IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

First of all, every prog rock fan MUST own this album; King Crimson's impact on music, especially prog rock, with this album is immeasurable. It took me at least a month and a half to digest all of their studio albums, and I still continue to explore their albums, never failing to find something new with every listen. Now why do I give this album from a band that I consider one of the most innovative, forward-thinking, talented, and creative groups out there only a four star rating? It's simply a matter of taste. I love love love 21st Century Schizoid Man. It is just, for lack of a more appropriate word, BADASS. The drumming, the riff patterns, and the lyrics are all sublime. I think the weakness of this album results from the hard-hitting energy level of Schizoid Man never being reached again on the rest of the album. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of great tracks on this album. I love Epitaph and the title track, but I'm not crazy about I Talk to the Wind or Moonchild. It's not that the songs are bad, it's just that it's three soft songs in a row before the majestic, but comparatively tame Court of the Crimson King. It is this drop in energy that garners this album a four star rating in my book. I think In the Wake of Poseidon is a better, more mature album even though it sounds pretty similar to this album. Overall, though, I love King Crimson and I love this album.