In The Court Of The Crimson King

The album that arguably may have spawned prog rock. 21 century and ourt of king crimson are absolute classics. I talk to the wind feels out of place and moon child is 12 minutes of noises. If it weren't for those two tracks it would be a 5.

If no one man should have all that power, how did the majestic Crimson King acquire these weapons of mass percussion?

very beautiful....if you skip the first track. the range of emotions I felt during is truly difficult to encapsulate in one word so have a few. acceptance, fear, shock, annoyance, etc.

Music is an interesting thing. With 50+ years of hindsight... yes, this style has arguably been done better elsewhere, and yes, this arguably isn't even among the best albums that came out in 1969. But, without any hindsight, this album must have felt super unique and interesting when it came out. And it does still hold up today - particularly, 21st Century Schizoid Man is a jam. In historical context, this is a 5/5. Today, probably a 3/5. So, averaging out, I'll call it a 4/5.

Wow - this was really good. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t quite this. Definitely not the generic psychedelic rock I sometimes assume when an album is from the 60s. Every track is unique and good in its own way; there are elements of prog rock, folk, and improvised jazz, and the whole thing has a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere. One of the rare albums where I listened to the whole thing a second time right after it ended. I’m stingy with my 5*s, but this is a high 4. Favorite tracks: Epitaph, 21st Century Schizoid Man

Oh wow! This blew my mind! Looking forward to many more listens

Amazing debut album, it's like King Crimson emerged fully formed and mature.

Interesting sound...not sure how to feel. Music used is great buy long tracks aren't my favourite

Fun album. I wish I liked it a bit more, and maybe I would on repeated listens, but as it is, it's only "very good" 3.5/5

I liked this. I should relisten to Lark’s. 3.6

not a big jazz fan, which makes it inaccessible to me. production is good, but i prefer poppier jazz such as steely dan. 4/5

When going into this album, I did not know what to expect as I hadn't listened to very much stuff from the time period with the exception of The Beatles. The first track, 21st Century Schizoid Man, was a great introduction with its memorable but chaotic sound throughout. I talk to the wind was next, and it was my favourite song in the album all the way until the end, I love the calming nature of it in stark contrast to the first song. The third song, epitaph is quite similar to I talk to the wind, and really helps strengthen the middle of the album. Moonlight, however, was the low point of the album for me as I found it quite forgettable and its length did not help as I believe 12 minutes is too long for any song. However, the final song, the title track, did make up for it and is my favourite track on the album, I love just about everything about it from the instrumentals, vocals and the rhythm. Overall, I rate this album 8.5/10, as it was similar to what I've listened to before while different enough to offer something completely adrift from what I've previously encountered, while also having several incredible tracks that I will remember for years to come.

I liked this a lot, it sags a little in the middle, which is the reason I'm not giving it 5*, but there's a lot a good things going on here. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a great start to the album. On Spotify, the only version that is available is a remastered version with bonus tracks that add nothing to the overall experience - which is frustratingly common with older albums, but I'm not marking it down for that.

This is cool. Looking forward to checking this out. Truly never listened to this artist, I know how legendary they are. This is great.

A good album, I liked 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitah and The Court of The Crimson King.

Awesome.

Thoughts before listening: This is a massive prog rock album that gets praised highly by those who like prog rock. I tend to enjoy prog rock although it can sometimes be a bit over the top for me. I definitely know the title track to this album, and I'm pretty sure I have listened to the whole thing before. I'm sure I'll enjoy this. Review: Oh yeah....I've heard this before. The opener "21st Century Schizoid Man" is as well known as "The Court of the Crimson King", especially with the refrain being sampled by Kanye West on "Power". These are both powerful songs that push a lot of my musical buttons, as does "Epitaph". As a whole, this is definitely proggy, and there are some parts that get a little out there for me, but all in all its an enjoyable listen. 4-stars

Surprisingly good

Listened Before? N I've been meaning to get around to these guys for years, and never have. This album is pretty damn amazing. Contemporaries of Pink Floyd, they use a lot of the same techniques and lyric structures. I really enjoyed this and will revisit. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: The Court of the Crimson King

Beim ersten Reinhören dachte ich, das wird nichts. Aber das ist ja genau der Charme des Progressive Rocks, das er sich entwickelt und verändert. Entweder man hat die Zeit zuzuhören oder es gibt keinen Zugang.

....

I often see a lot of praise for King Crimson, but this was my first time listening to them. Most of it wasn't what I expected, but it's quite nice. I can do without the second half of Moonchild though (The Illusion). That's a bit too experimental for my tastes.

Very interesting

So famous, and yet I'd never heard it before nor really paid attention to who was in the group. I enjoyed it, and it brought home to me just how much happened in pop music in the 60s - from where it started, to the amount of experimentation that was going on by the end of the decade, is incredible (and nicely set up the 70s, when pretty much every genre we have today seems to have been established). Anyway, I did enjoy this, I can hear that it influenced many others; prog rockers of course but also I thought of early Roxy Music, and also (to my surprise) quite a bit of Bowie's Man Who Sold the World. Of course it's a bit daft but I don't mind that. Can't decide between 3 and 4 but I'll be generous.

Bookended by two of the greatest prog rock songs ever.

В музыкальном плане прям понра

I think the first time I heard of this album was when watching "Children of Men" as this album is featured as contraband. The album art is worth a star by itself. I've come to realise I don't really like progrock but this is an exception. The first and last track have really cool riffs. "I talk to the wind" a killer flute solo and though I've never appreciated it before, "Epitath" is pretty cool too. Only dud, and what a dud it is, is "Moonchild". Cool album where you can see many other artists took inspiration from. I think it deserves a 4.

4/5 tytułowa piosenka nie aż taka dobra, ale 21st century schizoid man bardzo dobre

no one man should have all that power

I thought King Crimson was a heavy metal band. Psychedelic jams were a pleasant surprise although the vocals were a little too goody goody, sounded a lot like America. The music was fun but the entire album needed more grit.

This is a Mateen album.

21st Century Schizoid Man (including Mirrors) 4 I Talk to the Wind 4 Epitaph (including "March for No Reason" and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow" 4.2 Moonchild (including "The Dream" and " The Illusion" 2.8 The Court of the Crimson King (including "The Return of the Fire Witch" and "The Dance of the Puppets" 4 Score: 3.8

Much better than the other one (Aspics). Seems less prog, still lengthy songs, but better instrumentation.

Very good. Whimsical, and instrumentally intricate. Prefer Close to the Edge tho

4.5 favorite: epitaph least: moonchild is the reason this isn’t a 5

Very good

Enjoyed this one. Not my favorite King Crimson album, but still great.

