King Crimson In The Court of The Crimson King (5CD+1DVD) Genres:Pop, Rock Digitally remastered and expanded six disc (five CDs + NTSC/Region 0 DVD) edition of the legendary Prog Rock band's 1969 debut album, released to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the original release. The classic albu... more »m has been mixed for 5.1 Surround Sound from the original studio masters by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), with Crimson founder Robert Fripp acting as executive producer. Disc One features five additional tracks drawn from the original recording sessions. Disc Two features the 2004 remaster of the original album plus bonus tracks. Disc Three features a complete album's worth of unreleased/alternate takes and instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson plus a de-clicked transfer of the original pink label Island pressing of the album. Disc Four features audio restored bootlegs of the band's legendary performances at Hyde Park, London in July 1969 and Fillmore East in November 1969. Disc Five is a bonus disc featuring a vinyl transfer of the ultra rare, U.S. radio promo only, mono album plus the equally rare US radio promo only single edit of 'Court of the Crimson King'. The DVD-A features a 5.1 DTS Mix and High Resolution Stereo mixes. Panegyric.« less
Digitally remastered and expanded six disc (five CDs + NTSC/Region 0 DVD) edition of the legendary Prog Rock band's 1969 debut album, released to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the original release. The classic album has been mixed for 5.1 Surround Sound from the original studio masters by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), with Crimson founder Robert Fripp acting as executive producer. Disc One features five additional tracks drawn from the original recording sessions. Disc Two features the 2004 remaster of the original album plus bonus tracks. Disc Three features a complete album's worth of unreleased/alternate takes and instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson plus a de-clicked transfer of the original pink label Island pressing of the album. Disc Four features audio restored bootlegs of the band's legendary performances at Hyde Park, London in July 1969 and Fillmore East in November 1969. Disc Five is a bonus disc featuring a vinyl transfer of the ultra rare, U.S. radio promo only, mono album plus the equally rare US radio promo only single edit of 'Court of the Crimson King'. The DVD-A features a 5.1 DTS Mix and High Resolution Stereo mixes. Panegyric.
CD Reviews
Okay....Exactly how many versions of this album does one nee
Jim Z | 12/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
""In The Court Of The Crimson King" has always been one of my top ten albums. It started the whole prog rock scene , and has not a single wasted moment on it. I have literally listened to this recording at least once a month for the past 40 years.
So what is so special about this 40th anniversary reissue , and is it worth the $$$$ ?
You get the 2009 Stereo mix by Porcupine Tree genius (and Crimson fan) Steven Wilson
Original Master Edition from 2004
The original mono album mix for US radio promos
The alternate takes mixed for the first time from the original studio recordings
The de-clicked vinyl transfer of the original stereo pressing
PLUS : Live 1969 recordings of key period tracks
The mono single mix of "The Court Of The Crimson King" radio US promo only
10 Bonus track versions of demos , BBC recordings , alternate mixes , duo versions and instrumentals
AND : a DVD which feature MLP lossless 5.1 Surround mix
MLP Lossless Stereo of the 2009 stereo mix , the original master edition from 2004 , the alternate album,
and additional audio content PLUS : Video of "21st Century Schizoid Man"
And the sound is phenomenal (aside from the boot live recordings)
Is it too much material devoted to a single album ? Judge for yourself. I say not. I only know from here on out , it is going to be a BEAR to decide upon which version I will listen too."
Yeah, it's worth it!
Music lover | 12/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before I bought this I debated as to whether it was worth it. After all, I've been a fan of this album for many years. I am simply glad to have gotten it. I won't give you song listings as another reviewer has already done this. I will just tell you to get it while you can. Evidently it is limited. There are a lot of tasty morsels to go along with the regular album and if I had one complaint to give it would be that the live bootleg cd had been left off. The sound is horrible. I'm sure they did what they could with it, but the tape must have been stretched to the limit. Other than that I am certainly pleased enough to give it 5 stars."
Yes--this apparently is very limited. And worth it (if you
T. Kane | White Plains, New York | 12/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, I knew this was coming out and searched around for the best price, got it and have been blown away by the care and detail devoted to this. The sound is stupendous. I am happy to know that Fripp & company value this album so highly (honestly, this is the apex of ALL their careers) that they would put out such an extensive package. Is it exhaustive? Yes, and thankfully so. As long as catalogue items are put out like this, the CD will live on for many of us. MP3the way of the future? No way!! I live for the highest fidelity & this, coming on the heels of the care given to the Beatles & U2 reissues gives me hope for the future. Now if only I could afford the Neil Young ARCHIVES on Blu-Ray..........
If you love this album as I do, take the plunge. Otherwise, one of the other 2 versions will definitely suffice (both 2 disc--2 CD or 1 CD/1 DVD).
Personally, I wish Fripp would reconsider this being a limited edition---I think everyone should have a chance to get it whenever they can afford it. In The Court of The Crimson King Box Set"
Superb set
J. Pritchett | DC | 03/10/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This one is for the ultra-King Crimson fans! It is chock full with many different versions of their amazing first album. I have more than my share of recordings of this masterwork, but I felt very moved when I received this package...and the DVD audio is simply the best version of this album I have ever heard! If you just want the DVD-audio, you can get one of the smaller sets, but if you want to hear earlier versions, outtakes etc, you have to have this. Sure, it could have included a lot more stuff (the Judy Dyble I Talk to the Wind, for example), but I am very, very happy with this set. Viva Crimson and thanks Robert Fripp and Steve Wilson for taking the time and effort to make this so special!"
Why GOD Why? Nontheless best historic reissue I've seen so f
A. Frippirf | Orlando, Florida | 01/26/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Everything inside this Box is excelent, superb, outstanding, supreme, NON PLUS ULTRA!
I already had almost everything contained in this very. very good box but it was CD3 what made me buy it. It was worth it!
Why 4 stars?
Why was that "icky foam compartment insert" used? This type of foam degrades in a few years and will actually damage the "Jewell Cases".
If so much love, care and reseach was dedicated to this release, how could (according to the Box Credits) Hugh O'Donnell (Package Art Design) make such a mistake?
Hey Fripp, where were you when this happened? The same that was done with the "Frame By Frame" Box should have been done here. After all these years mine is still intact. This will not be the case here.
As a matter of fact I can't recall seeing something like this before.
Music and DVD content 5 Stars.
Package Art and Design... 3 Stars.
Which adds uo to an overall 4 Stars.
As George Harrison said: Isn't it a Pity?
Nothing is perfect!
I'm already waiting for "In the Wake Of Poseidon"!
