Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Great prog-rock album. Probably not for everyone but I was really into King Crimson back in high school so this one holds a special place for me.
yeah this is good shit
21st Century Schizoid Man I Talk To The Wind The Court Of The Crimson King
Cosmic horror music! Really all about the first and last tracks, but damn, ain’t they something!?
Interesting…don’t know that I’d ever listened to the whole thing before…if it was the starting point for prog-rock I get it, though I’m pretty sure Genesis and Yes already had their thoughts in mind by this point…they all seemed to be coming at it from different points, no doubt because of different influences and goals
I've liked this album for a long time. Also liked the bonus tracks on Spotify. Reading the Wikipedia article, I'd love to hear the country version of the title track.
Yessir
Lovely prog
4.2 I’ve never heard most of this album before and I really enjoyed it. Musically it is very good.
I don’t really like prog rock, it’s often so pretentious and bloated. This album is a rare exception, maybe because it was one of the earliest it wasn’t self aware or self absorbed and so it comes across as earnest. There are a lot of horrifying moments (as in 21st Century Schizoid Man), but also beautiful moments (I Talk to the Wind). The two lengthier tracks on Side 2 feel more like classical suites than rock songs, but they avoid being too abstract by retaining an overall form and theme. I couldn’t decide if this was good or great, I think I’ve had differing views over the years, but it doesn’t have many spare moments and it’s really a well executed document for its time.
While I can't help but love Pink Floyd's material in the next few years after the release of this album, there I definitely a certain level of appreciation I can't help but have for the first ever prog rock album. The guitars are absolutely phenominal with how loud yet simultaneously dreamy they are, and the incredible vocals also can't be overlooked. There were definitely a few moments that dragged on a bit and didn't really feel like they added anything, but on the whole this is an amazing album to create a new genre with.
Early prog rock. It seems that the halfway point of this record is the precise moment that the genre disappeared up its own bottom. Side 1 is really accessible but still epic. I love, love, love the strings. All three tracks are really cool. The start of Side 2 tips into territory of experimentation at the cost of enjoyment and is barely music for the 12 minute long 'Moonchild'. Fortunately the record comes back to epicness for the closing quasi-title track. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Epitaph Date listened: 30/01/24
I really liked the vibe of this album
Et af de der covers man har altid set og som har sat sig fast. Tror faktisk kun at jeg havde hørt The Court Of The Crimson King før. Pladen er fed progressiv. Jazz i første nummer, men altid med rockede undertoner.
I'm familiar with songs and hung out in a basement and listened to this on vinyl at some point in my life, but a top to bottom listen of this album is not an experience I had done often or in a long while. I know how influential it is though, and that always makes me excited to listen. 21st Century Schizoid Man is just...excellent. Banger track doing a bit of everything and being lovely about it. It is like an over the top movie chase sequence is a song. The rest of the album doesn't hit the same highs for me and the three longest songs REALLY feel their run time, but there is a lot of musically good stuff happening and I did enjoy listening to the entire album even if it did drag in a few moments.
Increasingly my yard stick for this endeavour is "Would I buy the vinyl album of this?". Yes, yes I would. It sits at the junctions of all sorts of musical alleys that I enjoy. Psych, jazz, prog, rock. It never strays too far into the weeds. For 1969 album it simultaneously sounds of it's exact time and the future.
I never listened to this band before. Don’t know how I missed it. Good listen.
Very cool album, considering it's from the 60s too. Got a bit pretentious and filler-y in the middle but it's bookended by two phenomenal performances so I'm quite pleased
I really liked most of this album but didn't love the first song (or its reprise). Pink floyd/Beatles vibes
Interesting and atmospheric at times, but leaves a little to be desired enough. Not weird enough to be eclectic, but not normal enough to fly under the radar.
This is a supreme listening experience on a good vinyl press.
Amazing album one of the best of the 60s low 9/10
fino mi rey
Jazzy and experimental, me gusta.
Fan van de stemeffecten Goede melodieën Overgang I talk to the wind is nice Niet verwacht dat dit album ook mooie, rustigere stukken zou hebben, aangenaam verrast Moonchild sleept wat te lang aan met de guitar plucking Mooike, 4 sterren
Back in the day my boyfriend loved King Crimson but I was less enthused. Listening to this album again after all this time gave me new appreciation for them.
Kind of liked this one
I found the album very psychedelic and unique. The band consisted of some very talented musicians, who didn’t play their instruments in a traditional rock and roll fashion.
Es una muy buena referencia
Not really my cup of tea but the album was really well done!
Classic album with multiple moments where I felt good things. Also love when guys write 8 minute long bleep bloop songs. Ahead of its time. But yes
My first time listening to King Crimson. I listened to it twice. First with earbuds and then with my headphones. I was sitting relaxed with subdued lightning on the second listen. It was an interesting experience. I enjoyed it and will go back and listen to the album again. I’m curious now about some of their other albums, which I will have to check out. I watched some YouTube videos afterwards on some songs from this album. An early video taking place in Hyde Park in the late sixties, where the band performed 21st Century Schizoid Man, was short but cool to watch. I was a teenager living in London when this took place.
Cool
Trippy
Great album. Great to hear the original spark of the genre. Doesn't hit and all songs, but the great ones are spectacular.
classic
This is a much laudited album that I have wanted to listen to for a long time. Not seen it at any festivals or I would have done before now. Well now, that wasn't what I expected. Don't really know what I did expect, but that wasn't it. Not to say I didn't like it, I did. I just didn't expect that. I would buy it, and it's one I will keep an eye out for. Got to be a 4.
I've been peripherally aware of King Crimson, but haven't listened to any of their albums until this review. 21st Century Schizoid Man really sounds like it could be coming and going in different directions. Is it metal? Is it psychedelic rock? Fripp's soaring solo and extended jam clearly signals the beginning of prog rock... I Talk to the Wind slows down the blistering glory of the first song. Epitaph expands out and sounds a little more epic, and reminds me of early Bowie. Moonchild has about 2 minutes of structure then devolves into a free form minimalist sound jam that might be in place with early Kraftwerk before they went electronic. In the Court of the Crimson (Kiiiiiiii-iiii-iinnnng ahhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhh) is the epic conclusion with that great chord progression/hook and keyboard solo. This track edges out 21st Century Schizoid Man for me.
