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King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King CD (album) cover

IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

King Crimson

 

Eclectic Prog

4.64 | 4725 ratings

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TCat
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
5 stars So here is where it all began for the band that I consider the best of all the prog artists. I never really knew that a lot of people considered this album to be the work that is responsible for progressive rock though until I started coming to this site. I mean, look at Frank Zappa, the Beatles and a few others. They were around before KC was and they ventured into prog territory without even knowing they were doing it. But it hadn't been invented yet. What these artists were doing was stretching the boundaries of rock, and thank God they did that. But, as for this album, why is it considered the beginning of Progressive Rock? I think it is because this is the first time a band or an album was formed and created solely for the purpose of expanding and exploring rock music. Robert Fripp was and is a very innovative musician and that is why when Bill Bruford says that if he wants to know where rock is going that he just listens to King Crimson. Mr. Fripp is a man ahead of his time. But, what really made this album so special and why are so many artists influenced by the music of King Crimson? This album explores where rock music can go if you don't have any rules. There.....that is what progressive rock is about, no rules. This is why KC is always changing and progressing. You can almost always hear progression from one album to the next. Suddenly, the tie between blues and rock was mostly broken by this album. When people picked this album up and played it for the first time, they didn't know what to think at first for the most part. This was so different, almost like a completely new form of music. And look at what has come from this album. Wow, talk about influence. So yes this is not only a masterpiece, but it is a landmark album of musical historical proportions. So anyway, my love of King Crimson predates any knowledge or realization of this on my own part. But the reasons I love the band in its many incarnations and the man behind the band that has been at the helm from the beginning is because they are not afraid of experimenting and exploring, of stretching the boundaries of not just rock, but of music, and it doesn't matter much if it sells or not at the time, as time goes on people come to appreciate it more. Ahead of their time....this phrase belongs to King Crimson more that anyone. Pioneers. Innovators. Yes I realize I should be reviewing this album, but that has been done so many times already on this page, just look at all of the reviews. I have to say, that I love this album and would give it 5 stars anyway even if it wasn't as essential as it is. But, I am also happy to report that it is not my favorite album from them, and the reason that is a good thing is because this was the band's first album and they had so much more music to create and explore, and it also means they are living up to the name of the genre, KC is progressing or at least trying to progress from one album to the next. I have to say that this album, as wonderful as it is, is not always indicative of KC's sound. It represent more the mellower side (except for the amazingly bombastic "21st Century Schizoid Man") of the band. There are other albums that represent the louder side of KC including "Red" "Larks Tongue" and "Thrak" You can't just listen to one KC album and say, "Okay, I know what to expect from them now." If your exploration of KC's music ends at this album, then you lose. So, everyone can complain now that I didn't really review this album. That has been done a thousand times already and I really don't think I can add anything else to what has been said. What is important to convey here for me is not how beautiful and innovative this album is, but the reason why it is important for all proggers to listen to it and know it well. Because, love it or hate it, it has been the biggest influence for the whole of progressive rock. Robert Fripp and KC are continuing to influence everything about progressive rock also now and for the future. This is essential listening for progressive rock music. This is a masterpiece. This is Progressive Rock 101.
TCat | 5/5 |

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