IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

With this being a revolutionary album where just about every Prog album is measured, and being over 50 years old it makes it intriging how many perspectives people would have on this album. Of course those of us who are not writing about hearing this album for the first time in 1969 envy those who did. Especially someone like me born in the same year as albums like A Trick of the Tail, 2112, Leftoverture, Romantic Warrior, and grew up during the years of Neo-Prog and Prog Metal. Most people who bought this album either were provoked or freaked out by the front cover or heard 21st Century Schizoid Man somewhere. I remembered that front cover from a reissue of the album and had it memorized or stuck in my head permanently for the rest of my life.

Of course on my very first listen which was just barely passing the 21st century to make reference of 21st Century Schizoid Man the mellotrons sounded very dated. Regardless it still sounded very space age and off the wall. Like a Moody Blues album from outer space even or in lamens terms a lot of early Pink Floyd influence.

21st Century Schizoid Man was the first song I heard from the album and I thought it was really weird. I remember hearing I Talk to the Wind not long after and wondering how in the world these 2 songs could possibly be on the same album. Finally checked it out at the library and bought a copy because it was really everything people said it was and more. The title track and Epitaph had me listening over and over again while I usually skip Moonchild to this day that I just can't wrap my head around.

No argument this is where Proto-Prog ends and everything changes. The Yes Album, Nursery Cryme, Atom Heart Mother, and a flood of albums right after this where everyone is stepping up their game and at least attempting to challenge this album. Maybe I didn't get to experience this album like Dad did. But I can recognize and appreciate it's importance as one of the most important and monumental albums in Prog history.