King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King [200g Black Vinyl LP]

King Crimson's debut album In the Court of the Crimson King redefined rock music when it emerged from London in October 1969. Often regarded as the first true progressive rock album, it combined rock music influences with elements of jazz, classical, and symphonic music while describing the devastating effects of war and conflict, societal alienation and disillusionment. This 200-gram super-heavyweight vinyl UK import was newly cut from masters approved by Robert Fripp and pressed at The Vinyl Factory in England, featuring the original 1969 stereo mix. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and number 28 on the US Billboard 200, where it was certified Gold by the RIAA.

"21st Century Schizoid Man" opens the album as the group's signature song, delivering what Rolling Stone described as "a seven-and-a-half-minute statement of purpose: rock power, jazz spontaneity, and classical precision harnessed in the service of a common aim." "Epitaph" was released as a single alongside "21st Century Schizoid Man," while the album also features "I Talk to the Wind," "Moonchild," and the title track. Recorded over a period of 10 days in August 1969 at Wessex Sound Studios, the album features Robert Fripp on guitar, Ian McDonald on reeds and mellotron, Greg Lake on bass and lead vocals, Michael Giles on drums, and Peter Sinfield on lyrics. The band's fusion of rock intensity with classical sophistication created a template that influenced decades of progressive music.

The pressing was cut by John Dent at LOUD Mastering and manufactured at The Vinyl Factory, spread across two sides in the iconic gatefold jacket. The cover artwork was painted by Barry Godber, a computer programmer friend who used his own face, viewed through a mirror, as the model. Godber died in February 1970 from a heart attack shortly after the album's release at age 24. The 200-gram weight provides exceptional stability and clarity, capturing the dynamic contrasts between the album's gentle pastoral moments and explosive crescendos that made this one of rock's most influential debuts.

• Format: 200g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "21st Century Schizoid Man," "Epitaph," "The Court of the Crimson King"
• Pressing details: UK import, 200-gram super-heavyweight vinyl, cut by John Dent at LOUD Mastering, pressed at The Vinyl Factory, gatefold jacket, remastered from masters approved by Robert Fripp
• Genre/style: Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Jazz-Rock
• UPC: 633367911117

This heavyweight pressing offers a definitive version of the album that launched progressive rock, preserving every nuance of King Crimson's genre-defining vision.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including Mirrors)
2. I Talk To The Wind
3. Epitaph (Including (A) March For No Reason (B) Tomorrow And Tomorrow)

Side B:

1. Moonchild (Including (A) The Dream (B) The Illusion)
2. The Court Of The Crimson King (Including (A) The Return Of The Fire Witch (B) The Dance Of The Puppets)