IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Apparently regarded as the first full-progressive rock album, and a classic of the genre I bought it with huge expectations. At first I didn't know what to make of it, somethimes frantic and weird, other times accesible and sweet. But after repeated listenings the album started to appeal to me more and more. And now I'm convinced it's one of those all time classics, any prog-lover should have, or at least have listened to it more than once.

21th centurie schizoid man, is a frantic weird song with great structures and a driving force behind it, the vocals are more restrained screaming than being sung, absolutely great. I talk to the wind, is a soft ballad, with a soothing flow, and some great singing by Greg. Epitaph, is a very melodic atmospheric track, with dark, sad lyrics and symphonised mellow passages. Again beautifull sung. a great song for a dark winter's day.

Moonchild, I could have done without it. you really must be in the mood for this. Again a ballad. the beginning of the song is good, a very sad slow piece, with an improvised end section. This end section makes it a dull, boring uninteresting song. In the court of the crimson king. The albums closes as it began, with a more heavy song. Again with a dark symphonised sound, great drums, great vocals, great mellotron. Absolutely the best track on this album.

Overall this album has a consistent sound. Dramatic, with a strong fluid flow all through it. Greg Lake's vocals are very good, so are the instrumentalist, especially those mellotrons. With the exception of Moonchild this is an absolute masterpiece, worthy of six stars, but I may only give 5. RECOMMENDED. an absolute must for all prog lovers!