In The Court Of The Crimson King

I'm not even bothered by the prog stuff. It's still an excellent album even if you only consider it in the context of psychedelia. There are layers and dimensions here. Sounds great on headphones.

Interesting enough but I won't be revisiting

Very cool so far. A clear classic. Like the birth of alternative music and is just amazing.

This album is a masterpiece of Progressive Rock. It's particularly ahead of its time, it sounds great for a 1969 album. The performances are absolutely amazing, the drumming is excellent, the guitar sections are super interesting, the saxophone work is exceptional and the vocals are also perfect for the genre. I loved the saturated vocals on "21st Century Schizoid Man". The production is also fantastic, the effects work so well and are so well done. The composition is also one of the strongest parts of the album, each song is a long, well constructed piece. My favourite song I think is "21st Century Schizoid Man", because it's a masterpiece of a song. But really, all the songs are excellent on their own, "The Court Of The Crimson King" is also super good, "Moonchild" is great. Honestly, they're all excellent, even the songs from the expanded version. The best thing about the album for me is how cohesive it is though, just 5 very long songs that share a similar sound and style, but also work on their own. The mix of rock, jazz at times and the negative space of the quiet moments make this record a great experience.

Very interesting

Pure genius, originality, timeless, powerful, subtle, a journey.

Weird proggy goodness

The proggiest of prog. So fun. Loved moonchild

ITCOTCK is a real masterpiece, but I don't love it as some others do. Sure it's a great album, but I think that Red and Larks are both better. Anyways it's still very enjoyable and a good time everytime I put it on

Ovo nije samo album koji je bio ispred svog vremena, ovo je album koji je izmislio svoje vrijeme i svako vrijeme poslije, otprilike svu muziku koju ja volim. Likovi što daju lošije ocjene nemaju sofisticirano progasto uho i tačka. Remek-djelo.

오 이건 굉장히 새롭고 연주가 멋있다. 다양한 장르가 크로스오버됐고 독특한 분위기가 연출된다.

Everything Pink Floyd fans claim PF to be, but isn't.

Uhh it was ok I liked like 3 songs on it

LOVE 21st Century Schizoid Man Like I Talk to the Wind, Epitaph, and Court of the Crimson King, A Man A City Not a big fan of Moonchild Probably would not listen again but 21st century did get added to my playlist

The end of Moonchild was a little long for my taste but apart from that oh man this was good

The chorus of 21st Century Schizoid Man is hugely famous from Kanye sampling it, but it's pretty good by itself, and Epitaph was even better. The rest of the album was decent but couldn't quite wow me in comparison. All of the songs are pretty long because they have extended outros which felt like incomplete separate songs to me. I'd prefer if they were made into different tracks, even if they were more like jam band interludes than actual songs.

This album was undoubtedly made for either someone more musically cultured than me and into progressive rock. For me a lot of it just sounded like the weird background music on retro kids cartoons (think Tom and Jerry). Sometimes I felt great the song has finished, just for an extra five minutes of random instrumental. A song should never be nine minutes, well unless it’s good, and then it’s ok

I'm not sure. Will come back to it

yeah this is a 5

Didn't know this was the sample Kanye used on power

Ez dump

Impressive for the time. I would’ve loved this, but these days it’s just a bit too meandering and weird to make it a super easy listening album.

Just an absolute magnum opus. One of the most stunning albums, so well done.

I’m not sure I would seek this out again, but I do understand its draw and hype. It’s good. I love “Moonchild”. It’s weird and fun. “A man a city” has a great groove!

The mouth of madness.

Some nice 60s psychedelia. I’ve heard of the band before but couldn’t name a song, but suspected that I’d recognise something from this album. Turns out I was right.

Weird as hell, I love it. Not something to just add to playlists, but a lil masterpiece of a thing. Contains a lot of divergent energies, but still somehow cohesive. Can get a bit strung out in places

Fun. Forget about them....

Nottttttt quite my jam. The 12 minute songs with just a random slew of instruments didn’t do much for me but the songs with actual lyrics were okay I wish there were more of that I’d like it more

I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. Was reminiscent of what I’d imagine a tolerable Pink Floyd would sound like.

An enjoyable album.

I just don't have the patience for prog rock.

Always an interesting listen. This album cover has captivated me since I was super young, finding it in my parents record collection. As an early teen I tried to listen, but don't think I ever full appreciated it until later in life. Still might be slightly overrated in the overall scheme of things. 4/5

In the Court of the Crimson King is not a debut, it is an arrival. From its very first note, it presents itself as something complete and untouchable. “21st Century Schizoid Man” bursts open with a ferocity that still sounds dangerous. Saxophones wail, guitars rip through time signatures, and the lyrics howl like prophecy. Then, as if to prove it can speak every language of music, the album glides into the serenity of “I Talk to the Wind,” where flutes drift and Greg Lake’s voice becomes a soft, drifting thought. It moves effortlessly from chaos to stillness without losing intensity. This is not a band searching. This is a band revealing. The emotional peak comes with “Epitaph,” a slow-burning elegy that feels like it was written on a crumbling cathedral wall. The mellotron swells like mourning itself, and Lake sings with the weight of someone trying to hold the world together. “Confusion will be my epitaph” is not just a lyric, it is a cold, clear truth. The drums sound like distant thunder, the atmosphere is thick with dread, and yet it never feels hopeless. It simply stares into the dark without blinking. Even “Moonchild,” with its drifting, sparse second half, has a purpose in its refusal to conform. It exists in the space between composition and dream, pulling you into a place where time is irrelevant and sound becomes thought. The final track, “The Court of the Crimson King,” brings it all together with grandeur and weight. It feels ancient and futuristic at the same time, with layered mellotrons and marching drums evoking a myth that was never written but always remembered. This album doesn’t just play music, it creates atmosphere, history, gravity. Every choice feels earned. There is no filler, no fluff, no compromise. It asks a lot from the listener, but what it gives back is a reminder of what music can do when it refuses to settle. This is not background sound. This is music that stops you, holds you, and stays with you long after the final note.

Cool to hear all the samples

Tedious and indulgent. Not to be confused with The Court of King Caractacus.

I'm such a sucker for this hippy shit. This album makes we want to take up jousting.

