King Crimson: In the Court of the Crimson King (Deluxe Edition)

In the Court of the Crimson King has long been considered the first ever 'progressive rock' album, one of the most beloved and legendary rock recordings that still stands the test of time 40 years after its release. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the release of this landmark album, Robert Fripp and Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson have worked diligently to release this deluxe edition, containing a CD with a new mix of the original album (the original analog multi-tracks were transferred to digital, enabling them to work from the first generation tracks prior to sub-mixing) plus bonus tracks (full, backing, & alternate versions of tracks from the original album), and a bonus DVD with the album in various audio formats, including 5.1 Surround and a few stereo mixes. As you can imagine, it's a treasure chest of magnificent audio goodies for the KC fan, and the digipack also comes with a nice booklet packed with photos, the original album artwork, lyrics, and essays from Fripp and Sid Smith.

Who can argue that the album itself isn't one of rock's legendary releases, especially with songs such as the hard rocking, complex wonder that is "21st Century Schizoid Man", the dreamy, Mellotron soaked title track, or the haunting, also Mellotron drenched classic "Epitaph"? Quite frankly, you can't. Greg Lake gives one of his finest performances ever here (for "Epitaph" and the title track alone), and the band take the Mellotron even further than the Moody Blues on a few of the songs. The frantic drum work of Michael Giles and the laser-like guitar lines from Fripp on "21st Century Schizoid Man" simply marvel, and the soothing woodwinds from Ian McDonald on "I Talk to the Wind" and the mysterious "Moonchild" add a wonderful jazzy element to this otherwise adventurous and groundbreaking album. Sadly, this line-up of the band would stay together less than a year, and implode shortly after the release of the album and tour supporting it.

The extra tracks offer an alternate take on some of the much loved classics, especially noteworthy are the extended version of "Moonchild", the two takes of "I Talk to the Wind", one with just Fripp and McDonald, and the other an alternate take with some different solos being featured. As a huge fan of "Epitaph", I was intrigued to hear the song as a pure instrumental without Lake's vocal, but quickly missed his emotional delivery, which, along with the ominous waves of Mellotron, is one of the songs highlights. For those who love to play audio DVDs on their systems, the vast array of different mixes here is astounding, and gives you plenty of choices by which to enjoy this classic album.

In summary, an essential purchase for anyone with any passing interest in the history of progressive rock.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. 21st Century Schizoid Man
2. I Talk to the Wind
3. Epitaph
4. Moonchild
5. The Court of the Crimson King
6. Moonchild 2009 mix (full version)
7. I Talk to the Wind (Alternate take - Duo version)
8. I Talk to the Wind (Alternate Mix)
9. Epitaph (Backing track)
10. Wind Session (from album session recordings)
DVD
Original Album remixed in:
MLP Lossless 5.1 Surround
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround
Original album mix (2004 master edition)
2009 stereo album mix
CD bonus tracks and alternate takes in MLP Lossless Sereo & PCM Sterio 2.0
Video Content (audio/mono)-21st Century Schizoid Man (edit)

Added: April 16th 2010
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3787
Language: english

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