KING CRIMSON — In The Court Of The Crimson King (review)

KING CRIMSON — In The Court Of The Crimson King album cover

Album · 1969 · Proto-Metal

0.5/5 · 2014-10-03
Unitron

King Crimson-In the Court of the Crimson King

Well, this is going to be controversial.

I can enjoy some King Crimson, they have been a leading figure in the creation of progressive rock. 'Starless and Bible Black' and 'Red' are among some of the decent examples of their sound that has influenced so many, and they even have good recent albums like 'The Power to Believe'. Unfortunately, their debut isn't such a fine example.

Now I appreciate the effect this album had on the music industry, it really stood-out. The album begins with the song I enjoy the most, '21st Century Schizoid Man'. It combines saxophone, jazzy drumming, chaotic heavy guitar, and dark lyrics in a surprisingly decent mix. The next song 'I Talk to the Wind' would of been a decent relaxing interlude if it didn't drag on for so long. The song never really changes, just stays the same for six minutes. 'Epitaph' is yet another song that would of been okay if it didn't drag on for so long. It doesn't change other then the bridge until the end when some distorted guitar comes in. 'Moonchild' doesn't drag on, it's a very experimental song, but it doesn't really have any beat or melody to it. If you enjoy improvisational jazz you'll probably enjoy it, but I find it pretty boring. The finale title track is the only other song I enjoy. It has parts that I don't like, such as the improvisational jazz parts and the flute sections, but other then that it's a pretty good song with a great melodic chorus and good instrumentation.

The lyrics are certainly one of the stronger points of the album, being about political and social themes.

I need to say something about the disgusting cover art. I see that this album cover gets as much praise as the album itself, if not more. I can't see why, it's just a close-up of a fleshy, screaming, face that is way too detailed. I can even see inside the nostrils. It's one of the worst rock album covers I've ever seen, I find it very disgusting.

Overall, I feel that this album is overrated. I wouldn't call it bad, but a perfect word to describe my feelings for it would be: Boring. It's probably just my personal music tastes, but I find King Crimson's later efforts much more enjoyable. Like I said before, I appreciate it's legacy to rock music and it was important in developing progressive rock. I just can't seem to enjoy it much.

Hope you found this review helpful.

Feel free to comment!

more than 2 years ago
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ProgMetaller2112 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Side 2 ruins this album for me

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

My opinion about this album hasn't changed a whole lot since, but I don't know why I gave it 1 star. It's mostly just boring, only Moonchild I would call outright terrible. Would like to write a better written review of it at some point anyways though, I've improved a hell of a lot since 2014.

ProgMetaller2112 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I like the album a little more than you do it seems. I noticed I commented about 2 years ago lol but I will expand on it. I like the album but I too think it is overrated. A lot of it drags on and is too repetitive for my liking. The title track is a bloated snooze fest. Sorry Crims

Kingcrimsonprog wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I love that album cover man.

Also, the album, apart from Moonchild. If there's Moonchildren to be had, its the Maiden variety for me.

ProgMetaller2112 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I feel the exact same way about this Uni. Good review

aglasshouse wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I must say that I would definitely prefer bands like Jethro Tull or Gentle Giant over King Crimson in most cases, but they are enjoyable in some cases. Not this album in my opinion. Way too boring, and drags. The album cover makes me want to crawl away under a rock from the fever dreams it gives me.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I agree about the cover! It is hideous

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

A Classic progressive rock album, and a very influential one too. I never enjoyed the avant garde section of Moonchild, but otherwise I think it´s a great album.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

You're right, For all I know it may grow on me, seeing as over the years I've enjoyed things I used to not. A few years ago I probably wouldn't have enjoyed any songs on this album. I don't think I'll ever like that cover art though. :P

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

It's a grower. I didn't love it for a long time but once it got under my skin it dug in deep. Not saying that will ever happen to you but it did for me. Now when i hear this album it instantly catches my full attention and admiration. Love it