In The Court Of The Crimson King

21st Century Schizoid Man I Talk to the Wind Epitaph The Court of the Crimson King

4/10

Court of the Crimson King is an all-timer. Great prog rock album and helped cement Children of Men as my favorite movie.

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

After listening to Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson, I thought for sure I was going to hate this album. But this one actually had legit music and not noises. It's not my favorite, but I never really disliked anything that was going on while listening. Average. Really all I have to say.

Schizoid Man blasts so hard that I was able to look past all the super experimental BS in the latter tracks. I Talk isn't bad either. The drums have that awesome tempered 70s sound that I love.

Oh, we were all familiar with The Court Of The Crimson King. But it was because of the cover art, not the music. The songs were all too long to get any radio play back then. They’re still too dramatic and jazz like for me. The album made for a nice meadow walk, overall a good experience. (2.7*s)

Everything about this felt long: the songs, the album, the song names themselves, and my forthcoming review. The band name and album name don't stick with me, I don't like either and they don't match the cover art (which I do like). The first track sets a tone that the following songs don't match at all (in hindsight, it feels out of place). It's a bit screechy at times, one of the horns sounds like when you pull a balloon's neck closed, and the end is way too freeform and annoying. Also, the hook feels incomplete and I kept wanting Lake to say something after "Schizoid Man" but he leaves you hanging. "I Talk To The Wind" is ok but really sleepy, the lyrics are very surface-level obvious and I wanted something more introspective based on this soundscape. I don't hate it though because it serves as a good opener to the next three. "Epitaph" is the best track and evokes real feelings, it's almost like a funeral march. The line "Confusion will be my epitaph" is the pinnacle of the album and sorta describes it as a whole. They do something good only to negate that with some bad noodling leaving the listener mostly confused. There's three good songs in here sandwiched by some red bread. I don't like repeat songs and the last track is disposable. Based on all of the above, I can't go above a 2.15.

Quite an epic here. Some good instrumentals and experimentation but too much tinkering. Loooong songs that lose the listener. Title track was best. I recognize the album cover and never knew what it was. Not something I will be revisiting. 1.6 stars.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the other prog-rock albums that have shown up on this list. Entries from Rush, ELP and the likes have been getting a healthy bump above my initial expectations. Unfortunately King Crimson didn't follow this trend. I wanted to like this album it but really couldn't get into it at all. It's a mess of long bland songs and honestly a little annoying. I will be filing this one away for good. 1.22 stars

Simply incredible.

I did enjoy this album. Loved the first track. Loved the flute incorporated in other tracks (I hope, it was the flute :D ). Yeah, overall nice album.

Cult classic. No less no more.

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

Absolute classic album with some amazing songs. Some boring moments but overall you can see the vision of the album. Hugely influential too

Progressive rock? Jazz? Who cares? Crazy stuff here; really interesting. 8/10

Dunno if I need to listen again

Heck yeah

Altogether, a good, solid album. Too self-indulgent by times, but the rest is good listening. Would listen again.

Wasn't my thing really

A classic. And second king crimson from 1001 this week.

I understand this album's significance, but just doesn't really do it for me after 21st century schizoid man.

A classic. A little too much music theory faffing for my liking, and I think rock has aged poorly. But there are unbeatable moments on this album.

There is an edge to this that sets it apart from other prog rock of that era. But it still devolves into the flute laden boredom of Jethro Tull at the their worst. I would probably like these prog rock albums more without the vocals and their middle earth elven lyrical delivery.

Heavily instrumental… lots of jamming. Not my taste all around but catchy hook on 21st century Schizoid Man

Good album.

I think there’s some kind of spiritual blockage in my brain that makes me incapable of truly enjoying prog

Like it 👍 3/5

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

Does nothing to alter my view that all prog is just a steaming pile of wanky toss. Gets a star for 20th Century Schizoid Man, but otherwise just fuck off with the self indulgent twaddle.

I recognize why this is significant, but there's just so much that it becomes a blur without any real landmarks

Fourteen year old me probably would have loved it, but I did not hear it then. Still, not too bad.

Aboslute perfection.

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

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

8/10

One of the initiators of progressive rock, of course I like this album. It feels less like symphonic rock, and more of a musical based on a dystopia novel. Very dramatic and intense but not the kind of music I'm looking for in progressive rock. Perhaps that label is misplaced for me. Still, it is full of inspiring and innovative rock. 4/5 for personal preference. 4.5 for influence on future rock.

So many sounds. Not every song is a banger, a slow burn.

Okayyy I like this one - really want to listen to it again while tripping. There's so much happening and it changes up so fast. I think my favourite on second listen is 'Epitaph'

This was way better than a lot of the prog rock I've been subjected to on this experience. I would revisit this album sometime, in fact.

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

Better than expected, more variety of instrumentation and ambient sounds than I thought there would be. Enjoyed it. Moonchild could be skipped, Count of the Crimson King and I Talk To The Wind are the highlights here.

