Nice pick, and nice write-up. This actually probably IS my favorite Crimson record, in part because of how well it captures the essence of its time, and in part because Ian McDonald's mellotron work here is absolutely glorious. I always thought Foreigner did their best work when he was in that band, as well.
This is a corker of an album. Thanks to Fripp for kickstarting my prog rock obsession. I also discovered ambient music with his solo work. I hold King Crimson's Red and Discipline in very high regard. Okay, who wants to tackle Caravan next?
Excellent classic album dive into King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King." I've been digging deep into Peter Sinfield's lyrics for this record recently, as I've been writing a tabletop roleplaying game adventure inspired by In the Court of the Crimson King. I think the lyrics work on a poetic level to support the music, but also present a deep pool of historical and literary allusions that are like a puzzle to solve.
Great essay! 1969...I’m a college freshman and this album shows up in the new release bin at the campus store. The cover! I pass on several more “known” items and take it to the register. The guy behind the counter says, “This album can’t possibly be as good as the cover.” Wrong!
Cheers, I am directing a Prog Rock show this weekend which includes "21st Century Schizoid Man." When I first heard it on the Playlist (yeah, I had managed to get through life without until around the time you posted this), I thought it would be utterly impossible for us to pull off. Touch wood, fingers crossed and all that, this group of teens has nailed it. When time allows after the show is over, I owe it to myself to investigate that whole "Canterbury Sound" that invented prog rock. That last statement is not subjective. The sleeve notes to Caravan's debut album supposedly used the term to describe themselves. A rare case where an act actually came up with the name for their genre.
Hmm. Looks as if the links aren’t working - apologies. Will check what’s happened asap 🤔
Songwhip was down. All seems to be fixed now.
Nice pick, and nice write-up. This actually probably IS my favorite Crimson record, in part because of how well it captures the essence of its time, and in part because Ian McDonald's mellotron work here is absolutely glorious. I always thought Foreigner did their best work when he was in that band, as well.
Absolutely fantastic album - probably in the top 3 of KC releases for this listener...the mind boggles at finding it "ordinary."
It’s odd, isn’t it? Then again, some people in that group (which shall remain nameless) recommend new prog music as “the best ever” and … it’s not.
Is it possible that the song “The Court of the Crimson King” can’t officially be called a title track because it’s missing the word “In”?
Well, it’s possible! KC also released ‘Starless and Bible Black’ but the wonderful song ‘Starless’ was on the next album ‘Red’.
Thanks for the restack Britta 😊
Giles on drums is an absolute maniac on this record 🔥🔥
This is a corker of an album. Thanks to Fripp for kickstarting my prog rock obsession. I also discovered ambient music with his solo work. I hold King Crimson's Red and Discipline in very high regard. Okay, who wants to tackle Caravan next?
I’ve be interested to read more about Caravan too!
Here's an article from my other website on prog rock written by another Ian!
http://culturecatch.com/music/essential-progressive-rock-listening-guide
Ah, brilliant, thank you!
And this screed on prog rock in 1974 comp:
http://culturecatch.com/music/1974-progressive-rock
Excellent classic album dive into King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King." I've been digging deep into Peter Sinfield's lyrics for this record recently, as I've been writing a tabletop roleplaying game adventure inspired by In the Court of the Crimson King. I think the lyrics work on a poetic level to support the music, but also present a deep pool of historical and literary allusions that are like a puzzle to solve.
Great dive into a fantastic album. I haven’t listened to ITCOTCK in years. That will change on tomorrow morning’s commute!
Thanks Bryan. I must say I’m happy my commuting days are over!
Great essay! 1969...I’m a college freshman and this album shows up in the new release bin at the campus store. The cover! I pass on several more “known” items and take it to the register. The guy behind the counter says, “This album can’t possibly be as good as the cover.” Wrong!
Thanks Chuck!
I do struggle to get my partner to listen because she loathes the cover. If we can get past ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’, though, all is good.
Cheers, I am directing a Prog Rock show this weekend which includes "21st Century Schizoid Man." When I first heard it on the Playlist (yeah, I had managed to get through life without until around the time you posted this), I thought it would be utterly impossible for us to pull off. Touch wood, fingers crossed and all that, this group of teens has nailed it. When time allows after the show is over, I owe it to myself to investigate that whole "Canterbury Sound" that invented prog rock. That last statement is not subjective. The sleeve notes to Caravan's debut album supposedly used the term to describe themselves. A rare case where an act actually came up with the name for their genre.
All the best for the show!