- Absolutely a classic, full of amazing tracks. - Taking one star out because the interludes are too long, breaking the flow of the album, specially after "Moonchild"
Terraforming album. Prepares the ground for Emerso Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd ...
i fw this, listened to it in the car so no notes as i listened, just moonchild was a real ebb but i didn't mind it. prob need to relisten without road noise drowning that song out, 4.5/5 round down to 4 5 is tough maybe with time
I really loved the elements of jazz in this record. it caught my be surprise. I also realized this is where kanye got his power sample. i can see myself playing this record in it’s entirety again.
Vor zwei Jahren schon mal gehört, damals nicht so gefeiert, aber dieses mal hats mir gut gefallen. Vorallem das Sax und die Klarinets sind geil oft.
Crazy ass album, definitely need another listen before giving a rating fully but I’ll give it a 4.5 for now
pretty enjoyable listen even though its a little slow for my taste
I actually really enjoyed this album, excluding “moonchild”. Great mix of rock, jazz, and a smattering of other genres, kind of reminded me of some of the songs on Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, or some stuff by radio head. Very full sounds, great drums and it was neat the hear where Kanye get his sample from. I really liked the build up in some of the songs and the big crescendos. Would listen to again.
Wow, fun time trip to a different era!
Like it a lot!
Did not enjoy the first song of the album but enjoyed the rest quite a bit.
I feel like this is an album Bob Belcher would really be into. LOL
This album is from 1969. Moonchild sounds so modern its weird, not the kind of modern song I would like (too ambient) but its clear as water why its considered the first progrock album. For me this song its what drags down the album from a solid 4-4.5 21st century schizoid man also sounds very prog, very active, and with something going in every direction, very jazzy-prog, even kinda zeuhl-esque. This is one is my favorite song from the album. Epitaph its also a classic, almost an hymn, but I loved the strength and roughness of the schizoid man, also what a badass title for a song. Both are gold songs, though the fact that moonchild covers 12min of an other-way excellent 44min album and 1 slot out of five songs, its a reaaaal shame. If the album cover were a parameter for the rating it'd be 10/10 Real rating: 4.2
I have been wanting to listen to this album for a while now, so glad to finally have the chance. I really liked most of it, the only bit I didn't like was the free form jazz part of Moonchild. It felt a little needless and just kinda there not doing much. So unfortunately, although I liked everything else, the majority of Moonchild drops this down to a 4/5
Listened to before, interesting instrumental again. Higher tempo and more typical 'rock'. I want to say psychedelic but idk
4.3
:O
Kind of album that grows on you. It is weird up front, but in an interesting way.
its king crimson its yummy DUH!
Not what I expected, good psych rock album. Still can't think where I've heard that opening song '21st century schizoid man' Sounded beatle-ish
Good stuff, know em already, the album's got quite a surreal and aloof feel and is quite chill, even though at times it's a bit depressing, can also get a little long at points, the gripes are minor for sure, it does cool stuff.
sorry, I have to do my homework, but I loved it
I really love this album. Progressive rock combing what rock was built upon in a very interesting way with genres like jazz, classical compositions and more. Really unique and I'm a fan of almost every track. Interesting how Kanye sampled the 21st Century Schizoid man in "POWER." My favorite tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court Of The Crimson King. The only thing that I could somehow critique is that the length of each track is usually quite extensive, but it also gives it a vibe. Moonchild for example stands at 12min with the majority of the time occupied by very contemporary minimalist jazz which might not be for everyone, but I can see it's charm. Overall really enjoyed it. 8/10
Interesting. There's a lot going on. I like the 21st man schizoid thingy man thing idk. Will come back to it.
Occasionally a bit twiddly. But often super. Also, I absolutely love the album cover, it was always my favourite from my parents' collection when I was growing up.
Really enjoyed this album, have not listened to them before. Really enjoyed the different styles across the album and even in songs, especially given it’s a 1969 album.
I'm convinced that this is a jazz album. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a bonafide hit, and most of the other tracks are far behind. I don't think it's an album for everybody, but I would heartily recommend it to people who are remotely interested. Highlight: 21st Century Schizoid Man Lowlight: Moonchild Surprise Hit: Epitaph
Wow delving into my prog rock past. If I am honest I don’t think this has lasted too well. Sounds very dated but still love it. Greg Lake had such a good voice and Robert Fripp’s symphonic guitar. A classic album!
I'm not familiar enough with Prog Rock to have an informed opinion here. I like Yes and Rush but haven't dug much deeper. I like this album. It feels a bit weird without getting into early Genesis levels of insanity. The long songs didn't annoy me as feeling too long. I would listen to this again.
Listening to this album will always remind me of its use in Children of Men. A hauntingly beautiful album to me and generally more calmer than progressive rock tends to be.
Few songs, but with lots of substance and quirkiness. Killer album
Some insane prog/psych right here. Sounds super ahead of its time. Super tight musicianship, especially the drumming and mellotron work. Lots of people call this the first prog record, but it seems to me like they took a lot of influence from the Moody Blues? Listen to In Search of the Lost Chord and tell me that doesn't sound like this.
21st Century Schizoid Man: Gesampelt v. Kanye West (Power)
One of the better prog rock albums
Super enjoyable and can't believe this came out in the 60s! Really enjoyed this a lot. Prog rock forever. 4/5
Moonchild is a bit much…
21st Century Shizoid Man
Really likes these songs but don’t think they were really enough to be a coherent album, more like a few songs different versions
Some really good songs. But too many long weird intro/outro instrumentals for me. Almost made it a 3 because of that
Cool and unique rock/jazz songs Quite long but few songs which was great. Would listen again, genuinely enjoyed the variety
Liked this one - was good fun altho some of the songs were potentially too long.