Definitely unique I'll give it that. Can't say I see myself revisiting it, parts were good but too many long stretches of nonsense noise

Weirdly engaging…

A milestone in rock albums, a standard among prog-rock albums. Honestly, not a bad album. Do I love it? No, not really, but I appreciate it for what it is and what the musicians are doing. It's worth a few listens, anyway.

I was really into this album for most of it. I usually don't like prog rock but I found this to be pretty innovative and fun even despite what massive dorks these guys are. Then came Moonchild. I don't respect what they did on that track - thought it was way too much disparate noise for the sake of disparate noise. I was actually going to give this a five but that track is going to bump this down a whole star for me.

I liked it a lot.

Side A is absolutely iconic and outstanding, probably better than anything that Pink Floyd had done up to this point. 21 Century Schizoid Man and Epitaph are both songs for the ages. Side B starts out pleasant enough but then loses me in the middle with the long directionless outro of Moonchild. I also could have done without the epilogue that doesn't really add much after the false ending of the quasi title track. But those are minor quibbles.

Occasionally good but mostly just weird. Long tracks with random guitar noises. Might have been a better album if it was shorter.

I've been listening to this album all day and I'm only now starting song 5? Also, this fantasy-type music that should be in a movie with fairies and nymphs has never been my thing.and I guess it still isn't.

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

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

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

Amazing album. First track blew me away. All the best of prog rock! Never heard of this band before, love this find.

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

Never want to listen to Prog-rock again

I still just don't like Moonchild. It's way too loose for my taste. That said, the rest of it? Gold.

I guess this is the progenitor of all the great progressive groups that would appear in the next few years. Such talented and inventive musicians would add to the canon of King Crimson and continue to produce great music up to the present day.

Too much prog, not enough rock.

Some classics, and a great final piece that sounds more experimental/jazzy. Can see why this is influential.

I think I like it! 4/5

It was late 60/early 70 Brit prog rock for sure. Just had a hard time enjoying this one.

It’s a 1 because it was way too long and ended up being very pointless. It was not good at all.

Yeah okay whatever. First track I was like okay cool I can work with this. Then the second track came and I was like wow this is a let down. This cycle continued throughout the album and throughout the last two songs as well. I mean the Moonchild song was just some dudes farting around on random instruments for like 4 minutes. Also the album cover is really dumb and I don't like it.

um, no. prog rock/psych rock not my thing to begin with. but this was just waaaaay too long-tracks and album. felt like it was just bunch of rambling lyrics & music. guitar was nice on "Into the Wind" & that was about it. 2.5 stars

yeah, yeah king crimson

it's king crimson, a group that embodies progressive rock and it could never gone wrong

Unhinged Beatles psychedelic rock 5/10

This was weird. It started off sounding like it would be quite an interesting listen but it really trailed off and it eventually just sounded like they were in demo mode and taking the piss with who could make a sound next.

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

Very long songs, some were just noise. I still liked it though.

Very impressive. Needs more listens, but so far really enjoyed "21st Century Schizoid Man"

its a fun album. I like their other one and I like this one. 4 stars.

its a classic, eye opener,

4.25

Oh, I liked this. I like the similarities between this and the Moody Blues (which came first, I don't care - give credit to whoever it is - I just like the way it sounds). 4/5

Yeah I really like this one

meh

Not for me didn't do it

Strange sound - interesting but at times felt like a beginner playing random notes for the heck of it. Some songs were impressive and thought out though, just not the entire album.

En av pelarna för musiknördar. Aldrig velat se mig som en men är omöjligt att säga att detta är något annat än fantastiskt

Not that worse kind of prog-rock that I was afraid of before.

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

Un álbum para hacer más cosas. Siento que tiende a ser repetitivo en las canciones más extensas, sin embargo se siente homogéneo, y necesaria cada canción. El principio y final del mismo se sienten unidos, la parte central demasiado emocional. Pero, no lo escucharía completo nuevamente.

Not sure why but I wasn't expecting to enjoy this, so it was a pleasant surprise.

3.5/5

Some pretty cool parts. Great production and atmosphere. Too nerdy for me.

Cult album. Quite popish for progressive rock. At a certain point it becomes quite boring.

First side is better, second side is a bit too experimental

Very good

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

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

One of the classics, for good reason. Moonchild is a little bit filler-ish, but there are plenty of amazing moments to make up for the few lackluster ones

Wow, just not a fan. It's Jazz on steroids! I can't see or feel the connective tissues, it's so random & wandering. Amazing if you're a musician yourself, not so much if you're not - I appreciate the chops and artistry, just not the music. I like some prog-rock but this was just not on target for me personally. I remember the edited version of "21st Century Schizoid Man" from rock radio when I was a kid. Tracks 2-4, I'd sum up as "dreary". I somehow made my way through the entire album, but for me this would never make my Top 2001. I am surprised this album has the following it has. 2 stars for artistry, staying power & musicianship.