I'm feeling a bit shit today, and am in need of a warm hug. Despite having listened to this before, I thought this album was going to be too jarring and frenetic to listen to on a sad day, but pleasantly surprised. I Talk to the Wind and Epitaph, Court of Crimson King, all excellent. Moonchild I liked, the 5 mins of bleeps + bloops didn't bother me.

In the Court of the Crimson King is the debut album from King Crimson, and is considered to be one of the first "progressive rock" albums. It is thought to be the band's best recorded work, and one of the best prog rock albums of all time. King Crimson combined the instrumentation and technical skill from jazz and classical music, with folk rock songwriting. The result is challenging, complicated, and incredibly influential. These songs helped to blur the lines between rock, jazz, and classical music

Amazing in every way. To me this album feels like wandering through a inconceivably large forest and stumbling upon all sorts of magical creatures. Some of these creatures are beautiful and others are hideous but they are all awe inspiring.

Classic prog rock

What happens when you get four of the best studio musicians in the same room together? Magic! The problem if this is not everyone’s magic. There is no dispute that King Crimson were the kings of Prog-Rock. Each one of them were masters of their instruments, and you can heard their influence in everyone from Genesis(early and late) through Tool (whom Danny Carey even played in their tribute last year). But there no passive listening here: you are all in or you have no idea what is going on. Key songs for me were The Court of the Crimson King, and Epitaph, partially because the bass clarinet inclusion which few bands can pull off in rock. This is definitely 1001 Level and a classic. It should come with a warning label that you will be going on a journey and you may not be returning the same or at all….

Random thoughts: * Very proggy and fantastical * This falls somewhere between Emerson Lake and Palmer and Jethro Tull. * I feel like I should have liked this better. Maybe I need to re-listen with headphones to get the full effect. * I think had I discovered this organically I would have liked it better. * Definitely need to give this one another shot.

it's almost something I would enjoy. almost. it just needs a little more polishing.

Great album but ruined by Moonchild. If you're wondering why it's not a 5.

I really liked every song on this album

mæh

This album cover always looked cool but I was afraid the music wouldn't live up to the imagery. Once I started reading H.P. Lovecraft and The King in Yellow (which Lovecraft referenced, maybe even co-opted) the image in my head turned even darker. 21st century schizoid man kind of fit the expectations and was cool. The rest just made me think classic rock about fantasy things. Basically, more flute than I expected or wanted. But preconceived notions aside, it was alright.

This is #day280 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… as much as I'm not a fan of prog rock a la Yes or Rush (I find this music too showy technically), I do, however, like Pink Floyd. But, I'm not sure I've ever actually "been" In the Court of the Crimson King before. Maybe it's the gloomy, rainy weather in my hometown today, or it's simply that this album is crafted with such intricate attention to detail… The way it weaves jazz, folk, classical, and symphonic elements into late '60s rock is mesmerizing. It's like reading good literature. Also, the lyrics complement the music so poetically. I'm in awe. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day281.

Not my thing

Great and influential album Standout songs: 21st century schizoid man The court of the crimson king

Two good songs, epitath and the title Song, but the rest are mediocre, moonchild in particular. 3.5 stars

Already a huge favourite of mine, with one of the greatest opening tracks of all time. Excellent in the pocket proto-prog. Little bit far out at times, but it's reaching for something special and catches it for the most part.

good album güzel bir albümdü oda toplarken veya ders çalışıtken güzel bir şekilde dineniyor

PRoggy. Not bad.

Cool to find a sample that’s used in Kanye’s “Power”

A great album. However, one or two tracks alienate me. My musical sense is apparently not good enough for Moonchild. 4/5

Epic

Such a vibey album, still sounds fresh after decades. Favorite track: 21st century schizoid man other picks: i talk to the wind, epitaph, the court of the crimson king

Very impressive album for its time. Ambitious song structures and complex instrumentation. I think this is the earliest I've heard double bass drum, which would become a staple of metal about 10 years later. I can forgive most of the far out sojourns and weird free jazz parts here and there. Alas, I have to deduct a star for pretentious lyrics and over-long songs.

I can see why it's a big deal but prog just feels a bit wanky to me

Good

I bet some boring fucker liked this. Well not this boring fucker. This was fucking boring.

Ahhh I love this one!

1. wait, this fucks. can he say that. this song long as hell what's happening. they're just fucking around now. the hook is 4/5, the rest of the song is a 3. ohhh it's to reflect the main character. solid 4. 2. beatles ass song. cool harmonies. pleasant, but we gotta do something about the song lengths. 3. NINE MINUTES? song's fine. 4. TWELVE MINUTES??? this song's gonna put me to sleep. it's just pleasant ambient noise. this album is a prank on me. 5. the big one. actually pretty cool. 5/5 hook with filler. I get it, won't be adding any songs because they're too long and meandering, but decent album.

O shit it's that album cover i can never name in quizzes. Oh ffs its fucking prog. .... -_- I hate this sorry I'm trying to get it but i don't im bored shitless Like there just isn't a song in the world that would be better if it was 12 minutes long Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up I respect the art of just banging shit together but not for 8 bastard minutes at a time do something else!!!!!! I don't care if it's some musical groundbreaker either. broke ground for what? More prog? Put that shovel down. Okay four minutes into the title track i was like 'oh maybe this one's alright' and then it started doing Prog Shit. Off ye fuck. Oh my god it's still going. This was torture but I guess I got my first one star out of it. So that's something.

Love it. 5 stars.

Det var en del af de første progressive rock. Blandede avantgarde, jazz classical og rock. Intense majestætisk Og mørkt. Virkelig godt inspirerede pink Floyd bl.a.

Well I am clearly biased by my own random. This is how they became important, but the adventure really just started relatively conventional. Great songs, great delivery, nonetheless much more outdated then what was to follow.

Increible album

thought I would like this more :/

I’m just not that in to prog…I know this is a highly rated album but it dragged on for me and I’ve tried multiple times to get in to it.

The first song - 21st Century Schizoiod Man, is actually a song that I didn't expect to know but it is something that I've heard in the past. I shouldn't have judged "the book by its cover" but I thought that the album would be very disappointing, based on the artwork. Overall, I am happy with the experience, it was very nice - pretty chill from the second song onward, but it was a bit intense during that first song.

