The Nightman Cometh?? Its not perfect but it's fuckin cool as hell and I had a whale of a time. Long live the Crimson King.
Wow what an album!
Some really good prog Rock. But I wasn't really in the vibe for it. It's a solid listen but I won't come back to it.
This is so fucking good
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good
I have loved this album for a long time, so it’s hard to disconnect it from youthful memories. This art-rock is so creative, fun, and of its time; I still love it. The musicians are exceptional, deftly and cohesively weaving together jazz & rock & elements of klezmer — the overall effect is serious, humorous, very sad, and often beautiful. Most importantly, they only got a little carried away with themselves & self-indulgent (on “Moon Child”) and were not gawkily theatrical like many art-rock bands get sometimes. This is a five for me.
Me niego. Lo escuché por primera vez hace unos días y no entiendo nada. Es aburrido hasta el llanto y parce que no hay nadie capaz de cantar ahí. Habría sido más interesante si hubiera sido instrumental.No pienso escucharlo otra vez.
Cover: 4 It's ok. It took several listens for me to even pay attention. Not my style of music but it was ok for what it was.
i think i would probably give it five if i gave it one more listen. how can you hate something that sounds this good
Seminal album, hugely innovative in its day.
Moonchild is a bit of a snoozer but the rest is basically flawless and obviously the most influental prog rock album ever
Great musicianship & production-wise, but just not my thing at all really. 3/5
I’ve tried twice. It’s just not for me.
Goddammit I hate this album. This is like the 3rd time I've listened through it. I don't get it overall. The rock moments overall are fine, but the songs get BORING, go on for WAY too long, and like sometimes I'm like "these guys had way too much money to want to record THIS." I do not get the hype. Sometimes there is just silence and random noise going on and I am like what is this. It lowkey gives me anxiety. Also WHAT THE FUCK was "Moonchild"? Not good is what it was. Kinda funny that Kanye sampled "21st Century Schizoid Man" for "Power"....what a much better song. I think I was a little harsh on my first review ever of it. I gave it .5 stars. This isn't worse than "Dub Housing" so it gets 1. "Liked" songs: "21st Century Schizoid Man" and "Epitaph"
liked songs: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King Moon child gets too noodly, but otherwise this is a pretty good album. 3.5
Kužim da je ovo kultni album o bend, to je neporecivo. Koncert je bio veličanstven. Mislim da mi je to jedan od onih bendova koji su mi značajno bolji uživo. Očekivala bih od ovako nečeg dobrog da ću se barem naježiti jednom na pjesmu koja nije The Court of the Crimson King - ne znam tko se na to može ne naježiti. Moram isto ostaviti benefit of the doubt za to što sam slušala album s Tihinim užasnim slušalicama iz kojih je zvuk ko kurac. Sve u svemu, ne mogu dati manje od 4, ali ne mogu bome ni 5. 4/5, 8.10
Historically a very important album and helped define progressive rock. With that said, it has never blown me away and this listen was no different.
Maybe the guy on the cover is listening to this? Bit twiddly at times for my liking.
Fantastic in every sense, need to fully embrace moonchild though in a quiet environment to get a better experience
Un classique chez moi