King Crimson - In The Wake Of Poseidon
First of all now that I have truly experienced their full discography I can honestly place them amongst my favourite bands. They are definitely a one-of-a-kind group, I've never encountered anything similar. It's nearly impossible to assign them to one genre not only as for their whole work but also for single albums. Even if I had to describe their early work I wouldn't say much. You really need to listen to this. It is progressive, it is sublime, it is orchestral, it is complex and psychodelic but perhaps most important it is beautiful. Later on they seem to expand more in the progressive way. Especially their live-improv albums are total chaos. Sometimes you could say their songs are Jazz, Rock or even, in some cases almost pop-alike and everything in between. Partially it is due to their squad rotations. Even if one was not interested in any of those genres I highly recommend listening to at least first albums to pay homage to a great band that influenced modern Music.
Golden Age (1969-1974)
Now, I assume that You already know ,,In The Court Of the Crimson King" as it is the most known and arguably their best album. It appears on all serious lists of best albums ever created regardless of genre. Sadly most people stop at this point. But really there is so much to explore. Posted ,,In the Wake of Poseidon" is an example of similar but not exactly the same piece. ,,Islands" are more peaceful and melodramatic like ,,Epitaph". Those are the "philosophical" albums with deep lyrics and enchanting Music.
There are also more "classic" progressive rock ( if something like this exists) albums like "Red" and "Starless and Bible Black" and more Jazz-like - "Lizard" and "Lark's tongue in Aspic",With more traditional structures and instruments. Although they are still pretty deep you probably won't feel them as some mythical-drama like two first albums.
I don't know is it just me but I authentically think that their live albums are much worse than studio albums. In some songs you can maybe hear more passion that in studio versions but overall I think this kind of Music was too complex to record live during that time. The things they came out with are amazing, no-name guitar chords with orchestral background and broken tempo played on sick drum beat. I think these are the most complex pieces that are still pleasant to listen too. Few, if any, bands came close to this.
King Crimson - Walking on Air
Later Work
Next Albums never came close to those created in early 70's. There was a lot of experimenting with new technology and New Wave - style Music was created. They still had that sense of beauty and courage to use new techniques but overall albums "Discipline" and "Beat" are far from perfection. They seem so "modern" and almost "easy" compared to older records. But they are definitely not to be considered as pop songs with catchy chorus.
Only albums truly worth mentioning (for King Crimson of course) are "Three Of a Perfect Pair" and "Thrak". First one reminds me of their old glorious pieces but with a fresh attitude. I still prefer old ones but this album is really solid. And lastly we have "Thrak" - In my opinion their last true album. It surely is different from their beginnings but the way they adapted new trends like Grunge or Pop into their style of play amazes me.
As I said in the beginning King Crimson is one of the best bands ever. In most cases albums rated as mediocre for them are still very good overall. I really think that listening to their first album is a must for everyone who claims to have interest in Music and I would be highly surprised if anyone after listening to it won't be willing to discover a little bit more.
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