Melodramatic, spacey

HEAT, 4.4

One of my favorite albums of alltime, that's for sure - and the easiest 5/5 I gave here so far. This album is pure perfection and I am convinced it's one of the most important artistic statements in human history of music. Hey, I might be just a King Crimson glazer, but they were one of the pioneers of my favorite, most beloved progressive genres, so how could I not love them? In The Court Of The Crimson is one of the best choices to put on this list - it's also quite sad that the cover is so well known while I think not everyone who knows the cover listened to this album in full. King Crimson's debut has everything a prog album needs, and it was so ahead if its time. It has heaviness, melancholy, grandiose finish, it's just a perfect experience listening to it everytime.

Not my thing.

This was a good album, way ahead of its time. It didn’t blow my mind, but it was very good and I enjoyed it. Lots of varied styles and influences. I can definitely see how it was a forefather of the progressive genre.

The actual songs are great, but the gratuitous ethereal wankery between them drops this down a star.

The first 30 seconds had me worried but then it shifted and I got excited.

I didn't mind it.

Jazz, rock, psychedelia and inspired musicianship with a few great melodies to boot. A prog classic with all the occasional interludes of indulgent noodling.

god i love prog albums. 5 songs, 45 minutes, 0 filler

21st Century Schizoid Man and In the Court of the Crimson King were alright. Other three songs I didn't love.

But I Fear Tomorrow I'll Be Crying 1001 Albums Generator 21 (05/01/2025) After graduating from Chelsea College Of The Arts, Barry Godber decided to become a computer programmer. Disillusioned with the working world, he later left this corporate job with his friend Peter Sinfield. When Sinfield asked him to paint an album cover for his band's debut album, Barry painted the only piece of album art he made in his short life, featuring a distorted representation of what he saw when he looked in his bathroom mirror. Soon after this (self-)portrait of the so called "Schizoid Man" found its way to hundreds of record shop windows, Barry Goldber died of a heart attack in 1970. He was 24 years old. While researching this album, I learned the word phantasmagorical. Don't act like you know what it means. Phantasmagorical means "full of different images, like something in a confused dream", and I think this word describes perfectly Barry's art, Sinfeld's lyrics, and the musical world that King Crimson was able to build on In The Court Of The Crimson King. Personally, this is not my favorite album by experimental English proggers King Crimson, as I believe they peaked with the proggy new wave of Discipline and the proto-prog metal of Red, but this is still a classic album for a reason. As there are only five songs here, I feel like I can go track by track. The opening 21st Century Schizoid Man is King Crimson's most well-known song, owing in part to its iconic use in one of Kanye West's finest songs, Power. Even removed from its use as a sample, this is clearly one of King Crimson's strongest songs, and may be objectively their best. I said earlier this week that Leonard Cohen starting his career with the sublime Suzanne was amazing, and 21st Century Schizoid Man is a similarly unbelievable start to an artist's career. Taking inspiration from both the psychedelic acid rock of Jimi Hendrix and the jazz sensibilities of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, this song redefined what rock music could be. In the same year that Miles Davis "sold out" to rock audiences by embracing electric elements to his jazz on In A Silent Way, King Crimson was approaching this fusion from the other side by incorporating jazz improvisation and instrumentation into a rock context. The formerly opposed rock and jazz worlds were coming together and in both cases, the results were fantastic. I Talk To The Wind is much more tame by comparison. Led largely by Ian McDonald's flute, the second song on In The Court Of The Crimson King is hardly a rock song at all. Playing more like a folk song, I Talk To The Wind was originally penned by Giles, Giles, and Fripp, the precursor to King Crimson. It's a good song and a nice reprieve from the cacophony at the end of the previous track, but not the strongest moment here. Special shoutout to Michael Giles' super interesting drumming on the chorus. The following track, the similarly chill Epitaph, is another triumph. This song also has some folksy moments, but it allows itself to rock out more, and it features some of Sinfeld's best lyrics. This song was a chilling statement against both the deadly Vietnam War and the mutually assured destruction of the Cold War. To this day, politicians play with the lives of the common man while they sit in their bunkers twidling their thumbs. As with many of King Crimson's pre-80's output, the second to last song here, Moonchild, is a piece of free improvisation, and as with many of these free improv songs, it is the weakest on the album. After a two and a half minute ballad, the song devolves into about 10 minutes of pure improvisation that goes beyond even the experimentation of free jazz that Ornette Coleman famously spearheaded in the early 60's. While that music still maintained some sort of jazz sensibility, Moonchild is something different, where even the most key elements of music, such as rhythm and harmony, are eschewed in favor of complete chaos. This is not an aggressive piece of free improv like AMMMusic, but rather a more chill, folksy take on the radical genre. By virtue of personal preference, this is just not my thing. The final song, the nearly titular The Court Of The Crimson King, is fantastic. I love the acoustic guitar arpeggios in the verses and the huge multitracked vocals of the chorus. It is also extremely jazzy and has a silly little flute part near the end. You can't go wrong with that. So, is this the first true progressive rock album? Perhaps not, as both Caravan and Soft Machine had released their self titled albums by the time In The Court Of The Crimson King released. Don't mishear me; this isn't to take away from what Fripp, Lake, McDonald, Giles, and Sinfield did here on their debut. It is a remarkable album and while its status as the first true prog rock album is shaky at best, I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is the first GREAT prog rock album. With that said, the weakness of Moonchild, which is the longest song here, puts this album at a strong 4/5 for me. Favs: 21st Century Schizoid Man Epitaph The Court Of The Crimson King Least Fav: Moonchild

A scary place to be in "The Dark Tower".

Like early Pink Floyd and Rush I always thought I would like this album/band. Unlike the aforementioned bands I actually do! This is a wonderful proggy sound in a band where Greg Lake is actually allowed to shine without having the unlistenable madness of ELP. It has a Jethro Tull feel with the flute and the songs are beautifully layered. After my first time listening this will be one to buy.

Yeah this was too weird for me. It was boring with the 9 minute songs and not much going on. Some parts just seemed like it was filling empty silence with strange weird noises. I see their influence, and I’ll give them that.

