The 21st Century Guide to King Crimson – Volume One – 1969–1974
King Crimson · 2004
308 min · 47 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · art rock
A kaleidoscopic journey through progressive rock’s most intricate and ambitious soundscapes.
Why this album works
This compilation is significant as it encapsulates King Crimson's groundbreaking contributions to the progressive rock genre, featuring tracks that have become staples in rock history. It received positive critical acclaim, with notable mentions in publications like Rolling Stone, reinforcing its importance in the canon of rock music.
- Best for
- dynamic progression with peaks kaleidoscopic sound exploration wave-like pacing throughout
- Context
- Released in 2004, this compilation marks King Crimson's retrospective of their influential years from 1969 to 1974. At this time, the band had undergone numerous lineup changes and stylistic shifts, with a legacy firmly established as pioneers of progressive rock. The album serves as a bridge between their early experimental work and later projects, highlighting the band's evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer· Soft Machine· Frank Zappa
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 21st Century Schizoid Man Standout 7:24
- 2 I Talk to the Wind 6:05
- 3 Epitaph Standout 8:48
- 4 Moonchild 3:38
- 5 The Court of the Crimson King Standout 9:28
- 6 Peace – A Theme 1:15
- 7 Cat Food 4:52
- 8 Groon 3:32
- 9 Cadence and Cascade 4:38
- 10 In the Wake of Poseidon (instrumental edit) 4:03
- 11 Ladies of the Road 5:30
- 12 Sailor’s Tale (abridged) 7:19
- 13 Islands (instrumental edit) 5:31
- 14 Tuning Up 0:49
- 15 Bolero 6:25
Disc 2
- 1 The Court of the Crimson King Standout 6:55
- 2 A Man, a City 12:10
- 3 21st Century Schizoid Man Standout 7:31
- 4 Get Thy Bearings 10:54
- 5 Mars 6:41
- 6 Pictures of a City 8:45
- 7 The Letters 4:29
- 8 The Sailor’s Tale 4:49
- 9 Groon 6:44
- 10 21st Century Schizoid Man (instrumental) 9:47
Disc 3
- 1 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part I (abridged) 10:46
- 2 Book of Saturday 2:52
- 3 Easy Money 8:01
- 4 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part II 7:12
- 5 The Night Watch 4:41
- 6 The Great Deceiver 4:02
- 7 Fracture 11:12
- 8 Starless (abridged) 4:36
- 9 Red 6:16
- 10 Fallen Angel 6:03
- 11 One More Red Nightmare 7:07
Disc 4
- 1 Asbury Park 7:00
- 2 The Talking Drum 5:45
- 3 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two 6:29
- 4 Lament 4:18
- 5 We’ll Let You Know / Improv: Augsburg 5:22
- 6 Exiles (abridged) 5:52
- 7 Easy Money 9:12
- 8 Providence 10:01
- 9 Starless and Bible Black 9:22
- 10 21st Century Schizoid Man Standout 8:16
- 11 Trio 5:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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