“In The Court Of The Crimson King”(1969) by King Crimson

I’m not a huge fan of King Crimson.  I do acknowledge that they were and remain underrated by the general public but beyond this masterful first album I’m not a devotee.  There is no doubt that “In The Court Of The Crimson King” is a classic.  One of the best progressive rock albums ever.  The first in over-produced and highly theatrical prog rock records.  It does have it’s flaws though.  If you have not heard “In The Court Of The Crimson King” you have a long way to go.

The mood of the album is very pessimistic and medieval.  There is also beauty.  Like the second track “I Talk To The Wind”.  Full of orchestration and grandeur, I really don’t know what the heck they are talking about but the flutes are earthy and real.  The change of mood from the first track, the apocalyptic sounding “21st Century Schizoid Man”, is refreshing.  That first track is everywhere in the most perfect sense(kind of hard to describe).  It’s pure crazy and masterful music.  How could someone even write that stuff?

Then there is “Epitaph”.  Sorry to break every King Crimson fan’s heart but the song is eternally boring.  Original yes but nonetheless boring.  Were is the interest in “Epitaph”?  “Moonchild” is far more interesting…for about three minutes at least.  Hear is the main problem with “In The Court Of The Crimson King”.  “Moonchild” starts great with another inventive little track, more like “I Talk To The Wind”.  Very beautiful and peaceful, yet impending doom sounding as well.  Then, the longest song on here becomes a quite organ fiddling session!  Are you guys joking?  Your going to fill almost a quarter of the album with someone messing around in the studio?  This is a huge disappointment.  Imagine if they had displayed the same genius that they do on at least three of the tracks with “Moonchild”.  For that alone I can’t give this classic a perfect rating.

The finale, “The Court Of The Crimson King” rises to the highest of highs.  It is truly a finale to a great album.  I think it probably conjures up images different to everyone.  Personally I think of some medieval fairytale and blue stuff(don’t ask).  There are two perfectly placed false endings as well.

There are three masterpieces on “In The Court Of The Crimson King”  that out weigh many times the mediocre “Epitaph” and the terrible “Moonchild” middle section.  Let me repeat I’m not a major King Crimson fan but I do like the band.  They would never top this album, and it shall at least live on forever in any serious conversation about prog rock. Regardless, any fan of music should hear this album.

Best Song: 21st Century Schizoid Man or The Court Of The Crimson King
Album Rating: 9/10