One of those "you gotta hear/own/worship it!" seminal prog albums that I just could never get into. Sure Greg Lake has the voice that immediately takes me back to childhood listening to dad's albums (ELP) - not sure I like the chaotic ones here but a few of the more "boring" ones (e.g. "Epitaph") really suit Lake well. But maybe - just maybe - Lake's milquetoast voice *is* a big part of the problem? He doesn't have the mysterious prancey camp of Peter Gabriel or the aggressive attack of 1970s Geddy Lee - instead he's just...there. Sounding pretty and polite. ehh. It's fine - I know it's a great influence on a lot of my favourite bands and for that it's worthy enough to occasionally put on. I guess I'm not as into prog as I thought I was as a teenager. I have to imagine this coming out when it did was a game changer tho, not sure people had heard anything like it before so that definitely counts for a lot. Having said that, gimme 2112 or Supper's Ready all day every day. In fact .... "...walking across the sitting room, I turn the television off...." 5/10 3 stars.

Great album. Strong start and strong finish. Love parts of the slower songs and the flutes. Parts of these songs really slow down and cause the songs to lose momentum. 8/10

Long songs but produced very well.

This is a great album. Except for that bit in Moonchild where the band got up to go to lunch but forgot to stop the tape. Then a bored sound engineer apprentice walks round the studio, idly tapping drums, twanging strings and fiddling with other instruments to pass the time until the band comes back.

No notes, perfect album.

Really enjoyed it, full of clever music

An all time classic, pure 60s psychadelia

What a trip. Some beautiful stuff in here. Also some very weird stuff. Would be 3.5 if there were half stars

I know it’s a beloved album but I just don’t get it. I’m sure it’s of its time but not for me.

Man… where do I begin, this album firstly, haunt me like a phantom but I truly do feel it in my blood. I often find myself having to battle the tendency to listen to it under the stardust in the sky. This album truly makes me feel like a destined crusader on an adventure but alone it puts me in some moody blues… However listening to it with my friends doesnt do so because being close with someone keeps my spirits up due to our bonds. Which, like diamonds, are unbreakable. Overall this album has truly been a golden experience while the melody makes my conciousness fall into the ocean like a stone.

You see, most albums have a vibe. The vibe for this one is, fuck you, we are vibing Flute solos were a surprise but not unwelcome

epitaph resurrected my grandmother

Wonderful sound, especially for 1969. In one song even reminded me the last album of Valentine Strykalo Lol this album is the same age as my mum

Solid.

Homework music. Moments of brilliance. Not really my cup of tea.

The influence this album had on the prog giants that followed is clear. On the whole, not quite my thing, but 21st Century Schizoid Man is pretty cool.

Interresting. Surprisingly good. Lyrics are a bit... insane. 4/5

Pretty cool! It's clearly distinct from other music of that age.

Shame the volume is so low

Progressive. Before it’s time. Powerful, poetic lyrics. Some unusual instrumentals. Sonically intriguing.

One of the all time classic progressive rock albums. Honestly each song here is a standout.

One of my favourite albums of all time. Every song in this album is a masterpiece. Loved listening to this one again. Epitaph is my favourite track on here and it is one of my favorites songs of all time.

Inquestionável, uma das jóias do prog

No. This is noise. Not good.

Another classic! Heard before, always love

Another album I would give 6 stars if I could. It might be the best album of all time. A fantasy journey that is actually about the crisis of the time it was produced but it's also timeless. Lyrics, skills of the musicians, all that work so well together. Robert Fripp, who was the leader of later KC, is important here too but it's not an album that was developed under his reign but Ian Macdonald's. You hear that, I find. Just love all of it, even the often ridiculed 'Moonchild'.

I like it it’s fun and jazzy rock

Some hits, probably won’t come back to it

Psilocybin Anyone?

5 stars

one of the best prog rock albums ever, quality

I don't know if I'll ever add any of the songs to a mix, but I will definitely return to listen to the album as a whole. Was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it

A surprise. Want to listen again

2.5 stars. Preferred the more prog rock-esque stuff (the title track) to the jazz jam-band stuff (closing live track).

This is a wild album that I don't properly have words in my vocabulary to describe, but I like it.

Again, an album I listened to on a drive, and it fitted better than United States of America. This one has been floating around since I was a kid but this is the first time I've listened to it, and I actually quite liked it. Bit too much noodling on some tracks though.

When this album hits, it's amazing - the title track and 21st Century Schizoid Man are phenomenal tracks, and it's clear that everyone in the band knows exactly how to play off of each other. But by God, does it ever go on with meaningless noises for far too long. I've mentioned a few times on other albums how they could be about 10% shorter, but this one feels fully twice as long as it needs to be - there's so many opportunities to go and have a piss, make a cup of tea, read a book, and still come back without missing an actual song that I can't give it a better score. Which is a shame, as the two key tracks are so absolutely my jam that the rest feels like a real disappointment.

Experimentellt, låter som att bandet står och testar olika ljud i studion. Lite jazzigt.

I've seen this album cover many places, but surprised I've never listened to it. Seems to be an album a lot of people get first when collecting vinyl. Way more jammy than I thought. Probably very experimental for the time.

Eclectic, missed cohesion and would've liked the album to have sounded more like the last song

Makes me feel like im 17 again :)

AMAZING!!!

The one that started Prog…I could name one song off this album and that’s about it. This band was a bit too early for me. I can appreciate this album for it’s historical meaning.

Didnt realize some of th emost popular hip hop/ rap songs take samples from this album

Parts of it were good, but the avant garde parts were pretty difficult to sit through (e.g. the second half of Moonchild)

5

Psychedelic rock. I like the king crimson court song. It builds really well. But not my jams.

Amazing prog rock album! The wonderful Robert Fripp's guitar sound. Ballsy and with so much variety. A favourite!

Totally unknown band. His tunes are full of melodrama and melancholy. In my opinion, a fair album.

Nope

Seems so far a head of it's time, really lush production, another new find I'll be coming back to.

Fantastic album.

11/04/25 I get it is unique and it is what it is, but it's not for me.

329/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

Frankly not my jam. I know a lot of people really like this album but I don’t get it. I might try listening again somewhere down the line.

