IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

To me, In the Court of the Crimson King defines prog rock like no other album. I believe the central concept that makes In the Court great is shock. The album begins with the straightforward hard rock of 21st Schizoid Man but soon ventures into the avant garde and showcases technical virtuosity unlike any other band. From the spacey free-time interplay between Ian McDonald on vibes, Michael Giles on drums and Pete Sinfield on guitar in Moonchild, the album unexpectedly enters the triumphant The Court of the Crimson King. This is one of those rare glorious prog moments, tying together the album flawlessly and making it feel more like a journey than a collection of songs.