Not much to say and do it justice. Amazing album that does not get stale. It is, I think, too different of modern day, I want to say punk rock, but I do not feel confident in the characterisation. Too different as in, nothing compares. No album realised in 2025 can be like this one. It, too, has a nostalgia factor in it, even though I only knew of parts of each musical piece. I have to say that it is an instant save and a respectable choice for the "Hall of Fame"

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

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

This album was an interesting trip between "wow this sounds pretty good" to "what am I listening to?". Sometimes this would happen between songs, sometimes in would happen over the course of a singular song. However, that's the spirit of prog rock I suppose, with this album being instrumental to the rise of prog rock, and to my shock, an influence on even Kanye West.

Truly a landmark album. Here we see the birth of prog rock. We have a single track, 21st Century Schizoid Man, that is innovative in both sound and scope. And then every other song is a boring slog featuring the ramblings of a lead singer who has nothing to say. A triumph in sucking and being boring

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

well i liked it!

I don't get it. Was cool to hear where that one Kanye sample came from, but otherwise this is NOT for me. Moonchild is 12 minutes of straight up nothing.

There is certainly some good stuff here, I can see the appeal, but it's a bit too much for an hour with the insanely long songs. The whole album didn't grab me that much, but 21st Century Schizoid Man is a certified banger though, so much so that it single-handedly carries the album to a 3 star rating.

Incredible prog rock, this album deserves the acclaim it gets. Very approachable yet avant garde at the same time. My want to increase the rating on a repeat listen. The album really felt like a journey more than just music which is what I want from prog rock

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

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

4.5

J’ai aimé une seule chanson. Le reste est sympa mais trop long

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

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

Never heard one thing they've done. I love this. I will listen to more now. It's long, a bit over an hour, and only 8 songs but worth listening to.

I mean, it wasn’t bad. And I appreciate what it means. But prog rock isn’t really my thing.

An essential progressive art rock album which also packs an unusual punch. A great mix of bombast and melancholy accentuated by Peter Sinfields imaginative, unnerving lyrics. Save for 'Moonchild', I think this album offers something for those who are not necessarily sold on Prog Rock.

Quite nice

The songs that are songs are pretty good.

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

Molto bello

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

Yes. This is the origin of progressive rock, an it is very avant guard, experimental, genre fusion, etc. It is also pretty amazing. I admit that I don't understand what is going on, but I also can appreciate what is here in my limited capacity.

How anyone could DARE rank this corny, fake Medieval nonsense alongside Zeppelin, Floyd, Sabbath, is totally beyond me. Ok, “21st Century Schizoid Man” does rock a bit, but it would still be the worst track on any of the above bands’ records.

Brilliant album ruined by 12 minutes of literal silence in the middle

Lots of great musicianship going on here, but to my ear sometimes it's ponderous and monotonous. 21st Century Schoizoid Man is a rocker, truly great song. I Talk to the Wind, Epitath and Moonchild all seem to run together until we get to the Court of the Crimson King. Interesting moment in prog, but it's a little dated in 2024.

As pretentious as it comes but yeah it's still decent

definitely a class rock vibe, not my cup of tea (lol.) the musicality is overall very well blended and tells a story. the lyricism is creative but i can't really connect to it. 6/10.

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

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

If it weren’t for albums like this, we may not have the “Stonehenge” scene from This is Spinal Tap. So…thank you?

Top notch first song, but the rest are all low energy snoozers. Incredibly disappointing.

Great start that fell off quickly.

I've listened to this multiple times in the past in an attempt to enjoy King Crimson. This attempt proved no different to me; I still don't really like it. It's too disjointed or something for me. I'm sure, just like most jazz, it's me, not the band. Clearly talented musicians. Again, I'm disappointed in my level of prog.

Bought the LP, classic Crimson

Exceeded expectations

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

In its interesting moments, this album is super interesting. I think there is so much baggyness with long extended bits at the ends of songs that ultimately lead to absolutely nothing. I don't mind stuff being experimental or jamming or making songs longer, but there has to be something going on, otherwise it's just quiet noise that means nothing. What makes it worse is that when there is something good going on, EVERYTHING is happening.

Interesting album. Never heard of the band or the album before. I can see why it has such a cult following for the Prog Rock scene. But I'll probably never listen to this one again.

I was somewhat familiar with King Crimson but had never listened to an entire album. Enjoyable enough and you can hear a lot of their contemporaries in the songs. Probably not an album I will listen to again.

Quite groovy and enjoyable. Prog fun

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

It’s fine, I just don’t like progressive rock

3.8 2x not what i was expecting. cool jazzy album

This is a quintessential prog rock album. Very good!

Definitely an interesting album. Some parts were good, but the noodling was a bit too aimless at times. 2.5/5 Might listen again

Banger opening tune, great use of woodwinds on the following track, and then it just kind of meanders from there.

Experimental and fun .

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

Title song is masterful. Great band behind this album.

It was fine. Some of the songs felt like they took themselves too seriously, which dragged down the bits of the album that were fun.

This one had me feeling like I Talk to the Wind.

It was really interesting. Trippy

Really enjoyed some of this, awesome stuff

Pretty good actually. New to me but i enjoyed all of this and really got into some of it. Some great tunes here and clever use of wind instruments. Very good progressive rock album indeed

I loved how the fisrts song was sampled by Kanye West. I will relisten thou. It is not my thing but I hope i get to like it.

