“Puzzling, mould-breaking, occasionally very noisy and often terrifying.” Nine King Crimson albums to listen to and one to avoid
This buyer’s guide assesses nine King Crimson albums worth hearing and identifies one release to avoid, presenting the band as a restless and often challenging force in progressive rock.
– The group formed in 1968 and repeatedly changed personnel and musical direction.
– Guitarist Robert Fripp remained its only constant member across five decades.
– Early members included Michael Giles, Ian McDonald, Greg Lake and lyricist Pete Sinfield.
– The guide stresses King Crimson’s experimental, intense and sometimes intimidating character.
– Former drummer Bill Bruford described the band as “a terrifying place”.
- A guide to nine essential King Crimson albums.
- Robert Fripp was the band’s sole constant member.
- King Crimson’s career was deliberately unstable and experimental.