Funny thing keeps happening. I press play on the album, then immediately I find myself at the end. Looking at the clock, I can see that the time has passed, but don't remember listening to the songs. How does that work?

It certainly doesn’t feel 50+ years old. Could be 10 years old I wouldn’t know the difference.

Ok Picasso

21st century schizoid man epitaph the court of the crimson king

Another first. Loved it. Had no idea 20th Century Schizoid Man was them.

Favorite Tracks: The Court Of The Crimson King 21st Century Schizoid Man

Omg

I should have liked this album more than I did. There was a lot of well played, varied music on there and they explored a bunch of interesting ideas, but the quiet parts were too long and too quiet for me - I lost interest and it was hard to pick it back up. Still a very interesting album though

the defining progressive rock album. their lineup completely changed after this album and they never made an album as solid as this one. Greg Lake's vocals are on point and mesh well with Fripp's guitar. Moonchild is the lone weak song.

I really liked it, sounded smooth and had style

New to me prog rock. Pretty good as that kind of thing goes.

Only notes, can’t rate for some reason

Some albums are best experienced and appreciated windows down and blazing down the highway, while others need 100% focus with over ear headphones in a recliner (and maybe some Indica). This album definitely falls into the latter category. 21st century is a jam, to say the least. So many layers anchored by some complex and well thought out drumming. The middle three tracks are slower and more mellow for sure, but still brightened up by creative back beats, and symphonic elements. This album is a journey, with the two strongest tracks anchoring the start and finish. I can see why it is acclaimed for its influence and associated with the prog greats. There is a lot of ground breaking styles and experimentation going on here, enjoyable listen.

Man I so wanted to give this a 5-star, but a slight downgrade most likely due to long moments of space or too much avant-garde here and there. But still, it’s impossible to argue that this band and album were not part of the foundation for many prog bands soon to come from Jethro Tull to Gentle Giant to Rush to Dream Theater and beyond. The precision and execution are truly mind bending. The drumming alone on 21st Century Schizoid Man merits its own discussion. And what many have probably written off as pretentious and random overall is anything but that. It’s calculated next level stuff that at many times is hard to comprehend.

Oof, this is a tough one for me. I legit love me some 21st Century Schizoid Man. Shit goes hard, y'all. The rest of the album can't really match that greatness, but there's still some solid stuff...and also long sections of beeps and boops, which can make for a challenging listen. My mind is telling me this is probably a 3* album, but my heart wants to give it 4* for the first track and its influence on Prog Rock (even though I'm not exactly sure what Pro Rock truly is). The heart wins out today. 3.75/5

I was unexpectedly surprised by this album. 3.75 if quarters and halves were allowed.

Not usually a huge prog rock fan but I really liked this album! Favorites were ‘I talk to the wind’, ‘the court of the crimson king’ and’21st century schizoid man’. I can definitely see how this sound influenced Pink Floyd.

Red is better

pretty nice

Don't ask me why I haven't heard this album before today. You'd think being the progressive rock fan I am (i.e. I love Pink Floyd and two/three Yes albums and don't hate ELP) I'd've heard this sooner. But, no. Blame it on the thing's overwhelming popularity, blame it on the fact that I wouldn't be able to have its cover shown on Last.FM... Most likely, blame that I just never got around to it. Whatever reason, it doesn't matter. I've finally gotten to this album, and, boy, am I glad I did. This is some premo-prog rock. Seriously, every song (save maybe one) scratches that exact itch. From the bombast of "21st Century Schizoid Man", to the way it quiets down for "I Talk To The Wind", to that Mellotron riff on "The Court Of The Crimson King". An exception aside, I don't feel there's a moment wasted. Impressive for an album where the shortest song of five is **six minutes**. (And that one exception, by the way, is "Moonchild". That's not an unpopular opinion, I hear; most fans of this don't like how "Moonchild" just... Doesn't end. I'm aware there's a remix by Steve Wilson that chops off two minutes and fans prefer that version—but that's besides the point. I'm not into all the free improv, in short.) In fact, "Moonchild" dragging on as long as it does is the only reason I'm not awarding this album a 5. Believe me, otherwise it completely deserves a 5. I mean, with how it lives up to being the codifier for prog? You bet your entire ass. But... Eh. If the remix were the version I listened to, maybe. In any case, I'm just happy to finally have this one under my belt. And I should actually go listen to other prog albums, too. Like THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY or... I'unno. TARKUS? I meant to get around to that one but never did. Maybe with this album on my mind, I can—... Eh, later.

schöne Bombast- und Eso-Rock Band aus den 1960ern

Epitaph and TCOTCK only good tracks

Loved this even if it gets a bit slow at times. It has all the markings of a great prog album but also isn't afraid to veer into other themes and genres. I can see why this is a classic. Standout Tracks: 21 Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph

Where has this album been my whole life? I LOVED THIS! Peak the Kanye sample.

Very helpful to put this in context. This is 1969. This is when the White Album came out. Really ahead of its time, and I always thought this was a little later, like maybe ‘72. I’m a fan of prog because I enjoy the composition of it, and the lack of pop structure.However, I very much feel the gaping hole where the soul and the warmth is missing. That said, I do feel a visceral response to the final track, which is powerful. Great album no matter how you slice it though.

really fun and creative album, especially considering it came out 1969 - big fan of it and the creativity it sparked on everything from Kanye to future prog rock.

I can see why this music influenced so many. Just sparse and captivating.

Epic, impressive that this was recorded in the 60s. Maybe a bit too much flute in the second track. Classic prog rock drumming throughout the album which is very prominent. 4.5

Another four

3.5

If I have one major complaint of this record, it is pacing. It knows how to take a song that grooves super hard, and immediately superglue a brick to the brake. It's a very impressive record, aside from aforementioned pacing and the, dare I call it, "studio noise" during "Moonchild". But man, it really hits a lot of the right notes. Favorite tracks: "21st Century Schizoid Man", "I Talk to The Wind", "Epitaph"

Great album to start with. Something I would never have chosen to listen to and I really enjoyed it. Great to get away from the same old.

Well for me, this is the acceptable end of the progressive rock spectrum and I have something of a soft spot for this album from my student days (when it was only 7 or 8 years after release. The cover is a classic - look at the panic in the eyes!. Anyway, I can give this a strong score not just because I kind of like it but because it was a pretty influential album.

A classic. Nothing is as fun or as bonkers as the opening track, I was losing my mind the first time that I heard it. I love the punchiness of the drums, especially the snare, even if the technicality doesn’t match the Bruford years. (4.5/5)

4.5/5 Really solid album, def one of the psych rock/ art rock bests and the instrumentation is sublime, amazing album

Really enjoyed the vibe of this one. Listened to it on a rainy day and it was perfect.

