King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)

From Rolling Stones' 1969 review:

The album begins by setting the scene with "21st Century Schizoid Man." The song is grinding and chaotic, and the transition into the melodic flute which opens "I Talk to the Wind" is abrupt and breathtaking. Each song on this album is a new movement of the same work, and King Crimson's favorite trick is to move suddenly and forcefully from thought to thought. "Epitaph" speaks for itself: "The wall on which the prophets wrote/Is cracking at the seams ... Confusion will be my epitaph."

"Moonchild" opens the second side, and this is the only weak song on the album. Most of its twelve minutes is taken up with short statements by one or several instruments. More judicious editing would have heightened their impact; as it is, you're likely to lose interest. But the band grabs you right back when it booms into the majestic, symphonic theme of "The Court of the Crimson King." This song is the album's grand climax; it summarizes everything that has gone before it: "The yellow jester does not play/But gently pulls the strings/And smiles as the puppets dance / In the court of the Crimson King."

This set was an ambitious project, to say the least. King Crimson will probably be condemned by some for pompousness, but that criticism isn't really valid. They have combined aspects of many musical forms to create a surreal work of force and originality.

Couldn't have said it better myself, so I didn't.

Here it is, in its full glory. You may rejoice now. Woohoo!

The purple piper plays his tune!
The choir softly sing!
Three lullabies in an ancient tongue!
FOR THE COURT OF TEH CRIMSON KIIIIING!!!!!!!!!!

(mp3) King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King

Buy all things King Crimson @ Amazon.com.