An unmelodic, alternative and gripping adventure
It's rambling at times, welcome to prog rock! Rollicking.
oh this went crazy. i can recognize the artistry in most of these classic albums but i barely ever save them to listen to casually. however... "i talk to the wind" immediately went in the library. THE FLUTE...? absolutely also i dont know if its a crime for album covers to influence my rating but its just too good for me to not talk about it
this is probably more like a 4.5 really. i have listened before this but not extensively. prog rock time. it's not entirely what i gravitate toward but this might have changed my mind a bit... it does kinda get a bit boring in the middle there but overall i really enjoyed listening.
haven't listened to this album before, but i saw 'I Talk To The Wind' was in my liked songs and quickly found out why when i heard it today. it's great!! really fun listening experience
Musically different from other albums of this same year. Loved the slower songs dynamics.
Experimental jazz meets rock - such an interesting exploration of sound. It all feels very intentional while maintaining an ethereal quality. I love how overly long "Moon Child" is - one of the more interesting songs I've listened to in quite a while.
Hard to hear some tracks on the interstate, but I'm a fan of tracks that slow build. It seems like the first 3-4 tracks were the best. Enjoyable album, surprised I never heard of them before with how much classic rock I heard growing up.
I like
This thing is so bonkers and so good. I’m not sure I had ever listened to it in its entirety before, and now that I have. I definitely will again.
21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King are superb, but they bookend much weaker tracks. Moonchild, notably, drastically overstays its welcome and really makes the record drag. Removing Moonchild would make this a mid-to-high 4, but the record, as presented, instead ranks as a high 3/low 4.
Whenever I think about progressive rock, this album comes to mind. Great one!
A fascinating entry into the early years of the British progressive rock movement. Songs here are derived as much from Western orchestral music as they are from the blues. It's experimental and it rocks a bit less than something straight-ahead, but it's still listenable. The are only five songs, originally: 21st Century Schizoid Man is the most accessibly 'rock' tune, doubling its guitar riff with a horn section so seamlessly that you might not notice. I Talk To The Wind is a sweet tune driven by a flute melody, lovely two-part harmonies and really interesting drumming. Epitaph is gloomy and bass/keys driven under Greg Lake's best vocal performance of the record. Moonchild is highly atmospheric and a really interesting composition for rock instruments, but ultimately more a mood than a song. You might love this but you're unlikely to hum it. In The Court of the Crimson King sounds like the reprised overture from a suite, but it stands alone. No two are the same. Robert Fripp (whose control of this band later became absolute) does weird and interesting guitar things, Greg Lake kills both the bass and vocals, Michael Giles is a terribly skilled drummer (often playing in odd time signatures just so the band could show off) and Ian McDonald does just about everything else. The album is maximalist, overwhelming, thoughtful and meandering. But in 1969, this was a planted flag claiming what you could do with the instruments from a rock & roll band (plus McDonald standing in for a whole orchestra). It's not always an easy listen (though it is thoroughly, inescapably musical, unlike other albums that are described that way), but you should listen to it at least once in your life.
Always a fan of prog rock. theres a fine line to ride between repetitive and iterative that king crimson rides mostly on the iterative side
Vet album, mega veel invloed. Paar echte knallers, maar ook wat mindere nummers.
This album had jazz, rock, grunge, and soft sweet melodies that I'll never forget. A chordly cornucopia. Amazing!
An album that almost demands you sit back and absorb its immersive soundscape—featuring incredible production. I understand the hype around this album now.
Groovy album
Lekkahhhh
Very solid entry for progrock, but Moonchild just doesn’t fit in there
First listen and experience with the artist. Has vision and storytelling structure. Stands up over time.
Long live the King!
Turning rock into bollocks since 1969.
I like them! 3.5 rounded up to 4.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It’s very, very prog, but actually quite tuneful, and the noodly instrumental sections (usually) manage to add interesting ideas or build atmosphere rather than just being self-indulgent. The mythical, medieval mumbo jumbo doesn’t bother me either. It was probably all pretty forward-thinking but 21st Century Schizoid Man in particular *still* sounds so far ahead of its time. It’s a shame, then, about the last 10 minutes of Moonchild. Seriously, why put that on a record?? Still, I like the cut of rest of the album’s jib.
3.2
I think it's all technically very good and a lot of the instrumentation is interesting and sounds really nice It's a lot more mellow, sad and vocally soft most of the way through than I would expect from just the first song A lot of it does sound a bit drawn out and boring to me but that's probably because I'm not very attached and so I'm not paying that close attention But it does sound like an interesting album I can see why it would be highly rated There was some wind in an early song I liked; I like the percussion in Moonchild I do really like long songs that kind of drift into each other and contain almost subsongs so that you can listen for a long time without getting bored at all or even noticing which song is on or when it started or how long it's been on and you just get immersed in it Halfway through moonchild has a lot of really nice noises that work really well together I think Actually the whole second half of that is just very beautiful sounds including varied percussion and guitar among other things A lot of it sounds very familiar - not necessarily that it sounds particularly like much that I've heard but tbh I get the impression that it feels that way because other stuff I've listened to has been influenced by it The Court of the Crimson King also has some nice combinations of percussion, wind and guitar as well as some particularly interesting sounding wind
Easy to see why it's a classic
Great stuff! Didn't want the title track to end.
Very intense album, was not expecting to find songs i liked better than "21st Century Schizoid Man". First songs of the album felt like genesis to me. liked a lot "I Talk To the Wind"
Good music, some of the pacing is utter shit. Its prog rock so you have to expect it I guess... once the stuff gets going its good.
I liked this. It's like if The Moody Blues were into heroin.
4,5
Lekker hoor!!!
BANGER. Had 5 sterren gekregen als er meer nummers op zaten en als de nummers niet zo kk lang duurden.
Highlight of this is definitely the drum fills
Mostly I love this album. Loses a star for a few tracks being lengthy in a less good way, eg the quiet tinkling last 5 minutes of moon child.
would be a 5 if it wasnt for the fact that 3 songs are mushed into one. just let each song be their own song. it just makes the music annoying to add to any playlists. fav songs: the last 4 ones on spotify (excluding bonus)
like it. lots of crazy jazz, psychedelia and rock/metal. definite sounds of sabbath in one of the songs
This album was awesome!! Definitely going to give it a second listen. Epitaph was my favorite song.
Classic album. Love the alternating rhythms and 70s guitar riffs.
Headphone immersion experience
"Progressive Rock" has become a red flag for me, but I enjoyed this album just fine. Nothing earth-shattering, but certainly cool to listen to.
