On October 10,
1969 the album "In the Court of the Crimson King: An Observation by King
Crimson" was released. Pete Townshend of The Who called it "an uncanny
masterpiece". Rolling Stone thought it "pretentious" and Melody Maker said
"It gives little idea of their true power onstage but still packs tremendous
impact". The album's opening track, "21st Century Schizoid Man", burst
through hi-fi stereo speakers with an avalanche of sound. Songs like "Epitaph"
and the album's title track employed heavy use of a keyboard instrument
called the mellotron, which
used pre-recorded
tape loops of strings and woodwinds to create an orchestral effect. At
this point in their history, the band consisted of Robert Fripp (guitar),
Michael Giles (drums), Greg Lake (bass, vocals) and Ian McDonald (keyboards,
sax and flute). Lyricist Peter Sinfield also served as a roadie and light
and sound manager in the band's early days playing in clubs around London.
On July 5th of that year the group's 'big break' came opening for the Rolling
Stones at Hyde Park, playing for more than 600,000 people. By the time
of the first album's release, a small but devoted cult of fans had already
come into being.
Musicians:
Robert Fripp:
Guitar, Mellotron and Devices
Greg Lake: Bass
and Lead Vocals
Michael Giles: Drums
Peter Sinfield: Words
Ian McDonald: Woodwind,
Vibes and Keyboards
Copyright
1969 by EG Records Ltd. 
