In the Court of the Crimson King-Box Set [Box set, Limited Edition, Import]

 

 

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I have been listening to "In the Court of the Crimson King" for over forty years. Every time I hear this album, I am taken back to the first time that I heard it, and still find the music to be fresh and vibrant. Over the years, I have worn out two vinyl copies (a Canadian pressing on cheap vinyl and a UK pressing on much better vinyl) and, with this box set, I am now on my third CD version (representing each of the CD masters that have been released since 1985). I was, however, extremely reluctant to spend the money for this box set.

At first, I thought that I would not bother as I was fairly happy with the 30th anniversary re-master, but, my interest was piqued by the fact that Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree was responsible for the new re-master of both a stereo and a MLP Loseless 5.1 surround mix. I could have been happy with just these as they have been released (along with four other King Crimson albums) in a double disc format as part of the 40th Anniversary series. I decided to take the plunge for this box set. My review below is not for the music in the original album as I consider it to be one of the all-time classic Rock albums. I decided to review the box set itself.

This box set includes the two discs from that version of the album but also includes four other discs. The DVD aside, there are four different masters of the original album: the latest 2009 re-master by Steven Wilson; the Master Edition 2004 re-master; a version from original stereo vinyl; and a version taken from the original mono vinyl. In addition there are a number of out-takes from the original sessions and live tracks from concerts circa 1969. The DVD is comprised of the MLP Lossless 5.1 Surround Mix, the MLP LossLess Stereo mix of the 2009 re-master, the Master Edition 2004 re-master as well as out-takes. The packaging is better than most box sets. The set comes in an LP sized box with the original cover in all its glory on the front. Inside is an LP sized booklet with well laid out out information on the various discs, the usual puzzling observation from Mr Fripp, a historical essay on the recording sessions, a chronology of the lead-up to the recording session to the implosion of the original line-up of musicians, and culminates with a essay on the relationship of King Crimson to the record industry. In addition, there is a gate-fold facsimile of the original album cover and two button pins with the two faces taken from the album cover. Whew!

As I bought the set off of an Amazon re-seller, the cost of the box was relatively low when compared to the original price asked when the box set first came out. At the price I paid, I consider the set to be a bargain. The new mixes offer some clarity that was not present before. To my ears, I found the drumming of Michael Giles stood out compared to earlier versions. The surround sound version added some textures but overall, I prefer the straight stereo re-master.

This set is not for the casual listener of King Crimson. It is meant for the really really dedicated King Crimson fan. While I personally appreciate all of the discs and what they offer, I would suggest that the listener who only wants the original album will be more than satisfied with the 30th anniversary edition, or, if they want surround sound, with the 40th anniversary version with the two discs. The additional material is a nice to have but not really essential. I do wear the two pins proudly!!

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