Surprised to find I didn't like the opening track all that much... Too jazzy and wanky. Really liked the next few tracks though.

I've tried, but this just doesn't seem to agree with me. I know that its rated a classic by many, but too difficult for me to get into. I do like some of Fripp's later solo work, and definitely his work with Bowie and The Roches.

Somehow this all holds together, despite the sprawling, monstrous ambition and maximalism of the approach. Opener is dull and dumb, but everything else "I Talk to the Wind" and "Epitaph" are good, particularly the vocals on the latter. Musically, it's interesting and maybe not as altogether out there as its reputation suggests. "Moonchild" and title track are slightly less good, mainly long. Cover art is dumb and not at all representative, which one believes it should be, especially for a record like this. Overall, however, history seems to have been kinder to this album that some other KC outings.

Screamy man screamy man! If you collect vinyl you know this is a prog rock all timer, how have I not listened to it before? This was epic. The only track I didn't like was the boring ahh Moonchild, only reason I brought this down to four stars. Maybe I'm just not high IQ enough to enjoy it.. but I was bored. Every other tune was a pleasure to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed and will be revisiting this album for years to come. Now I just need to get it on vinyl.

When this album first began I liked it a lot, but as it went on it slowly lost me. The track "Moonchild" devolves into random noises that I wouldn't classify as music at all. I have to wonder how the recording and mixing sessions for this track went. "So like you want a half of a cymbal hit and then 1 second of silence followed by like two plucks of a guitar string?" "Yea but then it should be half a second of silence and then start the drum line beat that just plays for 30 seconds or so, also pass me one of those xylophone sticks I'll just hit some random notes while all that happens." I like my music to be musical and not just some avant garde noises thrown together haphazardly. A potential 4 star album cut down to 2 stars after this ridiculous track.

It’s a great album

Funky jazz swing with a dash of metal.

Outstanding musicianship 4.6

I just want to say that this is my favourite album cover of all 1089 albums. I'm really not sure why, but it's obviously a striking, jarring, memorable piece of art. Anyway, I liked this more than I was expecting to, given that it’s prog! Pleasantly surprised by this one.

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

Honestly I really enjoyed this. First song is great - really enjoyable when you want good music but not an incredibly active listen.

I know people who's musical opinion i respect that consider this not only the best prog rock record but also one of the all time best records in general. That being the case I learned here that prog rock definitely doesn't do much for me.

Great album but it lost me near the end. Moonchild was simultaneously the best and worst song on the album. 21 century schizoid man is a great name.

They lost me at Moonchild. First half of the album was great. But the slower, stranger second half lost me.

Lots of instrumental breaks, rly liked I talk to the wind

hey that was actually pretty good. it felt less indulgent and silly than a lot of other prog that i’ve heard, much more dynamic…these guys know how to edit! i know this is revered as one of the best albums of all time and i suppose i don’t have any reason to dispute it, but i also don’t think i’ll become obsessed with it anytime soon…i quite like robert fripp’s guitar playing on a lot of other songs out there in the world (especially on ”hammond song” by the roches AKA one of the best songs ever recorded) so that tracks.

I liked thaaaaaat. I feel like prog rock is very hit or miss for me (see: Pink Floyd 😀 vs Yes 😐) but this was cool and experimental and interesting, and ultimately not too drawn out. The songs were long but they didn’t feel long because the different movements/”suites” within each one felt dramatic and necessary rather than overkill. The sound of this album has an edge to it that I really enjoyed. But at the end of the day I’m still biased and will choose the Kanye sample as my favorite track because I do think that stands out compared to the rest, even though the album ended really well. *Best tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man*

Fuck. That was a lot. I think I would like it better if it was made now with a more modern vibe. And less...jazz. Oh, I'm skipping that second track. I'm case you think it's about to drop, it doesn't. Flutey folk wank all the way through. Is this prog? I'm not the boss of that, but if it is, then it sure got better in later years. Two stars.

progressive rock before the green party of canada vietnam war protest music before the rolling stones did it concept album from the same time as modern art before modern times would listen again

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

what else was it going to be?

Love the first and last songs

What a bold album to release as your debut. Feels very ahead of its time for an album released in 1969. Cracker of an opening song. Talk to the wind - nice. The meandering components of songs like moonchild where there's extended periods of meaningless noodling gets very tiresome - like I get this is a prog album but seriously... It's memerorable only in it's ability to create irriration in the listener. Besides that lull in the middle, a strong album. 4/5. The court of the crimson king is such a breath of fresh air after the snoozefest of moonchild.

The album is one of the earliest and most influential of the progressive rock genre. 1969. Distorted vocals, great guitars and drums. Almost sounds like Jazz, super lively. DNA of a lot of later bands and music. Very abstract at times, then back to very traditional prog rock. Ambitious album.

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

Kanye sample in the first track.

Surprisingly enjoyable.