When I saw King Crimson pop up, I was thinking, “Oh…I have here of them…but is that a good thing or a bad thing…”. Turns out that it was an okay thing. I really liked some moments and really wanted some to end quickly.
abstract and weird and kinda fun :)
Needs attention
Aguante el prog
How many times must I try to listen to this album without getting lost in the nostrils of the cover art? I'd like to call this a slow burn, but slow smolder is more appropriate. The whole medieval theme carried through is a blatant signal telling me to move on... but pushing through that reveals things that come to those who wait. And wait, and wait... Love, the first song (after multiple listens), the second is fine, but drags on waaaay too long as do most of them. I suppose this is a decent album to be stoned and eat mushrooms to. The ebbs and flow of the insanely long tracks keep me holding on and provides a sense of accomplishment once this one has ended. Regardless, I'd listen to this again ... preferably with a cool buzz.
I listened to "In the Court of the Crimson King" once, and really didn't dig it. Glad I went back for a second listen a couple weeks later, because I must have been in the right frame of mind to appreciate it much more. Or maybe I was confused and it was "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" that I didn't like, because that King Crimson was just five days before this one. I guess now I'll have to listen to that one again, but now I'm dreading that a bit more. Was that the bad one? Is that the one that will make me rethink my feelings on progressive rock? Let's hope not, because "In the Court of the Crimson King" was apparently very influential in shaping the genre and deserves its accolades.
Album 129 of 1001 King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Track : 21st Century Schizoid Man I don't rave about this album as many others do. I think they had better albums. Personally, I think the cover has kept this one in peoples minds as much as the music. I would go a little deeper. but life has raised its ugly head today and must be tended to.
I liked this
Like a mix of early Pink Floyd with a touch of metal and general weirdness. I liked it!
Maybe the first (and one of the few) albums in this genre I ever owned. Top of the line prog rock, and I actually like it a lot. Though it carries some of the common sins of its type - there is for example a real stretch of some absolute intolerable horseshit in Moonchild. Mostly it keeps it pretty tight however.
I don’t think they’ll become a favourite of mine but I can see why others may love them.
Immediately knew I would like it, because it was progressive rock music. I absolutely love how chaotic the first song was, then it became mellow. Left a lot of room for the unexpected. Thoroughly enjoyed.
One of the best examples of experimental psychedelic rock. They were incredibly progressive and the album shows them rocking incredibly hard and also playing very soft. It’s a well produced album with good instrumentation, vocals, lyrics, and structure. Some of the later tracks were a tad drawn out, but I enjoyed most of it. 4/5
Part acid trip, part marks and Spencers advert (in a good way).
Amazing album, finally some proper music on this list. A full 5/5 would've needed for the quiet ego cling-clang bit to have been removed. Or even shortened. Nobody got time for that.a
I'm not a huge fan of progressive rock, but I do have a great deal of appreciation for the talent the musicians have and their ability to compose and play this music. It's mind blowing.
classic prog record
Really unique, and I enjoyed it a lot
I talk to the wind, don’t you know
I didnt know what to expect. Never heard of King Crimson. According to Youtube Music it was one of the first Prog Rock bands. They happily surprised me. The Album has a theme to it, which is quite different with every number. Nice assortment of instruments and vocals.
❤️ King Crimson. Greg Lake is one of my favorite bass players... and his singing ain't bad either. Very experimental and progressive. The drums on this album are killer, too. I love the energy and dynamics delivered here.
This was great. Loved the drums, the compositions, the sprawling scope of the album. It was, perhaps, a little too down-tempo for too long to make me go with a 5. Another like "21st Century Schizoid Man" and I am all in. But yeah, great stuff and a worthy inclusion on the list.
Admittedly I have avoided listening to this album so so long, I've forgotten my original reason. I enjoyed the proggy vastness much more than I imagined I would and need to come back to it again later. As I did suspect it was a little bit self indulgent but not enough to overstay it's welcome
one of the only prog albums i like
Lyrics and soundscape blew me away. A little hard to digest because of how long every song is, but it gets better each listen.
Felt like I was on a mythic quest. Classic.
So so so much better than so much of the terrible Prog Rock it spawned. 4/5
Pretty decent album
Good one!
Moonchild sucks, sonst gut
Rocked
Title song is epic
Very strong start with "21st Century Schizoid Man". I'm enjoying the variety of instrumentation - the orchestral elements, the mellotron, the clarinet, alongside the traditional rock setup. The album does lose some momentum as we come down from the first track. Cool that this was a prog rock poineer. I like it more than a lot of the prog I've heard. Ends strong with The Court of the Crimson King, though the promise of the first track was never fully realized through the course of the album.
One of the first prog rock albums and one of the best. Definitely has a schizophrenic quality, vacillating between heavy and delicate throughout the record. The opening track is worth the price of entry alone. Such a big sound.
Actually never listened to any King Crimson in any capacity, but I can see the appeal. Absolutely foundational prog sound that in some ways is better than most of its contemporaries. Free jazz as fuck in a way that I can get behind. There's definitely less typical "over-produced and over-embellished prog-rock" on this album, which is my biggest issue with the genre. Typically prog is all technique no heart for me, but this thankfully does not fit that bill.
Excellent
Wow, this was an absolute great experience. Was shocked to see the year as well. Seemed ahead of its time. Very unique, great discovery moment. 4. T3B 1. The Court Of The Crimson King 2. 21st Century Schizoid Man 3. Epitaph
Debuutalbum van Britse prog-rock band King Crimson. Heavy symphonic rock gemixt met jazz met een subtiele hint anti-oorlogsretoriek. Tracklist bestaat uit gecompileerde nummers. Uniek en origineel album dat de grenzen van rock opzoekt. leukste nummer: The Court Of The Crimson King De albumhoes is een zelfportret van een vriend van de band, die kort na het uitbrengen van het album overleed. Robert Fripp van King Crimson herkent er zowel de "21st Century Schizoid Man" als de "Crimson King" in.