I know of King Crimson but can't say I know any of their songs. If you like prog rock, you undoubtedly love this album. If you aren't a prog rock fan, I think you'll still appreciate it as very good. I'm in the latter camp. For me, it's the mixing of sounds that is so interesting and cool. It gives it a medieval sound. And so a lot of credit to Ian McDonald's work on the flute (I Talk to the Wind), sax (21st Century Schizoid Man), and Mellotron (Moonchild) among other instruments (so many on Epitaph and the title track). Robert Fripp's plucking and playing on guitar also gives it that vintage allure and there's something about Michael Giles' timing and dexterity on the drums. The lyrics are pretty good too (really make you think), which I should hope given that Peter Sinfield's only job was to write lyrics. I can't say I noticed Greg Lake's bass all that much but he shows some nice vocal styling going from snarling on 21st Century Schizoid Man and the title track to more soothing on Epitaph or Moonchild. But then we get that noodling (as it's called) on Moonchild - band members just playing around with sound. I just. I'm sorry, I don't get it. Is this part of prog rock experimentation? At first I was bored as the song slowed to a crawl not even 3 minutes in and then I was a bit puzzled about 2 minutes later when the noodling made me think Mister Rogers' trolley was going to come by. Maybe it's experimental genius but to me it felt like 7 minutes of aimless play (not heaven) that I probably could have done without. Thankfully it was followed by (and closes with) the title track, which was more like the opener 21st Century Schizoid Man (a true masterpiece - the sax layered over guitar and the lyrics, chef's kiss) in its energy and ferocity. You really feel the emotions in both songs. Although again I could probably have done without the last 3 minutes of experimentation. Still, that fusion of rock (guitar, bass, drums) and other sounds (keys, winds, horns/brass) on this album is a revelation.

My first ever listen to this album. Super intrigued by the album cover. Its brilliant tbh. Its an album cover you'll never forget. Wow, 21C schizoid man goes absolutely bonkers half way through. Cracking way to open the album. Great tune. An absolute banger to be precise. I really enjoyed how mellow "talk to the wind" went. That solo was beautiful. Could have listened to it for another 5 mins. Absolutely nailed the flute work. Epitah. Some real nice acoustic and slide guitar. Quite a euphoric track. I love how much the drum beats vary throughout the songs. Very different styles. Moon child really goes out there. I enjoy the start then it goes into a total mind fuck. Very experimental. Its like a bunch of mates tripping on LSD whilst having a little jam session not giving AF who listens. Court with the crimson king is a cracker. Its wild when it slows down and blasts out tones which remind me of the mario bro's on the NES. Its genuinely hard to believe this is a first album. I think it would be a near perfect album if it wasnt for the lull in moonchild. Nevertheless, excellent album. I'd give it a 4.5 but i cant. So it will have to be a 4/5. Not quite a full 5 for me because of moon child. Great stuff though. Definitely an album ill come back to.

Knew the name but don't think I ever listened to the music. Except for the first track really liked this. Worth exploring more.

I was nervous about another prog rock album, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. It ranges from pretty standard rock to video game-y to very 60s renfaire. The tracks are long and wandering, the sort of thing that lends itself to getting stones in a basement and listening to. Not sure it needed an extended version, though.

A classic for a reason. I have this on vinyl, so clearly loved it enough to buy it at one point, but I think it's so classic that I just rarely turn to it. It's also probably the only King Crimson album I know well enough to make any sort of commentary on. Might dig into other stuff now that I'm back here. I hear 1974 is their year.

4 for variety. I’ll probably revisit this one, but get the setting and substances right.

The flute on I talk to the wind is everything. Hadn't heard any of this apart from 21st century schizoid man before. Wigging out and jazzy with it. It's pretty good but probably won't be listening to this on the regular. But in a certain time and place this is sweet and the flute and mellotron make it 👌

I really like the wind section on song 2

I had never heard of King Crimson and my only familiarity was from Kanye West's sampling of 21st Century Schizoid Man. I really liked this album though on first listen and am looking forward to a future relisten. The only song that didn't do much for me first time through was I Talk To The Wind. The other 4 at least I found interest in. Hard to pick between 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, and Court of the Crimson King for favorite from first go around. I loved the heavy feeling of 21st Century Schizoid Man. The lyrics were a little hard to pick apart on first listen but I liked the vibe. The lyrics of Epitaph were both comforting and horrifying in the fact that they felt like they applied to today, as well as the time in which they were written. Court of the Crimson King had a familiar feeling so maybe I have heard it somewhere along the way once or twice and not remembered it. I absolutely love the imagery in this one.

Me gusta mucho y he estado dudando mucho rato, pero creo que no quiero ponerle un 5. Pero vaya maravilla de disco, merece su fama.

Dog the meandering guitars, layered instruments, and LOVES EPITAPH!

Listen to the lyrics. Very cool! Variety of instrumentals is unique

Pretty okay

the first few tracks were kinda weird to the ears but the last few were quite good

Great, dynamic album with incredible instrumentalists. Drums and woodwinds in particular flash a lot of skill. Like much prog rock feeling takes a back seat to technicality and fantasy/sci fi themes take themselves a bit too seriously.

#204. Albums like this are why I started doing this. To find albums that I have never heard [and would probably otherwise never listen to] that are good and that I like. But unfortunately this list is pretty weak. Out of the probably like 150ish so far I've never listened to previously, this is only like maybe the fifth one I want to listen to a second time. I don't know why I never listened to this before, it's fairly similar to shit that I do like, but here we are. Definitely adding this one to the list. 4/5: yarp

This is one of the albums I have been meaning to listen to for the longest time. I knew 21st Century Schizoid Man going in, and I kind of expected the rest of the album to sound like that, but only the title track has the same sound. The slower songs aren't bad, just not what I was expecting. It is crazy that this album came out in 1969, it is way ahead of it's time. Great drumming on the songs that bookend the album. I don't find the album cover super appealing, but it is definitely iconic.

classic ahhh rock

4.5/5. A staple in progressive rock history. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a feat unto itself, love it even more now that I know it’s meant to be an anti-Vietnam War song.

The Large red man is staring at... something. What is he looking at? Why is he so frightened. Further we tread into the maw of madness but what do HE see? a great album! I love the mixing and the use of horns. Fantastic early prog rock.

Glad Kanye plucked these songs out of obscurity

This is one of if not my dad's favorite band. I expected not to like it but found it enjoyable. 21st Century Schizoid Man was my favorite track. I laughed at the horns towards the end of In the Court of the Crimson King. Listening to this makes me want to give an honest try to their other givings as well as progressive rock in general.

