IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

The importance of this album and its impact on the other bands is undeniable! On the basis of this criteria I could give it 5 stars. Nevertheless, I think the music is a little overrated. The album is good but this is not prog at its peak. The style is proto-progressive but already giving some hints of more sophisticated songwriting (the last track especially). KING CRIMSON'S "In the Court of the Crimson King" could be in the same league as early MOODY BLUES or PROCOL HARUM. Overall atmosphere is a little dark but beautiful. The most coherent track is "The Court Of the Crimson King" - a prog rock masterpiece. First three tracks are also good with some jazz-rock and symphonic breaks. The only drop in quality is "Moonchild" which starts promising but soon proceeds in a long and pointless experimental jam session... With this album KING CRIMSON set the path for groups like YES, GENESIS and ELP!