This debut album from KC is one of the most iconic prog albums ever and it's also probably my favourite record by this band. The first three songs are simply mind-blowingly good, yet so different from each other. From the caustic and frenetic 21'st Century Schizoid Man, to the bucolic sounds of I talk to the wind and then the magnificent Epitaph. It's too bad that they spend the next 12 mins with self indulgent noodling with Moonchild as it really sucks the energy out of the room. But just as you're nodding off, a grandiose wall of sound hits you with The Court of the Crimson King. If they had left Moonchild off this album it would have gotten an instant 5 from me.
Great progressive rock. Music and lyrics solidly matched. Was right for the time
A tighter and more carefree outing than ‘Larks’ that remembers prog is supposed to be fun at the end of the day. Sashays between near tongue-in-cheek inanity on ‘Schizoid’ to serious operatic theming on the title track, hitting every possible valence stop along the way. It’s clear the the band is enjoying themselves as they lay down some seriously impressive lines, and the fun studio tricks add another layer of melodic color and variety that give this album a cohesive feel despite its dynamic content. Just a fun prog opera romp at the end of the day, and you can’t really ask for more than that.
Really fun and super easy to listen to while working as it was mostly instrumentals.
An absolute classic, with a surprisingly rich texture and flawless production. However it has Moonchild. A great record.
very different, but enjoyable
Legendary
I don't typically like long, mellow rock albums like this, but there's just something so endearing about this one. The music was phenomenal and even with the length of the tracks it never dragged in the way similar albums have for me. Top tracks: Moon Child and The Court of the Crimson King.
Prog rock that actually feels progressive. I liked it more that I was expecting to.
Great opening song, they seem way ahead of their time. Awesome album.
ok
4+/5
Love red screamy man
Has some moments that feel very Beatles adjacent to me. Overall a good listen, think I heard this album about 6 months ago previously randomly. Good stuff
Кажется, что с кем-то мы уже обсуждали King Crimson в контексте того, что это очень культовая группа и тд, и тп. Не слушал до этого осознанно их, но не исключаю, что когда-то слышал. Звук офигенный: тяжелые гитарные рифы здесь отлично дополняются духовой секцией, из-за чего на выходе получается очень обволакивающий объёмный звук. И для 1969 года это прям, имхо, шедеврально сведенная работа. С одной мааааленькой оговоркой: мы не будем забывать про любовь к всратому стерео. Я понимаю, что на мониторах это звучит ещё круче, но скиньтесь пж на них тогда мне... Очень классная флейта в I Talk To The Wind. По вайбу напомнило, как играет Ян Николенко в кавере на БГшную "Аделаиду". Даже слишком похоже, думаю, это один из источников вдохновения. Иногда треки перетянуты. 12 минут Moonchild - это было уже слишком. В остальных треках тоже иногда надоедало к концу, тем более когда вот это томительное ожидание сводится к повтору прошлой части. Но в целом, альбом классный. Для 1969 года - вообще пушка страшная.
Though the rest of the album doesn't quite measure up to the FANTASTIC opening song, it kept my attention throughout. Just some great music and experimenting with genre mixing in a way that was not only interesting, but still pleasant to listen to
Art rock / prog rock, the early edition. The first and last songs are perfect.
En klassiker.
Cool psychedelic album. Really good sound.
In my years I had a pre-conceived notion that I had an eversion to prog, maybe I did at a younger age and over the years I've come to love a lot of jazz so maybe my tastes have changed over time and now I can sit back and enjoy the quirks of King Crimson more fully because I quite enjoyed this experience. Would listen to again. Favourite tracks - 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph
Good memories came back. I enjoyed the first and the last song of the album. 21st Century… is an amazing one!
I know this is a prog nerd staple, and I have a feeling I've looked it up at some point in the past, but can't be sure. I'm going to overlook my usual frustrated "English bands from the late 60s get 2/5 maximum" attitude for it. Ok that was actually fairly enjoyable. Pretty ahead of its time, sounds more like mid 70s prog than 60s crud. Just the right amount of flowery bullshit and decent songwriting. Barely noticed it'd been 45min. 4/5.
I had heard of this band but I dont think I'd ever heard them. I really enjoyed the blues/rock fusion.
Outside of the interminable jazzy, noodly bits this is breathtaking and an easy 5 stars So it’s a shame the other bits knock a star off
GOAT
A classic prog-rock album that remains King Crimson's masterpiece. I first heard this on 8-track in our van and the title track rattled the hollow shell of the van interior even with it's shitty sound. Unfortunately, with 8-track tapes, some longer tracks are split up (mid-song) and that was the case with, In The Court of the Crimson King. Hearing on a proper stereo (or on headphones), it really highlights the details and lushness of the sound and the epic magnitude of the songs. Based just on a couple track of the key tracks, this could be 5 stars, but I felt some of the quieter, weird jazzy bits dragged it down a bit.
21st Century Schizoid Man is some of the best progressive rock I've ever heard. That song has roots in so many future genres of music. The album sinks into some sleepy bits after that, but the Court of the Crimson King is a fitting finale. This album is big, loud, and nothing if not innovative.
Hadn't given this the chance before. Really good and more flute than I expected
OOOO HE STEALIN. Hadn’t listened to this before but I enjoyed it and would like to go somewhere in the range of 3.5-3.7
Legendary album artwork 21st Century Schizoid Man is one I know from Kanye’s sample of it in ‘Power’, but my word what an epic opener. Probably need to listen to it more for it to warrant a fünf, but I appreciated this a lot and was very surprised that it was released in 1969, crikey bobba
Great album overall, minus the jam that never gets off the ground * 21st Century Schizoid Man * In the Court of the Crimson King
Song for song, it's got like a 2.5 for 5 hit rate for me ("21st Century Schizoid Man" & "Epitaph" are great, title song kinda depends on my mood), also historically this album was almost singularly responsible for inventing prog rock as a genre (compliment), even if I enjoy its successors more
Hmm absolutely terrifying stuff here. I just finished up reading berserk and I think this kinda fits in well. I'm thinking a 3.75, but I honestly think it could've done better in certain aspects. I'm torn between a 3 and a 4, but I'll give it the 4.
