THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

'The Court Of The Crimson King' - King Crimson (Single)

As any prog fan knows already, King Crimson's first album was one that really shook the boundaries of music and realized rock music's capability to really shine and expand the realms of artistry.

As the title track and 'finishing epic' of the album, 'The Court Of The Crimson King' effectively began the movement of symphonic prog. While the first song '21st Century Schizoid Man' was very heavy and jazzy, this track really took things to a separate, laid back type of music while still being intelligent and dramatic.

The fact that they have put this song on record into two separate tracks is a bit unnecessary considering anyone dedicated to the band enough to get this single is going to want to hear the whole thing. While I think the song itself could have been cut down a bit, or at least spiced up towards the latter half, it's still a very good song that should be a classic to anyone's ears.

Certainly one of the best know tunes in the long annuls of progressive and rock music. Instantly identifiable song to all. This single King Crimson release has unfortunately been divided into a front and back side. Bummer. I suppose that is better than a single edit on the front side and another radio edit of some other album song on the flip side. But, it is still a great track, and sums up the album, IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING, very nicely. Can't ask for more from a seminal band. The singing on this song by Lake is awesome. 4 stars

"In The Court Of The Crimson King" is a milestone in prog rock and has become not only one of the most important albums of King Crimson but also one of the quintessential albums that spawned the progressive rock movement, even hailed by many as the birth of prog rock. this single lifted from that album is split into two parts to fit onto one single vinyl. It is rare to see this these days so if you do snap it up before someone else gets a chance. It is a treasure in a prog vault.

The song has some lovely Mellotron laced over Lake's smooth vocals. The influences of Jazz are prominent throughout and the band are so tight the music tends to punch holes within the fabric of the musicscapes. The feeling of alienation and a barren soundscape are exemplified in the way the song is structured. There is a veritable wall of sound with Mellotron strings, pounding bass and crushing drums. There are some great vocals here that are so memorable such as "The black queen chants the funeral march, the cracked brass bells will ring, to summon back the fire witch in the court of the crimson king."

I absolutely cherish this song and it is one of the best prog tracks I have heard. Lake's vocals have never been better, and there are amazing flourishes of sweeping keyboards that send a chill down your spine. Definitely worth purchasing as a part of history.