What a delight! So surprised because I confused King Crimson w/ King Diamond and I really didn't want to listen to satanic metal this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed this album especially the atmospheric sounds of Moonchild. Also I had no idea that Kanye West sampled from this album.

Þessi lét mig endurhugsa alla skoðanir mínar á proggi fyrst þegar ég hlustaði. Aðalega 21st Century Schizoid Man. Hlusta enþá aðeins á þessa plötu og Red. Geggjaðir gítarar hjá Fripp. Talk to the wind fallegt þó það sé smá nördalegt prog. Epitaph aðeins of mikið prog samt fínt. Moonchild geðveikt svo furðulegt og þunnt sound á öllu. Og svo The Court Of The Crimson King bara epískt. Sorry pabbi 4.5

I liked this far more than I anticipated and it sticks in my craw to say it for personal reasons that don’t belong here lol. I can see their influence and I guess I can’t really claim to like The Mars Volta and not like this

I like it :D

Sure!

I bought this on vinyl 25 years ago, and it's always a favourite listen. The first Crimson I heard was from Discipline, so I was used to that slicker version of Crimson with Adrian Belew. Hearing this rougher version of the band, with Greg Lake singing is mind blowing enough, but the idea that Court of the Crimson King was originally written as a country song by the guy from Foreigner. It's a treasure!

Loved the bookend songs, the stuff in between ranged from kind of cool to annoying. I can hear the beginning of so many of my favorite bands in here.

some parts of I Talk To The Wind really reminded me of the Beatles. this album is one of the (recently relatively few) instances where I absolutely agree it's a must-listen. the musicians kick ass, all of them, but I love the drums in particular (especially on The Court of The Crimson King), an incredible blend of jazz and rock drumming. cool stuff

Liked the first track. The last track/title song is good but also very generic. Overall, loved the album. 4 stars.

It was a good album. I really liked the first couple of songs.

A really good piece of rock music.

not sure about the first track but the rest of this album is awesome

I liked this a lot more than I predicted! The straight up noise was grating at times but this guy is very very talented!!

It was pretty damn good. Can see why it influenced so much prog

I really enjoyed this! I think I’m learning I’m into prog rock. Moonchild was cool and also wavered further into the art rock side and lost me just a bit. Overall a really interesting listen with some great musicality!

This record has so much reputation to live up to I am not sure it ever could. It's a great record, but it lags at some points. So the highs are crazy high, but there is a lot of just meh in here as well.

a must listen to anyone semi-interested in music

Tight, influential and inventive. Ahead of its time.

There is a time in my life, when this would’ve gotten an easy five stars. It is still a great album, certainly notable and influential, great album cover, challenging and memorable. But I think I have become somewhat disillusioned by the sheen of progressive rock, and some of the things that I once loved about this album— like the extended instrumental noodling on “Moonchild,”—feel too self indulgent now. But the journey of this album is tremendous. “21st Century Schizoid Man” is so heavy. I love the use of Mellotron on this album (I’m a sucker for that sound). I think what’s keeping me from giving it a full 5/5 is how self-serious and humorless it is. I also feel like if we’re talking about early prog albums, this list egregiously omits “Days of Future Past” by The Moody Blues, so I’m pouring one star out for that album.

Some pretty incredible stuff on here. And some pretty tasty noodles, too.

Now, this is what this list is for! I have listened to quite a lot of music in my life. For the most part, I know what I already like and I know some of the things that I don’t like. What I was really hoping for was to find some of these gems that I just didn’t know existed. Now, this is a perfect scenario. I was driving on a beautiful spring day in an area I wasn’t even familiar with with the windows rolled down. This album was absolutely the right album at the right time! The differences in textures and tones, instrumentation vocals kept light and springy I’ve heard of King Crimson for many years, and somehow missed the boat. I just bought a new ticket. All aboard!

What a strange album. The first track, 21st Century Schizoid Man, is awesome. So much energy. (Am I right in thinking Kanye samples it at some stage?) After that it's much more laid back. It's fine, but nothing comes close to the first track. 3.5 stars

I, Giorno Giovanna, have a dream

Reddit’s favorite album. Just listened to this a few months ago as I gave it yet another chance. I think it’s always going to be good, not great for me. Epitaph and ITCOTCK are my two standouts.

Five stars for the gorgeous vocals of Greg Lake, the sublime flute work of Ian McDonald, particularly on the bonus track duo version of I Talk to the Wind, and the masterful guitar performance by Robert Fripp. Standouts also include The Court of the Crimson King and the perfect Lake song, Epitaph. I have to subtract a star for the free-form jazz influence. I got into prog/art rock in high school, and the classical music and Medieval or Renaissance influence was part of the draw. I get that when this album was first released in 1969, it was hailed as the New Sound, but years have passed and the free-form jazz-rock hybrid has been parodied too successfully. "Tap into the Future," indeed. Opening the album with 21st Century Schizoid Man, and having that devolve into the rock version of an orchestra warming up, was off-putting. In conclusion: centuries old influence = great music; free-form jazz influence = get this song over with already.

Psych/prog with all the bells and whistles. Very spectacular at times. Also quite experimental at time - almost learning towards slow experimental jazz.

Super -

Some of the albums make me question just how they were recorded when they were, and this is another one of those. It sounds SO crisp and clean. I think Moonchild is the obvious low point here but I really enjoyed the other tracks.

So fresh and experimental. New sound for me.

+1 estrella extra por la portada

Solid

very atmospheric album. really gets you in

Makes me want to put on flip flops and smoke a pipe in my vegetable garden

Tiens, du rock progressif. Un album d’une heure mais avec 5 titres, ça ne trompe pas. Évidemment ça part en free jazz par moment et c’est bien relou. Évidemment il y a des expérimentations sonores j’imagine trippante et c’est bien relou. “21st Century Schizoid Man” part bien pendant 2 minutes, le reste part en couille avant de retomber sur ses pieds à 1 minute de la fin. Ca enchaine avec “Talk to the wind” toute douce, assez agréable en admettant une impro de flûtiau sur les deux dernières minutes. “Epitaph” repart sur du plus grandiloquent, peut être une des meilleures de l’album. “Moonshine” est bien pendant 2min30 avant de virer en trip complètement vide de tout pour 9 putains de minutes. Et pour finir “In the court of the Crimson King” qui nous apprend que Polnareff leur a tout pomper pour écrire “Lettre à France”. Encore une très bonne chanson. Il y a donc de l’excellent et de l’intolérable sur un même album. Il faut savoir trier, mais dans l’ensemble c’est effectivement très bon.

A stone cold classic

Prog rock has been one of my best takeaways from this project. Its a genre I'd never really explored and the more I hear the more I'm into it. For me this wasn't up to the level of Yes or Rush, but still a great precursor.

