Search - King Crimson :: In the Court of Crimson King

21st Century Masterpiece

Skin Food | Israel | 10/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the ultimate proto progressive album.

Crazy jazz, beautiful folk, classical influences and wierd avant-garde - it's all there.

Fripp & co achieved here a great artistically success, which will grow even better and bigger in the next albums.

This is a superb start for any progressive and non-progressive listener.

A Must!"

The 30th Anniversary Edition and the Original Master Edition

H.A.M. | 10/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is still much confusion as to which CD release has the best sound.

After having researched the various CD issues and re-issues of "In the Court of Crimson King" I feel I should pass on what I have learned.



The 30th Anniversary Edition (issued 1999) - side two is from an original master tape while side one is from an inferior higher generation tape.



The Original Master Edition (issued 2004+) - both album sides are from original master tapes.



"The original masters - with splicing tape still present between the various songs, and crossfade between I Talk To The Wind and Epitaph yet to be created - were discovered in the Virgin archives in 2003."



"The word I've heard is that the master tapes were basically rolled for the new Original Master Edition (OME) without any tinkering at all. They basically ran the master tapes flat."



"Simon Heyworth did the mastering for the new OME and the 30th Anniversary Edition. He does not use Noise Reduction."



The following CD issues should all be the superior "OME":



2004.11.15 UK DGM (Panegyric) DGM0501 (reissue, 2004 re-remaster)

2005 CD Discipline Global Mobile 501

2006.02.22 Japan WHD IECP-10003 (reissue, paperboard picture sleeve) (Ultimate Edition)

2006 CD JVC Japan 10003

2008.03.26 Japan WHD IECP-50001 (reissue)"

My Favorite From Crimson

Samhot | Star Land | 12/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This debut here, released in 1969, influenced quite a few musicians in the rock world, especially those found under the "progressive" rock label. After more than 30 years since it's release, it still sounds as fresh, explosive and provocative. This is without a doubt my favorite King Crimson album (with their 1973's release _Larks' Tongues In Aspic_ in a close second.)



It starts off with the fiery "21st Century Schizoid Man," which is a mix of scathing proto-metal and fiery jazz: listen to how Greg Lake's processed vocals sound akin to something of an apocalypse, which are backed by some harsh, distorted, convulsive blasts, and how during the verses, we are treated to the scorching guitar and saxophone lines playing the same melody in unison. It's intense stuff, and this song -- for better or worse -- is the benchmark to which nearly everything Crimson released afterward would be compared. Indeed, this song embodies a *huge* part of what Crimson is, and what they would be for their entire career. "I Talk To The Wind" is an interesting and mellow mix of R&B and light orchestral: the kind of tune you would hear if The Everly Brothers got together with The Moody Blues, and sang lyrics to a Black Sabbath tune. It's very ethereal, melodic and soothing. Love the flute playing on here.



"Epitath" is a very absorbing extended tune with great vocals and lush, dramatic mellotron. The lyrics and singing here are quite disturbing. Once again, this track has an interesting crazed mix of psychedelia/R&B/classical rock. "Moonchild" starts off like an almost bedtime lullaby, which I find beautiful and imaginative, then it segues into the most challenging part of the disc. The last nine minutes of this song is nothing but instrumental experimentation. I don't personally find it as awful as many others seem to, in fact I find it enriching and mind-expanding, but still challenging. It especialy works best at nighttime. "The Court Of The Crimson King" is probably my favorite, though it's hard to choose. This is the most symphonic on here. The ahhh-ahh-ahh-ahh melody backed by the D-C-B progression is just phenomenal and too good for words. Listen to Greg Lake's dramatic, regal and enchanting vocals here.



This album is considered a classic for a reason. Highly recommended for fans of prog-rock, or music that is imaginative and challenging.





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