IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

This was my first introduction to progressive rock, and Wow, what an introduction. At first listen, this album was extremely slow and quite boring, and the only song I truely enjoyed was 21st Century Schizoid Man. However, after a few times of listening to the album from start to finish, I started to like it more and more. I think the biggest reason I could not "get into" this album was that I used to only listen to Heavy Metal. Eventually, the amazing amount of talent and feelings made me enjoy this album more and more. Every time I listen to this album, I like it more and more. 1. 21st Century Schizoid Man - 5/5 The heaviest song to come out of the late 60's by far. The fantasticly poetic, and oft time prophetic lyrics from Pete Sinfield make this song what it is. Coupled with great drumming, and of course, one of the best guitarists of all time, Robert Fripp. While this song is preformed live at almost every King Crimson concert, none of those versions can compare to the original version on this album. The jazz and rock influences on this album blend together very well. 2. I Talk to the Wind- 4/5 This song is saved from boredom only by the fact that Greg Lake has such a fantastic voice. This track stands on the edge of beauty and boring, and sometimes the repitition can be quite tedious. This is my least favorite song on the album 3. Epitaph- 5/5 Epitaph is my favorite song. The simple acoustic guitar line sets the somber tone for the song, and the mellotron and flutes flutter about the soundscape bringing a sad, etheral beauty to the piece. The lyrics, again are very poetic and the vocals are an example of Greg Lake at his best form. The only song that I can think of that could possibly compare to the gentle beauty of this song is Take a Pebble off of Emerson Lake and Palmer's debut album 4. Moonchild- 4.5/5 One thing that never ceases to amaze me about this album is how each track follows up so well with the one prior. The album to me sounds like one entire song. When ever I put this into my cd player, I can never stop after one song, or skip a track because it disrupts the flow of the album. Many people seem to think that this song drags the album down, but in my opinion its really a great song. Its speaks of future songs such as Lark's Toungue's In Aspic. 5. In the Court of the Crimson King 5/5 this song to me seems like a more energetic "I talk to the Wind" the repitition that drags I Talk to the Wind down, lifts this track up. Ian McDonald really shines in this song. His flute is amazing, as is the Mellotron.

If you dont get any other albums by King Crimson, get this one. 9.75/10 This is as close to a perfect album as you can get.