IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Although I believe no introduction is necessary when it comes to "In the Court of the Crimson King", especially considering this is a website specialized in progressive music, these are the facts:

"In the Court of the Crimson King" is the debut album of King Crimson, and is considered by many to be the first progressive rock album. It definitely is one of the best though. Even before listening to the album one could tell it's unlike most albums that had come before it, because it only had 5 songs, each of them of untypical, for that time, length.

Before I start talking about the music itself, though, I want to comment on the cover art. I will admit at first I found it uninspired. I still have no idea what it's point is, but I can see it, at least, does it's job well, and that is make you curious about the contents of this record.

Onto the songs, then.

The album begins with "21st Schizoid Man". This song does give the listener an idea of what's to come. King Crimson on this track shows their excellent songwriting skills. I sometimes try to imagine how it would sound without the sax and its extended instrumental sections, but these make it what it is.

"I Talk to the Wind" is the weakest song on this album, in my opinion. That does not mean it is a bad song, but I feel it lacks the energy of the other songs. I can see the beauty in its melody but I feel it is a bit longer than it should (even if it already is the shortest).

Ah, "Epitaph", the Crimson song everyone knows, and not without good reason. Lyrically, it's the best the album can offer. When it comes to song structure and instrumentation, it possibly is the least progressive. I feel that it is badly mixed, which detracts from the listening experience.

"Moonchild" is the most hated track. Longer than the others, it is often criticized as being too long, that it is self-indulgent with its "jazzy" instrumental parts. It is, however, a personal favorite. I really have no idea what it's all about, but it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I especially like the percussion on it. It definitely is not an easy listen though.

The last song on the album is "The Court of the Crimson King". As always, the lyrics manage to impress, while remaining extremely vague as to what it's all about. This one's the most symphonic of the lot, and also the most "consistent" never really straying from the basic melody.

If there is a single person on here that has yet to listen to this album (something I doubt) they should really give it a try. A great introduction to prog. Not as accessible as most of King Crimson's discography, but possibly better than it. King Crimson would never again create such a consistent and consistently good piece of work.