Kingly? This mournful, dramatic big synth and murmur of this took me back to memories of the folks playing the Moody Blues in the car: it carries the impression of huge brooding skies and romanticism that’s an unappreciated tradition in English art.

Godlike

To the court of the Crimson KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG

Not my thing. I’ve loved some Yes in my time, or Rush...but this seemed dark to me. It seemed closer to like Greta Van Fleet, like, trying too hard to be substantial. Plus the experimental stuff was a miss for me.

Meandering, but would listen again. I get why this so such a big deal. It gets a high four from me. Faves: 21st century schizoid man, the court of the crimson king.

one of my favorite prog album of all time. I remember listening to a vinyl copy with my friends a couple years ago. Yes "Moonchild" is a bit too long and empty in its second half but I don't care. more of a 9/10. but rounded up.

Some good stuff in there, but some things that I just couldn't listen to more than once.

I was told that I needed to be in the "right mood" to enjoy this album. Not sure what that mood is exactly, but I can rule out sober and focused. It's weird and unexpected, but it doesn't seem to go any clear direction that I can latch on to and enjoy. Oh well, a lot of people like it.

Early prog, but pretty good overall. I think the entire band fell asleep during Moonchild and just left a faucet dripping on the cymbals, but they woke up and recovered nicely.

Interesting, but not something I'd routinely listen to.

While I understand why it’s considered so highly, it’s far too prog for my ears. It’s not doing anything for me. I do like the artwork though so 3 stars.

i can't quite explain the mindspace this puts me in

Vinyl relisten. Took me forever to find the right moment to do so despite knowing ahead of time it’s a five. It has been since at least summer 2017. Put it on over dinner and drinks with a dear friend. I love you Gabe, I love you Oliver.

Ganske bra. Einaste albumet eg har på 200-grams vinyl, I think

Levynkantta myöten klassikko. Uskomattoman kova taiderockpaketti. Just ehkä 13 vuotiasna oma prog-vaihe lähti PF:sta ja tästä. 5/5

Onhan tämä mainio progelevy, ja erityisesti avaus- ja lopetusraidat ovat lajinsa helmiä. 4/5

I don't think I've ever said "What the fuck am I listening to?" more during an album. In both good ways and bad. I Talk To The Wind is beautiful but Moonchild was like 12 minutes of ASMR. A lot of songs were so drawn out and at times felt like just random noises. It's a mixed bag but I think the chaos makes sense given that they were pioneering a new genre with this. It is very cool to listen to from a historical perspective and has some great moments but I won't be listening in my free time.

I’ve seen this album cover quite a bit and never knew what it was. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but wow. This album is truly awesome. The flute, the bassoon, the timpani, the strings, etc. are all such beautiful and warm additions. I loved this album.

This is high on my favourites list, yes, even though "Moonchild" exists. Those guys easily made the best album of all time contender and then decided to stick their own version of "Revolution 9" in the middle. Nevertheless, if we pretend the last 10 minutes of "Moonchild" don't exist, this thing is packed with nothing but 10/10 tracks (although I found that it's okay-ish to listen to with your headphones on). Sometimes when it comes to prog rock I'd get annoyed with the musicians going overboard, but this never happens here. I genuinely think that "I talk to the wind" is one of the most beautiful songs ever made, I feel like I'm floating in a magical forest when I listen to it. "Epitath" sounds like if someone took the best of Leds and Floyd and combined it into one. "21st century schizoid man" is an instrumental masterpiece and the closer ties the album up perfectly. 5/5 for me.

Easily the best record in King Crimson's "whimsy" era, which is pretty much anything before 1973. It really is a whimsical, fantastical record, not progressive rock in the typical sense. Maybe it's the mellotron and flute all over this thing, or the dream-like imagery ranging from the titular Crimson King himself to the "Moonchild". The closest we get to a traditional hard-rock track here is the opener '21st Century Schizoid Man', and it is quite the opener, though not quite a tone setter, I'd say. I'd argue it's quite deceptive and misleading. It's just a much faster, blood-pumping, electric rock take on King Crimson's core sound of this time - the vocals are drenched in distortion, giving them a sense of urgency which perfectly complements the track's dystopian imagery. You obviously have those jazzy elements and the unconventional 6/4 breakdown in the middle. It's just a proggy masterpiece all in all, though I'd argue it even sticks out in the prog scene of its time. It's just super aggressive, high-octane with an almost punk-esque fury. It's crazy that the band was firing on all cylinders on the very first song in their discography. While no other song matches the sheer energy of this opener, the album's subsequent patience, I'd argue, rounds out the experience in a way very few albums can pull off. But it never gets boring, well, mostly. Songs like the title track and especially 'Epitaph' are some of the best sounding songs in the band's catalogue. They're so huge sounding, like on the song 'Epitaph' when that mellotron increases in volume so drastically before exploding and opening up right before the instrumental interlude. It's a moment of utter drama in an already really dramatic album. And it's warranted drama, given the global destruction depicted in the song's lyrics and the tragic emotion behind Greg Lake's vocals. The two slower cuts are just as effective, especially during their ballad segments. The flute of 'I Talk To The Wind' just hovers alongside the track like a butterfly guiding a lost soul through these treacherous woods at night. And 'Moonchild' has maybe my favorite vocal melody on the album, that is before it breaks into its, quite visionary, 10-minute Miles Davis-esque jazz-fusion ambient segment. I can take it or leave it, but I'd say overall, the album experience benefits from it. Just wish there was a version of this song without the ambient segment so I could listen to that ballad portion casually. I'd argue this isn't the best representation of King Crimson. I mean, legendary guitarist Robert Fripp, who's usually the star of these albums, isn't really the draw here. That pleasure, I'd argue, is shared equally between every player on this album. It's easily their most colourful record because of that. I mean, just listen to all the different interludes of the closing title track; it's overwhelming at points, but in a good way. I mean, really, for as influential as this album is to so many other prog bands, very few manage to top it. Such a cinematic experience and one that deserves every bit of acclaim it gets.

