IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

This album has been promoted as a "masterpiece" by many prog fans, critics and musicians alike. The track "21st Century Schizoid Man" is the hit song from the album, but hit songs don't usually increase my appreciation.

Ironically, "21st CSM" is the opening track and in the context, if you call it that, of the album I developed a greater appreciation of the song. It is very experimental- distorted vocals before it became popular, a saxophone, and fantasy-based lyrics combined with socially-relevant lyrics. This song is so far ahead of it's time that it could easily be a 21st century song. How ironic!

The next track is personally my favorite, "I Talk To The Wind" is a very serene, classically-inspired (like most prog songs) tune. A very peaceful track with flute and scenic lyrics. The emotional, powerful existential lyrics complement the beautifully melancholic music perfectly.

"Epitaph" is just spiritual art. The usage of harpsichord and other non-rock instruments add to the atmosphere of the song, rather than hindering it, but the song is driven by a very haunting mellotron. Incredibly powerful vocals combined with the unbelievable arrangements of King Crimson make this song simply masterful.

Although "Moonchild" seems to be the song on this album that takes the most criticism, I completely disagree. This "suite" is one of prog's best, in my opinion. Very avant-garde, very psychedelic, very progressive, and very artistic. This song is the longest on the album coming in at a little over 12 minutes and is a combination of every great part of the entire album in small increments.

Can it get better? Yes, it can. The greatness of this album ends with the greatest song on the album. "The Court of The Crimson King" is a 9 minute epic of pure majesty (no pun intended). The mellotron, the vocals, and the stimulating power of the track is simply mind-blowing. Not many people can handle the "Court of The Crimson King" without their head exploding with awe.

Overall, I have no problem with giving the album what it deserves: 5 out of 5 stars. Easily.