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Retro Review: King Crimson ‘In the Court Of The Crimson King’

Published

15 years ago

on

Join me Bloody-Disgusting reader as we travel back to the year 1969. I am willing to guarantee that this was before the majority of you were born (it was WELL before I was even a thought), so let’s take a look at some of the major events of that year: Ohio State won the Rose Bowl. Nixon succeeded as President of the United States of America. The Beatles performed their last public concert. The Boeing 747 makes its first flight. Monty Python’s Flying Circus airs its first episode on BBC. And King Crimson releases their first album, ‘In The Court Of The Crimson King’, beginning a musical career that is still going on today.

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The album opens up with what might very well be King Crimson’s most famous track, ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’. Mixing rock, jazz, fusion, folk and insanity, this track got a solid boost in popularity when it was featured on Guitar Hero 5 (where the drums kick my ass, even on medium). It’s a track that has both driving and catchy riffs, incredibly proficient drum work and powerful vocals.
The rest of the album features gorgeous instrumentation with astounding production. It’s an album that oozes that warm analog sound we audiophiles love while still sounding great compared to today’s music. The one thing that this album demands is patience, as King Crimson love to stray into long, noodling jams that have sporadic, almost Tourette’s like phrasing. The beginning of ‘Moonchild’ has some of the most beautiful music on the album: Haunting synth guitars hover in the background, sounding as though they are yearning, begging for something that cannot be delivered. 
Something that should be paid close attention to when listening to this album is how brilliantly each member plays off of each other. Their mastery of the call-and-response technique makes it as if you’re listening to a conversation between instruments.
The Final Word: The impact of this album, and of King Crimson’s work, can probably never be fully appreciated. Maynard James Keenan says that Tool probably wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for King Crimson. Kanye West sampled ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’ in his song ‘Power’. Stephen King referenced the album in his Dark Tower series. There are countless more examples of the impact of this album, but to fully understand and appreciate it, you have to hear it. ‘In The Court Of The Crimson King’ is the definition of a perfect album, one that has withstood the test of time and will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
Remember to leave a comment with a suggestion for next month’s Retro Review OR shoot me your idea via Twitter at SimplyJonnyBD.
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Music

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Celebrates 60 Years with Limited Zoetrope Vinyl Release

Published

1 week ago

on

June 10, 2026

By

A Halloween classic turns 60 this October, and Craft Recordings is celebrating with a special limited edition vinyl release for Peanuts special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Arriving August 7 and available to pre-order today, this anniversary reissue comes pressed on an eye-catching 45 RPM zoetrope LP, featuring memorable scenes from the special on each side, plus a new essay from Sean Mendelson.

Get a peek at the cool new release below.

The release features Vince Guaraldi‘s jazzy score, including favorites like “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “Graveyard Theme,” and, of course, the iconic “Linus and Lucy.”

After its first official release in 2018 and rerelease upon the discovery of the original master tapes in 2022, the soundtrack returns to vinyl in its entirety, alongside a selection of rare outtakes.

If the zoetrope LP isn’t enticing enough, look for a variety of limited-edition Halloween treats that can be found at exclusive retail partners, including an Orange 4-inch Tiny Vinyl (Target) available starting July 17, featuring “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” on Side A and “Graveyard Theme” on Side B. Pumpkin-shaped pressings will also be available in exclusive colorways from August 21st, including Electric Pumpkin Patch (Barnes & Noble), Pumpkin Spice (Walmart), Ghost White (Target), and Candy Corn (Craft Recordings). Additionally, the Orange Pumpkin pressing will be back by popular demand at all major retailers.

In the 1966 animated special, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween. Linus hopes that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown tracklist:

Side A:

1. Linus and Lucy

2. Graveyard Theme

3. Snoopy and the Leaf/Frieda (With the Naturally Curly Hair)

4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz

5. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)

6. Charlie Brown Theme/Charlie Brown Theme (Minor Theme)/Graveyard Theme (Reprise)

7. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Reprise)

8. The Red Baron/Military Drum March

9. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (2nd Reprise)/The Great Pumpkin Waltz (3rd Reprise)

10. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (2nd Reprise)

11. Fanfare/Breathless/Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (3rd Reprise)

12. Charlie Brown Theme (Reprise)

 

Side B:

1. Breathless (2nd Reprise)

2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/There’s a Long, Long Trail A-Winding/Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag/Roses of Picardy

3. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (4th Reprise)

4. Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise)/Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)

5. Charlie Brown Theme (2nd Reprise)

6. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 1)

7. Graveyard Theme (Alternate Take 1)

8. Charlie Brown Theme (Alternate Reprise Take 1)

9. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 2)

10. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Alternate Reprise Take 2)

 

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