2/10…psychadelic / progr.rock

as a Licensed Progressive Rock Hater, i was surprised at how much i didn't hate this album at first. then it kept going and i did. i don't feel like elaborating today. 2/5 i progged your dad's rocks

what a fucking trip! i’m not exactly sure what they’re trying to accomplish but i do know i love it never a dull moment throughout the whole album. the composition alone sans-lyrics tells such a vivid story I Talk To The Wind is so beautiful, and a perfect complement to the chaotic opener (POWER). Orchestration and harmonies are gorgeous. I’m definitely not biased from my years of clarinet playing. sure moonchild has some very experimental, some would argue expressive, moments and while it’s not perfect songwriting i think that’s the point. they’re not trying to make tightly packaged and produced radio hits - you gotta check out ZZ top if that’s what you want. it’s jazz, baby! 5/5 album cover. can’t wait for yall to review the lyrics for me bc we all know i didn’t listen to a word with all the layers going on underneath keeping this one in mind next time i get my hands on some boomers

Excited to roll this, I’ve been told forever it’s the best album ever by Twitter.com. An insane debut album, so good and so influential to all the prog that came after for good reason. I really loved the arrangements on this and how unafraid it was to be sparse at times. There are a couple moments on here where it fits its reputation of "I listen to this bc I'm a music guy, i really love music man I listen to prog rock, those time changes bro???" but I feel like even if you listen to this because you want to be cool you're gonna find out quickly that it rules. Really high 4. Isn't it crazy that the Kingdom Hearts Dearly Beloved/Kayne's Stronger mashup wouldn't exist without this album?

I looooooooved this album. I’ve heard so much about King Crimson, but I’ve never gotten around to listening to them. Just after the first song, I could see all of the influence that this band has had on modern bands that I enjoy today. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Primus, Pink Floyd, and Tool are the obvious ones that stood out to me prior to Wikipedia-ing the others. The composition is so unique and interesting, and, even though most songs are lengthy, nothing ever felt like wasted space. The production of this album is so good. I could easily be fooled if someone told me that this album was released this year. Also, who tf is the drummer. My God, what an absolute beast. Moonchild is a weird one, but for some reason, the 10 minutes of spacious instrument playing randomness feels right. Usually that type of shit pisses me off. Schizoid man reminds me of my favorite parts of King Kizzard. I Talk to the Wind has a Beatles-on-acid feeling which is fun. Epitaph might be my favorite on the album tied with the Court of the Crimson King. I’m listening to their whole discography for sure. It’s a 5 for me.

I love this LARP shit, but no one can love Moonlight. Strong 3/5 would’ve been a 4 if not for that 5 minutes of garbage. Seriously it’s like they just wanted to waste some studio hours

This is just awesome to listen to. If there's anything this project has taught me, it's that I have a soft spot for Prog Rock, and this is primo Prog. All 5 songs do their own thing in enjoyable ways, I even loved the 10 minute song where they noodled around with the volume on 2%. I was excited to get this album and man was it as good as I hoped.

Complete

Interesting

I have a great fondness for this album because I used to listen to it with my college boyfriend while properly tripping. It's not quite the same without hallucinogens, but I can still conjure up the delight of hearing it for the first time while watching the birds from his tapestry dance across the wall. They are the Kings of prog rock for sure.

I can definitely listen to it, I might be able to appreciate it, but you can't make me like it.

The amount of people I went to high school with who were obsessed with this album put me off of listening to it for years. It's good. It's best parts are REALLY good. A bit excessive, but that's prog for you.

Good, but ive gotten kind of sick it because ive listened to it many times. MIddle tracks are a little boring based on my mood. 4 stars objectively. On this listen 3 stars.

It was fine.

3 stars

Psychedelic Prog rock is definitely not my genre.

Teilweise interessant. Teilweise nervig. Werde es mir aber ein zweites Mal anhören.

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.

I'm probably not alone in having the first thought of 'ooh, Kanye West sample'. But this album has a lot more to offer than that. Floyd-esque freaky beauty throughout.

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.

Always loved it, still love it

Great at time. Decent at others. Never bad

Lol did not know Kanye "sampled" their song. Amazing album.

Think i'd tried to listen in the past and not got on with it, but this time i thoroughly enjoyed this. You can hear some Dark Side of the Moon in this but they definitely sound distinctively different. Great album, will listen again.

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

A goddamn masterpiece 8.5/10 fave: epitaph

Some of the greatest album art of all time. Musically, I think it’s cool, but it’s never drawn me in. Technical mastery has never impressed me much, historically. The opener will forever be great.

Weird but also interesting, enjoyed this one!

While this is much better than the other King Crimson record I had to endure listening to, it's still not the kind of thing I think of when it comes to progressive rock. Some parts are quite good, but then there are those that I usually skip immediately.

Based on the album cover I had no idea what I was getting into... I don't hate it, overall parts are actually really interesting and enjoyable. My criticisms are that its kind of all over the place and I am not always seeing everything connecting with the songs being really long. It kind of feels like each song is its own kind of mini album or piece, that don't necessarily all go together but on their own they are mostly nice. Moonchild just kept going and I am not really sure why

There's only 5 songs on this album so let's go. 21st Century Schizoid: I like it. It's edgy, rock'n, and I especially like how the horns get tangled up. Talk to the Wind: it's pretty in it's melancholy way. nice flute'n. Epitaph: a slowly plodding dirge with sweeping swells of violins and bassoon-like droning. kinda depressing as fuck but it's not bad & the poetry works. Moonchild: a creeping mystery. mythic poetry. I like the percussion. It's a good song for the first 2.5 minutes. Then 10 minutes of wankery that sounds like they forgot they were still recording. Coulda had a decent song if you just stopped at 2.5 minutes. The Court of the Crimson King: it's kind of an odd song but it's not bad. That chorus where the organ rises and the drums are pounding is good. Nice little Callipe organ intermission at 7:25. I also like the bass and flute parts that kick in around 4:30. The songs are long which annoyed me at first but I have to switch gears and give the songs more patience which isn't necessarily a bad thing and there's some interesting songwriting & playing happening.

I was jiving with Side 1, but then Moonchild happened. It was just a really long song with barely anything going on. What even was that? And it takes up more than one-fifth of the album. Kick that track outta here, and this album is overall kinda cool and groovy. The songs were long and felt a little unpolished, but I liked where they took them for the most part. Epitaph was the standout for me on here. Reminded me of the Moody Blues. I was also gettin' down with 21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King.

