IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

A great album, had a huge influence on Symphonic prog, extremely innovative at the time and help open the door to the possibilties of progressive music, but a little dated now. I don't need to go in too great detail with the music many already have done that, but overall, with the exception of 21st Century Schzoid Man, the album has meloncholis feel to it. Peter Seinfield is an excellent lyricist that can't create vivid images in your mind with his words, this is especially true with the song In the Court of the Crimson King. Both Epitaph and In the Court are a bitoverlong without much diversity, they have great melodys whivch may help you overlook this, but looking back they lack instrumentals a later albums. Although the instrumental to 21st Century is both humourusand brilliant, fantastic muscianship on that song. I Talk to the Wind is a great meloncholic piece and has some fine textures to it and like In the Court, the lyrics really stand out on this song. As many have said before Moonchild starts of promising but then declines in aimless noise, but even that has its place in help shaping prog, I think Larks Tongue in Aspic (KC's later album) is indebt to that piece but developed it more. I think there is a real sense of pessimism on this album, probably because of the lyrics. There is humour, darkness, beauty, fantastic muscianship and great harmonies and melodies, which pretty much sums up al ot of prog. I don't think this was the first prog album though, Frank Zappa's Hot Rata to me is every bit as influential on prog as this album, also Krautrock was already about, but this album did ignite the romanticism in prog. And so although dated an not perfect still a good listen and does have a sentimental place in every prog fans collection.