In The Court of the Crimson King Review

ALBUM OF THE MOMENT:

In The Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson

Here’s a statement that’s bound to start some controversy.* In The Court of The Crimson King may be the most epic musical experience since Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Sure, I’ve not listened to nearly enough classical music (or jazz for that matter) to justify that claim but as far as rock music goes, I can’t think of anything that comes close in terms of sheer tremendousness.** Okay, perhaps it is unfair to overlook all the classical and jazz I’ve yet to hear, especially considering how indebted King Crimson are to that music. Stripped of rock’s blues roots, King Crimson are symphonic, romantic and just, you know, fucking brilliant! Cryptic, mystical lyrics permeate the album; lyrics that I believe would not seem out of place at a poetry reading***. 21st Century Schizoid Man is the heavy opener with its awe-inspiring riff that will rock your face off.**** It’s then contrasted by the gentle and symphonic I Talk to the Wind which sets the stage for the mournful and romantic Epitaph. We are then treated to Moonchild, a pleasant sounding song that quickly deteriorates into a quiet lullaby of an improvisation. And just when you’ve finally gathered together the pieces of your brain and are halfway done taping it all back together, disaster strikes; disaster in the form of a title track. Your face melts away in awe at the pure majesty of its eerie glow.***** Oh, you’ll be feeling this for weeks! In The Court of The Crimson King is respected as a (or the) landmark album in progressive rock. It’s big, it’s clever and it isn’t the sort of album your complimentary Apple earphones will do justice to.

Highlights: In The Court of the Crimson King, 21st Century Schizoid Man, I Talk To The Wind

*Well, perhaps if anyone read this bloody thing!

**Some contenders: Tommy, Marquee Moon, Rock Bottom ooh and Irrilicht by Klaus Schluze! (That’s some cosmic shit right there!)

***a rarity in rock lyrics.

****Long time followers of this site will be treated to a slight tingly feeling on the top of their neck.

*****Ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark?

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