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

21st Century Schizoid Man on kyllä nerokas kappale. Odottelin että levyllä olisi enemmänkin samanlaista sekoilua, mutta ei. Kerrassaan hieno kokonaisuus. Eipä ollut tätäkään tullut kuunneltua ennen. Parhaat: Sanotaan tässä tapauksessa heikoin, I Talk To The Wind. Muuten ihan priimaa.

several 10+ minute songs had me praying for this stupid thing to end. Enough with the King Crimson already. I have had enough for several lifetimes now.

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.

Honestly made me feel a little weird but it was the good kind of weird.

I feel like in a dream and at the same time in the reality. This album blows my mind. Makes me feel not only the music but the music embeded in the moment. AMAZING

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

This album feels like a sonic journey into a Love, Death, and Robots episode. It's absolutely full of color! You can just walk yourself into the world of the Crimson King and visualize moonlit abandoned cities of dark blue, green seas colored by a strangely mossy sky, or a violent ruby arena with crumbling moons above. It's a rich world that's brought purely by sound. This album is a masterpiece of progressive rock. For me, it's not because of its historical significance (though I'm not downplaying it), but it's on how it builds a story purely by an album so short and sonically disorganized, that it somehow arranges itself like a book with chapters. You can just sense the dystopia through the headphones. Beautiful start. Can't wait for more.

I find King Crimson a bit challenging. I like prog rock, but this is difficult. Album started off strong with “21st Century Schizoid Man”, but quickly drifted and I didn’t get it until it picked up again with “The Court Of The Crimson King”. But that was it.

Great progressive rock album.

It took me years to figure out why I don't enjoy this album, and it finally hit me today: the drummer sucks. Granted, when you make a drummer sit through 12 minute tracks, he's bound to get bored and start playing some stupid shit. Every fill he plays is somehow worse than the last, none of them serving the music or making sense stylistically. My favorite tracks are the ones where he does not play or is not featured. Also, please adjust the mic for the snare or tell him to tune it. It sounds like a wet fish being slapped against a table. If they got a different drummer for this album, I'd give it another shot. Everything on top of the drums is entertaining and sometimes enjoyable, but hard to truly appreciate when I am constantly being distracted every four bars.

Ok

Very cool album, 21st century schizoid man was sampled in a Kanye West song that I knew which I was not expecting at all.

Solid rock album. I knew 21st Century Schizoid Man, but the rest was new.

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.

Þokkalega gott stufd

Repeat listen

A widely applauded and celebrated album. King Crimson's prog rock is not something I've been a fan of in the past but this album works well. It does occasionally creep into "noise for noise sake" which can be an issue with prog sometimes but overall an enjoyable album. 7.25/10 (3.625/5)

Very inconsistent.

Not bad.

Progressive rock really hits.

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

Good album with one milestone song, worth it for this alone

The funny haha yelling guy album. 21st Century Schizoid is a classic and there are some good songs throughout. 7/10

lord, every song goes on for too long and makes me feel like i need more drugs

Et album man bare må sitte og høre på. Litt lange partier der lite skjer drar karakteren ned.

Pretty good.

**An ok album

Classic brilliant ground-breaking stuff. Great to listen to but this TYPE of prog never really resonates with me in any deeper way than just enjoyable listening.

Mad for this to be a debut album, it’s completely its own thing & fully formed which I have to appreciate. Love that the album conveys this sense of a grand scale throughout by changing pace & introducing a huge variety of instruments. Makes the album feel like it’s made to be performed with a ballet or some action on stage alongside the band - though that may just be me getting mixed up with the hall of a different king. We start heavy, mellow out then finish big and operatic. Really appreciate this, even if overall half the songs did nothing for me themselves they added to the vibe of the album as an experience.

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.

Really love 21st century schizoid man, part of it sounds like speed runners. Really like the prog rock of the songs, but the parts where it's just silence or birds or whatever are a bit too long. I've also heard this album before and listening to it again confirms my thoughts, overall I'd love to rate this higher but as a whole album I'd probably give it a 3.

kinda good, kinda bullshit

Fell asleep listening to it, lol. Good vibes

I liked parts of songs. As a whole the songs seemed too long for me. Large sections of instrumentals that dragged on too long.

Not really my thing. Sounds like a weird cross between alternative, low-fi, and really early rock. I had previously heard 21st Century Schitzo Man before listening to this album.

Liked it a lot more than I expected, some really cool sounds. A little bit of a drag at times but much more listenable than I thought

ahhh, the iconic album cover. Certainly a landmark progressive rock album that blends a variety of styles into a weirdly chaotic mixture. While often hailed as a masterpiece, it's not without it's flaws. It meanders a bit too much for my taste, like an overly indulgent jam session that overstays it's welcome. That being said, it dared to push rock music into new territory, influencing countless artists along the way. It remains a fascinating and essential listen for anyone at all interested in the evolution of progressive rock.

Rock, 1969 -> 2

One of my husband’s favorite albums. His Mom painted the back of a denim jacket with the cover image. For that I’m giving it a four. Some of the songs haven’t aged well. Moonchild sort of unlistenable. Also, reminds me disconcertingly of Spinal Tap.

First time hearing this fabled album. I like this style a lot more than the country rock dominant in this era. I enjoyed the heavy rocking prog and jazz influences, hearing some really good musicians go on journeys. I’m glad I heard it, but I wasn’t compelled by the subject matter so don’t feel called to listen again necessarily.

3 sterne

I'm still a Prince, so...

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

I couldn't listen to this album yesterday as I was in hospital. However, I did give it a listen today (Tuesday). Why many people see "In the Court of the Crimson King" as a classic is easy to understand. The songs are outstanding. This week shall be epic. 4 stars for "In the Court of the Crimson King".

Lukewarm Zappa. Humorless bombast

This is awsome.

This is a really interesting album! I don't know that I've ever heard anything like this and can totally understand why this has been considered such an important album in terms of progressive rock. I'm not sure I would want to listen to this all the time, but I really enjoyed the lesson and would recommend it to others.

Cool ! Aussi en theme

slaps 4/5

Better than I thought it was going to be, the length of the songs did become tedious though

There are just too many parts of this that I really don't like to rate it any higher than 2 stars or D+.

