Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography

THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

King Crimson

Eclectic Prog


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

King Crimson The Court Of The Crimson King album cover
4.44 | 74 ratings | 3 reviews | 76% 5 stars

Essential: a masterpiece of
progressive rock music

Write a review

Buy KING CRIMSON Music
from Progarchives.com partners
Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 1969

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Court Of The Crimson King - Part One
2. The Court Of The Crimson King - Part Two

Line-up / Musicians

- Robert Fripp / guitar
- Greg Lake / bass guitar, lead vocals
- Ian McDonald / reeds, woodwind, vibes, keyboards, mellotron, vocals
- Michael Giles / drums, percussion, vocals
- Peter Sinfield / words and illumination

Releases information

Record Label: Island
Catalogue No: WIP-6071
Country of Origin: UK

Thanks to mogorva for the addition
Edit this entry

Buy KING CRIMSON The Court Of The Crimson King Music



KING CRIMSON The Court Of The Crimson King ratings distribution


4.44
(74 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(76%)
76%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(22%)
22%
Good, but non-essential (1%)
1%
Collectors/fans only (1%)
1%
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
0%

KING CRIMSON The Court Of The Crimson King reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by Conor Fynes
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars 'The Court Of The Crimson King' - King Crimson (Single)

As any prog fan knows already, King Crimson's first album was one that really shook the boundaries of music and realized rock music's capability to really shine and expand the realms of artistry.

As the title track and 'finishing epic' of the album, 'The Court Of The Crimson King' effectively began the movement of symphonic prog. While the first song '21st Century Schizoid Man' was very heavy and jazzy, this track really took things to a separate, laid back type of music while still being intelligent and dramatic.

The fact that they have put this song on record into two separate tracks is a bit unnecessary considering anyone dedicated to the band enough to get this single is going to want to hear the whole thing. While I think the song itself could have been cut down a bit, or at least spiced up towards the latter half, it's still a very good song that should be a classic to anyone's ears.

Review by AtomicCrimsonRush
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars

"In The Court Of The Crimson King" is a milestone in prog rock and has become not only one of the most important albums of King Crimson but also one of the quintessential albums that spawned the progressive rock movement, even hailed by many as the birth of prog rock. this single lifted from that album is split into two parts to fit onto one single vinyl. It is rare to see this these days so if you do snap it up before someone else gets a chance. It is a treasure in a prog vault.

The song has some lovely Mellotron laced over Lake's smooth vocals. The influences of Jazz are prominent throughout and the band are so tight the music tends to punch holes within the fabric of the musicscapes. The feeling of alienation and a barren soundscape are exemplified in the way the song is structured. There is a veritable wall of sound with Mellotron strings, pounding bass and crushing drums. There are some great vocals here that are so memorable such as "The black queen chants the funeral march, the cracked brass bells will ring, to summon back the fire witch in the court of the crimson king."

I absolutely cherish this song and it is one of the best prog tracks I have heard. Lake's vocals have never been better, and there are amazing flourishes of sweeping keyboards that send a chill down your spine. Definitely worth purchasing as a part of history.

Latest members reviews

4 stars Certainly one of the best know tunes in the long annuls of progressive and rock music. Instantly identifiable song to all. This single King Crimson release has unfortunately been divided into a front and back side. Bummer. I suppose that is better than a single edit on the front side and another rad ... (read more)

Report this review (#729311) | Posted by mohaveman | Sunday, April 15, 2012 | Review Permanlink

Post a review of KING CRIMSON "The Court Of The Crimson King"

You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.