Holy fuck, this album is a diamond in the rough. Back when I was a wee high schooler, I found this thing and loved it. Now, I get to listen to it from top to bottom for the first time in awhile. I know I’ll love some songs, because I still listen to them somewhat regularly, but I’m hoping maybe I find another one to relisten to. “I Talk to the Wind” just makes me stiff in the pants everytime. “Epitaph” is perfection. “The Court of the Crimson King” is a delight to the senses. Well, I forgot the album only had 5 tracks. I loved the three tracks I named and still do. I listen to them regularly, so it wasn’t much of a new experience. The other 2 are good, but nothing great for me. Great album, can’t give it a 5 though. It’d be a 4.5 if I could. Also, 1969 is THE year of Rock & Roll, so this fits in nicely with its counterparts. This is the kind of album that ruins most others for me. Anytime a rock album introduces something other than guitar and drums, I’m hooked, and this has it in aces. I'm still waiting for that brand new album that blows my socks off.
/mu/core classic
Claasisissic trummorna e cracwkd
Utan denna skiva skulle vi aldrig fått ELP! En (1) stjärna.
A great band. Musically top tier talent. A great album. So many great bands came from this one group like ELP and Foreigner, not to mention the amount of bands that they influenced.
4.4 - This album provided the blueprint for progressive rock and sounds better than 90%+ of its contemporaries. I imagine King Crimson influenced Pink Floyd to change musical direction. “I Talk to the Wind” is a masterpiece. I love how the flute makes the whole arrangement float. Really, all of it strikingly beautiful. My only gripe is with the 9 minute instrumental breakdown on “Moonchild.” Though it fits with the composition, at some point it feels like they’re taking the piss noodling on for that long.
Moonchiiiiild
4/5. Quickly becoming one of my favorite albums on this list. "21st Century Schizoid Man" and "The Court of the Crimson King" are classics. The rest are great.
A classic! Some songs are absolute classics of progressive rock, but some are just plain weird, similar to some of the weird Zappa stuff. Hence 4 stars
Interesting and definitely not something I would have sought out personally but I can see why it appeals to so many. I felt as if I was listening to a fairy tale than just listening to music.
I enjoy this just a little less than Dark Side, and if nothing else that fact reminds me that I'm a bit silly and not all I'm cracked up to be.
Already listened to it, very good early prog rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR9uEja0dOc
Album is nuts, can tell this influenced later works from many other bands
This is the second time I have heard it. I really liked it the first time, now I am thinking that this is brilliant. Can’t wait to hear more of it. 4/5
Yes, it’s not a bunch of three-minute pop songs, but no it’s not classical music either (nor a classical rock fusion). In fact, it’s really not that weird or challenging at all. Which might be another way of saying times have caught up to King Crimson. “21st-century Schizoid Man” is accessible, not that arty and pretty dumb overall. “I Talk to the Wind” and “Epitaph” are a lot more interesting, but not so way out there besides their length. “Moonchild” seems more indulgent than innovative. Title cut is pretty pretentious but still worth hearing; the reaching for heaviness feels earnest, in other words. Just not that different for such a cult-y and allegedly obscure classic. The cover art feels like heavy metal, or maybe prog rock’s breakthrough gestures have just become the norm. Still, extra points for originality (even when it wasn't in the band's best interest) and influence (not all of which was propitious).
Didn't discover this album until last year, and I was immediately stunned by how great it is. It's a psychedelic rock album, but it's also Jazz and experimental and electronic. I've listened to this album front to back a dozen times and still find things I love.
When it's good it's easily a 5, but then half way through it goes like weird free-form jazz and a man is just tinkeling on the piano and it really break it up (and I would say detracts from the album) but when it hits its an easy 5 stars. 21st century schizoid man is amazing. Overall a 4 cause it hits more than it misses
I can't really explain why this worked for me when other similar albums haven't, but it did. I listened to it three times in a row. It would be perfect if it weren't for track 2. Best track: Epitaph
Surprising
This album was really cool! Definitely nailed the "genuinely interesting" side of weird music. Favorite track: 21st Century Schizoid Man
Unexpected but very good ! This is what you can call an album. The songs on their own are good but together as an album they are even better. Sometimes songs of 10 minutes get boring but in this case they keep it interesting and I liked every minute of it. Normally I would write down my favourite songs, but this album should be listened as a whole.
I like it!
yes, nice, added to my library
I've listened to this multiple times over the years even though prog rock isn't really my thing, guess it goes to show how good this actually is
I liked it.
The first song is fun. I don’t really know how else to describe it. I love the part where they intermittently play then stop. Really enjoyed the drastic difference between the 1st song and 2nd song. The instruments are also 🙏. I was really enjoying the first half, but got kinda bored in the 2nd half. 3.5/5
Interessante combinatie van muziekstijlen. Het is ook geen al te lang album, dus het gaat zeker niet vervelen. Leuk album!
Okay so the opening is an absolute banger and there's stuff to love elsewhere. There's also at least 10 minutes of noodly jazzbo twiddlenonsense. Even so, I managed to enjoy 70% of the album which is an achievement for this kind of progginess.
Excellent, I just wanted more of it.
I really liked this one. I remember hearing 21st Century Schizoid Man during a skateboarding video when I was younger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1y6F1VodbM).
Well! This seems like something I should already be familiar with. Interesting to say the least. Like early Black Sabbath meets Jethro Tull. Weird but cool.
Long songs.
I understand that it's highly regarded and I like prog, but I don't love it as much as some
I have mixed feelings on this one. I actually tried listening to it a few weeks ago. I couldn’t make it through two songs. I decided to try it again and start fresh with it. I probably listened to the album completely three or four times today, and a few of the songs even more than that. It’s definitely an album that grows on you. Half of the songs I would say are excellent (Epitaph, Court of the Crimson King), the other half are decent songs halfway through and then just ramble on for 5 more minutes (Moonchild). Overall it’s a good album that gets better the more you listen
Incredible experimental record from the 60s(!) 4/5
Great album.
I love this record, my fav track is Epitaph, the whole thing gives me Floydian vibes, but with less emphasis on ambience and some very interesting guitar parts. The almost free-form jazz styles in some tracks (notably 21st Century Schizoid Man) has such a unique, fun, chaotic energy to it that I love. Also, the long track-lengths gives lots of room to expand on the musical ideas. Solid 8/10.
Excellent album ! Très bonnes vibes rock/jazz pour certains morceaux. Gros coup de cœur sur le dernier morceau de l'album "A man a city" et son solo de saxophone entêtant.
