King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King (Vinyl LP | DE Reissue | Gatefold | 1972)

King Crimson – In The Court Of The Crimson King (An Observation By King Crimson) is King Crimson's 1969 debut album with Robert Fripp, Greg Lake, Ian McDonald, Michael Giles and lyricist Peter Sinfield, recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London. With “21st Century Schizoid Man”, “Epitaph” and the title track, it is regarded as a key work of progressive rock. On offer is a 1972 German reissue on Island Records (85 796 IT) in a gatefold sleeve.

Pressing details

• Label / Cat. no.: Island Records – 85 796 IT
• Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo
• Pressing: DE Reissue
• Country: Germany
• Released: 1972 (Original: 1969)
• Genre: Rock
• Style: Prog Rock
• Sleeve: Gatefold sleeve

Condition

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: VG+
• Cover: VG+

Condition graded according to the Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the copy on offer.

Tracklist

Side A

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man (including „Mirrors“)
2. I Talk To The Wind
3. Epitaph (including „March For No Reason“ and „Tomorrow And Tomorrow“)

Side B

1. Moonchild (including „The Dream“ and „The Illusion“)
2. The Court Of The Crimson King (including „The Return Of The Fire Witch“ and „The Dance Of The Puppets“)

Personnel

Robert Fripp (guitar), Greg Lake (bass, lead vocals), Ian McDonald (woodwinds, keyboards, Mellotron, vibraphone, vocals), Michael Giles (drums, percussion, vocals), Peter Sinfield (lyrics). Produced by King Crimson; engineer: Robin Thompson. Cover illustration: Barry Godber.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original pressing?
No – the album was released in 1969; in Germany initially on Columbia. This copy is a 1972 German Island reissue.

What does “An Observation By King Crimson” mean?
It is the album's subtitle; on the German Island editions it appears only inside the gatefold sleeve, not on the front.

What does Media VG+ / Cover VG+ mean?
Record and cover show light signs of wear that do not affect listening enjoyment. You will find details on our Vinyl Grading page.

Is there more prog?
Yes – browse our Progressive Rock collection.

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: VG+
• Cover: VG+

Condition graded according to the Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the copy on offer.