Amazing album especially for its time. Really interesting changes almost never felt bored, drummer was pulling out some fucking beats - great listen. Feel like this should be a 5, but despite enjoying listening to the album I won’t be rushing back to hear it again. I think 5 stars should be reserved for albums that I want to put on and listen to again and again. This felt more like going to Thorpe park, I had fun but probs won’t be back for a couple of years. It still is a very very high 4 though Stand out songs: 21st century schizoid man The court of crimson king

Solid album, own it. Really trippy and weird with a huge reputation.

This is really unique, super interesting album. It seems like it's generally classified as progressive rock (and I haven't been a big prog rock fan so far), but it's very early prog rock and pretty different from what came in the '70s. It's definitely a rock album, but it's also really jazzy and classical music influences too. The original release is 44 minutes but only five songs, so they're each pretty long. There's long stretches on most of the songs that are like jazzy and symphonic, it's really unique. This is also partially famous in more modern times for Kanye sampling "21st Century Schizoid Man" on "Power" (I had no idea where it was from until listening to this). The part that he sampled has this super like fuzzy electric sound that seems way ahead of its time on here. Beyond that, "I Talk To the Wind" has this really simple beautiful sound that's really enjoyable, "Epitaph" is great too, and "The Court Of The Crimson King" is really big and grand sounding to finish. "Moonchild" loses the plot a bit for me (it's long and a bit more meandering than the others), and there are times where the long songs lose my attention a bit, but overall I really enjoyed this a lot. This is one that was great to listen to closely and I can also see playing in the background and enjoying too. Favorite song: 21st Century Schizoid Man Other: I Talk To The Wind, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King 3/1/24

Gostei Mt desse, de vdd, não achei que ia gostar tanto, escutei só ele o dia todo, e escutaria mais, são Mt gostosas de ouvir, uma vibe boa, onde não eh Mt sobrecarregado de coisa mas ainda tem uma história Mt boa em cada música, uma progressão de acordes e uma composição musical realmente boa. O rock eh clássico mas não eh brega, que eh um estilo de rock que eu não gosto nada, a estrutura de cada música não segue um padrão continuo e repetitivo, assim não fica brega, cada som parece único e cada estrofe cantada tem um significado artístico legal. Além disso, gostei da dinâmica de repetir as músicas so que mais enxutas e com diferenças pequenas mas significativas. 8/10

Mjög gott progg. Progg sem ætti eiginlega að vera hlustað á í þreyttum La-Z-boy í brún-teppalögðu herbergi með appelsínugul-mynstruðu veggfóðri á veggjunum.

Really cool psychedelic album. From what I’ve heard it was ahead of its time.

Ik schrok wat van het eerste lied, maar de rest is echt wel nice

A+ Album title and art. Starts super strong, love the gear change into the second track. Loses its way a little the further we get in, but overall quite an enjoyable trip. Confusion will be my epitaph As I crawl a cracked and broken path If we make it we can all sit back and laugh But I fear tomorrow I'll be crying If that isn't 2016 - 2024 in a nutshell I don't know what is.

3.5

Le rock progressif est vraiment de la musique narrative. Ça paraît parfois cacophonique, mais je trouve ça plutôt contemplatif

classic

Unexpectedly awesome

As a prog child, this hits all of the right spots. It does get TOO creative in sections, but the title track "Court of King Crimson" is a forever banger.

Never heard of these guys, and I will definitely come back to this one a few times. There are some drum and guitar runs here that remind me of Yes but with a more straightforward structure.

Really enjoyed this. Playful and inventive in all the right ways. Wasn't crazy about the more jazzy bits especially the second half of Epitaph but 21st Century Schizoid Man and In the Court... stood out to me as highlights. I think I like prog now

Enjoyed this more than I expected to. This band never seemed to fully click for me but this listen I definitely appreciated a solid accomplishment in dramatic and progressive rock. First track is levels above the rest, though. Three and a half.

Great prog-rock album. Probably not for everyone but I was really into King Crimson back in high school so this one holds a special place for me.

yeah this is good shit

21st Century Schizoid Man I Talk To The Wind The Court Of The Crimson King

Cosmic horror music! Really all about the first and last tracks, but damn, ain’t they something!?

Interesting…don’t know that I’d ever listened to the whole thing before…if it was the starting point for prog-rock I get it, though I’m pretty sure Genesis and Yes already had their thoughts in mind by this point…they all seemed to be coming at it from different points, no doubt because of different influences and goals

I've liked this album for a long time. Also liked the bonus tracks on Spotify. Reading the Wikipedia article, I'd love to hear the country version of the title track.

Yessir

Lovely prog

4.2 I’ve never heard most of this album before and I really enjoyed it. Musically it is very good.

I don’t really like prog rock, it’s often so pretentious and bloated. This album is a rare exception, maybe because it was one of the earliest it wasn’t self aware or self absorbed and so it comes across as earnest. There are a lot of horrifying moments (as in 21st Century Schizoid Man), but also beautiful moments (I Talk to the Wind). The two lengthier tracks on Side 2 feel more like classical suites than rock songs, but they avoid being too abstract by retaining an overall form and theme. I couldn’t decide if this was good or great, I think I’ve had differing views over the years, but it doesn’t have many spare moments and it’s really a well executed document for its time.

While I can't help but love Pink Floyd's material in the next few years after the release of this album, there I definitely a certain level of appreciation I can't help but have for the first ever prog rock album. The guitars are absolutely phenominal with how loud yet simultaneously dreamy they are, and the incredible vocals also can't be overlooked. There were definitely a few moments that dragged on a bit and didn't really feel like they added anything, but on the whole this is an amazing album to create a new genre with.

Early prog rock. It seems that the halfway point of this record is the precise moment that the genre disappeared up its own bottom. Side 1 is really accessible but still epic. I love, love, love the strings. All three tracks are really cool. The start of Side 2 tips into territory of experimentation at the cost of enjoyment and is barely music for the 12 minute long 'Moonchild'. Fortunately the record comes back to epicness for the closing quasi-title track. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Epitaph Date listened: 30/01/24

I really liked the vibe of this album

Et af de der covers man har altid set og som har sat sig fast. Tror faktisk kun at jeg havde hørt The Court Of The Crimson King før. Pladen er fed progressiv. Jazz i første nummer, men altid med rockede undertoner.

I'm familiar with songs and hung out in a basement and listened to this on vinyl at some point in my life, but a top to bottom listen of this album is not an experience I had done often or in a long while. I know how influential it is though, and that always makes me excited to listen. 21st Century Schizoid Man is just...excellent. Banger track doing a bit of everything and being lovely about it. It is like an over the top movie chase sequence is a song. The rest of the album doesn't hit the same highs for me and the three longest songs REALLY feel their run time, but there is a lot of musically good stuff happening and I did enjoy listening to the entire album even if it did drag in a few moments.