Psychadelic trip, Donovan wibes. Musical-style exposition.
Can see why its very influential to prog rock as its a predecessor for classic Pink Floyd, Yes' early 70s output, Genesis and Rush's 70s work. And while it was a decent listen and featured no bad songs, I didn't love it or come away needing to listen to it later today.
Good album
This is a gem, and the album cover is ideal for it.
4 It's really good Just a little too weird at times. (The middle of Moonchild)
REALLY GOOD - was able to enjoy it almost all the way through (which surprised me, as I didn't think I was much of a prog rock fan) but some of this album gets lost on me (such as the lengthy instrumental in 'Moonchild') and so I can't rate it as a 'perfect' album based on my first couple of listens - but I can completely see why this was included on the list of albums, and why sooo many people speak so highly of it. Track ranking (fav to least fav): The Court Of The Crimson King > Epitaph > I Talk To The Wind > 21st Century Schizoid Man > Moonchild
Mais uma confirmação que vale muito a pena ouvir mais.
Definitely a foundation piece for the progressive rock genre that grew out in the '70s. This has a much "jazzier" feel than than the major bands that followed including ELP, Yes, Genesis (Peter Gabriel version) and even Rush. Those bands were all much more "classical" in the musical bent. I like this album (mostly because of Greg Lake's vocals) but it does get a bit too "spacey" at times. Regardless, given the influence it had, it definitely belongs on this list.
This was very impressive and at its most impressive when I listened closely. These are fantastic musicians who take you on a journey with these songs. I don’t think this was the most accessible music in the world (although Kanye did famously sample the first track in Power) but like some jazz I don’t think it is supposed to be.. I would give this a 4.5 if I was able to
Pretty good
Some really cool sounds in here. I can tell why it's so influential.
Lyssnade i Gif-Sur-Yvette.
Give me that good progressive rock! This album first interested me after I got into Pink Floyd and was experimenting with different genres of music than what I was normally familiar with. 'In the Court of the Crimson King' was one of those albums I tried out, and I will admit that it befuddled me at first. There were definite highs and lows to this album, but I wouldn't ever say that it became a slog to get through. The highest of highs was definitely the closing song, which is monumental and grandiose, and the album builds to it nicely. Overall, this is a special album, one that I'm not always in the mood for but one that is always there waiting when I need a good bit of prog-rock. It's weird, it's a marvel, and it's just a great album.
I have listened to In The Court of the Crimson King more than once, and at least one or two other full albums from King Crimson as I have tried to get a handle on their music. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is a track that I will probably always come back to just because that track was part of my expanding intake of progressive rock early on. The whole track offers a varied landscape of sound as you might expect from progressive rock. Greg Lake's voice is a great contribution to this iteration of King Crimson. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to hear Lake and Bill Bruford in King Crimson at the same time. "The Court of the Crimson King" is my 2nd favorite track from this album. The album as a whole is good, but I have less of an affinity towards the middle of the album. Moonchild" is the track that I enjoyed the least. I like the second half of "Moonchild", but the first half reminds me that I frequently don't understand what Robert Fripp is trying to get at. Rounding up to 4 stars.
I do like this album and I've got quite into it before. I think it didn't particularly grab me this time around but I think its one of those that you have to pay attention to. For memories of better listens in the past I'll give it a 4.
I love the instrumentals on this album. It is very spacy. The songs on the second half of the album are certainly longer and not my favorite part of the album.
Classic album with equally classic cover art.
Amazing. Never heard it before but will definitely listen again.
This album kicks ass. The aimless noodling on Moonchild is a bit much though. come on guys. Court of the Crimson King is just so good.
Nascent prog-rock. A little free jazz motions thrown in for good measure. Probably quite the thing in 1969.
I really loved the feeling of this album. Some parts seemed quite drawn out and it took a while. But the songs were cool and the style of music was funky
This was great well beyond the meme lol
Strangely addictive music with some very deep lyrics. Great finding.
This album was chaotic and noisy and I loved it. It was easy to get lost at times but it sounded great and every song was so different and fun. Cool album art too.
I have to recognize the musicianship, dynamics, songwriting and great production. This album has everything a progressive rock album should.
Musically brilliant and experimental beyond the Rock genre . My fave KC album is Starless and The Bible Black, but this is close .
Mostly like.
Essential Prog Rock. Saxophone, flutes, guitars, drums, all blend together perfectly to create an epic, fable-like album which goes from peaceful tunes to evil-sounding anthems.
Ah The Vanguard of Prog Rock, oh what crimes you allowed to happen. Joking aside a great, seminal album, when rock started getting acknowledged as a serious art form. Robert Fripp and co wrote and performed a classic album here. some wonderful tunes and Synth work favourites include "21st Century Schizoid Man" and "Moonchild" Greg Lakes' vocals are superb on the latter track and the former has been influential in all types of music for 50+ years now. Just if you haven't seen them take a look at Robert Fripp and his Partner Toyah lockdown videos, (Toyah & Roberts Sunday Lunch) on YouTube great fun throughout!
Came to King Crimson via a cycling blog on Facebook (‘Epitaph’, scoring Merckx’s last day ever in Yellow, when he broke on Puy-de-Domê. Real pathos. Anyway, groovy jazz funk album, precursor for a decade of the excess and indulgence that is (British) Prog.
listened tk yeah
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Has a lot of an early "prog rock" vibe, without a lot of the over the top synthesizer that later English prog rock gets. Which is fine by me...! Their composition reminds me a lot of Jethro Tull, which I also love. They seem to have a full horn line, which is awesome. They mix more classic rock with some of the more esoteric/bebop jazz compositions. Good stuff.
Likeable "old music"
Wild! The opening track (21st Centrury Schizoid Man) is like a prog-rock riff on themes from Black Sabbath's album Paranoid, nihilistic lyrics, echoed drum rolls down the set, and screeching horns and guitars. What's interesting through is this album came about a year before Paranoid did. Then, next up is 'I Talk To The Wind'; (my fav) a somber duet backed with clarinets, flutes, harmonics and a playful drum trilling and filling along in the background. Following that is 'Epitaph', which is an expansive and spatial lament reminiscent of tracks from Radiohead's 'OK Computer'. The next song 'Moonchild', just kind of slowly disintegrates into an ambient jam session, that almost sounds like they just forgot to stop recording and figured, "Eh, why not," when it came time to put it on the album. Then 'The Court of The Crimson King' ties all the themes together in an on-again-off-again crescendo. This is such a singularly unique album, and I love it!
