When I first started listening to King Crimson in 1970, these were their only two releases. Although I had heard some of ITCOTCK on the radio, Poseidon was the first one I owned and became really familiar with, so my perspective was forged by hearing the transitional Crim before the primal Crim. While the structural similarities of "Schizoid Man" and "Pictures of a City" are obvious, I feel a real contrast in the overall effect of the two songs. "Pictures" is so cinematic. I imagine a film opening with a helicopter view of Manhattan skyscrapers. It's dark and gritty but expansive and claustrophobic at the same time. "Schizoid Man" is urgent and visceral, terrifying and brutal. Heat in the jungle. 1969's dystopian future (21st century) had already arrived (napalm fire).
I think of it like this: if both albums were released in the opposite order, would In the Court still be the more popular album? I think so. To me it comes down to the songwriting. In the Court’s tracks are more iconic and memorable with songwriting that connects better than Poseidon. I think musically they are about the same level. I get that some people like Poseidon more but not surprising at all that In the Court is the more influential album.
Great analysis ! I bought Court 1st and was blown away! Then Wake. It seemed to my untrained ears to be a copy of Court. But as I continued to listen I realized these are two LPs that compliment each other. Both were part of the band and their cannon at this stage. And as you stated the 2nd side of Wake was hinting at their new direction. I love both! Think of how many bands got criticism for their 2nd lp not sounding like the 1st? I think they were critiqued for the opposite. You can't win lol!
Fripp tried to repeat In The Court of the Crimson King with In The Wake of Poseidon but it didn't quite work. Their debut album is a masterpiece if you leave out Moonchild, too bad Cadence and Cascade didn't take it's place.
How do you feel these albums compare ? Which is your favorite ?
When I first started listening to King Crimson in 1970, these were their only two releases. Although I had heard some of ITCOTCK on the radio, Poseidon was the first one I owned and became really familiar with, so my perspective was forged by hearing the transitional Crim before the primal Crim. While the structural similarities of "Schizoid Man" and "Pictures of a City" are obvious, I feel a real contrast in the overall effect of the two songs. "Pictures" is so cinematic. I imagine a film opening with a helicopter view of Manhattan skyscrapers. It's dark and gritty but expansive and claustrophobic at the same time. "Schizoid Man" is urgent and visceral, terrifying and brutal. Heat in the jungle. 1969's dystopian future (21st century) had already arrived (napalm fire).
LOVING THIS!!!
We love both albums as well. You can never have too much Mellotron.
I think of it like this: if both albums were released in the opposite order, would In the Court still be the more popular album? I think so. To me it comes down to the songwriting. In the Court’s tracks are more iconic and memorable with songwriting that connects better than Poseidon. I think musically they are about the same level. I get that some people like Poseidon more but not surprising at all that In the Court is the more influential album.
@@PlasmaKingSnake I had more to say in general about Poseidon - but then, what is there left to say about Court that hasn’t been said already ??
Great analysis ! I bought Court 1st and was blown away! Then Wake. It seemed to my untrained ears to be a copy of Court. But as I continued to listen I realized these are two LPs that compliment each other. Both were part of the band and their cannon at this stage. And as you stated the 2nd side of Wake was hinting at their new direction. I love both! Think of how many bands got criticism for their 2nd lp not sounding like the 1st? I think they were critiqued for the opposite. You can't win lol!
I agree with you 100%, I love both albums.
Poseidon develops more rocking power and reveals more of Fripp's vision... Of course, at last, he became the main music writer.
My favourite song of "Poseidon" is the title track.
I really like both of these albums, prefer Court of the Crimson King though. Two great albums from the golden age of the mellotron.
A 'clone??' I've never heard that before to be honest. They sound pretty different to each other to me. Shrug.
@@Phlakaton88 it was a popular opinion on Prog Anchovies back when I visited regularly
I like Poseidon more, but it's just personal preference.
I love both great album,the gilles mc donald album is great too
@@yatestom4845 I would like to hear that one
"Court" is of course King Crimson's best album, but "Poseidon" is also one of the best.
Fripp tried to repeat In The Court of the Crimson King with In The Wake of Poseidon but it didn't quite work. Their debut album is a masterpiece if you leave out Moonchild, too bad Cadence and Cascade didn't take it's place.