Album review: VARIOUS – Reimagining The Court Of The Crimson King

Purple Pyramid Records [Release date 19.04.24]

King Crimson’s 1969 album is one of the most significant and influential prog albums and here gets a fresh coat of paint courtesy of a stellar gathering of prog and fusion A listers. And, yes, Mel Collins is in the building! (He replaced Ian McDonald for the band’s follow-up).

In truth this reworking adds nothing to the original, it follows closely the Crimson template. It does however show inveterate progsters having a good blast.

Todd Rundgren shares vocals on ’21st Century Schizoid Man’ with Arthur Brown and there are two bonus versions on the CD including an “America” (The Nice) mash-up and an instrumental which also feature Ian Paice.

Jakko M. Jaksyk makes a good job of ‘Talk To The Wind’ but then he is part of the current Crimson line-up. Alan Davey and Paul Rudolph feature on ‘Epitaph’ with the late Nik Turner whilst Joe Lynn Turner sings on ‘Moonchild’ with Marty Friedman on guitar. James LaBrie fronts ‘The Court Of The Crimson King’ with Steve Hillage on guitar.

I’m not sure what added value this collection brings to the table other than novelty. Perhaps it will prompt the listener to reach for the original? ***

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)