Increasingly my yard stick for this endeavour is "Would I buy the vinyl album of this?". Yes, yes I would. It sits at the junctions of all sorts of musical alleys that I enjoy. Psych, jazz, prog, rock. It never strays too far into the weeds. For 1969 album it simultaneously sounds of it's exact time and the future.

I never listened to this band before. Don’t know how I missed it. Good listen.

Very cool album, considering it's from the 60s too. Got a bit pretentious and filler-y in the middle but it's bookended by two phenomenal performances so I'm quite pleased

I really liked most of this album but didn't love the first song (or its reprise). Pink floyd/Beatles vibes

Interesting and atmospheric at times, but leaves a little to be desired enough. Not weird enough to be eclectic, but not normal enough to fly under the radar.

This is a supreme listening experience on a good vinyl press.

Amazing album one of the best of the 60s low 9/10

fino mi rey

Jazzy and experimental, me gusta.

Fan van de stemeffecten Goede melodieën Overgang I talk to the wind is nice Niet verwacht dat dit album ook mooie, rustigere stukken zou hebben, aangenaam verrast Moonchild sleept wat te lang aan met de guitar plucking Mooike, 4 sterren

Back in the day my boyfriend loved King Crimson but I was less enthused. Listening to this album again after all this time gave me new appreciation for them.

Kind of liked this one

I found the album very psychedelic and unique. The band consisted of some very talented musicians, who didn’t play their instruments in a traditional rock and roll fashion.

Es una muy buena referencia

Not really my cup of tea but the album was really well done!

Classic album with multiple moments where I felt good things. Also love when guys write 8 minute long bleep bloop songs. Ahead of its time. But yes

My first time listening to King Crimson. I listened to it twice. First with earbuds and then with my headphones. I was sitting relaxed with subdued lightning on the second listen. It was an interesting experience. I enjoyed it and will go back and listen to the album again. I’m curious now about some of their other albums, which I will have to check out. I watched some YouTube videos afterwards on some songs from this album. An early video taking place in Hyde Park in the late sixties, where the band performed 21st Century Schizoid Man, was short but cool to watch. I was a teenager living in London when this took place.

Cool

Trippy

Great album. Great to hear the original spark of the genre. Doesn't hit and all songs, but the great ones are spectacular.

classic

This is a much laudited album that I have wanted to listen to for a long time. Not seen it at any festivals or I would have done before now. Well now, that wasn't what I expected. Don't really know what I did expect, but that wasn't it. Not to say I didn't like it, I did. I just didn't expect that. I would buy it, and it's one I will keep an eye out for. Got to be a 4.

I've been peripherally aware of King Crimson, but haven't listened to any of their albums until this review. 21st Century Schizoid Man really sounds like it could be coming and going in different directions. Is it metal? Is it psychedelic rock? Fripp's soaring solo and extended jam clearly signals the beginning of prog rock... I Talk to the Wind slows down the blistering glory of the first song. Epitaph expands out and sounds a little more epic, and reminds me of early Bowie. Moonchild has about 2 minutes of structure then devolves into a free form minimalist sound jam that might be in place with early Kraftwerk before they went electronic. In the Court of the Crimson (Kiiiiiiii-iiii-iinnnng ahhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhh) is the epic conclusion with that great chord progression/hook and keyboard solo. This track edges out 21st Century Schizoid Man for me.

- Absolutely a classic, full of amazing tracks. - Taking one star out because the interludes are too long, breaking the flow of the album, specially after "Moonchild"

Terraforming album. Prepares the ground for Emerso Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd ...

i fw this, listened to it in the car so no notes as i listened, just moonchild was a real ebb but i didn't mind it. prob need to relisten without road noise drowning that song out, 4.5/5 round down to 4 5 is tough maybe with time

I really loved the elements of jazz in this record. it caught my be surprise. I also realized this is where kanye got his power sample. i can see myself playing this record in it’s entirety again.

Vor zwei Jahren schon mal gehört, damals nicht so gefeiert, aber dieses mal hats mir gut gefallen. Vorallem das Sax und die Klarinets sind geil oft.

Crazy ass album, definitely need another listen before giving a rating fully but I’ll give it a 4.5 for now

pretty enjoyable listen even though its a little slow for my taste

I actually really enjoyed this album, excluding “moonchild”. Great mix of rock, jazz, and a smattering of other genres, kind of reminded me of some of the songs on Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, or some stuff by radio head. Very full sounds, great drums and it was neat the hear where Kanye get his sample from. I really liked the build up in some of the songs and the big crescendos. Would listen to again.

Wow, fun time trip to a different era!

Like it a lot!

Did not enjoy the first song of the album but enjoyed the rest quite a bit.

I feel like this is an album Bob Belcher would really be into. LOL

This album is from 1969. Moonchild sounds so modern its weird, not the kind of modern song I would like (too ambient) but its clear as water why its considered the first progrock album. For me this song its what drags down the album from a solid 4-4.5 21st century schizoid man also sounds very prog, very active, and with something going in every direction, very jazzy-prog, even kinda zeuhl-esque. This is one is my favorite song from the album. Epitaph its also a classic, almost an hymn, but I loved the strength and roughness of the schizoid man, also what a badass title for a song. Both are gold songs, though the fact that moonchild covers 12min of an other-way excellent 44min album and 1 slot out of five songs, its a reaaaal shame. If the album cover were a parameter for the rating it'd be 10/10 Real rating: 4.2

I have been wanting to listen to this album for a while now, so glad to finally have the chance. I really liked most of it, the only bit I didn't like was the free form jazz part of Moonchild. It felt a little needless and just kinda there not doing much. So unfortunately, although I liked everything else, the majority of Moonchild drops this down to a 4/5

Listened to before, interesting instrumental again. Higher tempo and more typical 'rock'. I want to say psychedelic but idk

4.3

:O

Kind of album that grows on you. It is weird up front, but in an interesting way.

its king crimson its yummy DUH!

Not what I expected, good psych rock album. Still can't think where I've heard that opening song '21st century schizoid man' Sounded beatle-ish

Good stuff, know em already, the album's got quite a surreal and aloof feel and is quite chill, even though at times it's a bit depressing, can also get a little long at points, the gripes are minor for sure, it does cool stuff.

sorry, I have to do my homework, but I loved it

I really love this album. Progressive rock combing what rock was built upon in a very interesting way with genres like jazz, classical compositions and more. Really unique and I'm a fan of almost every track. Interesting how Kanye sampled the 21st Century Schizoid man in "POWER." My favorite tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King. The only thing that I could somehow critique is that the length of each track is usually quite extensive, but it also gives it a vibe. Moonchild for example stands at 12min with the majority of the time occupied by very contemporary minimalist jazz which might not be for everyone, but I can see it's charm. Overall really enjoyed it. 8/10

Interesting. There's a lot going on. I like the 21st man schizoid thingy man thing idk. Will come back to it.

