Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: TruLife

The band made several versions of the re-issue, ranging from a one CD re-mastered version to a five CD set consisting of dozens of rough cuts. I reviewed the two CD set, consisting of the original recordings plus a handful of bonus tracks and early takes. The re-mastered versions of the first five tracks are excellent quality, better than many earlier CD releases. The original album consisted of only five tracks but ran about 45 minutes long, with experimental instrumental interludes drawing the album out. Periods of non-structured free jazz rock are punctuated by the planned lyrical elements. Flute solos and one of the first major uses of the melletron make this a classic example of what many prog-bands eventually would draw influences from.

Fanciful, out-there lyrics define each song, such as the titular track in which we hear, "The yellow jester does not play / But gently pulls the strings / And smiles as the puppets dance / In the court of the Crimson King." The extra tracks bring to light the creative process the band went through while recording the album, as well as showing various remixes after the album was created. However, unless you are a long-time King Crimson fan, these tracks just weigh down a classic. Fans of bands such as Yes, The Moody Blues or Jethro Tull who have not yet listened to this album should pick up one of the normal, non-cluttered versions or, better yet, go find an original release on vinyl and fire up that old Crosley.

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