Well, I hate the album cover. Good thing I didn’t see that as a kid or it would have been the source of my nightmares for years. Without listening to a note, I’m guessing these guys are heavy. Let’s see. Ok, first song in and I thought that was a Beatles song. This is what I think Prog Rock sounds like. It’s hard to imagine how someone could think to follow up 21st Century with a song like I Talk to the Wind. Musically this is solid. Lyrically it’s a “try hard”. It’s like medieval sounding where I need a crown and a wench. I don’t think I’ve taken such a downturn in emotions over an album so quickly. 21st Century starts off banging and then the knife of enjoyment is pulled out of your heart and you are bleeding out quickly. This is a hard one for ranking. I’m not an instrumental music guy but if these guys removed the singing I’d rank it high. It’s not a terrible album but the lyrics are terrible. It’s like a series of David Bowie B sides when he was too fucked up to get through a song in one take. Choice cut: 21St Century Schizoid Man

While it had its moments of getting way too noodly, I get the hype for this one. Very much ahead of it’s time for progressive/experimental rock

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

Well, it's better than "Larks' Tongues in Aspic", that's for sure.

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

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

前摇的神，无需多言

I'm not gonna like this, am I? Ohhh 21st century schizoid man is sampled by the Kanye album I really like! Actually didn't hate it as much as I thought I would, 2*

Amazing

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

Liked this more than I thought. Really grew on me. Started a bit weak and then got into it at the end. The song The Court of the Crimson King rips.

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

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

I liked this much more than the other King Crimson album. Was pleasantly surprised to hear the album kick off with a song that was sampled in MBDTF.

Really enjoyed, it was a bit mad but I liked it

No, just no

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

Awesome Album!!

Strange and interesting album. Had to give it two listens which definitely helped. With the first listen I would have rated this as 2 but the second go bumped it to 3. Favorite track was 21st Centuruy Schizoid Man.

was in my rotation semi-recently but its never a bad time to listen. much like violator this has never quite hit my Favorite Album instinct but has been a reliably perfect piece of work with nothing else that quite scratches its itch, especially impressive given its such a thorough stylistic almanac of so many ways in which prog would evolve from here...i talk to the wind sounds ripped right from the canterbury scene, moonchild's jam is in the dna of so many avant prog bands, and all the other tracks take up spaces inbetween from theatrics to jazz to metal. they are ofc also just perfectly crafted songs with a sweeping escapist atmosphere u cant find anywhere else. this album deffo didnt Invent prog rock, the moody blues/procol harum/the nice/probably a bunch of other bands had already been confirming that the existence of prog rock or at least something with a similar philosophy was inevitable, but its this album that set down the shape of the genre as something other than a general direction, like how black sabbath's self-titled set down the shape of metal beyond the simple instinct to make rock music heavier and louder. im prob due for a king crimson dive...

Despite being an avowed prog fan, I've never listened to this and never tried to get into King Crimson, always telling myself I'll give it some dedicated time later. That time is now! Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed it! Not much to say other than it was a great time, just slightly losing me when it gets a bit more free jazz than I'd like. Will definitely listen again.

Really enjoyed this.

It was too wankery for me. Too many notes, not enough substance.

This is what I came for. Exposure to shit I would never listen to otherwise..... One of my fave doves songs is built upon the KC song Moonchild 🤯

A landmark prog album. There's nothing really like it. God I love the drumming. All amazing except the 10 mins of pointless noodling on side 2. It's a 5 otherwise.

I gave this albulm a second listen. I never thought that this albulm was able to live up to its reputation, and I still don’t. It’s definitely influential, but I feel like most bands since have figured out what needed to stay and what needed to go. Favorite song: I talk to the wind Least Favorite: Moonchild

Second album de KC généré dans la liste. Je l'avais écouté une première fois fin 90, sans vraiment accrocher sauf sur 21st Century Schizoid Man. Et cette opinion moyenne est restée. Depuis j'ai découvert le jazz, et d'autres album de KC, en particulier Red que j'ai plus apprécié. Mais pour moi la révélation a été le DVD 'Eyes wide open' que j'ai trouvé vraiment fantastique. Ce premier album me parait maintenant bien plus intéressant, l'instrumentation, les improvisations très libres et les harmonies originales m'ont finalement conquis. Je ne lui met cependant pas la note maximale, la période avec Trey Gunn étant de mon point de vue la meilleure dans la vie du groupe. => 4.5/5

This I find quite difficult. I think King Crimson is a very interesting band, which plays really interesting music. The problem is, I have never really liked their music. I have over the time listened quite a lot to some of their albums but I always find something missing. Composing and playing more complex music than most bands is something I like but the result has also to be likable ... and here the problem starts for me.

Wow, it's mint. The 12 minute song though...

Enjoyable listen

This is exactly the type of record I’m into. Beautiful, gentle compositions with complementary vocals in well-choreographed frequency. It’s reminiscent of a very good movie soundtrack. Well sequenced and seamless as a listen. This one is really nice.

This was really cool. Need to give it lots of relistens.

Undoubtedly ground-breaking in 1969. Now, it sounds largely just self-indulgent, I'm afraid.

Evaluating an album like this presents certain difficulties. It’s been over 50 years since this record’s release. Countless artists and records have been influenced by King Crimson. So, trying to listen to this in a vacuum is impossible. All those subsequent offerings color my perception of this record. So, I don’t want to be too harsh in my evaluation. But I found much of this album to be dull. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-in-the-court-of-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

One of my all time favourite albums. Way ahead of its time!

The ultimate in Prog Rock!

good listen, not my style rn but its quality is always enjoyable as the titan for progresive rock it was and it is

If you like prog rock at all this is fundamental for understanding where bands like rush and genesis got their influence from. It’s such a beautifuly composed debut album full of jazz and experimental drawn out compositions. Even moon child which is a huge change of pace holds its own. Also, Kanye even reused the iconic 21st century intro… says enough. 4.5

Pretty much head-over-heels for "21st Century Schizoid Man," but pretty much don't give a shit about the rest

Not bad

I’ve heard the album before, and enjoy it. I just don’t think it lives up to the first listen.

The first 3 tracks are just about as good as prog rock gets. The last 2 tracks are everything that’s utterly terrible about prog rock. Why do they always have to ruin it? 3.2

“Nice argument. However, I have depicted you as the schizoid man and myself as the crimson king.” “Moonchild” was weird huh.

Pretty good album, I know I’ve seen/listened to some of this but not straight through. There were some times where the mix levels felt off, like the drums were too loud in relation to vocals, etc.

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

Half of this is a magnificent prog rock album. The other half is trying to be, but not quite getting there. Sure, it may be one of the first, if not the actual first properly prog rock albums and therefore you can justify it taking a while to find its feet, but objectively, this album finishes way stronger than it starts.

cult album of the progenitor of progressive rock. now it is clear what influenced genesis. soft sound of many tracks and their "non-pop" was good

Fantastical, and jazzy at times, it's a incredibly fun listen... Experimental and patient too, love the drawn out middle on Moonchild, what a special song

3/5

This is probably a prospective five but this album demands to be registered to over and over. It's exciting and interesting.

It's a cosmic mix of the action of The '80s combined with the exploitation films of The '70s, but with modern touches. It's hyperviolence, but it knows what it is. It's a bit Tarantino, definitely a bit Michael Mann. It's sort of a cosmic gumbo. It almost moves to the beat of jazz.

been meaning to listen to this for a long time so i’m glad i got the opportunity! i like some prog but it’s not like my favorite genre or anything, obviously very cool to hear the source of so many samples. i can appreciate the technical merits without wanting to revisit it, and nothing else on the album really comes close to matching that first song imo. but a great time!

Not good!

I never know what to expect with prog rock, and this was no exception. It was weird, and flirted with a lot of different influences and styles. I thought parts of it were great, but it also got a bit too indulgent for my taste. It has a "jam band" feel at times, and I think they didn't really care if I was actually listening for long stretches. Ultimately, I respect it more than I like it. It plays around with new tools and styles available, and I could almost place some more mainstream works that this inspired. One more note, I'm glad this popped up before that Kanye album did. I really like that this list is randomized, because it keeps genres and eras unpredictable and fresh, but I think a minor tweak so that albums that are heavily sampling or riffing from another are biased to come after would be helpful, at least for people like me who are using this to explore music history.

It’s incredible to think this album came out in 1969 - an achievement, in my opinion, greater than the moon landing. The first , third, and final track are just outstanding and obviously have a huge influence on so many great bands. “Blood rack, barbed wire. Politician's funeral pyre. Innocents raped with napalm fire, 21st century schizoid man”

The vocals, the sound, the crisp bass lines. What an amazing album!

Full Disclaimer: I know this album is very influential for other prog rock groups to come, but to be quite honest, this album is just a bit beyond my level of prog rock enjoyment. It goes way too wacky in too many spots. It's a bit chaotic to start with 21st Century Schizoid Man, lots of noise and random bits of instruments thrown in there. I Talk To The Wind is a lot more mellow with a very nice flute solo to end out the song. I fell asleep listening to Epitaph and Moonchild. The last track, The Court of the Crimson King, is a nice wrap-up for this album. Again, not my favorite stuff here, but I appreciate the influential nature of it. 2.25/5, so I'm rounding down to 2.

This started really really well. After track 1 I was ready to give this album 5 full stars. By the end, after I'd been dragged through Moonchild and back, my opinion shifted significantly.

Some interesting tracks, but they are often overly self-indulgent... oh and the sax seems out of place at times.

Prog rock for the win! Where would we be without King Crimson and, around the same time, Can?

Gives me jethro tull vibes, I quite like

Fucking peakkkkkkkk

already listened to this album, but its a very solid album nice precursor to gybe lol

Too diverse in one album.

is this a jojo reference????

I was so close to giving this a perfect score, but then the latter half of Moonchild left me feeling irritated and impatient. It got a little too weird and wacky there for me. Outside of this, I love this album. It denies being held within only one genre and walks around between prog rock, folk, and straight up jazz. This album is an easy recommend.

Meant to snag a picture of who this influenced and send it to Jesser. Cool album with a good amount of notable inspirations for other bands to come.

A fantastic debut record that is amongst one of the greatest albums of the prog rock genre.

I have enjoyed this album a lot; however, Moonchild really lets the album down by having 10 minutes where nothing much happens which made me feel bored.

King Crimson is one of my favorite bands! This album is a masterpiece, I like it very much! It is really progressive.

Liked it, then didn’t, then did… Some of this was so good and other parts were so-so. Hate the album cover. Overall for me, probably a 3, but I think it’s deserving of a 4.

Loved the opening track, but it's pretty average 60s jam band stuff after that. You can hear how this was an influence on bands that came later, so an interesting listen overall.

How did they cook this up in 1969 Would be a 5 if not for Moonchild

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: 21st Century Schizoid Man, I Talk To The Wind, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Was expecting it to be a lot less accessible due to its reputation as a cliche audiophile pick. When they remember that they're recording an album it's awesome, if Moonchild was like 5 minutes shorter this would probably be a 5.

Definitely the forerunner to Rush.

Man kan i stort sett höra resan från Beatles till Black Sabbath hända i realtid. Inspelningen är som vanligt helt fläckfri. Musikernas förmåga lika så. Stundtals blir det bara konstigt och delar av albumet tillför inget annat än ett tidsenligt utlopp av drogkreativitet. Överlag, en bra platta.

It was ok. It definitely had some fun moments, and maybe if it was 1970s, and I was sitting on a beanbag chair and listening to it on vinyl with friends, and mild hallucinegics, I would enjoy it more.

It’s a shame that this album is filled with filler for how absolute killer the first song is. I don’t mind listening to it, but when l compare it to other albums it’s just not quite there. I’ll give it a 2 just for the sake of the first song.

Classic Prog Rock album. Had only ever heard 21st Century Schitzoid Man so it was good to hear the whole album.

Mad

Good parts and parts I didn't like as much

Never got this album

Never heard of this but I really enjoyed the album

I kinda liked the jam band vibe of it

Terrific

4.6

Never would have guessed that this proto-metal/prog record came out in 1969. It sounds like something from much later, though I suppose The Beatles had already done "Helter Skelter" and Black Sabbath was already working on their debut at the same time. I've known of King Crimson for decades because of Stephen King's Dark Tower series — one of my favorite series of all time — which incorporates the idea of the Crimson King for its central villain. But I'd never gotten around to listening to them aside from a song or two. This album is pretty trippy. It alternates between high-powered hard rock (21st Century Schizoid Man) and slower jazzy ballads like something The Beatles or Pink Floyd would do (I Talk to the Wind, Moonchild). There are flute and oboe solos on this! A lot of this album feels like a more sophisticated, better executed version of what Led Zeppelin were going for. I've listened to this a few times now. The first couple were more of a background listen while I was doing other things. I found it enjoyable but wanted to do a deeper listen. Really sitting down and listening with headphones and reading the lyrics is a very different experience. It goes from "hey, that's pretty cool" to "whoa, this is something special." I'm not always a huge fan of meandering, noodly prog songs. They often feel overly long and pretentious. But with a concept album about the apocalypse, it kind of has to be ambitious, you know? The big symphonic elements on this album lend an appropriate gravitas to the subject matter about a man feeling disconnected and disillusioned from a society that seems to be crumbling before his eyes. The lyrics are poetic and well done, the narratives managing to feel expansive and epic but claustrophobic and personal at the same time, really putting you in that end-of-the-world mindset. It's very cinematic. The length of some of these songs was off-putting to me at first glance — the shortest song is 6 minutes, with the longest getting over 12. But somehow it never feels overly long. There's always something new and interesting happening, and it's always moving forward rather than just stalling in place so the band can show off their musical chops. The music is organized intentionally to build atmosphere and create a specific mood. It's incredibly cohesive as a concept and an album. And even if each individual track is long, there are only 5 of them, so it doesn't feel like too much. The more I listen to this, the more I like it. It's clear that this was a massively important album that influenced a ton of artists. And it still holds up today. The content matter feels evergreen and the music timeless. 5/5

This album (only my second one) was challenging to stick with. Track 1--makes me feel anxious; Track 4, atmospheric and interesting--mostly no objections--but too long; Track 5 was more accessible for me; Track 6, nope again but it did compel me to do an internet search to learn more about it; Track 7 helped to repair my brain. Track 8, no surprise, not for me. I learned something today so no harm, no foul.

9/10 Almost flawless. Beautiful instrumentally. Mixes jazz, rock and some classical elements too Favourite Song=21st Century Schizoid Man Least Favourite=Moonchild

MBDTF reference.

Dude. Dude. I don't really like prog, I never have. But dude. My friend Felipe always talking about how good this album is. I'm sorry I never believed you brother. Hail King Crimson. Hail Prog. Hail the red screamy man. HAIL. HAIL. HAIL.

Original Prog Rock LP that helped define a music genre! A Band that continued to define Progressive Rock for decades!

4.5☆/5 10.07.2024

Weird, but in a good way. First song was sampled by kanye on power so its goated. Overall thought it was cool, not too sure its my style tho

Really really enjoyed it. Like pink Floyd, the Doors and the Beatles had a weird 3-way baby. Moonchild was the only track to let it down

Loved 21st century schizoid man and epitaph. Enjoyed the quirky psychadelic tinge

Probably overhyped but still great. Basically sounded like the Beatles writing a 40 minute long Bond theme on LSD 21st Century Schizoid Man is such a good song 4.25/5

Unsure if it was the fumes because I was painting whilst listening but very enjoyable, epitaph and crimson in particular

I had never heard of the band but I have heard of it's first track, 21st Century Schizoid Man, which was sampled by Kanye West's record; Power. The guitar, drums, and wind instruments add layers that work well together. There were very tranquil, almost therapeutic, moments in the album that were quite refreshing. The Court Of The Crimson King was one of my favorite tracks. Overall this is a good album.

Probably the best concert experience I've ever had was seeing King Crimson Discipline tour on Halloween at Carnegie Mellon in 1981. All the students were in costume and the band seemed to eat it up. KC has always meant Halloween music for me ever since. Up until that point, I only knew Court of the Crimson King. I 1st heard it when I was about 9 years old and my brother brought it home from college. Of course I had never heard anything like it. And although there was pre-prog like Sgt Pepper and Pet Sounds, and classical rock like Days of Future Past which preceded it, CotCK is credited with being the 1st prog album because everything about it was an example of full on prog at its peak. And although prog is often discredited in hindsight, in some cases not without good reason, its influence was huge on almost all music that followed. For me, there was enough great music in the prog era that still holds up today; & CotCK is one of the best examples. The power of the opening number 21st Century Schizoid Man is undeniable. It is meant to be heard as loud as your equipment can handle. Talk to the Wind is a nice number to come down with. It incorporates avant guard/free jazz sensibilities that hold your interest even after years of listening. Epitaph is a great number with the apocalyptic message of the times at the front. The line "Knowledge is a deadly friend, if no one sets the rules. The fate of all mankind, I see, is in the hands of fools." still rings true today. ANd you got to love the use of the Mellotron. Moonchild is another experiment into the avant guard and that segues into the wonderful Mellotron driven title track. All together a monster creation and a milestone in the rock pantheon. 5+

10/10 no notes. I love prog and this is the quintessential prog album in my eyes.

(10) ★★★★★

"Moonchild" is too long an plodding, but the rest of the album is fantastic, especially "Epitaph", my beloved! 5 stars

21st Century Schizoid Man is cool, but the rest of the album doesn't do much for me. 3 stars.

4.5

4 of the most legendary and timeless prog rock and music rock songs of all time. Plus Moonchild.

Second to last song loses me but everything else is sick. Big fan of this album and what it did for prog rock.

The good parts are really good but there are a lot of snoozeworthy parts as well. I like King Crimson a lot but this is not the album I find myself reaching for often. Favorite Track: 21st Century Peepee Man

A good beginning but later albums like Starless and Bible Black really capture them better.

Notes Father of prog rock Repeatable Ish Influence Kanye

Very cool stuff. My high level take on this is they aren't great song writers, but everything else is top notch. As many epic moments as there are confounding moments. I don't understand the purpose of the diddling on Moonchild that lasts 10 minutes. It does make the intro to "The Court of the Crimson King" pop, but 10 minutes of random sounds feels excessive. At moments I’m definitely engaged and enjoying parts, but there are also moments where it sounds like Spinal Tap with a music degree.

I liked this. Very proggy and over the top, so not my usual thing. But I liked it for what it was

Ive been listening to 21st century schizoid man since i heard it 5 years ago at Zeitgeist. I always thought this was was from a new band.. my mind was blown when I read that this was from 1969. I have a hard time thinking about what it wouldve been like to have experienced the prog rock ideas mixed with early metal before 1970. That mustve been tremendously avant garde I really appreciated Talk To The Wind (duo version) as well

I enjoyed parts of this. If I'd heard it with no context, I'd have said the Court of the Crimson King was by David Bowie (in a good way – the Ziggy Stardust kind of way). Some interesting folk tracks too – I enjoyed the harmonies. Some parts felt intentionally discordant and challenging (21st Century Schizoid Man), but overall it pleased my ear more than it grated. Fascinated that Kanye dug this deep on a sample.

Thought this was pretty cool - lots of similarities with Tull. Funny to hear the Kanye sample source here. Fripp also played guitar on the Eno/Byrne record - this was better!

Big nostrils on that guy. So nerdy but a lot of cool songs and the improvisational one reminded me of Tom and Jerry

More prog. Why do critics love prog so much I can see why this was so influential, most of the tracks are epic and create a grand sound. I like the softer track I Talk To The Wind as well as the rocking ones. Moonchild is rubbish though so it's a 4/5 for 4 good tracks out of 5

At times beautiful the first two songs and then overbearing the last 2 songs.

Amazing

Proper prog done proper. It does get a bit over-weird (Moonchild's second half could do with getting back in its box) but otherwise really good.

Classic. It’s somewhere between Zappa and Jethro Tull in a very very good way.