Album Info
| Artist: | King Crimson |
| Album: | In The Court Of The Crimson King (An Observation By King Crimson) |
| Released: | Australia, 1974 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including Mirrors) | 6:52 |
| Written By - Fripp , McDonald , Lake , Giles , Sinfield | ||
| A2 | I Talk To The Wind | 5:40 |
| Written-By - McDonald, Sinfield | ||
| A3 | Epitaph (Including (A) March For No Reason; (B) Tomorrow And Tomorrow) | 8:30 |
| Written By - Fripp , McDonald , Lake , Giles , Sinfield | ||
| B1 | Moonchild (Including (A) The Dream; (B) The Illusion) | 12:09 |
| Written By - Fripp , McDonald , Lake , Giles , Sinfield | ||
| B2 | The Court Of The Crimson King (Including (A) The Return Of The Fire Witch; (B) The Dance Of The Puppets) | 8:48 |
| Written-By - McDonald, Sinfield |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
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- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"In The Court Of The Crimson King" is not merely an album; it's a sonic manifesto that declared the arrival of progressive rock in 1969. King Crimson, with this pioneering record, didn't just join the pantheon of rock greats; they carved a niche for themselves that remains unparalleled. Under the leadership of Robert Fripp, King Crimson embarked on a musical journey that explored the outer realms of rock, jazz, and classical, culminating in a sound that was both ambitious and groundbreaking.
From its iconic cover artwork, a close-up of a screaming face painted by Barry Godber, to its eclectic tracklist, everything about this album exudes innovation. The cover is a harrowing, emotionally charged piece that perfectly encapsulates the album's atmospheric and emotional intensity. It's a promise of the musical odyssey contained within.
The opening track, "21st Century Schizoid Man," is a cataclysmic onslaught of distorted vocals, blaring saxophones, and heavy guitar riffs. It's a piece of musical genius that shifts between chaotic jazz-rock sections and more structured, almost militaristic, parts. This track, with its socio-political lyrics and intricate instrumentals, establishes the tone for the entire album.
"I Talk to the Wind" follows, offering a stark contrast. It's a serene, flute-driven ballad, introspective in its lyrics, exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition. The gentle melodies of this track offer a respite, a moment of calm introspection amid the album's otherwise stormy atmosphere.
"The Court of the Crimson King" is another standout. With its mellotron-heavy orchestration and Greg Lake's poignant vocals, it feels like a medieval ballad brought to life in the rock era. The song's narrative, abstract and open to interpretation, weaves a tale of kingdoms, fire witches, and the ever-present crimson king.
However, it's "Moonchild" that perhaps best exemplifies King Crimson's willingness to push boundaries. The track begins with a delicate ballad but soon gives way to an extended improvisational section, where each instrument, from the vibes to the guitar, embarks on its own exploratory journey. It's a track that demands patience and an open mind, but rewards the listener with a unique auditory experience.
The production quality, overseen by Fripp, is top-notch, capturing every nuance, every intricate detail of the band's complex arrangements. It's a record that demands high-quality audio equipment to truly appreciate its depth and layers.
One of the key aspects that make "In The Court Of The Crimson King" so timeless is its emotional depth. It's an album that feels, and it urges its listeners to feel with it, to embark on a journey that ranges from the frenetic to the serene, from the abstract to the eerily tangible.
In retrospect, this album laid the groundwork for the progressive rock movement. It showcased that rock music could be more than just catchy choruses and simple structures. It could be intricate, sophisticated, and profoundly moving. King Crimson, with this magnum opus, issued a challenge to the rock world – a challenge to evolve, innovate, and most importantly, to feel.
To say that "In The Court Of The Crimson King" is essential listening would be an understatement. It's an album that needs to be experienced, pondered upon, and cherished. A masterclass in musicianship, storytelling, and emotion, it stands tall as one of the most influential albums in rock history.