Occasionally a bit twiddly. But often super. Also, I absolutely love the album cover, it was always my favourite from my parents' collection when I was growing up.

Really enjoyed this album, have not listened to them before. Really enjoyed the different styles across the album and even in songs, especially given it’s a 1969 album.

I'm convinced that this is a jazz album. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a bonafide hit, and most of the other tracks are far behind. I don't think it's an album for everybody, but I would heartily recommend it to people who are remotely interested. Highlight: 21st Century Schizoid Man Lowlight: Moonchild Surprise Hit: Epitaph

Wow delving into my prog rock past. If I am honest I don’t think this has lasted too well. Sounds very dated but still love it. Greg Lake had such a good voice and Robert Fripp’s symphonic guitar. A classic album!

I'm not familiar enough with Prog Rock to have an informed opinion here. I like Yes and Rush but haven't dug much deeper. I like this album. It feels a bit weird without getting into early Genesis levels of insanity. The long songs didn't annoy me as feeling too long. I would listen to this again.

Listening to this album will always remind me of its use in Children of Men. A hauntingly beautiful album to me and generally more calmer than progressive rock tends to be.

Few songs, but with lots of substance and quirkiness. Killer album

Some insane prog/psych right here. Sounds super ahead of its time. Super tight musicianship, especially the drumming and mellotron work. Lots of people call this the first prog record, but it seems to me like they took a lot of influence from the Moody Blues? Listen to In Search of the Lost Chord and tell me that doesn't sound like this.

21st Century Schizoid Man: Gesampelt v. Kanye West (Power)

One of the better prog rock albums

Super enjoyable and can't believe this came out in the 60s! Really enjoyed this a lot. Prog rock forever. 4/5

Moonchild is a bit much…

21st Century Shizoid Man

Really likes these songs but don’t think they were really enough to be a coherent album, more like a few songs different versions

Some really good songs. But too many long weird intro/outro instrumentals for me. Almost made it a 3 because of that

Cool and unique rock/jazz songs Quite long but few songs which was great. Would listen again, genuinely enjoyed the variety

Liked this one - was good fun altho some of the songs were potentially too long.

An unmelodic, alternative and gripping adventure

It's rambling at times, welcome to prog rock! Rollicking.

oh this went crazy. i can recognize the artistry in most of these classic albums but i barely ever save them to listen to casually. however... "i talk to the wind" immediately went in the library. THE FLUTE...? absolutely also i dont know if its a crime for album covers to influence my rating but its just too good for me to not talk about it

this is probably more like a 4.5 really. i have listened before this but not extensively. prog rock time. it's not entirely what i gravitate toward but this might have changed my mind a bit... it does kinda get a bit boring in the middle there but overall i really enjoyed listening.

haven't listened to this album before, but i saw 'I Talk To The Wind' was in my liked songs and quickly found out why when i heard it today. it's great!! really fun listening experience

Musically different from other albums of this same year. Loved the slower songs dynamics.

Experimental jazz meets rock - such an interesting exploration of sound. It all feels very intentional while maintaining an ethereal quality. I love how overly long "Moon Child" is - one of the more interesting songs I've listened to in quite a while.

Hard to hear some tracks on the interstate, but I'm a fan of tracks that slow build. It seems like the first 3-4 tracks were the best. Enjoyable album, surprised I never heard of them before with how much classic rock I heard growing up.

I like

This thing is so bonkers and so good. I’m not sure I had ever listened to it in its entirety before, and now that I have. I definitely will again.

21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King are superb, but they bookend much weaker tracks. Moonchild, notably, drastically overstays its welcome and really makes the record drag. Removing Moonchild would make this a mid-to-high 4, but the record, as presented, instead ranks as a high 3/low 4.

Whenever I think about progressive rock, this album comes to mind. Great one!

A fascinating entry into the early years of the British progressive rock movement. Songs here are derived as much from Western orchestral music as they are from the blues. It's experimental and it rocks a bit less than something straight-ahead, but it's still listenable. The are only five songs, originally: 21st Century Schizoid Man is the most accessibly 'rock' tune, doubling its guitar riff with a horn section so seamlessly that you might not notice. I Talk To The Wind is a sweet tune driven by a flute melody, lovely two-part harmonies and really interesting drumming. Epitaph is gloomy and bass/keys driven under Greg Lake's best vocal performance of the record. Moonchild is highly atmospheric and a really interesting composition for rock instruments, but ultimately more a mood than a song. You might love this but you're unlikely to hum it. In The Court of the Crimson King sounds like the reprised overture from a suite, but it stands alone. No two are the same. Robert Fripp (whose control of this band later became absolute) does weird and interesting guitar things, Greg Lake kills both the bass and vocals, Michael Giles is a terribly skilled drummer (often playing in odd time signatures just so the band could show off) and Ian McDonald does just about everything else. The album is maximalist, overwhelming, thoughtful and meandering. But in 1969, this was a planted flag claiming what you could do with the instruments from a rock & roll band (plus McDonald standing in for a whole orchestra). It's not always an easy listen (though it is thoroughly, inescapably musical, unlike other albums that are described that way), but you should listen to it at least once in your life.

Always a fan of prog rock. theres a fine line to ride between repetitive and iterative that king crimson rides mostly on the iterative side

Vet album, mega veel invloed. Paar echte knallers, maar ook wat mindere nummers.

This album had jazz, rock, grunge, and soft sweet melodies that I'll never forget. A chordly cornucopia. Amazing!

An album that almost demands you sit back and absorb its immersive soundscape—featuring incredible production. I understand the hype around this album now.

Groovy album

Lekkahhhh

Very solid entry for progrock, but Moonchild just doesn’t fit in there

First listen and experience with the artist. Has vision and storytelling structure. Stands up over time.

Long live the King!

Turning rock into bollocks since 1969.

I like them! 3.5 rounded up to 4.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It’s very, very prog, but actually quite tuneful, and the noodly instrumental sections (usually) manage to add interesting ideas or build atmosphere rather than just being self-indulgent. The mythical, medieval mumbo jumbo doesn’t bother me either. It was probably all pretty forward-thinking but 21st Century Schizoid Man in particular *still* sounds so far ahead of its time. It’s a shame, then, about the last 10 minutes of Moonchild. Seriously, why put that on a record?? Still, I like the cut of rest of the album’s jib.