Really good album. Liked it a lot
This album is so weird, in the best way possible. It's not particularly melodic. But it covers every facet of prog rock. I don't think it's perfect, but solid throughout.
Not quite to my taste, but the innovation and musical proficiency of King Crimson is undeniable. Robert Fripp's guitar is beautiful, as always. I love his work. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is wickedly good. A squonky, propulsive musical odyssey. Fave Songs: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court of the Crimson King
Este disco fue una experiencia muy muy chingona. Para empezar, no conocía nada de King Crimson aunque sabía de su importancia en el progresivo y algo había oído de Robert Fripp (por el 3G). Las primeras 3 canciones son cada una una joya, llenas de subidas, bajadas, virtuosismo, todo. El problema es que llega 'Moonchild' y se vuelve cansado escuchar más o menos 9 minutos de todas las experimentaciones entre percusión y guitarra… nada útil para trabajar. Lo bueno es que retoma con mucha fuerza en 'The Court of the Crimson King', todo psicodelia y letras locas. En Apple Music solo está una version expandida que trae un par de cosas en vivo, no tan buenas como lo de estudio.
Really interesting album
- Capa icônica - Perdi meu ~ranço~ pela banda - Pretendo ouvir mais vezes
"I talk to the wind" is insanely beautiful. Great album.
One of the most renowned prog-rock albums of all time, and well deserved, this album feels like a distopian future. Either way the music is spectacular, sounds recent and has aged really really well. Fav Tracks: 21's Century Schizoid Man, Moonchild.
Very symphonic and influential prog album. I'm not the biggest prog fan because the lengthy songs can make me anxious, but I give major props to king crimson.
Fantastic! I was hooked from the beginning, Moonchild was an out of body experience.
First of all, I will mention this album cover is the recipient of my "Best Album Cover Ever" award. I always find it depicts exactly how I feel at any given moment. As for the music... Well, this is as close to 5 stars (but not 5 stars) as an album could get. History wise, this album was with me, then gone from my life, then (through the unforgettable cover) back in my life, rinse and repeat. Music wise, and atmosphere wise, there's a lot of sheer genius in this album. With just a tad of "what drugs were they on".
This was a fun one for me! Loved it
The record that invented prog rock arrived in 1969 fully formed and completely confident, which is either inspiring or slightly exhausting depending on which track you're on. Robert Fripp's band had no real precedent — jazz complexity, classical structure, rock energy, and a darkness that the era's psychedelia was actively avoiding — and the ambition is audible in every bar. That ambition is also occasionally the problem. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is the opening statement and the strongest argument for the record — Greg Lake's distorted vocal and Fripp's guitar creating something genuinely aggressive that still hits hard fifty-five years later. The title track closes the album as a complete contrast, gentle and medieval and orchestral, the Mellotron giving everything its distinctive lush-but-eerie texture. Between those poles the record moves through enough genuine ideas to earn its reputation without fully earning a four. What keeps it there is Moonchild — twelve minutes of sparse improvisation that tests the patience of even devoted listeners and tips the balance decisively. A record that earns a four needs to justify its worst moments, and Moonchild is too much to ask forgiveness for. The three is honest rather than dismissive — this is cool and genuinely impressive and something worth hearing once. It just isn't something you'd inflict on a room of people who didn't specifically ask for it. Respect without love, delivered cleanly.
This actually kinda slaps when they stop fucking around and play. 3.5
some of it i really like, some of it's funky, some of its honestly kinda lacklustre overall not mad, would listen again
Seems good if you are into this type of thing!
spoko takie do polecenia w tle ale nic takiego takie okey
i don't like this quite as much as i probably should. the puttering around that happens is a trope with progressive rock i'm not really a fan of. but still has some massive moments in the closing and opening tracks. deserves to be one of the 1001? obviously
Very Pink Floydish, psychedelic, think I'd have to be in the right mood to listen to something like that as the songs are very long
I want to like this more than I do. It's great in places, but then it also spends a lot of time in that twiddly nowhere that I dislike about prog rock.
It's ok
Difficult one to score as it’s known as the first prog album so do I give it a little extra leeway? Posh hippy fare mainly. A lot more orchestral than I remember.
Was fine! 3.5
This is the type of album that makes this project so enjoyable - discovering new albums and music that is enjoyable. It wasn’t perfect for me by any means - but a good solid record by a band I didn’t know much more than one song from.
This was some of the best instrumentals I’ve heard from a late 60s album!
wow what an opener! -surprised to hear jazz in a rock song -i love how each song is different and even though i know they're long i'm glad it doesn't sound the same the whole way through -don't think i fully know what 'rock' music should sound like but King Crimson has been identified as releasing 'progressive' rock, i'm vibing with it. top picks - 21st century schizoid man - i talk to the wind
Idk, good but missed the sparkle 👀
I didn't mind this - proggy but still tight and focused, never overindulgent
É legal, mas músicas muito longas e ai fiquei com dor de cabeça
Some very good ideas and an impressive display of supreme technical command, but dragged in places (at least for me).
Regarded as 1st progressive rock album, jazz, classical, even flute 21st century schizoid man
'21st Century Schizoid Man' hits like a bolt of lightening. The final track has a woozy majesty that's hard to resist. The rest of the album often sounds like a different, less interesting band , with ballads that are more Moody Blues meets Henry Mancini than the starting gun for progressive rock. The extended improvisation on side 2 has its charms, but not enough to help elevate the record as a whole.
This album is like "Let's begin with one of the greatest songs ever written. Got that? Okay, now let's never do it again." I'm surprised /this/ is their big one. Only one of two on this list, but I feel like I hear a lot more people talk about Red or Discipline nowadays. This made me want to check out the band's heavier stuff, which I guess I'll do after I'm done with this list, hahaha. Four 3s in a row. Run DMC better kick my ass tomorrow.
21st century schizoid man is my jam!