IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Where to even begin? I am not sure it is entirely possible for someone to say they listen to prog music and have not heard this album, such is its impact. It boggles the mind for people like me who, unfortunately, did not grow up during these golden years to believe that ITCOTCK was released in 1969. My friends have often said they thought it was much more recent, say the early 2000's, such is the albums timelessness.

21st Century Schizoid Man really drew me in when I first heard it. The catchy melody wasn't even the central focus, a mockery of modern song formatting. Rather, the unique style and structure of this song, which pounds the ears with ceaseless energy, is what isolates it in my memory. I have been listening to this album for years and the ending freak-out still blows me away.

I Talk to the Wind was there to catch me after 21st Century spat me out with sheer force. The flutes and vocals were like the wind themselves, caressing each note like a mother does to her child. It's my understanding that such a drastic shift in song styles was not that common on albums from 1969.

Epitaph brought me the first serious/epic taste that KC had to offer. Lake's vocals really stand out on this song like a desperate cry of, well, of an epitaph really. What made me admire this song more than other elements was Fripp's use of guitar strumming. Such a simple idea and practice turned so wonderfully evil. This song gave me a clear sense of reflection that is only rarely repeated from other songs.

Moonchild was really quite a mystery to me. I immediately loved the lyrics and guitar and the seemingly off-beat cymbals. It was only after two years that I really began to appreciate the drawn out section of noises and sounds that really poke at the ears. At first I did not understand it at all, but KC really demands multiple listens (as do most prog bands) and this song is a fine example of why.

The Court of the Crimson King sealed the deal for me. If there's one thing I absolutely love it's an album with balance, and this album may be the most perfectly balanced album I've ever heard. It's my opinion that this song takes the best parts of the previous four songs and meshes them all together for one big epic finale. There's the driving force of 21st Century, the flutes from I Talk to the Wind, the soaring vocals of Epitaph, and the lyrical atmosphere brought to you by Moonchild. The ending instrumental melody was just the cherry on top of it all. The signature sound of KC captured forever.

This album will always hold a special place in my heart and I cannot imagine my own life without it. This truly is progressive rock right here.