IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

This is where it all started for me. My love of progressive music and my love for Greg Lake's voice. I've always considered Greg's voice my favorite instrument in this band (and ELP for that matter). It gives you a sense of majesty and ecstasy all rolled up in one beautiful sound and lulls you into a magical sense of fantasy.

I even have the 45 of "The Court of the Crimson King". I remember buying that with my allowance. That poor little record was played so often, I'm surprised its still in such great shape. When I finally bought the album some time later, it was gladly regulated to plastic.. where its still at to this day.

Even though "Epitaph" is probably my favorite track on this mentally, I've always been particularly fond of "Moonchild", even with Mike Giles' intermittent use of percussion sounds. It's a perfect vehicle for Greg's romantic voice and it congers up a wonderful imagery for a young mind. Which is also the case with "I Talk to the Wind". Epitaph on the other hand, is musically perfect, a beautiful eerie piece with a deep and emotional meaning, but a little on the depressing side. It however, is another perfect vocal interpretation from Greg.

The most complicated and the proof that this band was extremely talented musicians, was "21st Century Schizoid Man". The playing on this track by all members of the band is absolutely inspiring. Bob Fripp, Greg Lake, Michael Giles and Ian McDonald show what it means to be a tight, together "band". team mentality was created on the making of this record! A definition of what "timing" is all about. Its too bad they couldn't keep that team together a little longer.However, its amazing to think that Greg Lake had only been playing bass a few months when they recorded this. Its incredible.

Its also not surprising that this album has survived the years so successfully. There's a reason why this album is generally always at the top of the best prog album lists. It's a testament to all the best prog that came afterwards. And I agree with all those who said this was King Crimson's best lineup and best record they ever did.