IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Ok, this may seem a bit odd but I do not find too much innovation in this album. With possible exception of "21st Century Schizoid man" I thought this to be good takes on the styles that The Moody Blues and The Beatles had pioneered. Now, not to say this isn't good music, its enjoyable listening, Greg Lake has a great voice, Fripp has some good guitar work, I enjoy the mellotron. The snare doesnt sound too good but that was early studios for you. I geuss in referance to early prog this would be a good buy to obtain, but don't expect it to send you out of your chair.

Now that I have kind of put it in a bad light, I do really like the instrumental "hard jazz" of "Schizoid man" and the Beatles influence on "I talk to the wind" is very beautiful. "Epitaph" is very reminiscent of "Knights in White Satin" and is pretty good but the vocals are mixed too low and the snare sounds terrible at the start. "Moonchild" doesnt really do it for me, lyrics that sound pretty worthless. The ambience...well is a bit of filler. "Court of The Crimson King" is a nice majestic song with great choir and mellotron. The lyrics aren't the greatest but it has a good tune.

Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield do not appear to have as good of lyric and vocal work as they would later do with ELP, however, as far as early style lyrics that would inspire prog artists, they did well.

Good album but I cannot see what inspires people to lable it a masterpiece. Get it, for progs sake. It is one of the cornerstones.