IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Maybe the first true prog album of all times. At least as we know and love symphonic prog. Anyway, In The Court Of The Crimson King remains one of my top ten favorites and one of the albums that make me fall in love with prog music. The music inside this CD was so beautiful and groundbreaking at the time, small wonder it became so successful and influential. I was sorry this band could not produce another album with those same guys.

Looking back, however, it is only natural to see that they could not stay together too long. There were simply too many talented people in a small room. But what a hell of an album they produced! Since the first chords of 21st Century Schzoid Man (one of the heaviest and novel songs for the sixties) to the very last notes of the title track this a major work. Not that I like every minute of it: I can´t stand to hear the complete Moonchild with all that music concreté second part. Still I also can´t deny that even that is bold and inovative for 1969.

The music is so interesting and rich, it stood well the test of time. Almost 40 years after its release it still relevant and captivating. Epitaph and the title track are among my favorite prog songs, with lots of the best mellotron I have ever heard and Lake´s most passionate vocals. The band soars through the whole album.

It is simply a masterpiece of music, a must have for any prog lover. And for anyone who wants to know one of prog´s landmarks. Classic!