3.2

I think it's all technically very good and a lot of the instrumentation is interesting and sounds really nice It's a lot more mellow, sad and vocally soft most of the way through than I would expect from just the first song A lot of it does sound a bit drawn out and boring to me but that's probably because I'm not very attached and so I'm not paying that close attention But it does sound like an interesting album I can see why it would be highly rated There was some wind in an early song I liked; I like the percussion in Moonchild I do really like long songs that kind of drift into each other and contain almost subsongs so that you can listen for a long time without getting bored at all or even noticing which song is on or when it started or how long it's been on and you just get immersed in it Halfway through moonchild has a lot of really nice noises that work really well together I think Actually the whole second half of that is just very beautiful sounds including varied percussion and guitar among other things A lot of it sounds very familiar - not necessarily that it sounds particularly like much that I've heard but tbh I get the impression that it feels that way because other stuff I've listened to has been influenced by it The Court of the Crimson King also has some nice combinations of percussion, wind and guitar as well as some particularly interesting sounding wind

Easy to see why it's a classic

Great stuff! Didn't want the title track to end.

Very intense album, was not expecting to find songs i liked better than "21st Century Schizoid Man". First songs of the album felt like genesis to me. liked a lot "I Talk To the Wind"

Good music, some of the pacing is utter shit. Its prog rock so you have to expect it I guess... once the stuff gets going its good.

I liked this. It's like if The Moody Blues were into heroin.

4,5

Lekker hoor!!!

BANGER. Had 5 sterren gekregen als er meer nummers op zaten en als de nummers niet zo kk lang duurden.

Highlight of this is definitely the drum fills

Mostly I love this album. Loses a star for a few tracks being lengthy in a less good way, eg the quiet tinkling last 5 minutes of moon child.

would be a 5 if it wasnt for the fact that 3 songs are mushed into one. just let each song be their own song. it just makes the music annoying to add to any playlists. fav songs: the last 4 ones on spotify (excluding bonus)

like it. lots of crazy jazz, psychedelia and rock/metal. definite sounds of sabbath in one of the songs

This album was awesome!! Definitely going to give it a second listen. Epitaph was my favorite song.

Classic album. Love the alternating rhythms and 70s guitar riffs.

Headphone immersion experience

"Progressive Rock" has become a red flag for me, but I enjoyed this album just fine. Nothing earth-shattering, but certainly cool to listen to.

When I saw King Crimson pop up, I was thinking, “Oh…I have here of them…but is that a good thing or a bad thing…”. Turns out that it was an okay thing. I really liked some moments and really wanted some to end quickly.

abstract and weird and kinda fun :)

Needs attention

Aguante el prog

How many times must I try to listen to this album without getting lost in the nostrils of the cover art? I'd like to call this a slow burn, but slow smolder is more appropriate. The whole medieval theme carried through is a blatant signal telling me to move on... but pushing through that reveals things that come to those who wait. And wait, and wait... Love, the first song (after multiple listens), the second is fine, but drags on waaaay too long as do most of them. I suppose this is a decent album to be stoned and eat mushrooms to. The ebbs and flow of the insanely long tracks keep me holding on and provides a sense of accomplishment once this one has ended. Regardless, I'd listen to this again ... preferably with a cool buzz.

I listened to "In the Court of the Crimson King" once, and really didn't dig it. Glad I went back for a second listen a couple weeks later, because I must have been in the right frame of mind to appreciate it much more. Or maybe I was confused and it was "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" that I didn't like, because that King Crimson was just five days before this one. I guess now I'll have to listen to that one again, but now I'm dreading that a bit more. Was that the bad one? Is that the one that will make me rethink my feelings on progressive rock? Let's hope not, because "In the Court of the Crimson King" was apparently very influential in shaping the genre and deserves its accolades.

Album 129 of 1001 King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Track : 21st Century Schizoid Man I don't rave about this album as many others do. I think they had better albums. Personally, I think the cover has kept this one in peoples minds as much as the music. I would go a little deeper. but life has raised its ugly head today and must be tended to.

I liked this

Like a mix of early Pink Floyd with a touch of metal and general weirdness. I liked it!

Musicianship and production on point

Maybe the first (and one of the few) albums in this genre I ever owned. Top of the line prog rock, and I actually like it a lot. Though it carries some of the common sins of its type - there is for example a real stretch of some absolute intolerable horseshit in Moonchild. Mostly it keeps it pretty tight however.

I don’t think they’ll become a favourite of mine but I can see why others may love them.

Immediately knew I would like it, because it was progressive rock music. I absolutely love how chaotic the first song was, then it became mellow. Left a lot of room for the unexpected. Thoroughly enjoyed.

One of the best examples of experimental psychedelic rock. They were incredibly progressive and the album shows them rocking incredibly hard and also playing very soft. It’s a well produced album with good instrumentation, vocals, lyrics, and structure. Some of the later tracks were a tad drawn out, but I enjoyed most of it. 4/5

Part acid trip, part marks and Spencers advert (in a good way).

Amazing album, finally some proper music on this list. A full 5/5 would've needed for the quiet ego cling-clang bit to have been removed. Or even shortened. Nobody got time for that.a

I'm not a huge fan of progressive rock, but I do have a great deal of appreciation for the talent the musicians have and their ability to compose and play this music. It's mind blowing.

classic prog record

Really unique, and I enjoyed it a lot

I talk to the wind, don’t you know

I didnt know what to expect. Never heard of King Crimson. According to Youtube Music it was one of the first Prog Rock bands. They happily surprised me. The Album has a theme to it, which is quite different with every number. Nice assortment of instruments and vocals.

❤️ King Crimson. Greg Lake is one of my favorite bass players... and his singing ain't bad either. Very experimental and progressive. The drums on this album are killer, too. I love the energy and dynamics delivered here.

This was great. Loved the drums, the compositions, the sprawling scope of the album. It was, perhaps, a little too down-tempo for too long to make me go with a 5. Another like "21st Century Schizoid Man" and I am all in. But yeah, great stuff and a worthy inclusion on the list.

Admittedly I have avoided listening to this album so so long, I've forgotten my original reason. I enjoyed the proggy vastness much more than I imagined I would and need to come back to it again later. As I did suspect it was a little bit self indulgent but not enough to overstay it's welcome

one of the only prog albums i like

Lyrics and soundscape blew me away. A little hard to digest because of how long every song is, but it gets better each listen.

Felt like I was on a mythic quest. Classic.

So so so much better than so much of the terrible Prog Rock it spawned. 4/5

Pretty decent album

Good one!

Moonchild sucks, sonst gut