I kind of get where it fits in the grand scheme of things historically, but it is - like most prog - very not for me.

Overall a brilliant album. Only thing stopping it from getting all 5 stars is I thought Moonchild was quite boring.

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 I can appreciate!

Started well, then quickly faltered, and also sadly responsible for the monster that was prog.

I've seen this record cover so many times before, and never really been aware of what King Crimson had to offer. Turns out he can offer quite a deranged hour. It starts really strongly, despite the slightly proggy nature of the songs (and the proggy length). It dips into self-indulgence quite a bit at times, but overall, I found this to be a really interesting listen, and one I suspect I'll persevere with.

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.

Solid album. Can see the impact this had over the years. Got a few plays

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

influential to many pro rock bands but not THE starter. I only enjoyed what I have heard of r50 years. Maybe with a blunt or some mesc...

Fantastic.

Flute very nice

I enjoyed it, some songs go on too long but the music is really good

I can see how it could be influential, sounds similar to a lot of famous bands who came before and after (beatles, even reminds me of pretty odd by Panic!, etc). Not something I will probably come back to though. I saved I talk to the wind to my playlist, that was by far my fav one.

Fav: The Court Of The Crimson King - Including “The Return Of The Fire Witch” and “The Dance Of The Puppets” Least Fav: Moonchild - Including “The Dream” and “The Illusion” Inject this into my veins NOW

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

good for homework doing

🎧Laid the foundation for prog rock, I’m told. 21st Century Schizoid Man is pretty sick. Some boring musical detours on tracks like Moonchild. Cool album, a little overrated though.

Unlucky that I just had their other album 4 days ago. It seems that the parts where they’re playing “traditional” rock are much better and tighter. Their progressive digressions seem to have become more indulgent and boringer.

It starts and ends on the highest notes. I guess I can see the genius, but the melodies and instrumentation weren’t as strong and memorable as I hoped for. Moonchild in particular dragged on. 6/10

Jazzy Rock or Rock Jazz, glad I heard it once, but not going to be something I remember listening to tomorrow.

For the most part I liked it, but what the fuck was going on in the middle of Moonchild? It almost makes me want to sink this rating to a two. But I enjoyed the rest of the album enough to send it down the middle of the road.

THE ORIGINAL Prog album and one of the genres pillars of greatness. Never miss that Greg Lake is the L in ELP, his voice is part of what makes this album so iconic. They brought the future and beyond to 1969. There are no bands that sound like this without knowing it, and few that could impart the level of complexity King Crimson did with the equipment of the time 4.5/5

a thrilling unique work of prog rock history

So I’ve always used King Crimson as a joking example of the sort of stuff I hate. “Oh, it’s okay, at least it’s not bloody King Crimson or some shit! Music for wankers!” Which means I really have shocked myself by…not hating this? What does this mean? Am I the wanker now? I’m not saying I love it. 10 minutes a song way outstrips my attention span if I’m honest, some of the twiddlier bits and I prefer my lyrics to make some kind of sense, but I can’t deny that it’s epic, and I can even…maybe…see myself putting it on again, in a certain sort of mood. I guess if there’s a moral to this story it’s that I should have embraced my inner wanker years ago.

Man, this cover art and opening track really throw you off from what’s coming next. Glad I was finally given a reason to check out the whole album, because I could not understand why on earth people spoke so highly of this.

4.3 - This was really cool, very indulgent in parts and didn't need to be so long but liked it a lot

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

Can't believe I've never heard this before. Loved it. Not much to say beyond that. Kinda felt like being a band kid hearing a profound piece of classical music for the first time.

Meh, not bad but it didn’t really leave an impact on me

p185. 1969. 2 stars. Technically proficient, pretentious prog rock wankage, with lyrics as fey as a pixie.

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.

Decent

I've avoided King Crimson for years as I thought they'd be the worst of prog, but this album wasn't that. There is a lot of the rawness of rock mixed in with the more indulgent elements. It was enjoyable, the playing was good, and it was over the top without becoming cartoonish as prog sometimes has a tendency to do.

Wow, what a mixed bag. You had some moments with great riffs, interesting key changes, and a diverse instrument riff. Then you have other songs where they're just noodling for 12 minutes. Anyways, the things that were good were so good. Loved the opening track, such a solid gritty riff to keep coming back to with great instrumental bits mixed in. Nice jazz influences. Great key change in Epitaph. Would almost go 5, but some things were pushed just a bit far or a bit repetitive. But I actually enjoyed this one and relistened to a good bit of it.

Some of the tracks are amazing and complex, and some of them are awful. Tricky to rate . 3?

Not a prog rock girly apparently

Good album, aware that it was popular and famous but only ever really listened to 21st century schizoid man before, would give it a 3.5 stars really. Kinda crazy that this is from the sixties Fav song: 21st Century Schizoid man

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.

- hat mir sehr gut gefallen (und das trotz einiger sehr langer Songs) - The Court Of The Crimson King war mit dem Refrain schon sehr ohrwurmig 3,25/5

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.

I'm a big prog rock fan (Rush and Yes) so am aware of and respect King Crimson. Have never given this the listen it deserves as it's on countless lists. Definitely appreciating it more.

non male, ma spesso il male di vivere ho incontrato.. non l'avevo mai sentito, ascolterò di nuovo Frank Zappa

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

This was very interesting to me as it had a Dark Side of the Moon vibe to, and was released 4 years earlier! Gonna have to listen to it again but there is a definite chance this ends up in my vinyl collection.

I can appreciate this. I know it’s important but it isn’t my thing. I’ll go 3/5 due to the importance and the musicality. It’s lush. It’s well put together. I just wouldn’t need to listen all the time.

Enjoyed this

Prog Rock Icon!!! Favourite songs: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court of the Crimson King Least favourite songs: Moonchild 4/5

This is an band I had judged for decades by its album covers, and their name. King Crimson sounds like a band that should be playing N'Orlean's style jazz, not a 6 man Prog Rock band from Europe, but here we are. While the the album definitely jazz inspired the first song 21st Century Schizoid Man sounds like a rock band was playing at Mardi Gras. And I was pleasantly surprised at how well these genre can meld

masterpiece