In The Court of the Crimson King ( An Observation by King Crimson, King Crimson

This is a very sought after Rare, and impossible to find Re-issue  by Monarch/Presswell Pressing.  Please refer to pic of the Matrix Run-out groove for confirmation of this rare record. It is commonly known as the best copy of this record and there are none for sale in the world of this particular US 1974 Copy. Textured outer sleeve in stiff card. The OIS is the Rock 4 Inner.

Artist: King Crimson Title: In the Court of the Crimson King (An Observation by King Crimson) Album Type: Audiophile Reissue (200g Super-Heavyweight Vinyl) Original Release Date: October 18, 2010 (Remastered Edition) Label: Discipline Global Mobile / Panegyric (Catalog: KCLP1) Genre: Progressive Rock

Background & Production Widely considered the definitive "birth of progressive rock," King Crimson’s 1969 debut was a radical departure from the blues-based rock of the era. This 2010 reissue was a landmark event for collectors, as the album had been unavailable on high-quality vinyl for nearly two decades. Unlike later "remixed" versions by Steven Wilson, this 2010 pressing features the original 1969 stereo mix. The remastering was personally approved by Robert Fripp to ensure that the dynamics of the 8-channel Wessex Sound Studios recordings were preserved with modern precision.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a sprawling, multi-layered journey through jazz-fusion, classical music, and heavy psychedelic rock.

• Major Hits: Includes the explosive, distorted jazz-metal of "21st Century Schizoid Man" and the grand, symphonic title track.

• The Mellotron: Ian McDonald’s use of the Mellotron is the album's signature sound, creating the "orchestral" wall that defines tracks like "Epitaph."

• Rhythmic Complexity: Features the tight, intricate interplay between Michael Giles (Drums) and Greg Lake (Bass), particularly during the frantic "Mirrors" section of the opening track.

• Dynamic Range: The record is famous for its extreme shifts in volume—moving from the near-silence of the improvisational "Moonchild" to the thunderous crescendos of "The Court of the Crimson King."

Original Pressing & Collector Notes The 2010 reissue is highly sought after by audiophiles specifically for its physical weight and mastering pedigree.

• Mastering Credentials: Cut by John Dent (Jonz) at Loud Mastering. Look for "JONZ LOUD" etched in the runout (dead wax). John Dent was chosen specifically for his ability to handle the complex frequencies of the Mellotron without distortion.

• Vinyl Quality: Pressed on 200-gram super-heavyweight vinyl at The Vinyl Factory in England (the old EMI plant). This provides a remarkably low noise floor, essential for the quietest parts of "Moonchild."

• Packaging: Features the iconic Barry Godber artwork (the screaming "Schizoid Man" on the cover and the "Crimson King" on the inside) in a high-gloss, heavy-duty gatefold sleeve.

• Identification: Look for a black hype sticker on the front stating: "The original stereo mix of the 1969 classic debut. Newly cut from masters approved by Robert Fripp." Most copies originally included a download code for a transfer of a 1969 "pink label" Island Records pressing.

  • Keywords: King Crimson, In The Court of the Crimson King, 2010 Reissue, 200g Vinyl, KCLP1, Robert Fripp, Greg Lake, Progressive Rock, 21st Century Schizoid Man, Loud Mastering.

  • Collection Ideas: Prog Rock Foundations, Audiophile 200g Pressings, First Album Grails, Gatefold Classics.

  • Related Artists: Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Van der Graaf Generator, Pink Floyd.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve