IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

It is quite difficult to agree on the Best Prog Album of All Time. Through this web page, I've discovered a vast and almost infinite account of what Progressive Music is about. I'm trying to put into perspective that it's almost impossible to grasp the essence of any album just by looking at its ranking. Five Stars for the First Album of Progressive Rock in History. That's how I see this album. Prog Rock formally began in 1969 with this album. The Beatles and The Moody Blues were precursors and they are more than respected here, but King Crimson has the honour to be the first. There could be endless debates about this fact and I respect all points of view. To me, this is a very special album and it's ranked at Number 1 on the Harkonnen list. However, I only listened to it for the 1st time 3 years ago. That's right, I've got a 900 CD collection and I only bought my KC catalogue 3 years ago. I've been listening to Prog Rock since the 80's and I Talk to the Wind and In the Court of the Crimson King had been on my favourites for a long time now, mainly from the excellent The Tokyo Tapes by Steve Hackett.

King Crimson is a difficult band. It normally takes a few attempts to understand / enjoy / love their music. But ITCOTCK is straight forward: from the naked rawness of 21st Century Schizoid Man to the sublime and melancholic Epitaph to one of the best endings in album history, this is an easier attempt to get into the Crims. It is the best starting point to get into their varied catalogue. I have the 30th Anniversary Edition and the sound is crisp while warm, clear while respecting its age. Like a good wine, this is a record that grows with time, don't get dissapointed if you don't get it the first time, specially that "overlong" improv in Moonchild. Listen to it in a rainy afternoon and you'll experience the magic.

Five stars. Number 1 in the Harkonnen list.